EP1619136A2

EP1619136A2 - Disposable rigid container construction for collecting polluted sanitary liquids and for disposing of said liquids in a half-solid form

Info

Publication number: EP1619136A2
Application number: EP05013597A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eugenio Cremascoli; Patrizia Pini
Original assignee: NGC Medical SpA
Current assignee: NGC Medical SpA
Priority date: 2004-07-01
Filing date: 2005-06-23
Publication date: 2006-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-23
Also published as: ITMI20041332A1; ES2329688T3; DE602005015393D1; EP1619136B1; EP1619136A3

Abstract

A disposable rigid container (1) construction for collecting polluted sanitary liquids and for disposing of said liquids in a half-solid form, comprises a rigid container body (2) for collecting the waste liquid, a pre-metered gelling mixture (3) and a sealing cover element (4).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a disposable rigid container construction specifically designed for collecting polluted sanitary liquids and for disposing of said liquids in a half-solid form.
The application field of the container construction according to the present invention is that of the hemodynamic procedures, radiologic, cardiologic methods and the like, in which the waste or unused liquids used in the procedure or method must be collected, and in which it is necessary to perform such a collection in the working field, in sterile conditions.
In the above mentioned procedures or methods, in particular, it is necessary to facilitate the first disposal of of the waste fluids, thereby rendering safe and efficient these operations.
The safety is addressed to the operators handling said liquids and who could be contaminated thereby.
In fact, it is important to prevent said liquids both from contaminating broad regions, and diffusing through special collecting containers or spilling therefrom, if an accidental breakage would occur.
Said liquids to be collected and disposed of comprise for example, physiologic solutions, contrasting liquids, blood or the like.
Said fluids, if they are allowed to accidentally contact the environment or user, would clearly cause a crossed type of contamination or pollution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to provide such a container construction which is adapted to solve the above disclosed problems.
Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the invention is to provide such a container construction allowing the operators to select the time for performing the gelling method on the waste liquids.
Another object of the invention is to provide such a container construction which can be used, as a conventional collecting vessel, during the related procedure and which, however, is adapted to be transformed into a waste liquid gelling means and for tightly containing or holding it.
Yet another object is to provide such a container construction allowing the operator to work as conventionally and to definitely insulating the waste liquid as his/her routine activity is ended.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a disposable rigid container construction, particularly for collecting polluted sanitary liquids, for providing a first disposal of of said polluted sanitary liquids in a half-solid form, characterized in that said container construction comprises a rigid container body for collecting the waste liquid, a pre-metered gelling mixture and a sealing cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of the invention which is illustrated, by way of an indicative but not limitative example, in the accompanying drawings, where:

Figure 1 is an exploded elevation view of a container construction according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a further elevation view of said container construction;
Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating an use of said container construction;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the container construction in a closed condition thereof;
Figure 5 is a further elevation, cross-sectioned view of said container construction;
Figure 6 is a detail cross-sectioned view of the cover closure;
Figure 7 is an elevation cross-sectioned view of the container construction according to a further aspect of the invention;
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of that same container construction;
Figure 9 is a further cross-sectioned elevation view of the container construction according to a further aspect of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a view similar to figure 9, but illustrating the use of the container construction;
Figure 11 is an elevation cross-sectioned view of the container construction according to a further aspect of the present invention; and
Figure 12 is a view similar to figure 11 but showing the use of the container construction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the container construction according to the present invention, which has been generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises, as essential components thereof, a rigid container body 2 for collecting or holding waste liquid therein, a pre-metered gelling mixture 3 and a sealing cover 4.
More specifically, said rigid container body 2 can comprise, even if not exclusively, a container body of a type conventionally used in physiologic procedures, i.e. an unbreakable sterile container, for example made of polypropylene or polyethylene, having a cylindric configuration, where are prepared, for example, guide wires and catheters before the related procedure.
The container body 2 is preferably so graduated and contoured as to fit with a tight sealing relation the cover element 4.
The pre-metered granular mixture 3 contains polyacrylamide, i.e. a super-absorbing polymer suitable to absorb the waste liquid and to transform it into a dry gel, while holding this condition even if it is subjected to a pressure.
The amount by weight of said metered mixture is calibrated depending on the volume of the liquid to be gelified.
The used polymer is an atoxic, not irritating, environmentally compatible material, and it, moreover, does not release any toxic gases upon incinerating.
Said granular mixture also contains a soluble disinfecting material, also of an atoxic and biodegradable nature, and which, moreover, is not corrosive with respect to plastic materials containing it.
The disinfectant material contained in the device is constituted by Cloramine T, which is a disinfectant which is very efficient against a very great number of microorganisms, such as the positive and negative Gram bacteria, virus and fungi.
More specifically, said disinfectant is used in said mixture to provide a very high resistance against contaminating dangers, for example of a viral type, which could occur if a contaminated or polluted liquid would accidentally leak.
The amount of disinfectant held or contained in the mixture is calibrated on the liquid amount into which it is dissolved.
The tightly sealing cover 4 is suitable to allow the waste material 5, both in liquid form and in a semi-solid form, to be tightly held in said container, thereby insulating the waste material from the encompassing environment, for example in a case of an accidental falling and inside the collecting bags provided for collecting hospital waste material.
The cover 4, in particular, can be removed to facilitate the collection of the waste liquids or materials.
This can be achieved at different times during the procedure, or as it would be considered as necessary by the operators.
To meet the above requirements, the geometry of the cover, at the rigid container contact sealing region, can be of any desired types, already used in similar applications.
The design of the cover can be changed depending on the preferred method provided for introducing the polymer + disinfectant mixture into the rigid container.
In the figures are shown several exemplary embodiments of the container construction, which are equivalent with respect to their use type, and which are to be considered as entering the inventive scope.
In particular, figures 1-4 show an embodiment of the invention comprising three discrete elements, in which the rigid container body 2, the cover 4 and mixture 3 are supplied as separated elements.
More specifically, the cover 4 is made by an injecting or thermoforming molding method, it is of an essentially flat construction, with the already disclosed sealing end portions.
The polymeric material + disinfectant mixture is held in a sealed bag 3 made of a polyethylene material and which can be easily opened.
Thus, the mixture must be poured into the container, by opening the polyethylene bag and pouring its contents.
This pouring system is a very simple one and moreover it is very unexpensive and can be performed in an intuitive manner.
According to a further embodiment, the container construction comprises three discrete elements, i.e. a rigid container body, a cover and a mixture.
In particular, said cover is made by an injecting or thermoforming molding method, it is of essentially flat construction, having the already disclosed sealed or sealing end portions.
The polymeric material and disinfectant mixture is held in a sealed bag made of a hydrosoluble polymer.
The hydrosoluble bag containing said mixture must be arranged in the vessel at the use moment.
The liquid to be disposed of constitutes the carrier or vector element adapted to dissolve the bag and disperse inside it the polymeric material and disinfectant mixture.
Said bag is made of a polyvinyl alcohol base plastics material, the main feature of which is that it is water soluble.
The speed of this reaction would depend on the water temperature and stirring, and moreover on the film thickness.
In particular, for achieving the above mentioned objects, the most suitable chemical formulation has been selected.
Further characteristics of the used plastics film are its biodegradability and atoxicity.
Even this system is very simple, economic and of easy use.
With respect to the first disclosed embodiment of the invention, this embodiment is of safer use.
In fact, in this embodiment, the operator does not directly contact the polymeric material and disinfectant mixture, and this mixture does not contact the outside environment, where it could be accidentally dispersed upon an erroneous handling, during the opening of the bag containing said mixture.
According to a further embodiment, the container construction comprises three separated elements, that is a rigid container body, a cover having sealing end portions, as already disclosed, and a water soluble type of bag containing said mixture.
The bag is coupled to said cover by strip which, in turn, is clamped to the cover by a sealing method or using an adhesive tape.
Said strip is used to facilitate in locating the bag inside the container, even if the user has wet hands and accordingly could not be properly handle the bag.
Accordingly, it is preferably made of a plastic material not soluble in water, at least at the region thereof at which a possibility of displacing the bag would be facilitated.
With the above mentioned solution, the same advantages as the above disclosed system are obtained, with additional advantages, in particular of having the cover and bag coupled to one another.
Figures 5-8 show a container construction 101, according to a further embodiment also comprising three separated or discrete elements, a rigid container body 102, a cover 104 and a mixture 103.
The rigid container body 102 is substantially like to the above disclosed container body.
The cover 104 has sealed end portions, as already disclosed, but, at a top portion thereof, it comprises a housing 106 provided for holding the polymeric material and disinfectant mixture bag.
More specifically, the housing 106 formed in said cover 104 is suitable to hold in its inside said mixture bag 103, through a mechanical type of connection, for example a second cover element 107 or cut-out detent elements.
The bag is preferably water soluble and a strip or the like, not water soluble, is connected thereto, to allow said bag to be handled by an operator who could have wet hands.
Figures 5-8 show a further possible embodiment of the above disclosed system.
In said figures, the shown housings are designed to provide an optional bearing surface for the rigid container.
This system has the same advantages as the previously disclosed system.
Figures 9-12 show two different embodiments according to a further aspect of the invention, in which the container construction comprises three elements two of which are integrated with one another: a rigid container body, respectively indicated by the reference numbers 202 and 302, as already disclosed, and a cover, respectively indicated by the reference numbers 204 and 304 which comprises a housing, respectively indicated at 206 and 306 which can be inward opened, and holding the polymeric material + disinfectant mixture 203, 303.
In this embodiment, the mixture is hold or contained in the cover.
Upon having closed the cover on the rigid container, the mixture is poured thereinto through an openable portion 208, 308 which can be operated by the user.
The openable portion 208 can comprise a door element pivoted to the cover 204.
In this case, the operator must open the openable portion, through a pushing element 209 coupled to the outside, as is clearly shown in figures 9 and 10.
As is shown in figures 11 and 12, the openable portion can alternatively comprise a brittle material portion 308 such as an aluminium sheet element.
In this case, the operator must directly press the outer portion of the housing, in a manner similar to that used for pharmaceutical blisters.
More complex solutions, using, for example, pushing elements of a screw or spring type are also provided.
These solutions would have the advantages provided by the above disclosed system, however with a larger cost.
It has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.
In fact, the invention provides a container construction allowing to collect therein waste or unused liquids, which can be also collected in the work field, under sterile conditions.
The efficiency of the container would be related to the solidification capability of said liquids, thereby preventing the latter from polluting the environment, diffusing through special collecting vessels or exiting the latter in a case of an accidental breakage.
The container construction according to the present invention differs from prior collecting devices for performing a first collection of waste liquids, since the container according to the invention allows the operation to choose the time to perform the gelling of the waste liquids.
In this connection it should be pointed out that the container according to the invention has been specifically designed for operating as a conventional collecting vessel during the physiologic procedure.
However, the inventive container can be transformed into a gelling means for gelling the waste liquid and for tightly holding the latter, as the operator desires this.
This feature allows the user to operate as conventional and to insulate the waste liquid in a single operation and definitely, at the end of his/her routine operation.
The formulation of the gelling material is also original, since it comprises a chemical portion for providing gelling and a further chemical portion for providing disinfection.
Moreover, the container construction according to the invention is very simple and unexpensive.
In practicing the invention, the used materials, as well as the contingent size and shapes can be any, depending on requirements and the status of the art.

Claims

A disposable rigid container construction, particularly for collecting polluted sanitary liquids, for providing a first disposal of of said polluted sanitary liquids in a half-solid form, characterized in that said container construction comprises a rigid container body for collecting the waste liquid, a pre-metered gelling mixture and a sealing cover.
A container construction, according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid container body is of an unbreakable sterile type, for example polypropylene or polyethylene, has a cylindric shape, where are prepared, for example, guide wires and catheters before performing a physiologic procedure.
A container construction, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said container body is graduated and so contoured as to receive the cover with a tightly sealed relationship.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-metered granular mixture contains polyacryl-amide, a super-absorbing polymer (PA).
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said granular mixture also contains a soluble disinfectant, of an atoxic and biodegradable type, and which is not corrosive for the plastic materials holding it.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disinfectant is Cloramine T.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the amount of said disinfectant contained in said mixture is calibrated depending on the amount of the liquid into which it is dissolved.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sealed cover is suitable to allow the waste material, both in a liquid and in a semi-solid form to be tightly contained in an insulated manner, against accidental fallings and inside bags for collecting hospital waste materials.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover can be removed for facilitating a collection of waste liquids which can be performed at several times of the procedure, or as desired by the operators.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover is made by an injecting or thermoforming molding method and is essentially flat with sealed end portions.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said PA and disinfectant mixture is held in a polyethylene sealed bag which can be easily opened.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said PA and disinfectant mixture is held in a water soluble polymeric sealed bag.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said water soluble bag containing said mixture must be arranged in said vessel upon use; the liquid which must be disposed of being a carrier liquid adapted to dissolve said bag and disperse in its inside said PA + disinfectant mixture.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bag is made of a polyvinyl alcohol based plastic materials, the main feature of which is its water solubility.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said used plastics film has biodegradability and atoxicity characteristics.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said water soluble bag containing said mixture is coupled to said cover by a strip which is in turn coupled to said cover by sealing or by an adhesive tape.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover comprises, at a top portion thereof, a housing for holding therein said bag for said PA + disinfectant mixture.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said housing formed in said cover is adapted to hold therein said mixture bag, through a mechanical type of binding, such as a second cover or cut-out detent elements.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bag is coupled to a non water soluble strip or the like, allowing said bag to be handled even with wet hands.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover comprises an inward openable housing, where said PA + disinfectant mixture is held.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mixture is held in said cover, and, as said cover has been closed on said rigid vessel, said mixture can be poured thereinto through an openable portion which can be driven or actuated by the operator.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said openable portion comprises a door pivoted to said cover, said openable portion being opened by the operator or user by a pushing element coupled to the outside.
A container construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said openable portion comprises a brittle material portion, made, for example, of an aluminium sheet.