HK1165335A - Orthopaedic instrument sterilization case - Google Patents

Description

Sterilizing box for orthopedic instruments

The present application is a divisional application of the chinese invention patent application having an application number of 200680025998.4, application date of 2006, 4/18, and a name of "sterilization case for orthopedic instruments".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to sterilization cases, and more particularly, to sterilization cases for orthopedic instruments.

Background

Known sterilization containers provide for the construction, storage and sterilization functions of surgical instruments and equipment. To prevent infection of the patient by these used instruments, the instruments need to be cleaned and sterilized after surgery and before use.

The surgical procedure is typically performed using "sets" of preselected surgical instruments, each set being a collection of instruments established from experience or design useful in a given surgical procedure. The surgical instruments that are desired to be used in a particular procedure are combined together to form a kit and are sterilized as a kit, stored on a tray or tray, and finally transported on that tray or tray to the operating room when they are needed for use. Complex procedures often require a significant number of instruments. Thus, typically, several instrument trays are required to provide all of the required surgical instruments. Accordingly, sterilization cases are often designed to accommodate multiple trays, with instruments being disposed on the trays in a manner such that the trays are accessible while the surgical procedures are often performed in a pre-adjustable sequence.

An example of a cleaning procedure may be to first place the instruments in a bucket containing water and perhaps solvents and apply ultrasound to agitate the liquid to wash and remove debris, such as biological material remaining on the instruments at their last use. The instrument may then be sterilized in some manner to destroy microorganisms, viruses, or other contaminants on the hand-held instrument. Two sterilization methods include the use of dry heat, wherein the instrument is heated to an elevated temperature, such as at least 365 degrees fahrenheit for a period of time, or the use of pressurized steam in an autoclave system. The sterilization time using the steam autoclave system depends on the heat and pressure, and whether the instrument is wrapped or not. In certain sterilization processes, chemicals may be applied to the hand-held instrument as an intermediate step between the ultrasonic bath and heating. A third method of sterilization is chemical autoclaving, where controlled gas pressures of various gases are used, in some cases by heat and humidity, to sterilize the instruments in the sealed sterile wrap. Radiation may also be used to sterilize the instrument. In the state of the instruments in the sterilization case, the sterilized package may cover the case to maintain a sterilized area in the sterilized case.

Large surgical procedures such as hip or knee replacements require large instruments that require multiple instrument cases and trays. Known sterilization systems are provided with multiple trays in a drawer arrangement, however when the trays are pushed forward for accessing the instrument, the center of gravity will shift forward causing the system to be unstable and tilt forward. Braces for rotating forward to stabilize such sterilization cases are well known. Such a stand, when in a stable position, increases the footprint of the sterilization case on the table of the operating room.

There is a need in the art for an easily configurable sterilization system that does not become unstable when accessing instruments and that can accommodate larger, complex instrument sets and reduce the footprint of the sterilization container while increasing access to the instruments.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a sterilization container configured as a multi-tiered, ladder and/or in-line stacked, self-contained and self-standing instrument container for sterilization, management, containment and transport of surgical instruments and equipment.

The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a sterilization case assembly including a plurality of sterilization cases having a first sterilization case and a second sterilization case. The second sterilization case is stacked on the first sterilization case in a vertical direction. The second sterilization case is configured to be offset from the first sterilization case in a direction transverse to the vertical direction.

The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a sterilization case assembly including a plurality of sterilization cases having a first sterilization case and a second sterilization case. The second sterilization case is stacked on the first sterilization case in a vertical direction. The second sterilization case is configured to be offset stacked from the first sterilization case in a direction transverse to the vertical direction and stacked parallel (inline) from the first sterilization case in a direction transverse to the vertical direction.

The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a sterilization case assembly including a plurality of sterilization cases including a first sterilization case having a first cover and a second sterilization case having a second cover. The second sterilization case is stacked on the first sterilization case in a vertical direction. The first sterilization case and the second sterilization case are each configured to be stacked with at least one of the first cover and the second cover, and not stacked with at least one of the first cover and the second cover.

The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a sterilization case including a drawer having a latch mechanism. A lid coupled to the drawer. The lid has a latch receiver to receive the latch mechanism when the lid is in the closed position and the drawer is also in the closed position.

The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a sterilization case including at least one end cap having an inner contour. At least one of the inner profiles has a locking bracket. A drawer is slidably connected to the end cap. The drawer includes at least one resilient rod with a hole. At least one locking bracket is received in a corresponding aperture when the drawer is in the closed position.

An advantage of the present invention is an easily configurable sterilization system that does not become unstable when accessing instruments.

Another advantage of the present invention is a sterilization system that can accommodate larger and complex instrument sets, minimizing the sterilization system footprint while maximizing access to the instruments.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the boxes are stacked in a stepped fashion to offset the center of gravity to prevent tipping as the instrument is accessed.

A further advantage of the present invention is a slidable modular mounting to allow the tray to be removed from the drawer.

A further advantage of the present invention is that vertically stacking four to six layers of sterilization trays requires/occupies the same space that was used by several trays.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the amount of space required in the operating room for sterilization cases and trays is reduced.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it enables a reliable modular arrangement of single-level trays of instruments, which improves the management, presentation, access and configuration of the instruments.

Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that the rotating bezel is locked in the open position to provide additional security against tilting.

A further advantage of the invention is that the sterilization cases can be either parallel or offset stacked.

A further advantage of the present invention is that sterilization cases may be stacked with or without their respective lids.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the sterilization case has a secure latching of the lid and drawer to support each closure when appropriate.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the sterilization case has a positive latch for the drawer wherein the lid is closed, opened or removed.

Another advantage of the present invention is that sterilization cases are offset stacked for surgical use to prevent tipping when the drawer is opened and then stacked in parallel for storage, cleaning and/or sterilization use.

Drawings

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-level sterilization system of the present invention including 3 stacked cases;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the multi-level sterilization case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along section line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along section line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stackable sterilization case having a plurality of trays;

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of stackable sterilization cases;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the sterilization case assembly showing the parallel stacked sterilization cases of FIG. 6, and also showing the lid removed from the sterilization case in perspective;

FIG. 8 is a perspective, partially cut-away and fragmentary view of a rear corner of the sterilization case of FIG. 6, showing the hinge removed to allow the sterilization case to easily remove the lid;

FIG. 9 is a perspective and fragmentary view of the side of the sterilization case of FIG. 6, particularly illustrating the drawer latch mechanism;

FIG. 10 is a perspective and fragmentary view of the side of the drawer of the sterilization case of FIG. 6, particularly illustrating the latch mechanism of the drawer, and particularly illustrating the resilient lever of the latch mechanism of the drawer;

FIG. 11 is a perspective and fragmentary view of the side of the base (end cap) of the sterilization case of FIG. 6, particularly illustrating the drawer latching mechanism, and particularly illustrating the locking bracket of the drawer latching mechanism corresponding to the drawer latching mechanism of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective, partially cut-away and fragmentary view of the front of the drawer and lid of the sterilization case of FIG. 6, showing in particular the latching mechanism of the lid;

the corresponding reference features show the corresponding parts through several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a stacked sterilization case assembly or system 10 generally including a plurality of sterilization cases 12, and in this embodiment specifically 3 sterilization cases 12. Each sterilization case 12 includes at least one drawer 14 therein and attached to sterilization case 12 using a slide mechanism 16. Each sterilization case 12 includes a lid 18 that can be rotatably opened as shown. As will be discussed in detail later, only one of drawer 14 or lid 18 may be opened for a given sterilization case 12. The trays are interlocked using at least one handle 20 located on both sides of the tray. At least one sterilization case 12 is offset from another sterilization case 12 in a direction transverse to the vertical direction, such as from front to back as shown in the drawings.

FIG. 2 illustrates how the offset stacking feature preserves back table space and prevents tilting when the drawer is opened and closed. As shown, the lid 18 may be rotated so that the drawer 14 may be moved.

The ergonomic grip 22 is soft and comfortable to touch. The unique hook 24 shape allows the handle to lay flat on top of the case or be turned upward to facilitate a suitable removal technique from the closed container system. The resilient handle 22 rolls smoothly in the palm of the hand to lift comfortably and around the center into the end cap 26 to lock the stacked cases together.

Safety catch 28 prevents drawer 14 from opening in sterilization case 12 unless another sterilization case 12 is stacked on it. The contents of the individual boxes or the top box in the stack are accessed by opening the lid 18. Safety hook 28 allows a drawer in a sterilization case 12 having another sterilization case 12 stacked thereon to be released when safety hook 28 is actuated. Latch 29 locks lid 18 and drawer 14 and, when slid toward the rear of sterilization case 12 (away from the front of the drawer), opens one of drawer 14 or lid 18 depending on the state of safety hook 28 and whether another case is on lid 18.

The present invention may include a secondary spring 30 that may slightly open the drawer 14 at the bottom of the stacked case, or the lid 18 of a single case or a stacked top case. The assist spring 30 for the drawer 14 is shown, and the assist spring 30 for the lid may be similar to that shown, but in a different position than that which actuates the lid 18. The secondary spring 30 may be a variety of resilient components such as other spring types (coil springs, etc.), rubber products, resilient containers with compressible liquids therein. The assist spring 30 allows the drawer 14 and the cover 18 to be easily opened. Drawer 14 may hold a flexible tray by its edges and metal inserts as accidental insertions (drop-ins), such trays and inserts holding sets of instruments (all not shown).

The size and shape of sterilization case 12 is limited and the container is container friendly and has resilient carrying handles 20 and recessed carrying pockets 32 in end panels 26. Rounded corners 34 are less likely to puncture a sterile pocket than sharp corners.

The removal hinge 36 allows the lid to be removed for access or cleaning purposes. End panels 26 may be cast from aluminum, titanium or other suitable metal, or injection molded from Radel, PEEK or other suitable plastic or material.

The slide mechanism 16 may be stainless steel or other suitable material and the ratio may be maintained at 40 pounds per pair, although different load carrying capacities may be based on the sterilization system 10 to be used. The drawer front 38 is annealed from aluminum or vacuum formed from Radel or made from other suitable material. A highly perforated design with an open drawer bottom and the ability to access the contents from the top or through the open drawer may ensure very excellent cleaning and sterile and safe access to the contents.

The top 44, or lid 18, of the sterilization case 12 includes at least one top positioning element 40. The bottom 46 of the sterilization case 12 includes at least one bottom positioning element 42. The at least one top positioning element 40 and the at least one bottom positioning element 42 are offset in a direction parallel to the bottom 46, or alternatively, when the lid 18 is closed. For example, sterilization case 12 includes opposing sides, a first side 48 and a second side 50 connected to bottom 46, with at least one bottom positioning element 42 being closer to one opposing side than at least one top positioning element 40.

In another embodiment (fig. 5), sterilization case 60 includes a plurality of drawers 14 and a hinged front cover 62. The hinged front cover 62 may also be lockable. Sterilization case 60 may be offset stacked similar to sterilization case 12. Other features are similar to those already described and have been given the same reference numerals. Sterilization case 60 is more suitable for hip or knee replacement surgery, while sterilization case 12 is more suitable for spinal or extremity surgery.

In use, a second sterilization case 12 is stacked on a first sterilization case 12 in a vertical direction while the second sterilization case 12 is offset from the first sterilization case 12 in a direction transverse to the vertical direction. The second sterilization case 12 is interlocked with the first sterilization case 12 using the handle 20 and the corresponding recess 32.

Referring now to fig. 6-12, and more particularly to fig. 6 and 7, a stacked sterilization case assembly or system 70 is shown and generally includes a plurality of sterilization cases 72. Sterilization case assembly or system 70 and sterilization case 72 are generally used to house, manage and sterilize one or more surgical instruments (not shown) or kits or trays thereof, particularly orthopedic instruments used in an intra-operative, cleaning, sterilization or storage environment. Sterilization case assembly or system 70 and sterilization case 72 generally include the elements described above and shown in fig. 1-5, and sterilization case assembly 70 and sterilization case 72 may be stacked in parallel in a direction transverse to the vertical direction, as shown in fig. 7, in addition to being offset stackable as shown in fig. 1-5.

Sterilization case 72 includes a base 74, at least one drawer 76 positioned on top of and attached to base 74 using a slide mechanism 78. The sterilization case 12 includes a lid 18 that is pivotally openable and otherwise removable. Accordingly, sterilization cases 12 may be offset from or stacked parallel with all of the corresponding lids 80 mounted on their respective sterilization cases 12, or alternatively, sterilization cases 12 may be offset from or stacked parallel with any or all of the lids 80 removed from their respective sterilization cases 12. Sterilization case 12 includes a handle 82 that may be used to interlock sterilization case 12 when sterilization cases 12 are stacked in an offset manner as described above; however, when sterilization cases 12 are stacked in parallel, the handles do not engage the interlocked sterilization cases 12 to prevent misuse. The sterilization cases 12 are arranged to be stacked offset and parallel to at least one other sterilization case 12 in a direction transverse to the vertical direction.

The base 74 generally includes a rear portion 84, an end cap 86 and a bottom portion 88. The rear portion 84 includes at least one hinge post 92 for the removal hinge 90 of the lid 80, which generally includes two hinge posts 92 that mate with corresponding hinge receivers 94 on the lid 80. Rear 84 also includes a resilient member 96 that can be used to bias drawer 76 so that drawer 76 can be opened slightly when unlocked. Each end cap 86 is coupled to a base rail 98 of a corresponding slide mechanism 78. The end cap 86 includes an inner contour or surface 102 with a locking bracket 104. A handle 82 is attached to each end cap 86. The handle 82 may be injection molded in two halves that snap fit together around a preformed wire or hook and loop. Handle 82 provides an ergonomic design for lifting/handling and locking sterilization case 72 when sterilization case 72 is offset stacked.

Drawer 76 is slidably coupled to end caps 86 on either side of drawer 76 via slide mechanism 78, and in particular, drawer 76 is coupled to drawer rails 100 of slide mechanism 78. On at least one side of drawer 76, a resilient lever 106 with an aperture 108 is included. The drawer 76 latching mechanism basically includes at least one locking bracket 104 that is received in a corresponding aperture 108 when the drawer 76 is in the closed position. The drawer latch is thus a single action and is shown on both sides of the case 72. Pushing the flexible rod 106 downward with the thumb or other limb releases the flexible rod 106 from the locking bracket 104 to allow the drawer 76 to move forward, which may be assisted by the flexible member 96.

The two rails 98, 100 of the sliding mechanism 78 may be, for example, unlubricated aluminum with stainless steel ball bearings and additional steam holes for sterilization and cleaning.

The lid latch mechanism includes a latch mechanism 110 on the drawer 76 and at least one latch receiver 112 on the lid 80. When lid 80 and drawer 76 are in the latched position, latch mechanism 110 is received in latch receiver 112. More specifically, drawer 76 includes a drawer front 114 with a front panel 116. Latch mechanism 110 is slidably coupled to front panel 116. At least one resilient member 118 biases latch mechanism 110 to the closed position relative to front panel 116. In the illustrated embodiment, latch mechanism 110 is slidable in a direction approximately parallel to front panel 116. The latch receiver 112 includes at least one slotted flange 120. Latch mechanism 110 includes at least one hook 122 positioned transverse to the sliding direction of latch mechanism 110 and received within a corresponding slotted ledge 120 when lid 80 and drawer 76 are in the closed position. Latch mechanism tab 124 is connected to latch mechanism 110 and front panel tab 126 is connected to front panel 116. Latch mechanism 110 is coupled to front panel 116 by a fastener 128 to allow latch mechanism 110 to slide within a slot 130 of latch mechanism 110 relative to front panel 116. This unique cover latch allows for a single manual operation. Squeezing or compressing tabs 124 and 126 together disengages lid 80 and lid 80 can be pivoted open and removed if desired by sliding the lid laterally, thereby releasing hinge receiver 94 from hinge post 92. Detents 134 may be used to pivot lid 80 upward and remove when lid 80 is unlocked. Drawer 76 may be opened or closed with lid 80, lid 80 being closed, opened, or completely removed.

Ribs 132 enable positive positioning and stacking and placement of multiple boxes 72. Ribs 132 allow sterilization cases 72 to be stacked in parallel for storage, cleaning and/or sterilization, and/or to deflect during surgery or other use, preventing tipping when drawer 76 is opened.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. A sterilization case, comprising:

a drawer having a front panel, a latch mechanism, and a fastener, the front panel including a front panel tab, the latch mechanism including a latch mechanism tab and defining a slot, the latch mechanism connected to the front panel via the fastener positioned in the slot, the fastener and the slot configured to allow the latch mechanism to slide relative to the front panel in a direction generally parallel to the front panel when the latch mechanism tab is pressed toward the front panel tab; and

a lid coupled to the drawer, the lid having a latch receiver that receives the latch mechanism when the lid is in a closed position and the drawer is in a closed position.

2. The sterilization case of claim 1, wherein the sterilization case comprises:

at least one end cap forming a side of the sterilization case and having an inner surface including a locking bracket; and

a drawer slidably connected to the end cap, the drawer including at least one rod having an aperture, at least one of the locking brackets being received in a corresponding aperture when the drawer is in a closed position.

3. The sterilization case of claim 1, wherein said at least one rod is at least one elastic rod.

4. The sterilization case of claim 1, wherein said drawer includes at least one end panel, said at least one rod being located on said at least one end panel.

5. The sterilization case of claim 1, wherein said drawer includes a drawer front with a front panel, said latch mechanism being slidably connected to said front panel.

6. The sterilization case of claim 5, further comprising a resilient member biasing said latch mechanism with respect to said front panel.

7. The sterilization case of claim 5, wherein said latch mechanism is slidable in a direction substantially parallel to said front panel.

8. The sterilization case of claim 7, wherein said latch receiver includes at least one slotted flange.

9. The sterilization case of claim 8, wherein said latch mechanism includes at least one shackle positioned transverse to said direction, said shackle being received in a corresponding said at least one slotted flange when said lid is in a closed position and said drawer is in a closed position.

10. The sterilization case of claim 1, wherein said drawer is slidably connected to said sterilization case.

11. The sterilization case of claim 10, wherein said drawer is slidably coupled to said sterilization case by an unlubricated slide.

12. The sterilization case of claim 1, wherein said lid is pivotably connected to said sterilization case.