Abstract
A disposable container (1, 1, 1), in particular for the disposal of sharp medical waste is provided, comprising a first opening (13, 13) sealingly closable by a cover element (2), characterized in that the container is manufactured by blow-moulding; the largest cross-sectional diagonal of the container in the distal half with respect to the first opening is larger than the smallest cross-sectional diagonal of the container in the proximal half with respect to the first opening; and the container comprises a second opening (15, 15) arranged opposite to the first opening or in the distal area with respect to the first opening, the second opening being sealingly closable by a base element (11, 11).
Claims
1. Disposable container, in particular for the disposal of sharp medical waste, comprising a first opening sealingly closable by a cover element, characterized in that a) the container is manufactured by blow-moulding; b) the largest cross-sectional diagonal of the container in the distal half with respect to the first opening is larger than the smallest cross-sectional diag-onal of the container in the proximal half with respect to the first opening; c) the container comprises a second opening arranged opposite to the first opening or in the distal area with respect to the first opening, the second opening being sealingly closable by a base element.
2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container comprises at least one locking means, adapted for locking the cover element and/or the base element to the container.
3. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that a first locking means is provided at the first opening, the first locking means comprising a locking ring, and a second locking means is provided at the second opening.
4. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is unreleasably interconnectable with the cover element and/or the base element in a force-fit or form-fit manner.
5. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container comprises at least one circumferential stabilization bead.
6. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container comprises a base element, the second opening being closable by said base element, said base element comprising a circumferential outer side wall and a circumferential inner side wall wherein the portion of the container adjacent to the second opening is receivable in the space between the outer and inner side wall.
7. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is at least partially puncture-resistant.
8. Cover element for a container according to claim 1, the cover element comprising a cover opening and an operatively interconnected cap element, the cover opening being sealingly closable by the cap element, the cover element being configured to sealingly close an opening of the container, characterized in that the cover element comprises an integrally formed circumferential hand protection collar protruding with a positive collar angle with respect to a horizontal face of the container.
9. Cover element according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover element is at least partially puncture-resistant.
10. Cover element according to claim 8, characterized in that the circumferential hand protection collar is foldable to a configuration with an inverted collar angle with respect to a horizontal face of the container.
11. Method of producing a container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is produced by a blow-moulding process leaving the second opening open.
12. Method of producing a container according to claim 11, characterized in that in a second step the first opening is introduced by punching.
Description
LIST OF FIGURES
[0109] Embodiments of the invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:
[0110] FIG. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a sharps disposal container comprising a base element, and a cover element comprising a cap element, the cap element closing a cover opening of the cover element;
[0111] FIG. 2 a perspective view of the sharps disposal container according to FIG. 1 with the cap element in a position where the cover opening of the cover element is open;
[0112] FIG. 3 an exploded view of the sharps disposal container and the cover element according to FIG. 1;
[0113] FIG. 4 the cover element, a locking ring and the container according to FIG. 3, the container shown in a cut view;
[0114] FIG. 5 the cover element, the locking ring and the container according to FIG. 4, with the locking ring operatively interconnected with the cover element;
[0115] FIG. 6 the cover element, the locking ring and the container according to FIG. 5, with the locking ring in a locked configuration;
[0116] FIG. 7 the cover element with the cap element according to FIG. 1 in a top view;
[0117] FIG. 8 a cut view of the cover element with the cap element along line A-A in FIG. 7;
[0118] FIG. 9 the cover element with the cap element according to FIG. 7, but with the cap element in a locked configuration;
[0119] FIG. 10 a cut view of the cover element with the cap element along line B-B in FIG. 9;
[0120] FIG. 11 a magnification view of the circle marked by C in FIG. 10;
[0121] FIG. 12 a perspective view of another embodiment of the container;
[0122] FIG. 13a a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the container;
[0123] FIG. 13b a side view of the container according to FIG. 13a;
[0124] FIG. 14a a perspective view of an embodiment of a base element;
[0125] FIG. 14b a side cut view of the base element according to FIG. 14a;
[0126] FIG. 15a a side view of an embodiment of the container with a protection collar in a normal working position;
[0127] FIG. 15b a side view of the container according to FIG. 15a with the protection collar folded with an inverted collar angle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0128] The present invention is better understood when read in conjunction with the figures enclosed. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, an embodiment that is presently preferred, is discussed in more detail with additional reference to the figures.
[0129] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a sharps disposal container 1, a base element 11, and a cover element 2 comprising a cap element 21. The shown container 1 has a shape of a truncated cone with its largest lower cross-sectional diagonal being larger than its smallest upper cross-sectional diagonal. In the shown embodiment of a truncated cone, the largest lower cross-sectional diagonal is the diameter of the circular base of the container 1 and the smallest upper cross-sectional diagonal is the diameter of the circular top surface of the container 1. Therefore, the centre of gravity is located in the lower half of the container 1 for an essentially constant wall thickness yielding an improved stability against tipping over. The base element 11 is shown sealingly closing a second opening (cf. FIG. 3) of the container 1. The cover element 2 preferably sealingly closes a first opening (cf. FIG. 3) of the container 1. The cap element 21 is shown in a first configuration closing a cover opening (cf. FIG. 2) of the cover element 2. The cap element 21 is operatively intero connected to the cover element 2 by a cord 212 and a cord recess 23. Other means for interconnecting the cap element 21 to the cover element 2 are possible. The cord recess 23 is shown being formed within a circumferential protection collar 24. The circumferential protection collar 24 forms a positive collar angle with respect to a horizontal face, for example the circular top surface, of the container 1 and is thus oriented upwards, as shown in the Figure (cf. also FIGS. 15a and 15b). In this way, a hand grabbing the container 1 may be protected from a sharp device such as a syringe needle approaching from the top by the protection collar 24. Cap locking means in the form of a pin 22 comprised in the cover element 2 and a hole 211 formed in the cap element 21 are shown not engaged. Therefore, the cap element 21 is shown in a first configuration closing the first opening of the container 1 in sealing manner, but where the first opening can be reopened.
[0130] Preferably, the container 1 is made by blow-moulding. The container 1, the cover element 2 and the base element 11 may be at least partially puncture-resistant. Those parts, which are in direct communication with the inner volume of the container 1, are puncture-resistant. Furthermore, the protection collar 24 is puncture-resistant (In certain embodiments, the collar 24 does not have the same puncture-resistance as the other parts). Preferably, the blow-moulded container 1, made for example of PET, has a wall thickness below 1 mm while maintaining a sufficient puncture-resistance. The container 1 according to the shown embodiment complies with the requirements as laid down for example in DIN EN ISO 23907 regarding for example the puncture-resistance.
[0131] The shown container 1 is made from PET. The shown cover element 2 and the base element 11 consist of PP and are made by injection-moulding.
[0132] FIG. 2 shows the sharps disposal container 1 according to FIG. 1 with the cap element 21 in a position where the cover opening 26 of the cover element 2 is open. The shown embodiment is an example where the cover element 2 can indirectly sealingly close the first opening of the container 1 by the cap element 21. Sharp medical waste can be disposed into the container 1 through the cover opening 26. In the shown embodiment, the cover opening 26 comprises stripper elements 27 for stripping syringe needles. The shown stripper elements 27 comprise protrusions and recesses which provide the possibility to strip needles of syringes of different dimensions. The protrusions and recesses are arranged as a terrace with gradations. In the shown embodiment, the stripper elements 27 further comprise a star-shaped recess for stripping needles. Latches 213 for locking the cap element 21 in a second configuration where the cap element is locked in a position closing the cover opening 26 may be integrally formed with the cap element 21, as shown in the Figure.
[0133] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the sharps disposal container 1 and the cover element 2 according to FIG. 1. The shown cover element 2 comprises a neck 28 which can be received in the first opening 13 of the container 1. The first opening 13 is formed after release from the mould by cutting. Preferably, the cutting out of the first opening 13 is achieved by punching. The cross-sectional area formed by the neck 28 preferably matches the area of the first opening 13. In the shown embodiment, the neck 28 comprises pins 281 which can engage with bayonet joint elements 41 of a locking ring 4 to operatively interconnect the locking ring 4 with the cover element 2. The area of the first opening 13 is smaller than the top plane surface of the container 1 such that a circumferential collar 14 is formed on which the cover element 2 abuts when sealingly closing the first opening 13 of the container 1. The shown container 1 comprises a thread 12 on its bottom portion by means of which the second opening 15 at the bottom plane surface of the container 1 can be sealingly closed by engaging with the base element 11. The thread 12 can releasably engage with a counter thread of the base element 11. Thus, in the shown embodiment, one of the at least one locking means of the container 1 is the thread 12 and the counter base locking means is the counter thread of the base element 11. In order to prevent accidental releasing of the thread 12, a minimum force may be necessary for releasing the thread 12. The thread 12 may be combined with latches such that container 1 can be unreleasably interconnected to the base element 11. The shown thread 12 has windings with a rather small slope such that a flat screwing with the base element 11 is possible. In a variation, a combination of the thread 12 with latches may be possible. The cover element 2 is shown in a configuration where the circumferential protection collar 24 forms a positive collar angle with respect to a horizontal face, for example the circular top surface, of the container 1 and is thus oriented upwards, as shown in the Figure. The protection collar 24 may have elastic features such that it is foldable to a configuration forming an inverted collar angle with respect to a horizontal face, for example the circular top surface, of the container 1 (cf. FIG. 15b). In the folded configuration, the collar 24 may be nested with the base element 11 yielding a small stacking height, which may be advantageous for supply purposes. In the shown embodiment, the complete bottom plane surface of the container 1 is recessed to form the second opening 15 of the container 1. The second opening 15 is formed by means of the pin blowing air into the preform or parison in a blow-moulding process or originates from an injection-moulding process that generates the preform. Containers in the shown shape may easily be stacked for supply purposes by nesting through the second opening 15.
[0134] FIG. 4 shows the cover element 2, a locking ring 4 and the container 1 according to FIG. 3. The container 1 is shown in a cut view, such that only the upper part comprising the collar 14 is visible. The locking ring 4 is shown in a configuration before engaging the bayonet joint elements 41 with the pins 281 of the neck 28. The area of the locking ring 4 preferably matches the cross-sectional area formed by the neck 28. The neck 28 comprises recesses 282 into which the latches 213 of the cap element 21 as shown in FIG. 2 can engage in order to reach the second configuration where the cap element 21 is locked in the position closing the cover opening 26.
[0135] FIG. 5 shows the cover element 2, the locking ring 4 and the container 1 according to FIG. 4, with the locking ring 4 operatively interconnected to the cover element 2. The locking ring 4 is shown in a configuration where the bayonet joint elements 41 are engaged with the pins 281 of the neck 28, but not locked.
[0136] FIG. 6 shows the cover element 2, the locking ring 4 and the container 1 according to FIG. 5, but with the locking ring 4 in a configuration where the bayonet joint elements 41 are locked with the pins 281 of the neck 28. In the shown configuration, the cover element 2 is thereby locked to the container 1. The collar 14 is thereby pinched between the locking ring 4 and the cover element 2.
[0137] FIG. 7 shows the cover element 2 with the cap element 21 according to FIG. 1 in a top view. The cap element 21 is shown in the first configuration closing the cover opening of the cover element 2. The pin 22 is shown not engaged with the hole 211 such that the first opening can be reopened.
[0138] FIG. 8 shows a cut view of the cover element 2 with the cap element 21 along line A-A in FIG. 7. The cap element 21 is shown in the first configuration. In the shown configuration, the latches 213 of the cap element 21 are not engaged with the recesses 282 of the neck 28.
[0139] FIG. 9 shows the cover element 2 with the cap element 21 according to FIG. 7, but with the cap element 21 in the second configuration where the cap element 21 is locked in the position sealingly closing the cover opening. In the shown configuration, the pin 22 is engaged with the hole 211. In this way, the second configuration where the cap element 21 is locked may be visible and a user can recognize that the container 1 is full.
[0140] FIG. 10 shows a cut view of the cover element 2 with the cap element 21 along line B-B in FIG. 9. The cap element 21 is shown in the second configuration where the cap element 21 is locked in the position sealingly closing the cover opening 26. Compared to the first configuration as shown in FIG. 8, the cap element 21 is shown pushed down towards the cover element 2. Furthermore, the latches 213 are shown engaged with the recesses 282 in a latching manner such that the cap element 21 can not be removed and the cover opening 26 can not be opened. This configuration may be used as soon as the container 1 is full and can be disposed entirely. The second configuration can therefore be achieved by pushing the cap element 21 down towards the cover element 2 in a position where both the hole 211 engages with the pin 22 and the latches 213 engage with the recesses 282. The pins 281 are foreseen to engage with locking means (locking ring 4 according to FIG. 4 or inner neck 17 according to FIG. 13a).
[0141] FIG. 11 shows a magnification view of the circle marked by C in FIG. 10. It can be recognized that the latch 213 of the neck 28 is engaged with the recess 282 in a latching manner.
[0142] In the embodiment as shown for example in FIG. 3, the first opening 13 and the second opening are arranged opposite to each other. The second opening is arranged at the bottom circular base of the container 1 whereas the first opening 13 is arranged at the top surface of the container 1.
[0143] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a container 1 with a first opening 13 and a second opening 15. The first opening 13 is positioned at the top of the container whereas the second opening 15 is positioned at a side face in the bottom portion of the container 1. The second opening 15 at the side face in the bottom portion of the container 1 can be used to empty the container 1 during its use. This can be particularly advantageous if the container 1 is filled with a liquid content. For example, a tube can be sealingly connected to the second opening 15 for draining the liquid content in the container 1.
[0144] FIG. 13a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a container 1 comprising a circumferential stabilization bead 16. The stabilization bead 16 is an outward protrusion of the wall of the container 1 and is positioned next to the thread 12. In general, the stabilization bead 16 is substantially thicker than the thickness of the container wall, having a substantial stabilization effect, for example increasing the torsional stability of the container 1 when the thread 12 is engaged with the base element (cf. FIG. 3). As may be easily seen in the embodiment according to FIG. 13a, the container 1 comprises an inner neck 17. The inner neck 17 adjoins the circumferential collar 14. The inner neck 17 may contribute to locking a cover element to the container 1, as described above (cf. also FIG. 10).
[0145] FIG. 13b shows a side view of the container according to FIG. 13a.
[0146] FIG. 14a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a base element 11, comprising a circumferential outer side wall 111 and a circumferential inner side wall 112. The portion of the container adjacent to the second opening is receivable in the space between the outer side wall 111 and the inner side wall 112. The stability of the base element 11 is increased by the shown double wall configuration comprising the outer side wall 111 and the inner side wall 112. The outer side wall 111 comprises as counter base locking means a counter thread 113 which is operatively interconnectable to the thread (cf. FIG. 3) at the portion of the container adjacent to the second opening. The inner side wall 112 is configured to improve the sealed closing of the second opening by the base element 11.
[0147] FIG. 14b shows a side cut view of the base element 11 according to FIG. 14a.
[0148] FIG. 15a shows a schematic illustration of the embodiment of the container 1 according to FIG. 1 in a side view. The protection collar 24 of the cover element 2 is shown in a normal working position where the collar 24 protrudes with a positive collar angle with respect to a horizontal face E formed by the top plane surface of the container 1. In this shown configuration, the protection collar 24 provides protection of a hand of a user disposing sharps to the disposable container 1.
[0149] FIG. 15b shows the container 1 according to FIG. 15a with the protection collar 24 folded to a configuration with an inverted collar angle with respect to the horizontal face E. The upper part of the container 1 which is covered by the folded protection collar 24 is shown with dashed lines. This shown configuration is particularly advantageous for nesting since it reduces the stacking height.
[0150] There may be special other embodiments where the container 1 has a very different shape. For example, the container may have an elliptical or a polygonal cross section. Combinations of elliptical, circular or polygonal cross sections may be possible. Other complex geometries may include indentations or other variations modifying the cross-section. Indentations or grooves may be formed in the container for stabilization or for better grip. Stabilization using indentations or grooves may be particularly advantageous for containers with thin walls, for example for the containers made of PET. The indentations or grooves may be arranged horizontally or vertically.
[0151] For the use of disposing syringe needles, it may be advantageous that the inner surface of the container is a smooth surface, such that the grooves or indentations may be formed only with respect to the outer face of the container walls.
[0152] In an embodiment, the length of the largest convex cross-sectional envelope curve in the distal half of the container with respect to the first opening is larger than the length of the smallest convex cross-sectional envelope curve of the proximal half of the container with respect to the first opening.
[0153] For example, the largest convex cross-sectional envelope curve of a circular truncated cone is the circle of the base of the cone. For a cross-section with indentations, the convex envelope curve may be the contour of said cross-section leaving out said indentations.
[0154] In general, the operative interconnection between the container and the cover element or between the container and the base element by the one of the at least one locking means may be a releasable interconnection or an unreleasable interconnection. For a releasable interconnection, it may be necessary to exert a minimum force to release the operative interconnection. A sufficient minimum force to release said operative interconnection may be advantageous for safety issues such that the container is not opened accidentally.
[0155] In an embodiment, the container is unreleasably interconnectable to the cover element by one of the at least one locking means and releasably interconnectable to the base element by one of the at least one locking means.
[0156] Injection-moulded sharps disposal containers typically have a wall thickness exceeding a thickness of about 1 mm or above. With a blow-moulded container made of PET according to an embodiment of the present invention, wall thicknesses below 1 mm may be possible while maintaining a sufficient puncture-resistance. Preferably, a wall thickness of the container according to the present invention between around 0.2 mm and around 0.8 mm may still provide sufficient puncture-resistance.
[0157] The requirements on a sufficient puncture-resistance for sharps disposal containers are defined for example in DIN EN ISO 23907. According to the conformity test TRBA 250 a sufficient puncture-resistance is given by a resistance to a puncture of 15 N at a needle diameter of 1.1 mm with a BL/LB polished thin section. Preferably, the container according to the present invention complies with said requirements.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0158] 1, 1, 1 Container [0159] 11, 11 Base element [0160] 111 Outer side wall [0161] 112 Inner side wall [0162] 113 Counter thread [0163] 12, 12 Thread [0164] 13, 13 First opening [0165] 14, 14 Collar [0166] 15, 15 Second opening [0167] 16 Stabilization bead [0168] 17 Inner neck [0169] 2 Cover element [0170] 21 Cap element [0171] 211 Hole [0172] 212 Cord [0173] 213 Latch [0174] 22 Pin [0175] 23 Cord recess [0176] 24 Protection collar [0177] 25 Handle [0178] 26 Cover opening [0179] 27 Stripper elements [0180] 28 Neck [0181] 281 Pin [0182] 282 Recess [0183] 4 Locking ring [0184] 41 Bayonet joint element [0185] E Top plane surface [0186] Collar angle [0187] Inverted collar angle
