Canister Caps

Abstract

This present invention relates to a disposable sterilization indicator cap for use with a medical cannister or device. The disposable cap includes an indicator word or symbol visible on its exterior surface, and may be made from a relatively lightweight material. The disposable cap further comprises a repositionable closure for accommodating medical cannisters and devices of various sizes and shapes. The disposable cap prevents used medical canisters and other devices from being inadvertently used on multiple patients without having been properly sanitized, and eliminates the cross contamination that can occur when a dirty canister is inadvertently used.

Claims

1. A protective cover for medical equipment, comprising; a sheet of material, the sheet of material having opposing sides and formable into an enclosure, wherein the sheet of material further comprises a perimeter and a closure element provided within the perimeter of the sheet of material to form the enclosure; the closure element moveable from a first position to a second position to cover the medical equipment and to form the enclosure around the medical equipment; and the sheet of material having an indicia visible on at least one of the opposing sides, the indicia being one of a word or a symbol to indicate a condition of the medical equipment.

2. The protective cover for medical equipment of claim 1, wherein the medical equipment is selected from a group including a suction canister, a monitor and a surgical tray.

3. The protective cover for medical equipment of claim 2, wherein the suction canister comprises at least one tube and a lid.

4. The protective cover for medical equipment of claim 1, wherein the sheet of material is selected from a group including a plastic, a polyurethane and a glassine.

5. The protective cover for medical equipment of claim 4, wherein the sheet or material is transparent or translucent.

6. The protective cover for medical equipment of claim 1, wherein the sheet of material is provided with at least one of an anti-microbial, an anti-viral or an anti-bacterial solution.

7. The protective cover for medical equipment of claim 1, wherein the sheet of material is provided with at least one of an anti-static or an UV blocking formulation.

8. The protective cover for medical equipment of claim 1, wherein the sheet of material has a coefficient of at least 700.

9. The protective cover for medical equipment of claim 1, wherein the indicia is provided by at least one of a printing, an imaging, a stitching, or a sewing.

10. The protective cover for medical equipment of claim 1, wherein the sheet of material is a single use material that is recyclable.

11. A protective cover and suction canister combination comprising; a suction canister having a lid and at least one tube in communication with a vacuum source; a protective cover formed from a sheet having opposing sides and formable into an enclosure, wherein the protective cover further comprises a perimeter and a closure element provided within the perimeter of the protective cover to form the enclosure; the closure element moveable from a first position to a second position to cover the suction canister and form the enclosure around the suction canister; and the protective cover having an indicia visible on at least one of the opposing sides, the indicia being one of a word or a symbol indicating a condition of the suction canister.

12. The protective cover and suction canister combination of claim 11, wherein the protective cover is selected from a material group including a plastic, a polyurethane and a glassine.

13. The protective cover and suction canister combination of claim 11, wherein the protective cover is transparent or translucent.

14. The protective cover and suction canister combination of claim 11, wherein the protective cover is provided with at least one of an anti-microbial, an anti-viral or an anti-bacterial solution.

15. The protective cover and suction canister combination of claim 11, wherein the protective cover is provided with at least one of an anti-static or an UV blocking formulation.

16. The protective cover and suction canister combination of claim 11, wherein the indicia is one of a word or a symbol indicating a sterilized status of the suction canister.

17. The protective cover and suction canister combination of claim 11, wherein the indicia is provided by at least one of a printing, an imaging, a stitching, or a sewing.

18. A method of using a protective cover for a medical device, the method comprising the steps of; providing a medical device requiring a sanitary condition; manufacturing a protective cover, the protective cover formed from a sheet having opposing sides and formable into an enclosure, the protective cover further having a perimeter and a closure element provided within the perimeter of the protective cover to form the enclosure and the protective cover having an indicia visible on at least one of the opposing sides, wherein the indicia is one of a word or a symbol indicating a condition of the medical device; moving the protective cover from a first position to a second position to cover the medical device and form the enclosure around the medical device; and removing the cover from the medical device for use in treating a patient.

19. The method of using a protective cover for a medical device of claim 18, wherein the protective cover is provided with at least one of an anti-microbial, an anti-viral, and an anti-bacterial solution, and further wherein the protective cover is provided with at least one of an anti-static formulation and an UV blocking formulation.

20. The method of using a protective cover for a medical device of claim 18, wherein the protective cover is selected from a material group including a plastic, a polyurethane and a glassine.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0021] FIG. 1a illustrates a side perspective view of one possible embodiment of a medical canister sterilization indicator cap of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0022] FIG. 1b illustrates a bottom perspective view of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap of FIG. 1a in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one possible embodiment of a medical canister sterilization indicator cap of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the underside of one possible embodiment of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure, wherein the elasticity of the opening is illustrated;

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap of the present invention being applied over and substantially covering a clean suction canister in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap of the present invention being removed from a medical canister and properly discarded in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0028] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a protective covering that easily conforms to and covers medical suction canisters, equipment, medical devices and other components used in the medical field. There is also a long felt need in the art for a quick, accurate and easy method for differentiating between a dirty or used canister or container and a clean, sterilized canister or container. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a canister identification method which requires less effort for the medical professionals to use, and that prevents inadvertent use of a dirty suction canister or equipment for a new patient, thereby preventing cross contamination and the spread of diseases. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a sanitized status indicator or identifier for a canister, container, or other medical equipment that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.

[0029] The innovative product of the present invention features a disposable sterilization indicator cover for a medical device, such as a suction canister, that is comprised of a top portion forming a cavity that is adapted to receive the medical device or suction canister through an opening at a bottom portion. The indicator cover is further comprised of a channel that includes a rubber band or other elastic defining the opening, wherein the channel extends along the circumference or perimeter of the cover. The exterior surface of the top portion of the cover includes at least one indicator word (e.g., CLEAN, STERILIZED, or the like) or a symbol to visually indicate that the canister is clean and sterilized and ready for use. The indicator word or other indicia allows medical personnel to quickly and decisively determine the cleanliness status of a canister or other medical device for use with patients. The sterilization indicator product of the present invention prevents dirty canisters or devices from being inadvertently used for multiple patients, thereby eliminating the cross contamination that occurs when a dirty canister or other device is used repeatedly in the treatment of multiple patients.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1a illustrates a side perspective view of one possible embodiment of a medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure, and FIG. 1b illustrates a bottom perspective view of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 of FIG. 1a. Medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 preferably comprises a top portion 102, an exterior surface 1022 of the top portion 102, and a channel 104, which encloses a rubber band, elastic, draw string or other closure that defines an opening 106, and extends along the circumference or perimeter of the cap 100. The exterior surface 1022 of the top portion 102 has an indication word (e.g., CLEAN or STERILIZED) or symbol 110 printed, imaged or affixed thereto to visually indicate that the medical canister or other device encompassed therein is clean and sterilized, which allows the medical professional to quickly and easily determine whether the canister is appropriate for patient use.

[0031] As best shown in FIG. 1b, the cap 100 has a cavity 108 accessible via the opening 106. A user may expand the opening 106 (by stretching the rubber band or elastic) to permit the suction canister, container, medical device to fit into the cavity 108 through the opening 106. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cap 100 is comprised of a water repellent material or fabric, such as polyurethane or polyurethane laminate, to prevent the canister from becoming prematurely contaminated with any bodily fluids or airborne pathogens. In addition, the material used for the protective cap 100 may also include an anti-microbial coating, or the material itself may be made with the anti-microbial coating embedded in the material at the time of manufacture. The material may also comprise an anti-static coating if the cover is to be used in close proximity to electrical devices that could become damaged by an electrostatic discharge. Other useful coatings for the cap 100 may include an anti-viral coating, an anti-bacterial coating, and/or an UV blocking agent to prevent degradation of the canister or device stored within and being protected by the cap 100.

[0032] The channel 104 containing the elastic or rubber band may be formed by one of many different arrangements, such as by sewing, extrusion, adhesion or the like, and generally extends around the inward folded opening perimeter of the cap 100. The elastic band or other closure positioned within the channel 104 is useful for gathering the excess material of the cap 100 after it has been placed over the medical canister or device, and to draw or cinch the cap 100 against the body of the medical device or suction canister, thereby forming a cavity in the top portion 102. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic strap or other closure material is preferably comprised of a relatively thin strip of elastic or rubber, typically ¼ inch in width. The closure material may also include a string, a twin, a surgical grade thread, or the like, which may be used in a draw-string like fashion to encompass the canister or device within the cap 100. In some embodiments, the elastic cord may be a nylon bungee cord, sometimes also referred to as “shock cord” or a “stretch cord”.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one possible embodiment of a medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. More specifically, the sterilization indicator word “CLEAN” 110 is fixed, printed, imaged, stitched or otherwise affixed on the exterior surface 1022 of the cap 100. Alternatively, the word “STERILIZED” may be fixed, printed, imaged, stitched or otherwise affixed on the exterior surface 1022. As previously stated, the words CLEAN or STERILIZED 110 visually indicate that the canister or other medical equipment covered by the cap 100 is clean, sterile and ready for use with a patient. The sterilization indicator word 110 may be provided in any color, such as red, blue, green, neon, etc. In addition, the word or symbol 110 may be printed or imaged in the interior of the cap 100, and visible through the cap or cover if the cap or cover 100 is comprised of a transparent or translucent material. In this way, the printed or imaged word or symbol 110 is not exposed to a contaminated environment, and cannot otherwise be tampered with. The font type and font size of the indicator word 110 may be selected in accordance with the preferences of the user, manufacture, or supplier of the medical device or equipment. Further, any other indicator word 110 may be printed, fixed, stitched or otherwise affixed on the cover 100 based on jurisdictional and/or language requirements.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the underside of one possible embodiment of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure, wherein the elasticity of the opening 106 is illustrated. More specifically, channel 104 is suitable for holding or housing a rubber band, elastic or other closure material that is capable of defining the size and shape of the opening 106, and extends along the circumference or perimeter of the cap 100. The unique design of the cap 100 allows a user to extend the opening 106 by stretching or releasing the draw-string such that the channel 104 increases the size of the opening 106. Further, the opening 106 may conform to the shape of the suction canister or other medical device, such that the top portion 102 covers the canister or medical device in a way that the sterilization indicator word CLEAN 110 is plainly visible to a medical worker on the suction canister or medical device. Additionally, the cap 100 is formed into a bag like structure that envelopes the surface of the medical canister or, if a larger device is to be protected, the bag configuration can be of such a size as to fully encompass the device itself such that there are no portions of the device exposed to the atmosphere.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 of the present invention being applied over and substantially covering a clean suction canister 400 in accordance with the disclosed structure. As previously mentioned, suction canister 400 is a temporary storage container for gathering the secretions or fluids removed from the body of a patient during treatment. For example, these fluids or secretions may come from the patient's lungs, stomach, wounds, etc. As shown, the suction canister 400 is attached to a wall 404 of the patient's room 402, or alternatively may be resting on the floor next to the patient's bed 406, or may be provided on a cart which is brought into the area where the treatment is to be performed. The suction canister 400 is like a conventional canister, but has an inlet, an outlet, and related tubing 408. At least one of the tubes 408 is in communication with a vacuum source, and at least one of the other tubes 408 may be applied to the patient. The vacuum source, which may be a wall outlet or a portable compressor, generates a negative pressure within the canister 400 that helps to drain the fluids or secretions from the patient. Examples of tubes 408 that are commonly used with a medical suction canister 400 include, but are not limited to, nasogastric, respiratory suction catheters, G-tubes, and wound drains.

[0036] Prior to its use, the canister 400 is sterilized and covered with the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 of the present invention, indicating its availability for patient use. The medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 is preferably comprised of a transparent or translucent plastic material so that the user can easily see that no secretions or fluids are present in the canister 400. The cap 100 covers all of the components of the canister 400 that may require sterilization, such as the tubes 408, to keep the suction canister 400 and its various components contamination free and ready for use by a patient. A sterilization indicator word (e.g., CLEAN) or other symbol 110 is written, printed or imaged on the interior or exterior surface 1022 of the top surface 102 of the cap 100 so that the same is clearly visible to the medical personnel. For example, if the word or symbol 110 is printed on the interior surface of the cap 100, it remains visible through the transparent or translucent material of the cover 100.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 of the present invention being removed from a medical canister 400 and properly discarded in accordance with the disclosed structure. Alternatively, the cap 100 may be appropriately recycled after removing the same from the canister 400 or other medical device. More specifically, to use a clean and sterilized canister 400, a user 500 removes the cap 100 from the canister 400 by stretching the channel 104 via the elastic closure or drawstring, thereby increasing the size of the opening 106 of the cap 100 to allow the canister 400 or other medical device to pass therethrough. After removal of the cap or cover 100, the user 500 discards the cap 100 in a safe manner in, for example, a dustbin 502, recycling container, or other medical waste receptacle.

[0038] The cap 100 itself is preferably generally circular or oval in shape, and the opening 106 measures between approximately ten and sixteen inches in diameter, although larger or smaller diameters may also be used in order to accommodate different sizes and shapes of the medical devices or equipment to be enclosed therein. For example, the cap 100 may cover suction canisters 400 ranging in size from approximately 600 to 1600 cc, and of various shapes, though such capacities are not meant to be a limitation on the present invention. The cap 100 of the present invention may also be manufactured in a transparent or translucent color, or in a variety of different colors, patterns, or decorative prints to suit user need or preference.

[0039] In one embodiment, a method of constructing the canister cap 100 of the present invention involves first cutting a circular piece of transparent or translucent plastic or glassine material of a desired perimeter or shape. A strip of closure material is then cut and preferably has a length that is less than the perimeter of the transparent or translucent elastic material. The strip of closure material is then placed sufficiently inward of the outer perimeter of the shaped piece of transparent or translucent material so as to leave enough material to fold over and cover the strip entirely and to be sewn to the material. In this manner, the majority of the strip of closure material is generally encapsulated in the channel formed by the folded over material.

[0040] The disposable medical device cover 100 of the present invention exhibits an integrally molded, seamless, unitary one-piece construction, and can be manufactured from, for example, a latex based material, a polyurethane compound, or any other suitable material, such as glassine. The selected material is preferably flexible, elastic (i.e., stretchable), and thus is easily adaptable or conformable to the shape of most any size suction canister 400, or other medical device needing a protective cover. Thus, once fitted, the protective cover 100 fits snugly over the suction canister 400 or other medical device. The selected material from which the cover 100 is fashioned is also preferably transparent or translucent. Thus, once fitted onto the suction canister or other medical device, the transparent or translucent nature of the inventive protective cover 100 facilitates unimpeded view of the canister 400 stored therein. As previously mentioned, the material from which the disposable cover 100 is manufactured may be also be impregnated with an anti-bacterial compound to protect the canister 400 and associated tubing 408 from dirt, bacterial, germs, microbes, viruses and the like.

[0041] Several of the characteristics of the latex based material or polyurethane compound (e.g., Grade SR-9000RT, plus the anti-bacterial compound) from which the disposable canister cap 100 is fashioned are transparent, stretchable, and exhibit sufficient tensile strength and tackiness. The transparency feature refers to the clarity of the material and, in the present invention, the disposable canister cap 100 is clear, not cloudy or milky colored, that is, without color distortion. The tensile strength refers to the anti-tearing or shearing of the latex based material or polyurethane compound comprising the disposable canister cap 100, which is highly resistant to tearing and/or puncturing. More specifically, the tensile strength of the disposable cover 100 has a rating or coefficient of “700”, which means that the disposable cover 100 will stretch up to seven times its original dimensions (i.e., in a relaxed state), before the material fails. This characteristic maximizes the flexibility, elasticity and stretchability of the disposable cover 100 when used as intended. Finally, the material comprising the disposable cover 100, including the anti-bacterial compound, exhibits a minimum of tackiness or stickiness to the touch for providing a non-sticky surface.

[0042] To maintain a safe, sterile medical canister 400, the indicator cap 100 is a surefire way of safeguarding sanitized suction canisters from mixing with those that have been previously used or are otherwise contaminated with infectious bacteria, virus, germs, microbes and the like. The indicator cap 100 may be comprised from sterile, medical grade plastic, and features an elastic closure that can be mounted on any suction canister 400. With the aid of rubber bands, elastic bands, or other closures, the canister cover 100 stays securely in place until its removal is required. The disposable covers 100 are also preferably latex free to avoid potential allergic reactions on the part of both staff and patient. The cap 100 may further comprise one or more protective coatings to protect the cover 100 and the medical devices 400 stored therein.

[0043] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the indicator cap 100 of the present invention provides numerous advantages. For example, the indicator cap 100 of the present invention is cost-effective, easy and safe to use for purposes of indicating a cleaned and sterilized suction canister 400 from one that is contaminated or previously used without being re-sanitized. The cap 100 is also attractive in appearance and adjustable in size to easily cover or substantially encompass canisters of various sizes, as well as other medical devices. Other advantages include the speed of covering and removal of the indicator cap 100, greater variety in available coloring patterns that may be developed, and convenient disposal or recycling after a single use.

[0044] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “medical canister sterilization indicator cap”, “canister cover”, “cap”, “cover”, “plastic cover”, “inventive cover” and “disposable cap” are interchangeable and refer to the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 of the present invention. As used herein “canisters”, “suction canisters” and “medical containers” are used interchangeably.

[0045] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. It is further contemplated that a single medical canister sterilization indicator cap 100 may be both circular and oval shaped, and of varying dimensions, thereby allowing the user to choose which configuration and size to choose for a particular application. The cover of the present invention may be of any particular shape, square or rectangular for example to cover a monitor, screen, tray or similarly shaped medical device. Any geometric shape is possible depending on the device require the protection and identification of status. The possibilities are endless.

[0046] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.