GB2564382A

GB2564382A - Container

Info

Publication number: GB2564382A
Application number: GB1709425.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Burrowes Dale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-06-14
Filing date: 2017-06-14
Publication date: 2019-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-14
Also published as: GB201709425D0; GB2564382B

Abstract

A disposable sharps container comprising a closure system; wherein the closure system comprises a releasable lid 1 and an aperture in the closure system to receive a resiliently biased locking member 6, wherein the locking member 6 is actuated by a push button 4 to release the lid 1; the container further comprising multiple receiving members 2a angled inwardly towards an aperture opening into a vessel 9, wherein the multiple receiving members 2a form a one-way funnel 2 through which objects can be inserted into the device but preventing objects being removed therethrough. The system may further comprise a button guard 5. The push button 4 may be removable and inserted into the hinge 8 to secure in a closed position.

Description

Container

The present invention relates to a container, in particular a container for the disposal of sharp objects, such as medical supplies, including hypodermic needles. "Sharps" injuries are the second most common injury for the NHS, costing the health service a significant amount of money per year (in the region of £650 million) and exposing medical staff to potential hazards. Blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis B, C and HIV are potential risks that health care professionals face when dealing with contaminated sharps. Sharps containers are commonplace in the medical environment to deposit used sharps and other contaminated objects that need safe disposal. Some of these sharps will have bodily fluid such as blood or medicine on them so pose a potential hazard to the user.

Disposal containers for sharp objects; for example, hypodermic needles and other sharp medical instruments, such as IV catheters and disposable scalpels are often referred to as "a sharps container". Sharps containers/bins/disposal boxes are commonly used in hospitals and other medical centres. Sharps containers are usually a hard plastic container that is used to safely dispose of sharp instruments without allowing a user to access the container once the sharp instrument has been disposed of therein.

Patent Publication US20050103663 discloses a disposal device used for the disposal of hazardous contaminated sharps, such as hypodermic needles, generated from treating patients. The disposal device is compact enough to fit in medical kits and hospital trays and is able to be used at the patient's bedside to eliminate the need to recap or transport contaminated sharps to non-bedside sharp disposal devices. The triangular shape of the device provides enough stability to prevent the device from tipping over if knocked and the device includes a slit, one-way aperture with this safety feature made from the same material as the main body as a folded over flap. However, the fins disclosed in US20050103663 are not angled downward, which significantly reduces the safety of the device because it is possible for the "sharps" to exit the device.

Patent Publication US4454944 discloses a disposable receptacle for disposing of sharp and hazardous objects such as syringes, razor blades etc. discarded from clinics and hospitals and includes a generally box-like container preferably constructed of a rigid durable plastic having a circular opening in the top with a neck projecting from the opening and including a closure having a plurality of "pie-shaped" spring flaps forming a one way closure for permitting the insertion of objects but preventing the withdrawal of objects from the container. Shoulders project upward from the top of the container at each side of the neck with handles extending between the neck and shoulders providing handles for carrying, and forming slots therebetween for receiving a generally D-shaped lock strap member for lockably attaching the container to a vertical support surface preferably at an elevated position to reduce access by children. Grooves are formed around the perimeter of the container for receiving straps for mounting the container. US4454944 also discloses a slit valve aperture, which is made from a soft membrane to push sharps through the flexible slits; however, the aperture is also flat which limits the functionality of the device as entry and exit will require a similar force.

Current sharps containers are used by paramedics and other medical professionals to dispose of sharps. However, known containers cannot be opened with one hand and require two hands for opening and re-closing, such that a user is required to manipulate opening of the container whilst still holding the sharp object. This increases the potential hazard of a user being hurt by or contaminated by the sharp object during disposal. Furthermore, it has been found that the one-way safety feature of existing devices is not effective, which makes disposal and storage of sharp objects unsafe.

The present invention seeks to alleviate the aforementioned disadvantages with known sharps containers by providing an improved sharps container, which allows for safe and convenient disposal of sharp objects, whilst improving the ergonomics, safety and usability of the device.

According to the present invention, there is provided a disposable sharps container comprising a closure system; wherein the closure system comprises a releasable lid and an aperture in the closure system to receive a resiliently biased locking member, wherein the locking member is actuated by a push button to release the lid; the container further comprising multiple receiving members angled inwardly towards an aperture opening into a vessel, wherein the multiple receiving members form a one-way funnel through which objects can be inserted into the device but preventing objects being removed therethrough.

The angled receiving members/fins of the present invention make it significantly less likely that a sharp object will escape the device once it has been inserted therein; thus, the safety of the present invention is much improved.

The push-button actuation of the closure system provides a "pop top" device, which can be opened with a single hand, either left or right, decreasing the potential for sharps injuries as the sharp object will not be in the hand holding the container whilst opening the device. Most sharps containers currently need two hands to open and re-close. The resiliently-biased locking member of the present invention allows the container to be opened with one hand only. This allows a user to safely hold the sharp object when opening the container and significantly reduces the risk of harm or contamination during use.

The lid of the device when closed will provide a final barrier of protection to stop any sharps exiting the device when closed and also sealing any liquids into the container.

Medical professionals wear gloves whilst at work so the device has been designed so that, with the resultant reduced dexterity, the mechanism can still be used safely and effectively. The size of the container is suitable for the 5th to 95th percentile of user's hand sizes and provides a comfortable holding position when in use.

The device is manufactured using existing manufacturing processes and will not be cost prohibitive.

Preferably, the resiliently biased locking member is part of a hammer and latch mechanism.

Preferably, the closure system further comprises a button guard; more preferably, the closure system further comprises a pivotable button guard; still more preferably, the closure system comprises a button guard that is pivotable both anti-clockwise and clockwise. Preferably, the button guard sits in a naturally locked, preferably vertical position, when not in use. A pivotable button guard ensures that there is no risk that the push-button could be actuated to open the closure system, accidentally. Preferably, the button guard is removable by rotation in either direction to be moved in both direction using one hand, whether the user is left or right handed.

Preferably, the resiliently biased locking member comprises a push button. Preferably, the push button sits in a recess between at least two protruding side walls.

By sitting within at least two side walls, the risk that the push button is accidentally depressed is significantly reduced; for example, by a user accidentally pressing the push button from the side.

Preferably, the push button is removable from the closure system.

Preferably, the push button is a planar tag; more preferably, the push button is a planar tag having an aperture and/or a slot therethrough.

Preferably, the closure system further comprises a protrusion on the lid of the container to mate with the aperture and/or slot through the push button.

Preferably, the releasable lid is rotatable about a hinge between a closed and an open position.

Preferably, the push button is removably insertable through at least part of the hinge to prevent rotation of the releasable lid about the hinge and secure the releasable lid in a closed position.

The closure system of the present invention allows the device to be permanently locked by removal and re-insertion of the push button. The mating slot/protrusion of the closure system is such that the push button is securely held within the hinge and ensures that the closure system remains in the closed and locked configuration. This eliminates the risk that the device could accidentally fall open prior to disposal and ensures that it is not possible to release the "pop top" lid. The present invention thus provides a fool-proof, tamper-proof and totally secure system for disposal of the sharps container.

Preferably, the closure system further comprises an elastomeric O-ring around the opening of the lid.

Preferably, the one way funnel further comprises a recess around its rim.

The recess or channel around the rim of the one-way funnel/ the passive filter of the present invention is configured such that any liquid, which may be held within the container; for example, bodily fluid or medicine, will not leak out. Rather, any liquid will be contained within the internal channel. The channel/trough provides a level of liquid retention if the device is knocked over. The liquid content of a sharps box is typically low; however, it is important to prevent contamination by spillage of any fluids contained therein.

Optionally, a super absorbent polymer AGM (Absorbent Gel Material) lines the trough.

By lining the trough with an AGM, absorption of liquid such as medicine or bodily fluids is improved to further ensure that no spills occur.

Preferably, each of the multiple receiving members are flexible.

More preferably, each of the multiple receiving members are resilient.

By providing flexible and/or resilient receiving member, the one-way funnel "springs back" to its resting position after a sharp object has been inserted therethrough. The flexible and/or resilient receiving members allow the sharp objects to be inserted through the one-way funnel easily and without the application of any significant force.

Preferably, the multiple receiving members are angled at about 10 to about 80 degrees from the horizontal; more preferably at about 40 to about 80 degrees from the horizontal; most preferably at about 60 degrees from the horizontal.

The angled receiving members ensure that it is easy and convenient to insert sharp objects into the container, whilst securely preventing sharp objects exiting the container once they are within the vessel.

Preferably, there are between about 24 and about 48 receiving members around the circumference of the opening of the closure system; preferably, between about 30 and about 42 receiving members; preferably, between about 33 and about 39 receiving members; preferably, between about 35 and 37 receiving members.

Preferably, there are 36 receiving members around the circumference of the opening of the closure system.

Preferably, the receiving members are made from a moulded flexible material.

By providing flexible receiving members, it has been found that the receiving members/fins are able to bend from the point where they are secured to the lid at the outer circumference of the opening through which sharps are fed; i.e, at the opening furthest from the aperture through which sharps penetrate the one-way filter to pass into the vessel. This flexibility allows for improved ease of insertion of sharps. The provision of between about 24 and about 48 receiving members ensures that the filter is flexible enough to avoid any risk of injury when a inserts sharps into the vessel; that is, a user does not have to forcefully push the sharps through the filter to allow them to penetrate the filter and pass into the vessel. This ease of insertion is a significant advantage of the present invention by enabling the sharps to be quickly and easily disposed of.

Preferably, the receiving members are spaced from each other by a gap of between about 0.25mm and about 0.75mm, preferably between about 0,4mm and about 0,6mm.

Preferably, the receiving members are spaced from each other by a gap of about 0.5mm.

It has been found that the small gap between the receiving members provides flexibility for ease of insertion of sharp objects into the vessel, whilst reducing the chance of a sharp object protruding through any gaps in the one-way filter formed by the receiving members.

Preferably, the container is made of a coated paper pulp material.

It has been found that coated paper pulp has sufficient water resistance and resistance to puncture to meet the relevant standards; furthermore, this material is thermoformed to produce very strong and rigid 3D forms, providing a sustainable alternative to plastic.

Within this specification, embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:-

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the container of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the closure system of the container in a closed and locked state, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the closure system of the container in a closed and unlocked state, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the closure system of the container in an open state, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of the closure system of the container in a closed, unlocked state, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a rear perspective view of the closure system of the container in a closed state prior to locking, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 shows an enlarged rear view of the locking mechanism of the present invention, showing the container in a permanent closure configuration, which is closed and locked/sealed in preparation for final disposal;

Figures 8a and 8b show a cross-sectional view through the closure system of the container of the present invention in a closed configuration [Figure 8a] and in an open configuration [Figure 8b];

Figure 9a shows a perspective view of the one-way filter of the present invention; Figure 9b shows a view from above of the one-way filter of the present invention; Figure 9c shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B (shown in Figure 9d) of the one-way filter of the present invention; and Figure 9d shows a view from the side of the one-way filter of the present invention; and

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the container of the present invention without the closure mechanism attached thereto.

Referring to Figure 1, the sharps container of the present invention comprises a vessel 9 for storing sharp objects; for example, sharp objects used for medical purposes; including but not limited to syringes, needles, razors, IV catheters and disposable scalpels, broken glass, tubes, broken rigid plastic, exposed ends of dental wires etc. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vessel comprises a fill line indicator, which is a mark or indicator on the vessel which shows the maximum fill volume. The vessel 9 is opened and closed by means of a closure system, comprising a pop-top lid 3, a push button 4, a resilient locking member 6, and a pivotable button guard 5. A passive filter, also referred to as a one-way funnel 2, in the form of movable receiving members, funnels sharp objects through an aperture into the vessel 9 for storage prior to disposal. The aperture is the opening of the container through which sharps are inserted for disposal.

An elastomeric O-ring 7 creates a liquid tight seal between the pop-top lid 3 and the lid 1, which reduces the chance of any liquid leakage if some liquid passes through the passive filter 2. It is understood that the container of the present invention is leak-resistant and is able to prevent escape of fluid under the conditions specified in the relevant International Standard. ISO standard BS ΕΝ ISO 23907-2012 ("Sharps Injury Protection Requirements and Test Methods Sharps Containers") and BS EN ISO 23908-2013 have been taken into account for the present invention.

Referring to Figure 10, the vessel 9, which forms the body of the sharps container is attached to the closure system by a one-way fitting and is bonded to the closure system by a permanent fixing process, such as sonic welding or is attached by adhesive to ensure that the lid 1 remains attached to the vessel 9 throughout the full life cycle of the product, including multiple opening and closures before disposal. It is envisaged that the sharps container is made of a coated paper pulp material and has sufficient water resistance and resistance to puncture to meet the relevant standards; for example, to ensure that the vessel 9 can withstand 15N of pressure using a 0.8mm needle in accordance with BS EN ISO 23907-2012.

Referring to Figures 1 to 7, the closure system comprises a push button 4, which allows for one-handed opening of the lid 1 to allow a user to access the one-way filter 2, through which sharp objects are inserted into the vessel 9 of the device.

Referring to Figures 4, 8a and 8b, the push button 4 is configured to be pressed by the thumb of a user to release a hammer and latch mechanism. In use pressing the push button 4 depresses and releases a resilient locking member of the "pop-top" lid 3. The resilient locking member 6 locks the lid into a closed position (Figure 8a) by fitting inside a hole where it then protrudes through an opening in the face of the vertical upright boss in the top 3 of the lid 1. The push button 4 has a small block on the back of the button 4, which presses against the front face of the latch, releasing the pressure and opening the top of the lid 3.

To reduce the chance of accidental actuation of the push button mechanism a pivotable button guard 5 is rotatable around the external face of the push button 4 and is rotatable both clock-wise and anti-clockwise to allow ambidextrous use. In a closed position, which is shown in Figure 2, the button guard 5 is rotatable to a vertical position and presses against the plastic top lid 3, shielding the push button 4 from being accidentally pressed. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the push button 4 is further protected by side walls along the perimeter of the recess in which the push button 4 sits. Side walls are included to stop the button being pressed from the side when being carried, this adds another level of safety when in use.

Referring to Figure 5, in use, to permanently lock the device the push button 4 is removed from its original position and is inserted through a hinge at the back of the lid 3, as shown in Figure 6. The removable push button is a planar tab with a slot or aperture in the end of the tab that is distal from the push button. Referring to Figure 7, to fully lock the device, the push button tag 4 is inserted through the hinge at the back of the lid 3 and the slot clips over a protrusion 10, which forms a one-way catch to hold the push button tag within the hinge. When the push button tag 4 is fully inserted through the closed hinge, the lid is prevented from being opened.

Once the lid 3 is finally closed and the button 4 has been removed from the front of the device and installed into the hinge, as shown in Figure 7, the latch mechanism at the front at the device cannot be actuated because the push button 4 is not in place. This combined with the pivotable button guard 5 will provide a fool-proof locking system for disposal via incineration.

Referring to Figures 1, 8 and 9, the closure system further comprises a one-way passive filter 2 comprising multiple elongate, flexible receiving members or fins 2a, which allows sharp objects to enter the vessel 9 in one direction only. In a resting position (Figure 9c and Figure 9d) the receiving members 2a form a substantially conical funnel having an opening at the base through which sharps can enter the vessel 9. In use, the receiving members 2a move from a position at the central axis of the substantially cylindrical vessel towards the wall of the vessel, which provides an opening sized to be suitable to allow a wide variety of sharp objects to pass therethrough. Once the sharp objects have passed through the one-way filter 2, the multiple receiving members 2a are resilient to "spring back" to the closed position and any opening is closed to prevent the sharps exiting the vessel 9, even if the vessel 9 is tipped upside down.

Referring to Figure 9a, the multiple receiving members 2a are angled at about 10-80 degrees from the horizontal, to present sharp objects exiting the container once they are within the vessel 9. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there are thirty six receiving members 2a equidistant from each other around the circumference of the opening of the lid 1. The receiving members 2a are spaced from each by a gap of about 0.5mm,

Referring to Figure 9c, a trough 2b on the inside rim of the passive filter provides a level of liquid retention if the device is knocked over. The liquid content of a sharps box is typically low; however, it is important to prevent contamination by spillage of any fluids contained therein. Additionally, a super absorbent polymer AGM (Absorbent Gel Material) would line the trough to aid absorption of liquid such as medicine or bodily fluids.

Within this specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A disposable sharps container comprising a closure system; wherein the closure system comprises a releasable lid and an aperture in the closure system to receive a resiliently biased locking member, wherein the locking member is actuated by a push button to release the lid; the container further comprising multiple receiving members angled inwardly towards an aperture opening into a vessel, wherein the multiple receiving members form a one-way funnel through which objects can be inserted into the device but preventing objects being removed therethrough.

2. A disposable sharps container according to claim 1, wherein the resiliently biased locking member is part of a hammer and latch mechanism.

3. A disposable sharps container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the closure system further comprises a button guard.

4. A disposable sharps container according to claim 3, wherein the button guard is a pivotable button guard.

5. A disposable sharps container according to claim 4, wherein the button guard is pivotable both anti-clockwise and clockwise.

6. A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein the resiliently biased locking member comprises a push button.

7. A disposable sharps container according to claim 6, wherein the push button sits in a recess between at least two protruding side walls.

8. A disposable sharps container according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the push button is removable from the closure system.

9. A disposable sharps container according to claim 8 wherein the push button is a planar tag.

10. A disposable sharps container according to claim 9 wherein, the push button is a planar tag having an aperture and/or a slot therethrough.

11. A disposable sharps container according to claim 10, wherein the closure system further comprises a protrusion on the lid of the container to mate with the aperture and/or slot through the push button.

12. A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein the releasable lid is rotatable about a hinge between a closed and an open position.

13. A disposable sharps container according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the push button is removably insertable through at least part of a hinge attached to the releasable lid to prevent rotation of the releasable lid about the hinge and secure the releasable lid in a closed position.

14. A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein the closure system further comprises an elastomeric O-ring around the opening of the lid.

15. A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein the one way funnel further comprises a recess around its rim.

16. A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein the one way funnel further comprises a recess around its rim and the recess is lined with a super absorbent polymer AGM (Absorbent Gel Material).

17, A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the multiple receiving members are flexible-

18, A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the multiple receiving members are resilient,

19, A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein the multiple receiving members are angled at about 10 to about 80 degrees from the horizontal.

20, A disposable sharps container according to claim 19, wherein the multiple receiving members are angled at about 40 to about 80 degrees from the horizontal.

21, A disposable sharps container according to according to claim 20, wherein the multiple receiving members are angled at about 80 degrees from the horizontal.

22, A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein there are between about 24 and about 42 receiving members around the circumference of the opening of the closure system.

23, A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein there are 36 receiving members around the circumference of the opening of the closure system.

24, A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving members are made from a moulded flexible material.

25. A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving members are spaced from each other by a gap of between about 0.25mm and about 0.75mm.

26. A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving members are spaced from each other by a gap of about 0,5mm,

27. A disposable sharps container according to any preceding claim made of a coated paper pulp material.