U.S. patent application number 13/333507 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-19 for orthopaedic instrument sterilization case.
This patent application is currently assigned to Symmetry Medical Manufacturing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chad M. LaMar, Daniel L. Sands, Jon D. Shoemaker.
Application Number | 20120091024 13/333507 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37532763 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120091024 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sands; Daniel L. ; et
al. |
April 19, 2012 |
ORTHOPAEDIC INSTRUMENT STERILIZATION CASE
Abstract
A sterilization case assembly includes a plurality of
sterilization cases including a first sterilization case and a
second sterilization case, the second sterilization case stacked
upon the first sterilization case in a vertical direction, the
second sterilization case being configured for both stacking offset
from the first sterilization case in a direction transverse to the
vertical direction and stacking inline from the first sterilization
case in a direction transverse to the vertical direction.
Inventors: |
Sands; Daniel L.; (Warsaw,
IN) ; Shoemaker; Jon D.; (Leesburg, IN) ;
LaMar; Chad M.; (Carmel, IN) |
Assignee: |
Symmetry Medical Manufacturing,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37532763 |
Appl. No.: |
13/333507 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11150391 |
Jun 9, 2005 |
8100281 |
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13333507 |
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10685247 |
Oct 14, 2003 |
7523827 |
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11150391 |
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60418528 |
Oct 15, 2002 |
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60485353 |
Jul 7, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/503 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2050/185 20160201;
A61B 2050/3007 20160201; A61B 50/34 20160201; A61B 2050/311
20160201; A61L 2/26 20130101; A61B 2050/3011 20160201; A61L 2202/24
20130101; A61L 2202/122 20130101; A61B 2050/3009 20160201; A61B
50/31 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/503 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/00 20060101
B65D021/00 |
Claims
1. A sterilization case assembly, comprising: a plurality of
sterilization cases including a first sterilization case and a
second sterilization case, said second sterilization case stacked
upon said first sterilization case in a vertical direction, said
second sterilization case being configured for both stacking offset
from said first sterilization case in a direction transverse to
said vertical direction and stacking inline from said first
sterilization case in a direction transverse to said vertical
direction.
2. The sterilization case assembly of claim 1, wherein said second
sterilization case is offset from said first sterilization case in
a frontward to rearward direction.
3. The sterilization case assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one
said case includes a plurality of drawers.
4. The sterilization case assembly of claim 3, wherein at least one
of said plurality of drawers has a hinged front cover.
5. The sterilization case assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one
of said first sterilization case and said second sterilization case
includes a hinged lid.
6. The sterilization case assembly of claim 5, wherein said lid is
removable.
7. A sterilization case assembly, comprising: a plurality of
sterilization cases including a first sterilization case having a
first lid and a second sterilization case having a second lid, said
second sterilization case stacked upon said first sterilization
case in a vertical direction, both said first sterilization case
and said second sterilization case being configured for stacking
both with at least one of said first lid and said second lid and in
the absence of said first lid and said second lid.
8. The sterilization case assembly of claim 7, further including a
first hinge connected to both said first sterilization case and
said first lid, and a second hinge connected to both said second
sterilization case and said second lid, each of said first hinge
and said second hinge allowing a removal of a corresponding said
lid from a corresponding said sterilization case.
9. A method of using a sterilization case assembly, comprising the
steps of: stacking a first sterilization case and a second
sterilization case in a surgical environment, said second
sterilization case stacked upon said first sterilization case in a
vertical direction; offsetting said second sterilization case from
said first sterilization case in a direction transverse to said
vertical direction; and resetting said second sterilization case
relative to said first sterilization case so that said second
sterilization case is inline with said first sterilization case in
said direction transverse to said vertical direction to store said
second sterilization case and said first sterilization case after
use in said surgical environment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/150,391, entitled "ORTHOPAEDIC INSTRUMENT STERILIZATION CASE",
filed Jun. 9, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/150,391 is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/685,247, entitled "ORTHOPAEDIC
INSTRUMENT STERILIZATION CASE," filed Oct. 14, 2003, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,523,827. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/685,247 is a
non-provisional application based upon (a) U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/418,528, entitled "ORTHOPAEDIC INSTRUMENT
STERILIZATION CASE", filed Oct. 15, 2002, which is incorporated
herein by reference, and (b) U.S. provisional patent application
Ser. No. 60/485,353, entitled "ORTHOPAEDIC INSTRUMENT STERILIZATION
CASE", filed Jul. 7, 2003, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to sterilization cases and,
more particularly, to orthopaedic instrument sterilization
cases.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Sterilization containers are known that provide
organization, storage and sterilization functionality for surgical
instruments and devices. In order to avoid infection to a patient
on which such instruments used, the instruments are required to be
cleaned and sterilized after a procedure, and therefore, before
use.
[0006] Surgical procedures are regularly performed using "sets" of
pre-selected surgical instruments, each set being a collection of
instruments established from experience or design to be useful in a
given surgical procedure. The surgical instruments expected to be
used in a particular procedure are grouped together to form a set,
and, as a set, are sterilized, stored on a pan or tray, and finally
transported on that pan or tray to the operating room when their
use is required. Complex procedures typically involve a substantial
number of instruments. Thus, typically, several instrument trays
may be necessary to accommodate all of the required surgical
instruments. Accordingly, sterilizing cases often are designed to
accommodate a plurality of trays with the instruments arranged on
the trays in such a manner that the trays may be accessed as the
surgical procedure advances often in a preset sequence.
[0007] An example of a cleaning procedure can be the instruments
are first placed into a tank containing water and perhaps solvents,
and ultrasound is applied to agitate the fluid to wash and remove
the debris, such as biomatter, remaining on the instruments from
their last use. The instruments are then sterilized in some manner
to destroy any microorganisms, viruses or other contamination on
the hand instruments. The two sterilization methods include the use
of dry heat, wherein the instruments are heated to a high
temperature, for example at least 365.degree. Fahrenheit for a
period of time, or the use of steam under pressure in an autoclave
system. The time to sterilize, using a steam autoclave system,
depends on heat and pressure and whether the instruments are
wrapped or not. In some sterilization processes, chemicals are
applied to the hand instruments as an intermediate step between the
ultrasonic bath and the heating. A third method of sterilization is
a chemical autoclave wherein a controlled atmosphere of various
gases is used, with heat and humidity in some instances, to
sterilize the instruments held within sealed sterile wraps.
Radiation can also be used to sterilize instruments. In the
situation of instruments in a sterilization case, a sterile wrap
can cover the case to maintain the sterile field within the case
after sterilization.
[0008] Major surgeries such as hip or knee replacements have larger
instruments requiring multiple cases and trays of instruments.
Sterilization systems are known which have multiple trays in a
drawer arrangement, however when a tray is pulled forward to access
the instruments, there is a shift in center of gravity forward
which can cause the system to become unstable and tilt forward.
Braces are known which rotate forward to stabilize such a
sterilization case. Such braces, when in a stabilizing position,
increase the footprint of the sterilization case on the table in
the operating room.
[0009] What is needed in the art is an easily configurable
sterilization system which does not become unstable when accessing
instruments, which can accommodate large and complex instrument
sets and which minimizes the sterilization container footprint
while maximizing access to the instruments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides sterilization container which
are configurable into a multiple level, stair step and/or inline
stacked, self-contained and self-standing instrument case for
sterilizing, organizing, containing and transporting of surgical
instruments and devices.
[0011] 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 upon the first
sterilization case in a vertical direction. The second
sterilization case is offset from the first sterilization case in a
direction transverse to the vertical direction.
[0012] 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 upon the first
sterilization case in a vertical direction. The second
sterilization case is configured for both stacking offset from the
first sterilization case in a direction transverse to the vertical
direction and stacking inline from the first sterilization case in
a direction transverse to the vertical direction.
[0013] The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a
sterilization case assembly including a plurality of sterilization
cases having a first sterilization case with a first lid and a
second sterilization case with a second lid. The second
sterilization case is stacked upon the first sterilization case in
a vertical direction. Both of the first sterilization case and the
second sterilization case are configured for stacking both with at
least one of the first lid and the second lid and in the absence of
at least one of the first lid and the second lid.
[0014] The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a
sterilization case including a drawer having a latch mechanism. A
lid is connected to the drawer. The lid has a latch receiver which
receives the latch mechanism when both the lid is in a closed
position and the drawer is in a closed position.
[0015] The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a
sterilization case including at least one end cap having an inside
contour. At least one inside contour has a locking bracket. A
drawer is slidably connected to the end cap. The drawer includes at
least one resilient lever with an aperture. At least one locking
bracket is received in a corresponding aperture when the drawer is
in a closed position.
[0016] An advantage of the present invention is an easily
configurable sterilization system which does not become unstable
when accessing instruments.
[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is a
sterilization system which can accommodate large and complex
instrument sets and which minimizes the sterilization system
footprint while maximizing access to the instruments.
[0018] Yet another advantage of the present invention is a stair
step type stacking of individual cases acts to offset center of
gravity shifts to prevent tipping when accessing instruments.
[0019] A further advantage of the present invention is a slidable
modular mounting that allows removal of a tray from a drawer.
[0020] A further advantage of the present invention is four to six
levels of sterilization trays stacked vertically will only
require/occupy the same space that was once used by fewer
trays.
[0021] A further advantage of the present invention is that the
amount of space required in the operating room for sterilization
cases and trays is decreased.
[0022] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
enables a secure modular arrangement of single level trays of
instruments that improves organization, presentation, access and
deployment of instruments.
[0023] Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention
is a hinged front cover which locks in the open position to provide
additional stabilization to prevent tipping.
[0024] A further advantage of the present invention is that the
sterilization cases can be stacked either inline or offset.
[0025] A further advantage of the present invention is that the
sterilization cases can be stacked with or without their
corresponding lids.
[0026] A further advantage of the present invention is that the
sterilization cases have secure latching of both the lid and the
drawer to hold each closed when appropriate.
[0027] Another advantage of the present invention is that the
sterilization cases have secure latching of the drawer with lid
closed, opened or removed.
[0028] Another advantage of the present invention is that the
sterilization cases can be stacked offset for surgical use to
prevent tipping when drawers are open, and then stacked inline for
storage, cleaning and/or sterilization use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] 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:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multiple
level sterilization system of the present invention, including 3
stacked cases;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a side view of the multiple level sterilization
case of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along
section line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a partially fragmentary side view as viewed along
section line 4-4 of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
stackable sterilization case having multiple trays;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
stackable sterilization case;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of a
sterilization case assembly illustrating the in line stacking of
the sterilization cases of FIG. 6, and also showing a lid, in
perspective, removed from a sterilization case;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective, partially exploded and fragmentary
view of a rear corner of the sterilization case of FIG. 6,
illustrating the take away hinge which allows easy removal of the
lid from the sterilization case;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective and fragmentary view of the side of
the sterilization case of FIG. 6, illustrating the drawer latching
mechanism in particular;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a perspective and fragmentary view of the side of
the drawer of the sterilization case of FIG. 6, illustrating the
drawer latching mechanism, and in particular, the resilient lever
of the drawer latching mechanism; and
[0040] FIG. 11 is a perspective and fragmentary view of the side of
the base (end cap) of the sterilization case of FIG. 6,
illustrating the drawer latching mechanism, and in particular, the
locking bracket of the drawer latching mechanism corresponding to
the drawer latching mechanism of FIG. 10.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a perspective, partially exploded and fragmentary
view of the front of the drawer and lid of the sterilization case
of FIG. 6, illustrating the lid latching mechanism in
particular;
[0042] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the 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 OF THE INVENTION
[0043] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, there is shown a stacked sterilization case assembly or system
10 which generally includes a plurality of sterilization cases 12,
and in the embodiment shown, specifically three sterilization cases
12. Each sterilization case 12 includes at least one drawer 14
therein and attached to sterilization case 12 using slide
mechanisms 16. Each sterilization case 12 includes lid 18 which can
pivot open as shown. As will be subsequently discussed in detail,
only one of drawer 14 or lid 18 can be open for a given
sterilization case 12. The trays are interlocked using at least one
handle 20 that can be located on both of the side of the trays. At
least one sterilization case 12 is offset from another
sterilization case 12 in a direction transverse to the vertical
direction such as a frontward to reward direction as shown in the
drawings.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates how the offset stacking features conserve
back table space and help prevent tipping as drawers are opened and
closed. As shown, lid 18 is capable of rotation, whereas drawer 14
is capable of translation.
[0045] Ergonomic handle grips 22 can be soft and cool to the touch.
Unique bail 24 shape allows handles to lay flat on a case top or
swing upward to facilitate proper removal technique from closed
container systems. Resilient handle grips 22 roll flat in the palm
of the hand for comfortable lifting and roll over center and into
end cap 26 to lock stacked cases together.
[0046] Safety catch 28 prevents drawer 14 from opening in
sterilization case 12 unless another sterilization case 12 is
stacked upon it. The contents of a single case or the top case in a
stack are accessed by opening lid 18. Safety catch 28 allows a
drawer to be released in a sterilization case 12 having another
sterilization case 12 stacked upon it when safety catch 28 is
actuated. Latch 29 interlocks lid 18 and drawer 14, and when slid
towards the back (away from the drawer front) of sterilization case
12, depending on the state of safety catch 28 and whether another
case is on lid 18, one of drawer 14 or lid 18 will open.
[0047] The present invention can include assist spring 30 that
slightly opens drawer 14 of a lower stacked case, or lid 18 of
single cases or the top case in a stack. Assist spring 30 is shown
for drawer 14, the assist spring 30 for a lid can be similar to
what is shown, but positioned differently to actuate lid 18. Assist
spring 30 can be a variety of resilient members such as other
spring types (coil spring, etc.), rubber items and flexible
containers with compressible liquids therein. Assist spring 30
facilitates easy opening of drawers 14 and lids 18. Drawers 14 can
hold plastic trays by their rims and metal inserts as drop-ins,
such trays and inserts holding sets of instruments (all not
shown).
[0048] The size and shape of sterilization case 12 is wrap and
container friendly and features resilient carrying handles 20 and
recessed carrying pockets 32 in end panels 26. Rounded corners 34
are less likely to puncture a sterile wrap than sharp corners.
[0049] Take-away hinges 36 allow removal of the lid for access or
cleaning purposes. End panels 26 can be cast from aluminum,
titanium or other suitable metals, or injection molded from Radel,
PEEK or other suitable plastics or materials.
[0050] Slider mechanisms 16 can be stainless steel or other
suitable materials and can be rated to hold 40 lbs per pair,
although different load carrying capacity is possible based on the
expected use of sterilization system 10. Drawer front 38 can be
drawn from aluminum or vacuum formed from Radel or made from other
suitable materials. The highly perforated design with open drawer
bottom and ability to access contents from the top or through an
open drawer ensures unsurpassed cleanability and sterilization and
safe access to contents.
[0051] The top 44 of sterilization case 12, or lid 18, includes at
least one top registration element 40. Bottom 46 of sterilization
case 12 includes at least one bottom registration element 42. At
least one top registration element 40 is offset from at least one
bottom registration element 42 in a direction parallel with bottom
46, or alternatively, lid 18 when closed. For example,
sterilization case 12 includes opposed sides, first side 48 and
second side 50, connected to bottom 46. At least one bottom
registration element 42 is closer to one opposed side than at least
one top registration element 40.
[0052] In another embodiment (FIG. 5), sterilization case 60
includes a plurality of drawers 14 and hinged front cover 62.
Hinged front cover 62 can also be lockable. Sterilization case 60
can be offset stacked similarly to sterilization case 12. Other
features are similar to as already described and have been given
identical reference characters. Sterilization case 60 may be more
suitable for a hip or knee replacement surgery whereas
sterilization case 12 may be more suitable for spinal or
extremities surgery.
[0053] In use, a second sterilization case 12 is stacked upon a
first sterilization case 12 in a vertical direction, and
concurrently, 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 can be
interlocked with the first sterilization case 12 using handles 20
and corresponding recessed pockets 32.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 6-12, and, more particularly to FIGS.
6 and 7, there is shown a stacked sterilization case assembly or
system 70 which generally includes a plurality of sterilization
cases 72. Sterilization case assembly or system 70 and
sterilization cases 72 can generally be used to contain, organize
and sterilize one or more surgical instruments (not shown) or sets
or trays thereof, in particular orthopaedic instruments in a
surgical, cleaning, sterilization or storage environment.
Sterilization case assembly or system 70 and sterilization cases 72
can generally include the elements described above and illustrated
in FIGS. 1-5, and in addition to being offset stackable as
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, sterilization case assembly 70 and
sterilization cases 72 can be stackable inline in a direction
transverse to the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 7.
[0055] Sterilization case 72 includes a base 74, and at least one
drawer 76 therein and attached to base 74 using slide mechanisms
78. Sterilization case 12 includes lid 80 which can pivot open, and
additionally, can be removed. Consequently, sterilization cases 12
can be stacked, either offset or inline, with all of the
corresponding lids 80 installed on their respective sterilization
case 12, or alternatively, with any or all of the lids 80 removed
from their respective sterilization case 12. Sterilization case 12
includes handle 82 which can be used to interlock sterilization
cases 12 when they are stacked offset as described above; however,
handles do not engage to interlock sterilization cases 12 when they
are stacked inline, to prevent misuse. Sterilization case 12 is
configured for stacking with at least one other sterilization case
12 both offset and inline in a direction transverse to the vertical
direction.
[0056] Base 74 generally includes back 84, end caps 86 and bottom
88. Back 84 includes at least one hinge post 92 of takeaway hinge
90 for lid 80, and will generally include two hinge posts 92 which
mate with corresponding hinge receivers 94 on lid 80. Back 84 can
also include resilient member 96 which can be used to bias drawer
76 such that drawer 76 will open slightly when unlatched. Each end
cap 86 is connected to a base rail 98 of a corresponding slide
mechanism 78. End caps 86 include an inside contour or surface 102
with a locking bracket 104. A handle 82 can be attached to each of
end caps 86. Handles 82 can be injection molded with two halves
which snap together around a preformed wire or bail. Handles 82
offer ergonomic design for lifting/handling and lock cases 72
together when cases 72 are offset stacked.
[0057] Drawer 76 is slidably connected to an end cap 86 on either
side of drawer 76 via slide mechanisms 78, and in particular,
drawer 76 connects to drawer rail 100 of slide mechanisms 78. On at
least one side of drawer 76 there is included resilient lever 106
with aperture 108. The drawer 76 latch mechanism primarily includes
at least one locking bracket 104 which are received in a
corresponding aperture 108 when drawer 76 is in a closed position.
The drawer latches are therefore single action and are shown on
both sides of case 72. A push down on resilient lever 106 with the
thumb or other appendage and resilient lever 106 releases from
locking bracket 104 to allow drawer 76 to move forward, which
movement can be aided by resilient member 96.
[0058] The two rails 98, 100 of slide mechanism 78 can be
unlubricated aluminum with stainless steel ball bearings and added
steam holes for sterilization and cleanability, for example.
[0059] The lid latching mechanism includes latch mechanism 110 on
drawer 76 and at least one latch receiver 112 on lid 80. Latch
mechanism 110 is received in latch receivers 112 when both lid 80
and drawer 76 are in a closed position. More particularly, drawer
76 includes a drawer front 114 with a front panel 116. Latch
mechanism 110 is slidably connected to front panel 116. At least
one resilient member 118 biases latch mechanism 110 with respect to
front panel 116 to a closed position. In the embodiment shown,
latch mechanism 110 is slidable in a direction approximately
parallel to front panel 116. Latch receiver 112 includes at least
one slotted ledge 120. Latch mechanism 110 includes at least one
clasp 122 positioned transverse to the sliding direction of latch
mechanism 110 and is received in a corresponding slotted ledge 120
when both lid 80 and drawer 76 are in a 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 connected to front panel 116 via fasteners 128 which allow latch
mechanism 110 to slide relative to front panel 116 in slots 130 of
latch mechanism 110. This unique lid latching allows single handed
operation. Pinching or compressing tabs 124 and 126 together
disengages lid 80, and lid 80 can be pivoted open and removed, if
desired, by sliding lid 80 laterally thereby releasing hinge
receiver 94 from hinge post 92. Detent 134 can be used to pivot lid
80 upward and remove when lid 80 is unlatched. Drawer 76 can be
opened or closed with lid 80 closed, open or completely
removed.
[0060] Ribs 132 enable a positive location and feel to stack and
nest multiple cases 72. Ribs 132 allow cases 72 to be stacked
inline for storage, cleaning and/or sterilization, and/or offset
when in surgical or other use, when drawers 76 may be opened, to
prevent tipping.
[0061] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, the present invention can be further modified
within the spirit and scope 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.
* * * * *