CA2071919A1 - Disposable sharp instrument container - Google Patents
Disposable sharp instrument containerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2071919A1 CA2071919A1 CA002071919A CA2071919A CA2071919A1 CA 2071919 A1 CA2071919 A1 CA 2071919A1 CA 002071919 A CA002071919 A CA 002071919A CA 2071919 A CA2071919 A CA 2071919A CA 2071919 A1 CA2071919 A1 CA 2071919A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flap
- container
- recited
- space
- flaps
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/32—Needles; Details of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hub; Accessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the body; Devices for protection of needles
- A61M5/3205—Apparatus for removing or disposing of used needles or syringes, e.g. containers; Means for protection against accidental injuries from used needles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
- A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
- A61B50/36—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments for collecting or disposing of used articles
- A61B50/362—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments for collecting or disposing of used articles for sharps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06—Needles ; Sutures; Needle-suture combinations; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06161—Devices for removing or collecting used needles or sutures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/3209—Incision instruments
- A61B17/3211—Surgical scalpels, knives; Accessories therefor
- A61B17/3217—Devices for removing or collecting used scalpel blades
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/08—Accessories or related features not otherwise provided for
- A61B2090/0804—Counting number of instruments used; Instrument detectors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M2005/3103—Leak prevention means for distal end of syringes, i.e. syringe end for mounting a needle
- A61M2005/3107—Leak prevention means for distal end of syringes, i.e. syringe end for mounting a needle for needles
- A61M2005/3109—Caps sealing the needle bore by use of, e.g. air-hardening adhesive, elastomer or epoxy resin
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S220/00—Receptacles
- Y10S220/908—Trash container
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S229/00—Envelopes, wrappers, and paperboard boxes
- Y10S229/907—Trash box
Abstract
The present invention relates to containers for storing soiled sharp medical instruments. In one embodiment, a container (20) has an entrance defined by a pair of flaps (30, 32). A soiled medical instrument (24) is positioned on one of the flaps and pushed downwardly such that the flaps move apart allowing access to the container for storing the medical instrument. The container is preferably formed of a clear plastic material such that medical personnel may count the number of instruments stored within the container. A second embodiment includes a cylindrical member (42) with a plate (46) positioned near one axial end such that an enlarged space (48) and a smaller space (50) are defined. Both embodiments allow entire syringes to be easily stored while still providing safe storage or smaller medical instruments such as suture needles.
Description
W O 91/11375 P~r/US91/00423 DISPOSABLE S~ARP INSTRUMENT CO~TAINER
B~k~rouDd of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for receiving used syringes, suture needles, scalpels and other sharp medical instruments.
In modern medical environments, it is of the utmost importance that medical personnel not be exposed to soiled syringes or other sharp medical instruments which may be contaminated by disease. In the past, medical personnel have been accideneally punctured or cut by these soiled sharp medical instruments.
. . .
This problem has become particularly acute with recent concern about such highly contagious and dan~erous disea6es as the AIDS
virus. With all of these concerns, aD operating enviro~nent still requires that many 6tep6 be taken promptly and it is not always possible to keep soiled sharp instrument6 6afely removed from medical personnel.
For this reason, the prior art developed containers to receive soiled sharp medical in6truments.
Many prior art container~ are large central containers disposed on a wall of the operating rooM. Medical personnel must transport the soiled sharp medical instruments to the wall-mounted container to dispose of them. This leaves the potentially infectious sharp in6trurnent~ exposed to medical personnel at the operating site until transported to the container. In addition, medical personnel who mu6t transport ~oiled instrurnents to the container on the wall are exposed-to being punctured or cut by the instrurnents.
Several smaller disposable needle container have been disc106ed in the p~ior art but are inadequate for a number of ressons.
'''' ''' .
';,',:
"
W O 91/11375 A~ PC~r/US91/00423 Many do not provide 6ufficient room to receive an entire syringe or ot' elongate instrument6, such as scalpel6.
Some prior art containers do not smoothly guide sharp instruments into a stored position. With these types of containers, medical personnel may be cut while attempting to dispo~e of the sharp instruments by placing them in the container.
Several prior art devices are opaque and do not provide medical personnel with the ability to view the interior of the container. The number of in6trument~ within a container cannot be countPd. In an operating environment, medical personnel have an accurate idea of the number of instruments that have been utilized. Ihus, it is desirable to count the number of instruments received within a container to determine that there are no stray soiled instruments left out and exposed.
It i6 thus an object of the present in~ention to disclo6e an improved container for receiving 60iled 6harp medical instruments that - provides sufficient space such that e}on~ate in6truments such as an entire 6yringe, or a scalpel, csn be received within the container.
. . .
It is further an object of the pre6ent in~ention to disclose a container in which 60iled medical instrument6 that are placed in the container are easily guided into the container.
,"~
It i~ further an object of the present invention to disclose a contaiDer in which the n~mber of ~oiled instruments wiehin the ~contalner can~be counted.
" .' '.
-.
;
. : ~ -: : .. : ~ : . : . : .: . . .
W O 91/11375 PC~r/US91/00423 5~mmar~ of the_InveDti~n r~ ~ 3 The present invention discloses a container for receiving soiled and discarded syringes, 6uture needles, scalpels or any other sharp medical instrument. More particularly, a first embodiment of the present invention discloses a container with longitudinal and lateral sides, a top and a bottom defining an interior space for receipt of soiled sharp medical instruments.
The top includes two flap members that overlap and define an entrance to the inte~ior fipace. One of the flap~ is snapped beneath a latch member and the other flap is received vertically beneath the first flap. The second flap is biased upwardly into the first flap thus normally maintaininB the entrance to the interior space closed. When it , is desired to place a sharp medical instr~ent into the container, medical personnel 6imply place the in6trument upon the second flap and pu6h downwardly. The ~harp medical instrument iB guided along the second flap beneath the fir6t flap and falls into the 6pace within the container.
... . ..
In a preferred embodiment of the pre6snt invention, the ,~
: ~;'; ' ..
second flap i6 ormed with a first generally planar portion and a second generally planar portion extendin~ vertically upwardly at an angle from the first portion. This second portion underlie6 the first flap and provides a ledge for receipt of the sharp medical instrument, guiding it into the container.
" '":' ' In a preferred embodiment of the pre6ent invention, the flaps are formed integrally with the molded container and are connected to the . . .
longitudinal sides through living hinges. At least one wall, and preferably the entire container, i8 formed of clear pla~tic ~uch that the interior cpace ~ay be viewed to allow counting of the number of sharp medical instrument6 within the container.
' .:
W O ~1/11375 ~ PC~r/US91/00423 In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sterilizing material is disposed within the interior space to decontaminate ~oiled medical instruments as they are received within the container.
A second embodiment of the present invention includes an elongate cylindrical member defining a first enlarged space and a second smaller space. A wall within the cylindrical member separ~tes the two spsces. The enlsrged space receives elongate medical instruments such as syringes or scalpels, while the smaller space receives smaller medlcal instruments such as suture needles. Each space is closed by a cap member that is snapped over the cylindrical member. Each space includes a needle retaining material, such as foam, into which the sharp medical instruments are inserted.
: ' ID a most preferred embodiment, this needlq retaining material includes sterili~ing fluid to neutrali~e any contaminsnt6 on the soiled medical instruments.
' "' "
Both embodiments are relati~ely inexpensive and can be disposed of after use.
These and other objects and features of the present invention can be best understood from the fo}lowing specification and drswings, of which the following i8 a brief description.
.
Figure l is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. ~
' ' ::
' `
W O 91/11375 r~ 6~.'`d ~ PC~r/US91/00423 `-Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 as shown in Figure 1.
:
Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3.
Fi~ure 5 i6 a cross-~ectional view si~ilar to Figure 3 but showing the flap members of the present invention in a non-working position.
.'. ..`. .
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second '~
embodiment of the present invention. ~ j ' ~:~'.
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing the second embodiment of the present invention.
" :'' Figure 8 i8 a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 a8 shown in ~, Figure 6.
' :
Figure 9 is a view ~imilar to Figure 8.
Detailed ~escriPtion Qf Pcefer~ed ~mbodi~e~t ~-: . :
A fir~t embodiment 20 of the pre~ent invention is illustrated in Figure 1. Container 22 ~receives sharp medical instruments such as ;' syringe 24. Container 22 may receive any other type of 6harp medical in trument such as suture needles, gcalpels, or any other type of medical :
in~trument that may be ~oiled. Container 22 includes lat~ral walls 26 and longitudinal wall~ 28. Fir6~ flap 30 and second flap 32 define a top to container 22. ~irst flap 30 i8 snapped beneath latch 34 while second W O 91/11375 rY~ s .~ PC~r/US91/00423 fl~p 32 is 6napped be~eath firGt flap 30. Latch 24 is ~160 above se~-~d flap 32 and prevent6 it from moving too far upwardly should it move past firfit flap 30. Second flap 32 is normally biased upwardly into first flap 30 such that a normally closed entrance 35 to the interior space within container 22 i~ defined between first flap 30 and second flap 32.
Eyelet hook, or loop 33 is provided on a lateral wall and receives a strap such that container 22 can be attached to a belt, or any other carrying aid.
As shown in Figure 2, container 22 includes lateral walls 26 ~nd longitudinal walls 2B. First flap 30 has end 36 sn~pped beneath latch 34 at each longitudinal end. Second flap 32 includes a first generally planar portion 38 extending from a longitudinal wall 28 laterally inwardly. A second generally planar portion 40 extends vertically upwardly at an angle from first planar section 38 and underlies first flap 30.
As 6hown in Figure 3, ~hen it i6 desared to place sharp medical instrument6 such a~ s~ringe 24 within container 22 it is initially placed upon first planar portion 38 of second flap 32. Medical per~onn~l then push lightly downwardly upon syringe 24 and ~econd flap 32 move~ countercloc~wise, as orientated in Figure 3, such that syringe 24 is guided onto second portion 40, which provide a ledge to support syringe 24, The secont portion 40 helps syringe 24 be smoothly guided in the interior space without twisting or lurching and possibly cutting the medical per~onnel.
As 6hown in Figure 4, as 6econd flap 32 moves counterclockwise, entrance 35 opens and allows syringe 24 access to the 6pace within container Z2. Syringe 24 is illu6trated resting on second portion 40. As ~econd flap 32 continue6 to ~ove counterclockwise, second W O 91/11375 ~ 3 PC~r/US91/00423 portion 40 begins to guide syringe 24 vertically downwardly into the ~pace within container 22.
A method of storing a smaller sharp instrument, such as suture needle~ within container 22 will now be explained. The suture needles are grasped by an instrument such as forceps and placed upoa ~econd flap 32. The instrument is pushed downwa~dly again6t fiecond flap 32 which rotates counterclock~ise providing access to the space within container 22. The instrument used to hold the suture ne~dle is no~
released and the needle falls into container 22.
As shown in Figure 5, ~ontainer 22 i6 a one~piece molded item with flaps 30 and 32 being connected to longitudinal wall~ 28 through living hinge6. In a most preferred embodiment of the pre6ent invention, at least one wall, and preferably the entire container, i6 formed of clear plastic such that medical personnel can count the number of soiled medical instrumentfi received within container 22.
:
A second embodiment 42 of a container is illustrated in Figure 6 and includes cylindrical body 44 having wall 46 near one axial end definin~ enlarged ~psce 48 and smaller ~p~ce 50. Enlarged 6pace 48 includes needle retaining material 52, such as foam, and receives elongate medical instruments such as 6yringe 56 or scalpel~. Enlarged space 48 i6 covered by cap 58 which is secured to ledge 59 of cylindrical member 44 by ear6 60. When ie is desired to dispoce an elongate msdical instrument, such as 6yringe 56, within enlarged ~pace 48, cap 58 i6 snapped off ledge 5g, thus providing acce~6 to enlarged space 48.
' Second cap 61 covers smaller 6pace 50 and i8 secu~ed to second ledge 62 of cylindrical member 44 by ears 63. As shown in Figure 7, when it is desired to dispose smaller items, such as suture needles 64 . . i :. . : . ::::
, . . ~ .
WO 91/11375 ,~ 0 . '~ PCI`/U~i91/00423 in container 42 C8p 61 is opened to provide acce~6 to smaller space Smaller items such as 6uture needle6 64 can be placed in needle retaining material 54.
With this device any 6ize sharp medical in6truments can be received in a relatively small device that i6 both portable and easy to utilize. Preferably, container 42 is formed of c].ear plastic such that the number of in~truments within ~paces 48 and 50 can be ea~ily counted.
Most preferably~ this plastic i~ polypropylene, which is a FDA approved material.
Details of cap 61 are shown in Fi~ure 8. Cap 61 is secured to ledge 62 by ears 63. As ~hown in Figure 9, ear6 63 extend radially inwardly on an inner side of cap 61.
Both disclosed embodiments are inexpen6ive and disposable after use.
' Preferred embodiment6 of the present in~ention have been disclosed, ho*ever, a worker o~ ordinary skill in the art wauld realize that certain modif ication~ would be within the cope of this invention and thus the follo~ing claimfi should be ~tudied in order to determine the , true ~cope and content of the invention.
, . , .'.. ~::
: ~ : . '.
~ : ,.,:
: :' : ':
. . .
B~k~rouDd of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for receiving used syringes, suture needles, scalpels and other sharp medical instruments.
In modern medical environments, it is of the utmost importance that medical personnel not be exposed to soiled syringes or other sharp medical instruments which may be contaminated by disease. In the past, medical personnel have been accideneally punctured or cut by these soiled sharp medical instruments.
. . .
This problem has become particularly acute with recent concern about such highly contagious and dan~erous disea6es as the AIDS
virus. With all of these concerns, aD operating enviro~nent still requires that many 6tep6 be taken promptly and it is not always possible to keep soiled sharp instrument6 6afely removed from medical personnel.
For this reason, the prior art developed containers to receive soiled sharp medical in6truments.
Many prior art container~ are large central containers disposed on a wall of the operating rooM. Medical personnel must transport the soiled sharp medical instruments to the wall-mounted container to dispose of them. This leaves the potentially infectious sharp in6trurnent~ exposed to medical personnel at the operating site until transported to the container. In addition, medical personnel who mu6t transport ~oiled instrurnents to the container on the wall are exposed-to being punctured or cut by the instrurnents.
Several smaller disposable needle container have been disc106ed in the p~ior art but are inadequate for a number of ressons.
'''' ''' .
';,',:
"
W O 91/11375 A~ PC~r/US91/00423 Many do not provide 6ufficient room to receive an entire syringe or ot' elongate instrument6, such as scalpel6.
Some prior art containers do not smoothly guide sharp instruments into a stored position. With these types of containers, medical personnel may be cut while attempting to dispo~e of the sharp instruments by placing them in the container.
Several prior art devices are opaque and do not provide medical personnel with the ability to view the interior of the container. The number of in6trument~ within a container cannot be countPd. In an operating environment, medical personnel have an accurate idea of the number of instruments that have been utilized. Ihus, it is desirable to count the number of instruments received within a container to determine that there are no stray soiled instruments left out and exposed.
It i6 thus an object of the present in~ention to disclo6e an improved container for receiving 60iled 6harp medical instruments that - provides sufficient space such that e}on~ate in6truments such as an entire 6yringe, or a scalpel, csn be received within the container.
. . .
It is further an object of the pre6ent in~ention to disclose a container in which 60iled medical instrument6 that are placed in the container are easily guided into the container.
,"~
It i~ further an object of the present invention to disclose a contaiDer in which the n~mber of ~oiled instruments wiehin the ~contalner can~be counted.
" .' '.
-.
;
. : ~ -: : .. : ~ : . : . : .: . . .
W O 91/11375 PC~r/US91/00423 5~mmar~ of the_InveDti~n r~ ~ 3 The present invention discloses a container for receiving soiled and discarded syringes, 6uture needles, scalpels or any other sharp medical instrument. More particularly, a first embodiment of the present invention discloses a container with longitudinal and lateral sides, a top and a bottom defining an interior space for receipt of soiled sharp medical instruments.
The top includes two flap members that overlap and define an entrance to the inte~ior fipace. One of the flap~ is snapped beneath a latch member and the other flap is received vertically beneath the first flap. The second flap is biased upwardly into the first flap thus normally maintaininB the entrance to the interior space closed. When it , is desired to place a sharp medical instr~ent into the container, medical personnel 6imply place the in6trument upon the second flap and pu6h downwardly. The ~harp medical instrument iB guided along the second flap beneath the fir6t flap and falls into the 6pace within the container.
... . ..
In a preferred embodiment of the pre6snt invention, the ,~
: ~;'; ' ..
second flap i6 ormed with a first generally planar portion and a second generally planar portion extendin~ vertically upwardly at an angle from the first portion. This second portion underlie6 the first flap and provides a ledge for receipt of the sharp medical instrument, guiding it into the container.
" '":' ' In a preferred embodiment of the pre6ent invention, the flaps are formed integrally with the molded container and are connected to the . . .
longitudinal sides through living hinges. At least one wall, and preferably the entire container, i8 formed of clear pla~tic ~uch that the interior cpace ~ay be viewed to allow counting of the number of sharp medical instrument6 within the container.
' .:
W O ~1/11375 ~ PC~r/US91/00423 In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sterilizing material is disposed within the interior space to decontaminate ~oiled medical instruments as they are received within the container.
A second embodiment of the present invention includes an elongate cylindrical member defining a first enlarged space and a second smaller space. A wall within the cylindrical member separ~tes the two spsces. The enlsrged space receives elongate medical instruments such as syringes or scalpels, while the smaller space receives smaller medlcal instruments such as suture needles. Each space is closed by a cap member that is snapped over the cylindrical member. Each space includes a needle retaining material, such as foam, into which the sharp medical instruments are inserted.
: ' ID a most preferred embodiment, this needlq retaining material includes sterili~ing fluid to neutrali~e any contaminsnt6 on the soiled medical instruments.
' "' "
Both embodiments are relati~ely inexpensive and can be disposed of after use.
These and other objects and features of the present invention can be best understood from the fo}lowing specification and drswings, of which the following i8 a brief description.
.
Figure l is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. ~
' ' ::
' `
W O 91/11375 r~ 6~.'`d ~ PC~r/US91/00423 `-Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 as shown in Figure 1.
:
Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3.
Fi~ure 5 i6 a cross-~ectional view si~ilar to Figure 3 but showing the flap members of the present invention in a non-working position.
.'. ..`. .
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second '~
embodiment of the present invention. ~ j ' ~:~'.
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing the second embodiment of the present invention.
" :'' Figure 8 i8 a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 a8 shown in ~, Figure 6.
' :
Figure 9 is a view ~imilar to Figure 8.
Detailed ~escriPtion Qf Pcefer~ed ~mbodi~e~t ~-: . :
A fir~t embodiment 20 of the pre~ent invention is illustrated in Figure 1. Container 22 ~receives sharp medical instruments such as ;' syringe 24. Container 22 may receive any other type of 6harp medical in trument such as suture needles, gcalpels, or any other type of medical :
in~trument that may be ~oiled. Container 22 includes lat~ral walls 26 and longitudinal wall~ 28. Fir6~ flap 30 and second flap 32 define a top to container 22. ~irst flap 30 i8 snapped beneath latch 34 while second W O 91/11375 rY~ s .~ PC~r/US91/00423 fl~p 32 is 6napped be~eath firGt flap 30. Latch 24 is ~160 above se~-~d flap 32 and prevent6 it from moving too far upwardly should it move past firfit flap 30. Second flap 32 is normally biased upwardly into first flap 30 such that a normally closed entrance 35 to the interior space within container 22 i~ defined between first flap 30 and second flap 32.
Eyelet hook, or loop 33 is provided on a lateral wall and receives a strap such that container 22 can be attached to a belt, or any other carrying aid.
As shown in Figure 2, container 22 includes lateral walls 26 ~nd longitudinal walls 2B. First flap 30 has end 36 sn~pped beneath latch 34 at each longitudinal end. Second flap 32 includes a first generally planar portion 38 extending from a longitudinal wall 28 laterally inwardly. A second generally planar portion 40 extends vertically upwardly at an angle from first planar section 38 and underlies first flap 30.
As 6hown in Figure 3, ~hen it i6 desared to place sharp medical instrument6 such a~ s~ringe 24 within container 22 it is initially placed upon first planar portion 38 of second flap 32. Medical per~onn~l then push lightly downwardly upon syringe 24 and ~econd flap 32 move~ countercloc~wise, as orientated in Figure 3, such that syringe 24 is guided onto second portion 40, which provide a ledge to support syringe 24, The secont portion 40 helps syringe 24 be smoothly guided in the interior space without twisting or lurching and possibly cutting the medical per~onnel.
As 6hown in Figure 4, as 6econd flap 32 moves counterclockwise, entrance 35 opens and allows syringe 24 access to the 6pace within container Z2. Syringe 24 is illu6trated resting on second portion 40. As ~econd flap 32 continue6 to ~ove counterclockwise, second W O 91/11375 ~ 3 PC~r/US91/00423 portion 40 begins to guide syringe 24 vertically downwardly into the ~pace within container 22.
A method of storing a smaller sharp instrument, such as suture needle~ within container 22 will now be explained. The suture needles are grasped by an instrument such as forceps and placed upoa ~econd flap 32. The instrument is pushed downwa~dly again6t fiecond flap 32 which rotates counterclock~ise providing access to the space within container 22. The instrument used to hold the suture ne~dle is no~
released and the needle falls into container 22.
As shown in Figure 5, ~ontainer 22 i6 a one~piece molded item with flaps 30 and 32 being connected to longitudinal wall~ 28 through living hinge6. In a most preferred embodiment of the pre6ent invention, at least one wall, and preferably the entire container, i6 formed of clear plastic such that medical personnel can count the number of soiled medical instrumentfi received within container 22.
:
A second embodiment 42 of a container is illustrated in Figure 6 and includes cylindrical body 44 having wall 46 near one axial end definin~ enlarged ~psce 48 and smaller ~p~ce 50. Enlarged 6pace 48 includes needle retaining material 52, such as foam, and receives elongate medical instruments such as 6yringe 56 or scalpel~. Enlarged space 48 i6 covered by cap 58 which is secured to ledge 59 of cylindrical member 44 by ear6 60. When ie is desired to dispoce an elongate msdical instrument, such as 6yringe 56, within enlarged ~pace 48, cap 58 i6 snapped off ledge 5g, thus providing acce~6 to enlarged space 48.
' Second cap 61 covers smaller 6pace 50 and i8 secu~ed to second ledge 62 of cylindrical member 44 by ears 63. As shown in Figure 7, when it is desired to dispose smaller items, such as suture needles 64 . . i :. . : . ::::
, . . ~ .
WO 91/11375 ,~ 0 . '~ PCI`/U~i91/00423 in container 42 C8p 61 is opened to provide acce~6 to smaller space Smaller items such as 6uture needle6 64 can be placed in needle retaining material 54.
With this device any 6ize sharp medical in6truments can be received in a relatively small device that i6 both portable and easy to utilize. Preferably, container 42 is formed of c].ear plastic such that the number of in~truments within ~paces 48 and 50 can be ea~ily counted.
Most preferably~ this plastic i~ polypropylene, which is a FDA approved material.
Details of cap 61 are shown in Fi~ure 8. Cap 61 is secured to ledge 62 by ears 63. As ~hown in Figure 9, ear6 63 extend radially inwardly on an inner side of cap 61.
Both disclosed embodiments are inexpen6ive and disposable after use.
' Preferred embodiment6 of the present in~ention have been disclosed, ho*ever, a worker o~ ordinary skill in the art wauld realize that certain modif ication~ would be within the cope of this invention and thus the follo~ing claimfi should be ~tudied in order to determine the , true ~cope and content of the invention.
, . , .'.. ~::
: ~ : . '.
~ : ,.,:
: :' : ':
. . .
Claims (20)
1. A device for receiving soiled sharp medical instruments comprising:
a container having longitudinal and lateral sides, a top and a bottom defining a space for receipt of soiled medical instruments; and said top including two flaps, an entrance to said space defined between said two flaps.
a container having longitudinal and lateral sides, a top and a bottom defining a space for receipt of soiled medical instruments; and said top including two flaps, an entrance to said space defined between said two flaps.
2. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein a first flap overlies a portion of a second flap thus normally closing said entrance.
3. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein a latch is defined on said container, said first flap being snapped beneath said latch, said second flap being biased upwardly against said first flap.
4. A device as recited in claim 3, wherein field first and second flaps are integrally connected to said container by living hinges.
5. A device as recited in claim 4, wherein said second flap having a first generally planar portion and a second generally planar portion extending vertically upwardly at an angle from said first portion, said second generally planar portion underlying said first flap.
6. A device as recited in claim 5, wherein said first and second flaps being connected to the longitudinal sides of said container.
7. A device as recited in claim 6, wherein at least one wall of said container being formed of clear plastic affording a view of the interior of said container.
8. A device as recited in claim 7, wherein a steriliz material is disposed within said space.
9. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein said second flap having a first generally planar portion and a second generally planar portion extending vertically upwardly at an angle from said first portion, said second generally planar portion underlying said first flap.
10. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein a latch being defined on said container, a first flap being snapped beneath said latch, a second flap being biased upwardly against said first flap.
11. A device as recited in claim 10, wherein said latch extends longitudinally inwardly from each lateral wall, and extends laterally beyond said first flap.
12. A device as recited in claim 10, wherein said first and second flaps are integrally connected to said container by living hinges.
13. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said two flaps include first and second flaps hinged to said longitudinal sides of said container, said longitudinal sides being longer and the average length of a standard syringe.
14. A device as recited in claim 13, wherein said first and second flaps are integrally connected to said container by a living hinge.
15. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one wall of said container is formed of clear plastic.
16. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein a sterilizing material is disposed within said space.
17. A method of disposing of soiled sharp medical instruments comprising the steps of:
(A) defining a space with two flap members defining an entrance to the space, wherein one of the flap members underlies the other of the flap members;
(B) placing a soiled medical instrument to be disposed of upon one of the flap members and pushing downwardly such that the flap member moves downwardly with respect to the other flap member; and (C) guiding the soiled medical instrument into the space.
(A) defining a space with two flap members defining an entrance to the space, wherein one of the flap members underlies the other of the flap members;
(B) placing a soiled medical instrument to be disposed of upon one of the flap members and pushing downwardly such that the flap member moves downwardly with respect to the other flap member; and (C) guiding the soiled medical instrument into the space.
18. A method as recited in claim 17, further including the step of forming a container which defines the space with at least one clear wall such that the number of medical instruments within the space can be counted.
19. A device for receiving used medical instruments comprising:
an elongate hollow cylindrical member with a cross plate received near one axial end and defining a first enlarged space on one side of the said plate and a second smaller space on the opposed side of said plate.
an elongate hollow cylindrical member with a cross plate received near one axial end and defining a first enlarged space on one side of the said plate and a second smaller space on the opposed side of said plate.
20. A device as recited in claim 19, wherein each of said enlarged and smaller spaces receiving needle retaining material, and each of said enlarged and smaller spaces being closed off by cap members that are snapped onto said cylindrical member.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/474,895 US4969554A (en) | 1990-02-05 | 1990-02-05 | Disposable sharp instrument container |
| US474,895 | 1990-02-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2071919A1 true CA2071919A1 (en) | 1991-08-06 |
Family
ID=23885391
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002071919A Abandoned CA2071919A1 (en) | 1990-02-05 | 1991-01-15 | Disposable sharp instrument container |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4969554A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0513178A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH05506200A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU642974B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9105880A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2071919A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991011375A1 (en) |
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| US8998031B2 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2015-04-07 | Stericycle, Inc. | Waste container assembly |
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-
1990
- 1990-02-05 US US07/474,895 patent/US4969554A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1991
- 1991-01-15 EP EP19910904135 patent/EP0513178A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1991-01-15 CA CA002071919A patent/CA2071919A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-01-15 AU AU72439/91A patent/AU642974B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1991-01-15 WO PCT/US1991/000423 patent/WO1991011375A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-01-15 BR BR919105880A patent/BR9105880A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-01-15 JP JP91504419A patent/JPH05506200A/en active Pending
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8998031B2 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2015-04-07 | Stericycle, Inc. | Waste container assembly |
| US9585719B2 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2017-03-07 | Stericycle, Inc. | Waste container assembly |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1991011375A1 (en) | 1991-08-08 |
| US4969554A (en) | 1990-11-13 |
| AU7243991A (en) | 1991-08-21 |
| EP0513178A4 (en) | 1993-01-13 |
| BR9105880A (en) | 1993-01-19 |
| AU642974B2 (en) | 1993-11-04 |
| EP0513178A1 (en) | 1992-11-19 |
| JPH05506200A (en) | 1993-09-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |