GB2502141A

GB2502141A - Single-use sterile medical container

Info

Publication number: GB2502141A
Application number: GB1208752.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicola Shaw
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-17
Filing date: 2012-05-17
Publication date: 2013-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-17
Also published as: GB201208752D0; GB2502141B

Abstract

The container comprises at least one pouch and an elongate body. The body has a closure means and the pouch has a sealing portion. In use the container is wrapped around a limb and sealed. The patients valuable items can be contained in the pouch.

Description

A SINGLE-USE STERILE MEDICAL CONTAINER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a single-use sterile medical container, more particularly a container for patients during medical procedures.

Background and Prior Art

Increasingly effective medical and cosmetic procedures and increasingly ageing populations combine to ensure that many more users each year undergo operations or medical procedures.

In particular many of these procedures or operations include more invasive procedures requiring general anaesthetic, where the patient or user will be made * . . * *: unconscious for a procedure's duration. * *

Patients who are about to undergo operations are often reluctant to take off sentimental jewellery, partly because they are worried that it will be stolen or lost1 but mostly because it provides comfort to them at a distressing time. * * * * * **

Currently these users are not permitted to take such items as if the items are worn * the items present risk of breaching regulations on hygiene and if the items are stored anywhere than the user's body, the items may be lost, stolen or misplaced.

Consequently such items are commonly left at the user's bed or with nursing staff, friends or relatives where appropriate.

In contrast the present invention provides a simple solution to patients or users who wish to take valuable items, trinkets or credit cards with them into medical procedures or operations both for security and reassurance reasons.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a single-use sterile medical container including at least one pouch and an elongate body; said body to have a closure means and said at least one pouch having a sealing portion.

In preferred embodiments and according to a second aspect of the present invention the container is made primarily of a medical grade plastics material, typically from material such as polythene, vinyl or plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) length, being provided for use in sterile conditions, for example wherein the containers are provided in use in a sterile or clean carton dispenser with a resiliently deforniable aperture for extraction of the containers as required.

Preferably the container and the container material are fully resistant to alcohol, soaps and water.

In some embodiments the container includes a wristband or a patient bracelets, wherein the closure means includes: a corresponding male button and female cup that can be fastened together through one of a plurality of holes. This allows speedy closure and may combine with a lock and tamper appropriate material to prevent casual theft of the valuables.

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* ** Typically in all preferred embodiments the containers are single-use being used for a :.: . single procedure or hospital stay and disposed of after such use, consequently are not provided with multiple use closure or sealing capabilities. * *.

Ideally the container is long enough to be wrapped around a limb (arm or leg) at least *e.SeS * once. In this way the user or other person may place valuables into the pouch and wrap the container about the user's arm, wrist, leg or ankle as preferred depending on user preference and operation type.

In some embodiments the container is wrapped around a limb at least twice, in order that the pouches are subsequently made more difficult to access without cutting the container material, ensuring the pouch is made tamperproof.

In other embodiments the container may be attached to another section of the user's body, for example using adhesive or string member passed about a part of the user's body.

Preferably the pouch includes a transparent section or window in order that the user and others are able to view contents of the pouch at all times; in order that the user may be reassured and others may ensure that the user has not misplaced any valuables, or bad the valuables stolen.

Preferably the closure means is adhesive or includes at least one adhesive section.

In some embodiments there may be also included further closure means in addition or the alternative, such as corresponding male and female sections, plastic zipper or hook and loop sections such as VELCRO (Trade Mark).

Preferably any form of closure means that is quick and secure, is provided in a sterile condition and includes minimal areas for contamination.

Preferably the adhesive closure means is covered prior to use by a disposable cover, in order that this cover may be removed and disposed of prior to use, and wherein prior to its removal the adhesive is not liable to collect contamination when the * * 15 container is in storage or transport.

This cover is ideally a slip of paper or thin plastic, although in some embodiments thicker covers may be utilised to provide some form of structural form to the container * * . * before use and when in storage or transport.

* *. Ideally the portion is adhesive. * . * * **

* In further embodiments there may be provided a push fit or press together closure portion or other easily and securely closed portion.

Preferably the adhesive portion is covered prior to use by a disposable cover.

Preferably the container includes a plurality of pouches. In this way a plurality of items of valuables may be put into the container, and kept separate. In addition or the alternative these items may be displayed or hidden according to the user's preference.

Preferably the pouch has a tamperproof sealing portion or in other embodiments the container has a tamperproof pouch or nature. In this way the user may be assured that their valuables are not at risk whilst they are unconscious or otherwise indisposed.

Said taniperproof nature may for example consist of an audible alarm wherein the container is provided with a tamper circuit that surrounds some of the container or the pouch portion and will activate an embedded electronic device should the circuit be broken.

In other embodiments for example it may be envisaged that there may be included an embedded wire or member, which member will require separation or otherwise impeded removal after the container has been installed on the user. In this way the process of unauthorised removal of this wire is liable to disturb the user or others.

Removal may need to be effected by a key, or special tool, including such as wire snippers.

Typically the containers may be customised with coloured logos at a point of *... manufacture. Any printed parts are heat sensitive and printed without inks or ribbons.

* te. .* * : * Preferably in yet further embodiments in order to ensure user and/or valuables safety and security the containers may be supplied with an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip included or embedded.

* ** - *"* This may ensure a further level of security over valuables placed in the container, * and may combine with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or reader or a scanner at exits from places where procedures or operations occur.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the container in use; Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 and associated storage means; and Figures 3 show two different embodiments of the container. * S S * *.

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Detailed Description of Figures * S. * * S ** *

The pictured and preferred embodiment 1 provides a bag to store valuables in which * can be taken safely into a sterile operating environment. * S S * *5

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* The embodiment is a single-use disposable bag 1 which is both sterile or clean, and has the capability to attach securely to an arm or leg of a patient 2 as appropriate and according to operation or procedure.

As such the embodiment is preferably sterile and/or packaged in sterile paper bags before use (not shown). Further embodiments may be packaged in a clean environment. Preferably the containers 1 are stored in a sealed box 3.

Valuables are placed into the pouch 4, details are written on a label 5 to identify the patient, and preferably stipulate valuables placed inside, and the pouch 4 is subsequently sealed with the adhesive portion 6 after removal of any cover (not shown).

Where a third party tampers with the container 1, a break perforation 7 is liable to show that the pouch 4 has been opened.

Finally the container is strapped over the patient and closed with adhesive means 8.

The embodiment as preferred is ideally cheap to manufacture wherein the container is intended to be disposed of after one use to avoid cross-contamination.

As pictured the embodiment is available in at least two different sizes, one for small items such as rings and religious pendants and one for larger items such as glasses.

Hospitals and cosmetic clinics may purchase the containers to provide to their patients as needed in a quick and efficient movement. * * . * ** * * * * * . 0 S.. S * S. * S S * *5

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Claims

Claims 1. A single-use sterile medical container including at least one pouch and an elongate body: said body to have a closure means and said at least one pouch having a sealing portion.
2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the container is made primarily of a medical grade plastics material.
3. A container according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the container is long enough to be wrapped around a standard limb at least once.
4. A container according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the pouch includes a transparent section or window.
5. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the closure means is * * . * adhesive or includes at least one adhesive section. * *
6. A container according to claim 5 wherein the adhesive closure means is * ** * * * * 20 covered prior to use by a disposable cover.

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7. A container according to any preceding claim wherein he portion is adhesive.
8. A container according to claim 7 wherein the adhesive portion is covered prior * to use by a disposable cover.
9. A container according to any preceding claim including a plurality of pouches.
10. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the pouch has a tamperproof sealing portion.
11. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the closure and sealing is single-use.
12. A container according to any preceding claim supplied with an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip included or embedded.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A single-use sterile container for personal items comprises at least one pouch and an elongate body; said body has a closure means for wrapping the container about a limb and said at least one pouch has a sealing portion, 2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the container is a medical grade plastics material.3. A container according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the container is capable of being wrapped around a limb at least once.4. A container according to claim 11.2 or 3 wherein the pouch includes a transparent section or window.5. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the closure means is adhesive or includes at least one adhesive section.6. A container according to claim 5 wherein the adhesive closure means is covered prior to use by a disposable cover.7. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the sealing portion is adhesive.8. A container according to claim 7 wherein the adhesive portion is covered prior to use by a disposable cover. * .,* 9. A container according to any preceding claim includes a plurality of pouches. o * 0 O*( a10. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the pouch has a tamperproof sealing portion. no,.11. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the closure means and sealing portion are single-use.12. A container according to any preceding claim with an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip included or embedded.