U.S. patent application number 10/704149 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-09 for disposal device for sampling materials.
Invention is credited to Campbell, Stephanie J., Griffin, Carl E., Lipoma, Michael V., Ruf, Christopher J..
Application Number | 20040173488 10/704149 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32930297 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040173488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Griffin, Carl E. ; et
al. |
September 9, 2004 |
Disposal device for sampling materials
Abstract
A disposal device for a medical test item such as a blood
glucose test strip or a lancet, the device including an outer shell
bounding an interior chamber, an opening through the shell in
communication with the chamber, and a clip for securing the device
to an external structure. Curved or angled panels, or flexible
sections of the shell can be provided at or adjacent the opening to
resist removal or discharge of contents.
Inventors: |
Griffin, Carl E.; (Marietta,
GA) ; Lipoma, Michael V.; (Villa Rica, GA) ;
Ruf, Christopher J.; (Marietta, GA) ; Campbell,
Stephanie J.; (Kennesaw, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF, P.C.
PAPER MILL VILLAGE, BUILDING 23
600 VILLAGE TRACE
SUITE 300
MARIETTA
GA
30067
US
|
Family ID: |
32930297 |
Appl. No.: |
10/704149 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60424624 |
Nov 7, 2002 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/363 ;
206/438 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 50/37 20160201;
A61B 2050/301 20160201; A61B 50/362 20160201; A61B 50/36
20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/363 ;
206/438 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A disposal device comprising a housing surrounding an interior
chamber, an opening through said housing, and means for resisting
removal or discharge of items from the interior chamber through the
opening.
2. The disposal device of claim 1, wherein said means for resisting
removal or discharge of items from the interior chamber comprises a
fin projecting into the interior chamber from adjacent said
opening.
3. The disposal device of claim 2, wherein said fin comprises a
curved panel.
4. The disposal device of claim 1, wherein said means for resisting
removal or discharge of items from the interior chamber comprises
confronting opposed sides bounding said opening, at least one of
said confronting opposed sides being flexible.
5. The disposal device of claim 4, comprising first and second
flexible opposed sides bounding the opening.
6. The disposal device of claim 1, wherein said means for resisting
removal or discharge of items from the interior chamber comprises
an obliquely angled panel of said housing adjacent the opening.
7. A disposal device comprising a shell enclosing an interior
chamber, and wherein an opening is provided through the shell to
permit a disposed item to be deposited into the interior chamber,
the shell further comprising a fin projecting into the interior
chamber from adjacent the opening to resist removal or discharge of
disposed items deposited into the interior chamber.
8. The disposal device of claim 7, wherein the fin projecting into
the interior chamber comprises a curved panel.
9. The disposal device of claim 7, wherein the shell comprises a
one-piece, unitary molding.
10. The disposal device of claim 9, wherein the shell comprises at
least one hingedly closable panel.
11. The disposal device of claim 10, wherein upon assembly of the
device, the at least one hingedly closable panel is permanently
affixed in a closed configuration.
12. The disposal device of claim 7, wherein the shell further
comprises an attachment clip.
13. The disposal device of claim 7, wherein the shell has external
dimensions of less than about 75 mm.times.35 mm.times.35 mm.
14. The disposal device of claim 13, wherein the shell has external
dimensions of less than about 50 mm.times.25 mm.times.25 mm.
15. A disposal device comprising a shell surrounding an interior
chamber, wherein a slot is provided through the shell, said slot
bounded by confronting first and second sides that flex to an open
configuration to permit objects to pass through the slot into the
interior chamber, and that return to a normally closed
configuration under their own resilience to prevent discharge or
removal of objects from the interior chamber through the slot.
16. The disposal device of claim 15, wherein relief cuts are
provided at first and second ends of the slot to enhance flexure of
the confronting first and second sides.
17. The disposal device of claim 15, wherein the shell comprises a
one-piece, unitary molding.
18. The disposal device of claim 17, wherein the shell comprises at
least one hingedly closable panel.
19. The disposal device of claim 18, wherein upon assembly of the
device, the at least one hingedly closable panel is permanently
affixed in a closed configuration.
20. A disposal device comprising: a housing having a top, a bottom,
at least one sidewall, and a panel angled obliquely relative to the
top and to the sidewall; and an opening through said housing, said
opening located through or adjacent the obliquely angled panel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/424,624, filed Nov. 7, 2002, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for
all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
personal medical devices, and more particularly to a device for the
disposal of used blood glucose test supplies and other materials
that may be contaminated with blood or other body fluids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many diabetics use lancets and test strips to monitor their
blood glucose levels. Other persons sample blood and/or other body
fluids for a variety of health-related purposes. With increased
concerns regarding disease transmission from contact with blood and
body fluids, the importance of safe and proper disposal of
potentially contaminated medical supplies and materials has been
recognized.
[0004] For example, in order to prevent inadvertent contact with
the sharp tip of a lancet and because lancets and test strips may
be contaminated with the user's blood after testing, it has been
found desirable to provide a disposal device for the sanitary
storage and disposal of test strips and/or lancets after their use.
In order to encourage use, it is also desirable that the device be
simple and inexpensive in construction and use, and be disposable
when filled to avoid the need for emptying contents.
[0005] It is to the provision of an improved disposal device
meeting these and other needs that the present invention is
primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly described, in preferred forms, the present invention
provides a compact, portable container for the disposal of used
glucose meter test strips and/or used lancets. In an example
embodiment, the device of the present invention comprises a
permanently closed container with one or more small openings or
ports designed to accept test strips, lancets, and/or other items
for disposal into an interior chamber of the container. Those ports
are preferably configured such that they do not allow these
disposed items to easily be removed or fall out of the container,
where they might cause contamination or spread of pathogens.
Likewise, the used supplies preferably are not accessible to the
user nor others that may come in contact with the container,
thereby avoiding the risk of inadvertent or intentional re-use of
supplies intended for single use only. The device is preferably
formed of a one-piece, unitary molding that is sufficiently simple
and inexpensive to produce to allow economical disposability of the
device when completely or partially filled. The device is
preferably relatively small, for example less than about 75
mm.times.35 mm.times.35 mm, and more preferably less than about 50
mm.times.25 mm.times.25 mm, to permit convenient storage and
transport, and to allow it to be stowed in the case for a glucose
testing meter or other portable personal medical monitoring
device.
[0007] In further aspects of the invention, the device optionally
further includes a clip or other attachment feature that allows
attachment to a typical glucose meter system, a case for a meter or
portable medicine kit such as an insulin medication kit, or to a
user's belt or purse. The container preferably also has markings,
labeling and/or coloring to indicate that it potentially contains
biohazard material. The container preferably is not reusable once
filled with disposed supplies, and cannot be opened for access to
its contents. In example embodiments, the device of the present
invention includes one or more openings configured to closely match
the cross-sectional geometry of a standard blood glucose test
strip, for example about 1 mm.times.3 mm, In further example
embodiments, the container of the present invention has a similar
shape and functionality to that described above, but additionally
or alternatively has one or more openings of a size and shape to
closely match the geometry of standard lancets and/or other test
items, for example about 5 mm.times.5 mm.
[0008] In another aspect, the invention is a disposal device having
a shell enclosing an interior chamber. An opening is preferably
provided through the shell to permit a disposed item to be
deposited into the interior chamber. The shell preferably further
includes a fin projecting into the interior chamber from adjacent
the opening to resist removal or discharge of disposed items
deposited into the interior chamber.
[0009] In still another aspect, the invention is a disposal device
including a shell surrounding an interior chamber, and having a
slot provided through the shell. The slot is preferably bounded by
confronting first and second sides that flex to an open
configuration to permit objects to pass through the slot into the
interior chamber, and that return to a normally closed
configuration under their own resilience to prevent discharge or
removal of objects from the interior chamber through the slot.
[0010] In another aspect, the invention is a disposal device
including a housing surrounding an interior chamber, an opening
through the housing, and means for resisting removal or discharge
of items from the interior chamber through the opening. The means
for resisting removal or discharge of items can take various forms,
including without limitation, a fin projecting into the interior
chamber from adjacent the opening; confronting opposed sides
bounding the opening, at least one of the confronting opposed sides
being flexible; and/or an obliquely angled panel of the housing
adjacent the opening.
[0011] In another aspect, the invention is a disposal device
including a housing having a top, a bottom, at least one sidewall,
and a panel angled obliquely relative to the top and to the
sidewall; and also including an opening through the housing, the
opening located through or adjacent the obliquely angled panel.
[0012] The specific techniques and structures employed by the
present invention to improve over the drawbacks of the prior
systems and accomplish the advantages described herein will become
apparent from the following detailed description of example
embodiments of the invention and the appended drawings and
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a first perspective view of a disposal device
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a second perspective view of the disposal
device of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the disposal device of FIG.
1, showing the top cover in an opened position prior to closing and
sealing the cover for use.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of the disposal device as shown in FIG.
4.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a disposal device
according to another example embodiment of the invention, having a
different opening configuration.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a disposal device
according to another example embodiment of the invention, with
another opening configuration, shown receiving a test strip.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a disposal device according
to another example embodiment of the invention, shown receiving a
test strip.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a front view of the disposal device of FIG. 7.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the disposal device of FIG.
7.
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of the disposal device of FIG.
7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, preferred forms of the
present invention will now be described by way of example
embodiments. It is to be understood that the embodiments described
and depicted herein are only selected examples of the many and
various forms that the present invention may take, and that these
examples are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the
claimed invention.
[0024] FIGS. 1-4 depict one example embodiment of a disposal device
10 according to the present invention. The device preferably
comprises an outer shell 12 defining an interior chamber 14 for
receiving one or more test strips, lancets, and/or other items for
disposal 16. The shell 12 is preferably formed of a unitary
one-piece molding of polyethylene, polypropylene, or other
polymeric material. Alternatively, the shell 12 comprises a
plurality of separately-formed elements permanently secured to one
another to prevent disassembly. In preferred form, the shell 12
comprises a top panel 20, at least one sidewall 22 (the depicted
embodiment comprising four sidewalls 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d), and a
bottom panel 24, enclosing the chamber 14.
[0025] As seen best with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, at least one
of the top panel 20, the sidewall(s) 22, and/or the bottom panel 24
is/are initially formed in an opened configuration, for ease of
molding and/or to permit inspection of the interior chamber 14. The
opened panel or wall is preferably formed as an integral portion of
the overall device, as for example by way of an interconnecting
flexible strip or panel of material. Preferably, this
interconnecting strip of material forms a living hinge 30 that
provides alignment and assists in the assembly of the finished
device 10. The device 10 is assembled by closing the opened panel
or wall over the open end or side of the remainder of the shell 12
to completely enclose the interior chamber 14. Preferably, the
closed panel is then permanently affixed to the remainder of the
shell, as for example by adhesive, snap fittings, thermal welding,
sonic welding, solvent bonding, or other attachment means, to
prevent opening of the device and access to or contact with
potentially contaminated contents.
[0026] The device 10 preferably further comprises one or more
clips, hooks, snaps, eyelets, or other attachment means 40, for
securing the device to an external structure such as a glucose
meter, a case for a meter or portable medicine kit such as an
insulin medication kit, or to a user's belt, purse or other
clothing or accessory.
[0027] One or more slots or other openings 50 is/are preferably
formed through the shell 12 to permit passage of test strips,
lancets and/or other disposal items 16 therethrough, for
containment within the interior chamber 14 of the device 10. The
opening(s) is/are preferably sized and shaped to accommodate the
intended item(s) for disposal, but to prevent their inadvertent or
purposeful removal from the container and/or the inadvertent or
purposeful contact with disposed items within the interior chamber.
In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the opening 50 comprises a
generally rectangular slot having a length of about 2-3 mm and a
width of about 1 mm, to permit many standard commercially available
blood glucose test strips to pass easily therethrough on insertion
into the chamber 14, but with a sufficiently close fit to resist
discharge or removal therefrom. An opening 50 is shown located in
the top panel 20 of the shell 12, which has been found desirable
for ease of access. In alternate embodiments, opening(s) is/are
alternatively or additionally formed through a sidewall 22 and/or
the bottom panel 24. As seen best in FIGS. 3 and 4, a curved or
angled fin 60 is preferably formed integrally with or attached to
the shell 12, extending from a first connected end on the interior
face of the shell adjacent the opening 50, to a second free end.
The fin 60 is preferably curved or angled to extend across and
beneath the opening 50 to further resist discharge or removal of
contents from the chamber 14.
[0028] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a container
10'(referenced elements corresponding to similar elements of the
container 10 described above are indicated with a single prime
symbol in this embodiment), according to the present invention. The
opening 50' comprises a slot having closely spaced (less than about
1 mm), abutting or overlapping opposed confronting sides, to resist
discharge or removal of contents from the interior chamber. The
material of the shell 12' surrounding the opening 50' is preferably
formed from a thin flexible material, and one or more relief cuts
52' are preferably provided at the ends of the slotted opening 50',
to permit the opposed sides of the slotted opening to flex inwardly
as a test strip, lancet, or other disposed object is inserted into
the device. After insertion, the opposed sides of the opening 50'
return under their own resilience to close the opening to block
discharge or removal of contents from the interior chamber.
[0029] FIG. 6 shows a similarly configured disposal device 10",
according to another example embodiment of the invention
(referenced elements corresponding to similar elements of the
container 10 described above are indicated with a double prime
symbol in this embodiment). An opening 50" of this embodiment is
formed at or adjacent the intersection of the top panel 20" and a
sidewall 22" of the shell, and is obliquely angled relative to the
top panel and sidewall to resist discharge or removal of
contents.
[0030] FIGS. 7-10 show a disposal device 110, according to another
example embodiment of the invention. Like the above-described
embodiments, the device 110 includes a generally rectangular
housing or shell 112, enclosing an interior chamber for receiving
disposed objects 116, and preferably includes a clip or other
attachment means 140 for attachment to an external structure or
item. The housing 112 of this embodiment is preferably wider and
thinner than that of the above-described embodiments, for example,
having the general dimensions of a small pager, such that it may be
worn inconspicuously on the user's belt or in a purse. An opening
150 is preferably formed through the housing 112, at or adjacent an
obliquely angled (relative to other primary panels of the housing)
panel 155 of the housing. Placement of the opening 150 on the
obliquely angled panel between the top and a sidewall of the
housing 112 helps resist discharge or removal of contents from the
device.
[0031] In use, the user preferably secures the disposal device of
the present invention to his or her belt, bag, etc., or otherwise
carries the device, for example attached to a monitor or in the
case of a test meter or medical kit. After performing a test, a
test strip, lancet or other item is disposed of by insertion
through the opening in the shell, into the interior chamber. When
the interior chamber of the device is completely or partially
filled, the entire device is preferably properly disposed of
according to accepted disposal techniques for potential biohazard
matertials, and a new device is placed into use.
[0032] While the invention has been disclosed in preferred forms
for illustration purposes, those skilled in the art will readily
recognize that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *