WO1996022059A1

WO1996022059A1 - Method and apparatus for removing and sealing biohazardous articles within an extensible container

Info

Publication number: WO1996022059A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/000713
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Pribyl; Timothy Juntunen; Paul Heath; John Reisinger
Original assignee: Ronald Pribyl; Timothy Juntunen; Paul Heath; John Reisinger
Priority date: 1995-01-20
Filing date: 1996-01-18
Publication date: 1996-07-25
Also published as: AU4702596A

Abstract

A method and apparatus for removing an article from a patient comprising an extensible container or sleeve having a collar or body maintaining the neck of the container in an open position. The extensible container is initially collapsed or compressed (in an accordion or folded manner) such that a proximal end of the article may be gripped through the container and withdrawn from the patient, the container expanding or unfolding to accommodate the length of the article. The neck is collapsible to provide a sealing means to form a closure. The body may be compressed or collapsed and sealed to form an enclosure containing the article. The body or container may include a protective skirt to provide an enhanced barrier between the patient and the surrounding environment. A retractor or handle initially disposed within the extensible container may be used to grip and withdraw relatively lengthy items such as tubing or catheters, and the retractor may include a pulley member that permits withdrawal at twice the linear rate of displacement of the retractor relative to the body. Alternate embodiments including a truncated gripping adapter, an enclosed two-part case, a completely removable extensible container, and a toroid-shaped case are also disclosed.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING AND SEALING BIOHAZARDOUS ARTICLES WITHIN AN EXTENSIBLE CONTAINER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to devices and methods for withdrawing or removing, containing, sealing, transporting, and disposing of contaminated or biohazardous articles such as medical instruments and tubing, and alternately for the collection and transportation of evidentiary samples.

2. Prior Art

Physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel must regularly remove or withdraw various articles from within the body of a patient, or from close proximity to a wound, incision, body cavity, or orifice. Those articles may present a known or unknown health risk to the medical personnel — either due to physiological contamination or the presence of biohazardous substances on the article — or it may otherwise be undesirable to expose the articles to the surrounding environment.

The variety of sizes and shapes of such articles mitigates against their removal in a sterile or contained environment that provides a barrier between the article and both the medical personnel and surrounding environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of this invention to design an apparatus for removing various implements and articles from within a patient so as to provide a barrier between the article and both the medical personnel and the surrounding environment, thus protecting the medical personnel from contact with contaminants or biohazards, insulating the article from the surrounding environment, and reducing the patient's exposure to infectious conditions. It is another object of this invention to design the above apparatus such that it can accommodate a wide variety of articles and implements encountered in a typical medical setting, those articles having unique and distinct shapes, sizes, configurations, and uses.

It is a further object of this invention to design the above apparatus such that it may be quickly and easily sealed to contain the article in a substantially sterile, fluid-tight enclosure for storage, transport, or disposal.

It is a related object of this invention to design the above apparatus such that it provides a unique and superior method for the removal of such articles from a patient, and such that the method may be used to remove certain articles in a manner that proves to be rapid, safe, convenient, less intrusive, and produce less irritation or discomfort for the patient.

It is a distinct object of this invention to design the above apparatus and method such that they may be used for purposes such as collecting, securing, transporting, and storing evidentiary materials in a safe, sterile, tamper-resistant, and tamper-evidencing manner.

Briefly described, the method and apparatus of this invention comprises an extensible container or sleeve having a collar or body maintaining the neck of the container in an open position. The extensible container is initially collapsed or compressed (in an accordion or folded manner) such that a proximal end of the article may be gripped through the container and withdrawn from the patient, the container expanding or unfolding to accommodate the length of the article, the neck being collapsible and providing a sealing means to form a closure. The body may be compressed or collapsed and sealed to form an enclosure containing the article. The body or container may include a protective skirt to provide an enhanced barrier between the patient and the surrounding environment. A retractor or handle initially disposed within the extensible container may be used to grip and withdraw relatively lengthy items such as tubing or catheters, and the retractor may include a pulley member that permits withdrawal at twice the linear rate of displacement of the retractor relative to the body. Alternate embodiments including a truncated gripping adapter, an enclosed two-part case, a completely removable extensible container, and a toroid-shaped case are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an elevation view of a first embodiment of the collection apparatus with the extensible container portion in a collapsed configuration, and an article such as a length of tubing; Figure 2 is an elevation view of the collection apparatus with the extensible container portion in a collapsed configuration, with the article such as a length of tubing inserted partially therein;

Figure 3 is an elevation view of the collection apparatus with the extensible container portion in a partially extended configuration, with the proximal end of the article such as a length of tubing inserted partially therein;

Figure 4 is an elevation view of the collection apparatus with the container portion in a fully extended and closed configuration, with the article such as a length of tubing inserted entirely therein;

Figure 5 is a front cross-section view of the collection apparatus of Figure 1 taken through line 5-5 of Figure 3 showing the body in a fully open configuration;

Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the collection apparatus of Figure 4 lying flat and showing the body in the sealed configuration;

Figure 7 is a partially broken away detail view of a first alternate embodiment of the body of the collection apparatus of Figure 1 showing a crease point;

Figure 8 is an elevation view of a second alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus of Figure 1 showing a gasket portion disposed distal to the body; Figure 9 is a side elevation view of a handle member used with a third alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a front elevation view of the third alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the third alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus of Figure 1 showing the handle member extended from the interior of the extensible container portion and the body and the article engaged thereon, with the extensible container member in the compressed configuration;

Figure 12 is a side elevation view of the third alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus of Figure 1 showing the handle member retracted into the interior of the extensible container portion, with the extensible container portion partially extended and the article partially received therein;

Figure 13 is a side elevation view of the fourth alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus of Figure 1 showing a truncated neck and gripping tube;

Figure 14 is a front perspective view of a fifth alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus of Figure 1 having a two part case; Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus shown in Figure 14 ;

Figure 16 is a side cross section view of the fifth alternate embodiment shown in Figure 14 in the partially extended position;

Figure 17 is a side cross section of an alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus shown in Figures 14-16 in which an inner core is provided, and in which the extensible container is drawn throuth an aperture in the rear of the casing;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a sixth alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus of Figure 1 in which the casing is a toroid; and Figure 19 is an side cross section view of the alternate embodiment of the collection apparatus shown in Figure 18 with a cover member spaced apart and confronting the front of the collection apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The method and apparatus for removing and sealing articles within an extensible container of this invention are shown in Figures 1-19 and referenced generally therein by the numeral 10, and in relation to an article 12 such as a length of medical catheter tubing as a representative example.

Referring particularly to Figure 1-4, a first embodiment of the apparatus 10 is shown consisting of a generally cylindrical hollow body member 14 and an extensible container member 16 attached or connected to the body member 14.

The body member 14 has a distal end 18 and a proximal end 20, and defines an outer cylindrical surface 22 therebetween.

The body member 14 may be fabricated from a tubular section of paperboard, fiberboard, or plastic preferably having a diameter significantly greater than its length. The extensible container member 16 is preferably fabricated from a continuous sleeve or tube of transparent or translucent polymer film such as polyethylene or Mylar, with an air-tight, thermally-welded seam 24 extending along and closing the proximal end to define an enclosed interior region. The distal end of the extensible container member 16 closely circumscribes the outer cylindrical surface 22 of the body member 14, and is secured or fastened to the body member 14 using a retaining collar 26 that similarly circumscribes the body member 14 and holds or maintains the distal end of the extensible container member 16 in a predetermined position relative to the body member 14. The extensible container member 16 may also provide a labelling surface, or a separate label (not shown) may be applied to the exterior of the extensible container member 16, so that the extensible container member 16 can be physically marked to identify the article 14 and any provide any pertinent information for future reference.

Referring particularly to Figure 1, the distal end and the majority of the extensible container member 16 are initially compressed in a completely collapsed, folded, or accordion fashion such that the extensible container member 16 is disposed on the outer side of the body member 14, except for the most proximal end. The user places the body portion 14 proximate to the article 12 to be withdrawn and sealed, with the opening at the distal end 18 of the body portion 14 disposed facing toward and in close proximity to the proximal end 28 of the article 12. The proximal end 28 of the article 12 is inserted through the opening and the interior of the body member 14 and into the interior region of the extensible container member 16 as shown in Figure 2, and into close proximity to the proximal end or seam 24 thereof. Conversely, the body member 14 and extensible container member 16 are placed over the proximal end 28 of the article 12 when the extensible container member 16 are in the completely collapsed configuration.

The user grasps the proximal end 28 of the article 12 and the surrounding portion of the extensible container member 16 therewith, and pulls or draws the remainder of the article 12 into the interior region of the extensible container member 16 through the opening and interior of the body member 14 as shown in Figure 3, until the distal end 30 of the article 12 is received within the extensible container member 16 as shown in Figure 4.

As the article 12 and the surrounding portion of the extensible container member 16 are pulled or drawn rearwardly away from the body member 12, the compressed, accordion, or folded portion 32 of the extensible container member 16 will extend or unfold sequentially from the rearmost edge until the extensible container member 16 has reached the completely extended or expanded configuration as shown in Figure 4. It may be appreciated that the extensible container member 16 may be compressed in an accordion manner generally circumscribing a longitudinal axis and along the longitudinal axis as shown, with the body member 14 optionally but not necessarily circumscribing that longitudinal axis, or may be folded across one or more creases or fold lines from which the extensible container is unfolded to the extended configuration.

Referring to Figures 4-6, the opposing sides of the body portion 12 may then be pressed or crushed into contact with one another as shown in Figure 6 to close and obstruct the opening through the interior of the body member 14, and may be fastened or secured in that closed configuration using a segment of sealing tape 34, permanent or removable clip, or other suitable fastening device. The article 12, body member 14, and extensible container member 16 may be sealed, transported, stored, disposed of, or destroyed without the user having had to physically contact the article 12, and without exposing the majority of the article 12 to the surrounding environment. A cover or closure (not shown) may initially be disposed over the distal opening of the body member 12 to maintain the interior region of the extensible container member 16 in a sterile, clean, or uncontaminated condition. Sterilization may be accomplished using ionizing or ultraviolet (uv) radiation or other conventional methods after the cover or closure is applied to the opening.

One or more of the apparatuses 10 may also be initially sealed within a bag, pouch, or envelope and similarly sterilized.

In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-6, the retaining collar 26 circumscribes both the exterior surface 22 of the body member 12 and the distal end of the extensible container member 16. The retaining collar 26 may be any type of flexible, compressive, or elastic band, bead, or cord such as a binder, thermal shrink-wrap polymer material, or an adhesive tape material.

In embodiments in which the body portion 14 is fabricated from a plastic or polymer material that may be more difficult to manually fold or crush than a tubular section of cardboard, fiberboard, or linerboard, or which may have greater memory characteristics causing the body member 14 to rebound to the generally open configuration, the inner or outer surfaces of the body member 14 or both may define one or more score lines or creases 36 extending partially or completely between the distal end 18 and proximal end 20 thereof as shown particularly in Figure 7. One or two pair of creases 36 may be disposed on diametrically opposing sides of the body member 14 to facilitate the body member 14 folding to a substantially flat configuration with the opposing sides in a generally planar orientation contacting one another, as shown in Figure 6. A body member 14 fabricated from cardboard, fiberboard, or linerboard may be similarly crimped or creased to facilitate folding, particularly multiple folds or configurations other than circular, oval, or flattened (for example, a pleated or gussetted fold.)

Referring particularly to Figure 8, an alternate embodiment of the apparatus is shown in which the distal end of the extensible container member 16 may extend a distance beyond the front or distal end 18 of the body member 14 to define a skirt member 38 used to form or enhance a seal against the patient, either by flaring the skirt member 38 radially outwardly and pressing the skirt member 38 and distal end 18 of the body member 14 into contact with the patient, or folding the skirt member 38 into the opening and interior of the body member 14 to separate the body member 14 from direct contact with the patient and partially close the opening in the body member 14. The skirt member 38 can thereby facilitate a fluid-tight seal along the periphery of the body member

14 against the patient, or enclose the circumference of the article 12 at a point directly proximate to the boundary between the interior and exterior of the incision, wound, cavity, or orifice through which the article 12 extends into and out of the patient. The distal end 18 of the body member 12 may be fabricated or adapted to have a shaped or contoured edge such that the body member 14 can be pressed into close confronting and sealing contact with the patient, or may be adapted to mate with an extant portion of a device or apparatus to which the article 12 is connected and which is not withdrawn or removed along with the article 12. The distal end of the extensible container member 16 may be attached or connected to the body member 14 using an alternate fastening method, such as an adhesive strip (not shown) extending around the exterior peripheral surface 22 of the body member 14, or one or more secondary or supplemental retaining collars (not shown), rings, or bands that circumscribe or are received within the body member 14 with the distal portion of the extensible container member 16 disposed or layered therebetween or folded therearound such that the extensible container member 16 remains generally in a fixed position relative to the body member 14. The supplemental retaining collars may be slidably received and frictionally engaged within or on the body member 14, or may be secured in place thereto using an adhesive, clips, staples, or other suitable fastener. One application of the supplemental retaining collar is to form a covering for the compressed portion of the extensible container member 16 being held on the body 14 in accordion or pleated folds. The supplemental retaining collar thereby provides a gripping surface that the user can grip without interfering with the uniform deployment of the extensible container member 16 from the body 14, and without that deployment causing the user to shift or lose their grip on the body 14 as the extensible container member 16 is moved to the fully extended position.

The extensible container member 16 can remain connected to the body member 14 after the article 12 has been received therein, or the extensible container member 16 may be disconnected from the body member 14. The extensible container member 16 may be perforated directly behind or proximal to the body member 14, or the supplemental retaining collar can be removed to disengage the extensible container member 16 from the body member 14. The distal end of the extensible container member 16 can then optionally be sealed using an adhesive, tie, clip, or knot.

In place of sealing tape 34 or other clip or fastener, the interior surface of the body member 14 may be coated with an aggressive contact adhesive, particularly an adhesive or dual adhesive combination that is more susceptible to adhesion with the material of the body 12 or with a matingly adherent surface rather than the material most expected for the article 12. The body member 14 may also be inserted into the interior region of the extensible container member 16 prior to the extensible container member 16 being sealed with a clip, tie, adhesive, or knot.

The distal end 18 of the body member 14 may be equipped with a flexible or resilient gasket (not shown) to serve as a barrier or seal in a similar manner to the skirt member 38. The interior of the body member 14, skirt member 38, or gasket may be lined with an absorbent liner used to absorb any fluids, contaminants, or clean the surface of the article 12 as it is drawn into the extensible container member 16. It is anticipated that an extensible container member 16 fabricated from a

1 mil thickness of "lay flat" polyethylene sleeve having an expanded diameter of 3.75" and a length of approximately 4' will be suitable for many medical uses such as the removal of drains and catheters. Approximately 0.5" of the distal end of the extensible container member 16 is connected to the body member 14, with the extensible container member 16 compressed to a length of approximately 1.5" and disposed on the body member 14. In some applications or embodiments, the extensible container member 16 may be fabricated from a resilient elastomeric material such as latex, such that the extensible container member 16 will stretch between the compressed and extended configuration rather than being unfolded or fed out from a accordion configuration.

Referring to Figures 9-12, an alternate embodiment of the apparatus 10 is shown in which the body member 12 defines a narrower profile or generally flat cross section, and further defines a more restricted opening or aperture 40 through which the article 12 is to pass. A retractor member 42 is provided having a handle member 44 and a gripping member or pulley 46 mounted on a shaft 50 attached to the handle member 44. The handle member 44 or the entire retractor member 42 is initially disposed within the interior of the extensible container member 16, which is similarly attached to the body member 14 and disposed in a completely or partially collapsed configuration.

In applications or embodiments wherein the retractor member 42 includes a gripping member 46, the gripping member 46 would be extended at least partially through the aperture 40 to engage the proximal end of the article 12 while the user holds the handle member 44 through the extensible container member 16 behind the body 14. The retractor member 42 is withdrawn, causing the gripping member 46 and proximal end of the article 12 to be withdrawn through the aperture 40 and into the interior of the extensible container member 16, and the retractor member 42 would continue to be drawn rearwardly away from the body 14 until the entire article 12 is drawn into the extensible container member 16, at which time the aperture 40 is sealed to form an enclosure.

Conversely, in applications or embodiments wherein the retractor member 42 includes a pulley 46, the pulley 46 would be extended at least partially through the aperture 40 such that a portion of the article 12 adjacent the proximal end may be threaded between distal face of the body 14 and the pulley 46, with the proximal end of the article 12 being gripped by the user or engaged within a clip

52 or other fastener or securing member attached to the body 14 adjacent to the aperture 40. The user again holds the handle member 44 through the extensible container member 16 behind the body 14. As the retractor member 42 is withdrawn, the pulley 46 and medial of the article 12 are withdrawn through the aperture 40 and into the interior of the extensible container member 16, and the retractor member 42 would continue to be drawn rearwardly away from the body 14 until substantially the entire article 12 is drawn into the extensible container member 16. The proximal end of the article 12 can be removed from the clip 52 to permit the article 12 to be completely withdrawn into the extensible container member 16. The aperture 40 is then sealed to form an enclosure. It should be noted that in such an embodiment, the article 12 would be withdrawn from the patient into the extensible container member 16 at a rate of approximately twice the linear displacement of the retractor member 42 relative to the body 14, and the user must consider this factor in situations where the rate of withdrawal of the article 12 must be controlled.

It is understood that the retractor member 42 may be used with a body 14 and extensible container member 16 having any shape or size, and is not restricted to a body 14 having a narrower profile or reduced cross section as shown in Figures 9-12. The use of a retractor member 42 similarly does not require an opening 40 of reduced dimensions, but may be utilized with an opening 40 of any size or shape. In situations where the opening 40 is sufficiently large for the retractor member 42 to be removed from the extensible container member 16 through the opening 40, it may be desirable to restrain the retractor member 42 against complete removal by tethering the retractor member 42 to the body 16 using a cord or band, or by adhering or otherwise attaching the proximal end of the handle member 44 to the extensible container member 16. For example, this could be accomplished using an adhesive applied to the interior of the extensible container member 16 proximate to the seam 24, or by thermally or sonically welding together the opposing plies of the extensible container member 16 in an area bounded by an enclosed region of the handle member 44. Referring to Figure 13, another alternate embodiment of the apparatus 10 is shown in which a gripping adapter 54 is attached to or forms the front of the body member 14, the gripping adapter 54 having a truncated conical segment 56 that tapers downwardly in diameter to a gripping tube portion 58. The user places the proximal end of the article 12 against the cylindrical outer surface of the gripping tube portion 58 and grips both the article 12 and gripping tube portion 58 with one hand, while using the other hand to retract the article 12 using either a manual grip or the retractor member 42 as previously described.

Referring particularly to Figures 14-16, yet another embodiment of the apparatus 10 is shown in which the body 14 comprises an enclosed case formed from a front section 60 that is matingly mounted on a rear section 62 so as to be slidably separable from one another. An aperture 70 is defined in the front face of the front section 60, the aperture 70 initially being covered by a removable shield 72. The rear section 62 defines a second aperture 74 that is enclosed by the rear portion of the extensible container. 16.

The front edge of the extensible container 16 is adhered or otherwise attached to the inner surface of the front section 60 completely circumscribing the aperture 70. The extensible container 16 may be attached to the front wall or the side walls of the front section. Similarly, the enclosed rear end of the extensible container 16 is adhered or otherwise attached at one or more locations to the interior surface of the rear section 62. In Figures 14-16, the rear section 62 is shown as being receivable and nestable within the front section 60, however this orientation may be reversed as desired, and the front section 60 and rear section 62 need not define a receiving engagement.

It may be appreciated that the front section 60 and rear section 62 may initially be secured together by a tape, peel-away strip, or other conventional securing means that is removed prior to use, and that the shield 72 covering the aperture 70 may be a perforated segment or panel defined by the front face of the front section 60, an adhesive-backed covering, or similar means. The rear end of the extensible container 16 should have sufficient slackness to permit the article 12 or retractor 42 to be gripped through the second aperture 74, and a portion of the extensible container 16 may initially project through the second aperture 74 to facilitate gripping. In such an embodiment, either the front section 60, rear section 62, or both may be regarded as the body 14 of the apparatus 10. Referring to Figure 17, it may be appreciated that an inner core 76 having a generally cylindrical or rectangular tubular shape may be attached to the to and extend rearwardly from the interior surface of the front section 60, and provide a surface on which the extensible container 16 is accordion folded and frictionally retained prior to use. It may be appreciated that in such an embodiment, the extensible container 16 would not need to be attached to the interior of the case, and could instead be completely removed from the case when used. In such an instance, the extensible container may be sealed closed using an adhesive flap or other suitable means as described above. Figure 18 and 19 show yet a further embodiment in which the housing or casing for the extensible container 16 includes an outer wall 78, front face 80 defining a front aperture 82, and an inner wall 84 which together define a toroid- shaped case partially enclosing the extensible container 16 and having a generally open rear face or aperture 86. The front face 80 and front aperture 82 may be enclosed by a deformable plastic cover 88 having a skirt portion 90 that circumscribes the outer wall 78 of the case, and provides a sterile closure. The rear aperture 86 may similarly be enclosed by such a cover 88, in which case the two covers 88 should be appropriately marked or colored to distinguish the front from the rear of the apparatus 10. The extensible container 16 may be attached to the interior of the case, or may be entirely removed during use as with the embodiments previously described.

It is understood that the various features of the preferred embodiments described herein may be readily interchanged to create an apparatus 10 which is optimal for practicing the method described herein depending upon the particular applications for or environments in which the apparatus 10 will be utilized.

While the preferred embodiments of the above apparatus and method 10 have been described in detail with reference to the attached drawing Figures, it is understood that various changes, adaptations, and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for removing an article from within a patient and sealing said article in an enclosure, said method being practiced by a user having a hand, said method comprising the steps of: providing a body member defining an opening extending therethrough and an extensible container connected to said body member such that said extensible container and said body form an interior region within said extensible container, said opening communicating with said interior region, said extensible container being initially disposed in a generally retracted configuration; inserting at least a portion of the article through said opening into the interior region such that said portion of the article is gripped by the hand of the user with said extensible container being disposed between said portion of the article and the hand of the user; and withdrawing the article into said interior region within said extensible container by exerting a pulling force on said portion of the article, such that said extensible container expands to a generally extended configuration as the article is received within the interior region.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: forming a closure substantially sealing the interior region to form an enclosure containing the article.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of forming a closure sealing the interior region comprises the steps of: collapsing at least a portion of the body member to a closed configuration to at least partially block at least a portion of the opening; and securing the body member in said collapsed configuration.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the body member has a pair of opposing sides, and wherein the step of collapsing at least the portion of the body member to the closed configuration comprises: pressing the pair of opposing sides of the body member into close confronting proximity to one another, thereby deforming the body member and generally closing the opening.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of securing the body member in the collapsed configuration comprises: attaching at least one fastener member to the body member such that said at least one fastener member holds and maintains the body member in the collapsed position.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the fastener member is an adhesive tape strip.

7. A method for removing an article and sealing said article in an enclosure, said method being practiced by a user having a hand, said method comprising the steps of: providing a body member defining an opening extending at least partially therethrough and an extensible container connected to said body such that said extensible container and said body form an interior region within said extensible container, said opening communicating with said interior region, said extensible container being initially disposed in a generally retracted configuration; gripping at least a portion of the article by the hand of the user with said extensible container being disposed between said portion of the article and the hand of the user; and withdrawing the article into said interior region within said extensible container by exerting a pulling force on said portion of the article, such that said extensible container expands to a generally extended configuration as the article is received within the interior region.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the extensible container is initially compressed in an accordion manner generally circumscribing an axis in the retracted configuration, and wherein the extensible container is expanded along said axis as the article is withdrawn into the interior region.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the extensible container is initially compressed in a folded configuration across at least one fold line in the retracted configuration, and wherein the extensible container is expanded as the article is withdrawn into the interior region by unfolding the extensible container over said at least one fold line.

10. An apparatus for removing an article and sealing said article in an enclosure, said apparatus being used by a user having a hand, said apparatus comprising: a body member, said body member defining an opening extending at least partially therethrough; and an extensible container, said extensible container connected to said body member such that said extensible container and said body form an interior region within said extensible container, said opening communicating with said interior region, said extensible container being initially disposed in a generally retracted configuration, whereby the hand of the user grips at least a portion of the article with the extensible container being disposed between the portion of the article and the hand of the user, and the user withdraws the article into the interior region within the extensible container by exerting a pulling force on the portion of the article being gripped, such that the extensible container expands to a generally extended configuration as the article is received within the interior region.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the body member includes a generally cylindrical collar member, said generally cylindrical collar member having a pair of opposing sides, said pair of opposing sides being movable relative to one another into a close confronting orientation when pressed together by the user to generally close the opening.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a securing member, said securing member being selectively connected to the body member such that said securing member maintains the pair of opposing sides in the close confronting orientation, thereby generally enclosing the interior region.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the extensible container is a generally flexible tubular sleeve fabricated from a film material having a pair of opposing ends, a first of said pair of opposing ends being connected to the body member and generally open to form a neck region, a second of said pair of opposing ends being generally closed, said generally flexible tubular sleeve being initially compressed in an accordion manner and retained in said accordion manner on at least a portion of said body member prior to the extensible container being moved to the extended configuration.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein body member has a distal side and a proximal side, and wherein at least a portion of the neck region of the generally flexible tubular sleeve is disposed on said distal side of the body member and the interior region of the extensible container is disposed on and pulled away from said proximal side of the body member, such that said portion of the neck region of the generally flexible tubular sleeve disposed on said distal side of the body member forms a skirt member generally circumscribing the opening.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the extensible container is fabricated from a plastic film material.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the plastic film material is polyethylene.

17. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the body member is a generally cylindrical collar fabricated from a generally pliable and bendable material selected from the group consisting of: paper, paperboard, cardboard, linerboard, and plastic.

18. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: a retractor member, at least a portion of said retractor member being disposed within the interior region of the container member, said retainer member including a handle section gripped by the hand of the user with the extensible container disposed between said handle section and the hand of the user, whereby at least a portion of the retractor member engages a portion of the article such that the retractor member draws the article through the opening into the interior region within the extensible container when the retractor member is moved away from the body member by the hand of the user.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the retractor member further comprises: a pulley member, said pulley member being connected to the handle section of the retractor member, at least a first portion of the article being secured in a generally fixed position relative to the body member and a second portion of the article being generally engaged by said pulley member such that said pulley member exerts a pulling force on said second portion of the article when the hand of the user moves the retractor member away from the body member, whereby the second portion of the article is drawn through the opemng into the interior region of the extensible container at approximately twice the rate that the retractor member moves away from the body member.