REUSABLE WASTE CONTAINER
A reusable biohazard waste container is configured such that the container can be transported without requiring any additional packaging elements. A lid is pivotally connected to the container and is movable between an open position and a closed position. A latch secures the lid to the container when in the closed position such that the container is capable of holding liquids.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/230,797, filed Aug. 3, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/296,623, filed Jan. 20, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a reusable biohazard waste container that is properly packaged such that the container can be transported without requiring any additional packaging elements.
Biohazard waste containers are used as containment receptacles for transporting biohazard waste streams. While these containers can be used for any type of biohazard waste, one example of such a container is referred to as a “sharps” container. Biological sharps typically include, but are not limited to, items such as hypodermic needles, syringes, Pasteur pipettes, broken glassware, broken plastic-ware, lancets, glass slides, cover slips, plastic pipettes, pipette tips or any other material that is able to puncture a plastic trash bag Such items must be placed into impervious, rigid, puncture-resistant containers to avoid injury during transport. Once an item has been used, it is placed in the waste container for disposal or reuse. Once the container is full, the container is transported to a facility such that the waste can be properly disposed of or recycled for reuse.
Due to the contaminated and potentially hazardous nature of the contents of the container, these containers need to be shipped within a properly packaged environment. If the container is properly sealed then it can be transported without any form of secondary packaging. Typically, most biohazard waste is double packaged either by having waste disposed within a tied-off red bag that is deposited within a container, or by depositing the waste in one container that is then placed within a separate outer container for transportation. Requiring additional containers and/or other packaging elements is expensive, and further takes up valuable cargo space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA reusable biohazard waste container is configured such that the container can be transported without requiring any additional packaging elements. The container includes a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls that extend upwardly from the bottom wall to form a box-shaped biohazard waste container. A lid is pivotally connected to the container to be movable between an open position and a closed position. A latch secures the lid to the container when in the closed position such that the container is capable of holding liquids.
In one example, the lid includes a gasket feature formed within an upper lid surface and a gasket rib structure formed within a lower lid surface. A gasket is installed on the gasket rib structure and is sealable against upper edges of the front, rear and side walls when the lid is in the closed position. The gasket feature and the gasket rib structure are configured such that the container is capable of holding liquids when the latch secures the lid to the container and such that the lid lies flat against an outer surface of the rear wall when the lid is in the fully open position without bending the gasket.
In one example, the lid comprises a primary lid and the latch comprises a primary latch. The primary lid includes an opening for a secondary lid that is pivotally attached to the primary lid to provide access to an interior of the container without having to unlatch the primary latch. A secondary latch secures the secondary lid to the primary lid such that the container is capable of holding liquids when both the primary and secondary latches are latched.
In one example, a recessed area is formed within a lower portion of at least one of the front, rear, or side walls. The recessed area is adapted to receive a portion of a second container to facilitate stacking of the container on top of the second container.
In one example, a recessed area is formed within the container and includes a gripping surface to receive one of a universal clamp or hook. This allows the container to be picked up by an automated device and moved as needed.
In one example, a plurality of vertical extension portions are located at each corner of the container. Each vertical extension portion extends outwardly from one of the front, rear, or side walls of the container to nest on corresponding nesting stop areas on an adjacent container.
In one example, the lid includes at least one raised locating portion to locate a second container on top of the lid.
In one example, the lid includes at least one raised stacking portion to hold a second container on top of the lid.
These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
A reusable biohazard waste container 10 is shown in
A lid 20 is attached to the rear wall 16 at a hinged connection 22. The lid 20 is moveable between a closed position, shown in
As shown in
A hinge feature 32 is formed within the second set of hinge members 30. In one example, the hinge feature 32 is permanently molded as one piece with the lid 20 and extends between adjacent hinge members 30. The hinge feature 32 comprises a series of axially extending rod portions 34 that are exposed for connection to the first set of hinge members 28. The first set of hinge members 28 comprise curved members with open recesses that are configured to receive the rod portions 34. The rod portions 34 of the lid 20 are positioned 180 degrees relative to the closed position such that the rod portions 34 in the lid 20 can be snapped into the hinge members 28.
The gasket feature 40 corresponds to a gasket rib structure 50 that is formed within a lower surface 52 of the lid 20 (see
The gasket rib structure 50 includes a support rib 56 that extends about a perimeter of the lower surface 52 of the lid 20. As shown in
The gasket rib structure 50 also includes an inner protective rib 60 that is spaced inwardly relative to the support rib 56 and a split outer protective rib structure 62 that is spaced outward of the support rib 56.
As shown in
As shown in
In one example shown in
A primary lid 220 is attached to the rear wall 216 at a hinged connection 222. The primary lid 220 is moveable between a closed position shown in
Further, the container 200 includes the gasket feature 40 and gasket rib structure 50 that is formed within a lower surface 52 of the primary lid 220 as shown in
The container 200 includes a universal clamp or hook feature 230 (FIGS. 21 and 36-39) for automation integration. One hook feature 230 is located in the bottom wall 212 adjacent each of the side walls 218 as shown in
The container 200 also includes a plurality of nesting ribs or extension portions 242 (
As shown in
The primary lid 220 also includes a plurality of stacking ribs or raised stacking portions 246 that facilitate locating and fixation of containers stacked on top of the primary lid 220. The raised stacking portions 246 extend upwardly from an upper surface of the primary lid 220 near each corner of the primary lid 220, and in the example shown, are spaced inwardly relative to the raised locating portions 244. In one example, the raised stacking portions 246 have a linear profile that extends generally parallel to the side edges 220a of the primary lid 220; however, it should be understood that the raised stacking portions 246 can take any of various shapes and sizes, and can be positioned at different locations on the primary lid 220 as needed.
The primary lid 220 also includes a secondary lid 250 as best shown in
The secondary lid 250 includes a latch 256 to lock the secondary lid 250 to the primary lid 220. A grasping portion or handle 258 is formed within the secondary lid 250 to allow someone to unlatch and open the secondary lid 250 using only one hand. The handle 258 is formed as a recessed area 260 (
As shown in
At a rear edge 250b of the secondary lid 250, a plurality of C-shaped hinge members 262 are formed as one-piece with the lid 250. The hinge members 262 are axially spaced apart from each other along the rear edge 250b and receive posts 264 (
As shown in
The gasket rib structure 270 includes a downwardly extending support rib 276 that extends about a perimeter of the lower surface 272 of the secondary lid 250. Open space is provided on each side of the support rib 276 such that the gasket 274 can be installed onto the secondary lid 250. An additional inner rib 278 also extends downwardly about the perimeter of the lower surface 272 of the secondary lid 250. The inner rib 278 extends downward to a further extent than the support rib 256 to help protect the gasket 274 and keep the gasket in place.
The gasket 274 comprises a U-shaped upper portion having first and second legs 274a that are connected by a base portion 274b. The first and second legs 274a are separated from each other by a groove 274c. When installing the gasket 274, the gasket 274 is pressed onto the support rib 276 such that the rib 276 is pressed into the groove 274c with the legs 274a being located on sides of the rib 276. The base portion 274b further includes a bulbous seal portion 274d that is compressible when the secondary lid 250 is closed to provide the required level of sealing.
As shown in
The biohazard waste containers 10, 200 provide the required amount of leak proof protection needed to properly transport the containers, and eliminates the need to double package the container for transport by enclosing it within a separate outer container. In some applications the subject container can be disposable as well as be treated as an outer container for waste that has an inner container. When used as an outer container, further sealing is not necessary.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A reusable biohazard waste container comprising:
- a bottom wall;
- a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls that extend upwardly from the bottom wall to form a box-shaped biohazard waste container;
- a lid pivotally connected to the container to be movable between an open position and a closed position, the lid defining an upper lid surface and a lower lid surface, and wherein the lid includes a gasket feature formed within the upper lid surface and a gasket rib structure formed within the lower lid surface;
- a latch to secure the lid to the container when in the closed position; and
- a gasket installed on the gasket rib structure and sealable against upper edges of the front, rear and side walls when the lid is in the closed position and wherein the gasket feature and the gasket rib structure are configured such that the container is capable of holding liquids when the latch secures the lid to the container and such that the lid lies flat against an outer surface of the rear wall when the lid is in the fully open position without bending the gasket.
2. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 1 wherein the lid includes at least one raised stacking portion and at least one raised locating portion to facilitate locating and holding a second container on top of the lid.
3. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 2 including at least one vertical extension portion on at least one of the front, rear, and side walls to nest on corresponding nesting stop areas on an adjacent container.
4. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 1 wherein the gasket feature comprises a C-shaped feature having side edge portions extending along side edges of the lid and a raised front edge portion connecting the side edge portions and extending outwardly from the upper lid surface along a front edge of the lid, the side edge portions tapering upwardly from being flat with the upper lid surface adjacent to a rear edge of the lid to the raised front edge portion.
5. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 4 wherein said gasket rib structure includes a support rib that extends about a perimeter of the lower lid surface, the support rib having a first portion that extends along the rear edge of the lid and partially along side edges of the lid and having a second portion that extends from the first portion along a remaining portion of the side edges and then extends along the front edge of the lid, the second portion extending inwardly relative to the lower lid surface to match a taper angle of the side edge portions of the gasket feature.
6. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 5 wherein the gasket rib structure includes an inner protective rib spaced inwardly relative to the support rib and an outer protective rib spaced outwardly relative to the support rib, and wherein when the gasket is mounted to the support rib the gasket extends downwardly from the lower lid surface to contact the upper edges of the front, rear, and side walls.
7. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 6 wherein the upper edges of the front, rear, and side walls comprise flat sealing surfaces.
8. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 7 wherein the upper edges of the side walls taper upwardly to match the taper angle of the gasket feature such that the upper edge of the rear wall is vertically lower than the upper edge of the front wall.
9. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 1 wherein at least one of a bottom portion of the rear and front walls includes a recessed area to facilitate stacking of one container on top of another container.
10. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 9 including a second container with an upper location feature received within the recessed area locate and seat the container on top of the second container.
11. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 1 wherein the latch includes a zip tie opening.
12. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 1 including a holding feature at each upper corner of the container to receive a portion of a bag placed within the container, the holding feature preventing the bag from inadvertently falling inside of the container.
13. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 1 wherein the lid comprises a primary lid and the latch comprises a primary latch, and including a secondary lid pivotally attached to the primary lid to provide access to an interior of the container without having to unlatch the primary latch, and including a secondary latch that secures the secondary lid to the primary lid.
14. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 13 wherein the secondary latch comprises a U-shaped member having a first portion extending downwardly from a front edge of the secondary lid that transitions into a curved base portion, which then transitions into a second portion that extends upwardly from the curved base portion, and wherein the second portion is compressed toward the first portion to unlatch the secondary lid.
15. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 13 including a secondary gasket rib structure formed within a lower surface of the secondary lid and a secondary gasket installed on the secondary gasket rib structure such that the container is capable of holding liquids when the secondary latch secures the secondary lid to the container.
16. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 15 wherein the secondary gasket rib structure comprises a downwardly extending support rib extending about a perimeter of the lower surface of the secondary lid and an additional rib extending downwardly from the lower surface and spaced inwardly relative to the support rib; and wherein the secondary gasket includes a U-shaped upper portion that is received over the support rib and a bulbous lower seal portion to engage a flat sealing surface formed about a periphery of an opening in the primary lid that receives the secondary lid.
17. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 1 including a plurality of raised portions formed within the upper lid surface to facilitate locating and securing a second container on top of the lid.
18. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 1 including a plurality of vertical extension portions at each corner of the container, the vertical extension portions extending outwardly from one of the front, rear, or opposing side walls of the container to nest on corresponding nesting stop areas on an adjacent container.
19. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the bottom wall, front wall, rear wall, or side walls includes a removed section providing a gripping surface to receive one of a universal clamp or hook such that the container can be picked up by an automated device and moved as needed.
20. A reusable biohazard waste container comprising:
- a bottom wall;
- a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls that extend upwardly from the bottom wall to form a box-shaped biohazard waste container;
- a lid pivotally connected to the container to be movable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the lid includes a latch configured such that the container is capable of holding liquids when the latch secures the lid to the container; and
- a recessed area formed within a lower portion of at least one of the front, rear, or side walls, the recessed area adapted to receive a portion of a second container to facilitate stacking of the container on top of the second container.
21. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 20 wherein the lid defines an upper lid surface and a lower lid surface, and including
- a gasket feature formed within the upper lid surface,
- a gasket rib structure formed within the lower lid surface, and
- a gasket installed on the gasket rib structure and sealable against upper edges of the front, rear and side walls when the lid is in the closed position, wherein the gasket feature and the gasket rib structure are configured such that the container is capable of holding liquids when the latch secures the lid to the container and such that the lid lies flat against an outer surface of the rear wall when the lid is in the fully open position without bending the gasket.
22. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 20 wherein the lid comprises a primary lid and the latch comprises a primary latch, and including a secondary lid pivotally attached to the primary lid to provide access to an interior of the container without having to unlatch the primary latch, and including a secondary latch that secures the secondary lid to the primary lid.
23. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 20 including a plurality of raised portions formed within an upper lid surface of the lid to facilitate locating and holding a second container on top of the lid.
24. A reusable biohazard waste container comprising:
- a bottom wall;
- a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls that extend upwardly from the bottom wall to form a box-shaped biohazard waste container;
- a primary lid pivotally connected to the container to be movable between an open position and a closed position;
- a primary latch to secure the lid to the container;
- a secondary lid pivotally attached to the primary lid to provide access to an interior of the container without having to unlatch the primary latch; and
- a secondary latch that secures the secondary lid to the primary lid and wherein the container is capable of holding liquids when both the primary and secondary latches are latched.
25. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 24 wherein the primary lid defines an upper lid surface, a lower lid surface, and an opening to receive the secondary lid, and further including
- a primary gasket feature formed within the upper lid surface,
- a primary gasket rib structure formed within the lower lid surface,
- a primary gasket installed on the primary gasket rib structure and sealable against upper edges of the front, rear and side walls when the primary lid is in the closed position,
- a secondary gasket rib structure formed within a lower lid surface of the secondary lid, and
- a secondary gasket installed on the secondary gasket rib structure and sealable against a flat sealing surface formed about the opening in the primary lid.
26. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 25 wherein the secondary latch comprises a U-shaped member having a first portion extending downwardly from a front edge of the secondary lid that transitions into a curved base portion, which then transitions into a second portion that extends upwardly from the curved base portion, and wherein the second portion is compressed toward the first portion to unlatch the secondary lid.
27. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 25 wherein the secondary gasket rib structure comprises a downwardly extending support rib extending about a perimeter of the lower surface of the secondary lid and an additional rib extending downwardly from the lower surface and spaced inwardly relative to the support rib; and wherein the secondary gasket includes a U-shaped upper portion that is received over the support rib and a bulbous lower seal portion to engage a flat sealing surface formed about a periphery of an opening in the primary lid that receives the secondary lid.
28. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 24 including a plurality of raised portions formed within an upper lid surface of the primary lid to facilitate locating and holding a second container on top of the primary lid.
29. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 24 including a plurality of vertical extension portions at each corner of the container, each vertical extension portion extending outwardly from one of the front, rear, or side walls of the container to nest on corresponding nesting stop areas on an adjacent container.
30. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 24 wherein at least one of the bottom wall, front wall, rear wall, or side walls includes a removed section providing a gripping surface to receive one of a universal clamp or hook such that the container can be picked up by an automated device and moved as needed.
31. A reusable waste container comprising:
- a bottom wall;
- a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls that extend upwardly from the bottom wall to form a box-shaped biohazard waste container;
- a lid pivotally connected to the container to be movable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the lid includes a latch configured such that the container is capable of holding liquids when the latch secures the lid to the container; and
- a recessed area formed within a lower portion of at least one of the front, rear, or side walls, the recessed area including a gripping surface to receive one of a universal clamp or hook such that the container can be picked up by an automated device and moved as needed.
32. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 31 wherein the lid defines an upper lid surface and a lower lid surface, and including
- a gasket feature formed within the upper lid surface,
- a gasket rib structure formed within the lower lid surface, and
- a gasket installed on the gasket rib structure and sealable against upper edges of the front, rear and side walls when the lid is in the closed position, wherein the gasket feature and the gasket rib structure are configured such that the container is capable of holding liquids when the latch secures the lid to the container and such that the lid lies flat against an outer surface of the rear wall when the lid is in the fully open position without bending the gasket.
33. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 31 wherein the lid comprises a primary lid and the latch comprises a primary latch, and including a secondary lid pivotally attached to the primary lid to provide access to an interior of the container without having to unlatch the primary latch, and including a secondary latch that secures the secondary lid to the primary lid.
34. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 31 including a plurality of raised portions formed within an upper lid surface of the lid to facilitate locating and holding a second container on top of the lid.
35. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 31 including a plurality of vertical extension portions at each corner of the container, each vertical extension portion extending outwardly from one of the front, rear, or side walls of the container to nest on corresponding nesting stop areas on an adjacent container.
36. A reusable biohazard waste container comprising:
- a bottom wall;
- a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls that extend upwardly from the bottom wall to form a box-shaped biohazard waste container;
- a lid pivotally connected to the container to be movable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the lid includes a latch configured such that the container is capable of holding liquids when the latch secures the lid to the container; and
- a plurality of vertical extension portions at each corner of the container, each vertical extension portion extending outwardly from one of the front, rear, or side walls of the container to nest on corresponding nesting stop areas on an adjacent container.
37. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 36 wherein each of the front wall, rear wall, and side walls includes two vertical extension portions with one of the two vertical extension portions being positioned near one corner of the container and the other of the two vertical extension portions being located near another corner of the container.
38. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 36 including a plurality of raised portions formed within an upper lid surface of the lid to facilitate locating and securing a second container on top of the lid.
39. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 36 wherein the lid defines an upper lid surface and a lower lid surface, and including
- a gasket feature formed within the upper lid surface,
- a gasket rib structure formed within the lower lid surface, and
- a gasket installed on the gasket rib structure and sealable against upper edges of the front, rear and side walls when the lid is in the closed position, wherein the gasket feature and the gasket rib structure are configured such that the container is capable of holding liquids when the latch secures the lid to the container and such that the lid lies flat against an outer surface of the rear wall when the lid is in the fully open position without bending the gasket.
40. The reusable biohazard waste container according to claim 41 wherein the lid comprises a primary lid and the latch comprises a primary latch, and including a secondary lid pivotally attached to the primary lid to provide access to an interior of the container without having to unlatch the primary latch, and including a secondary latch that secures the secondary lid to the primary lid.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 2, 2010
Publication Date: Feb 3, 2011
Inventors: Cynthia R. Meissen (Atlanta, GA), Nathan Manuel (Redondo Beach, CA), Kyle L. Baltz (Redondo Beach, CA)
Application Number: 12/848,381
International Classification: B65D 25/14 (20060101); B65D 53/00 (20060101);