U.S. patent application number 14/186098 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-20 for medication disposal system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Milton Dallas, Russ Robers. Invention is credited to Milton Dallas, Russ Robers.
Application Number | 20150231673 14/186098 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53797275 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150231673 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dallas; Milton ; et
al. |
August 20, 2015 |
Medication Disposal System
Abstract
A system for safely neutralizing medication and venting gases
produced by the neutralization process includes a container holding
a quantity of disposal formula, sealed with a bottle liner, a
closure with a pressure relief aperture, and an amount of hardener
that may be added to the disposal formula. In some embodiments, a
breathable, liquid-impermeable liner within the closure prevents
liquids and solids from leaking through the pressure relief
aperture. Other embodiments utilize a variable pressure relief
valve within the closure to prevent leakage.
Inventors: |
Dallas; Milton; (Burlington,
WI) ; Robers; Russ; (Burlington, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dallas; Milton
Robers; Russ |
Burlington
Burlington |
WI
WI |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53797275 |
Appl. No.: |
14/186098 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61940301 |
Feb 14, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/1644 20130101;
A62D 3/30 20130101; B65D 51/1611 20130101; B65D 1/0246 20130101;
B65D 2251/0093 20130101; B65D 2543/00425 20130101; B65D 51/1616
20130101; B01J 2219/00256 20130101; B65D 23/02 20130101; B65D
2251/009 20130101; B09B 3/0075 20130101; B65D 51/18 20130101; B01J
19/24 20130101; B01J 2219/0025 20130101; B65D 85/82 20130101; B01J
2219/24 20130101; B65D 43/0204 20130101; B65D 51/16 20130101; B65D
50/00 20130101; B01J 2219/00245 20130101; B65D 2251/0028
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B09B 3/00 20060101
B09B003/00; B65D 50/00 20060101 B65D050/00; A62D 3/30 20060101
A62D003/30; B65D 43/02 20060101 B65D043/02; B65D 23/02 20060101
B65D023/02; B65D 51/16 20060101 B65D051/16; B65D 1/02 20060101
B65D001/02; B65D 51/18 20060101 B65D051/18 |
Claims
1. A medication disposal system comprising: a container having a
container neck, wherein said container neck includes a container
opening; a closure having at least one pressure relief aperture and
at least one pressure relief regulator having at least one gas
pathway therethrough; a quantity of disposal formula, wherein said
quantity of disposal formula is a solution capable of dissolving
and inactivating a medication, wherein said quantity of disposal
formula is contained within said container; and a quantity of
hardener, wherein said quantity of hardener is a chemical
composition capable of at least partially solidifying said quantity
of disposal formula.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least part of said container
is manufactured from a polymer.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least part of said container
is manufactured from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said system further includes a
threaded closure mechanism between said container neck and said
closure.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said closure is a childproof
closure having a threaded inner closure member and an outer
overcap.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said system further includes a
snap closure mechanism between said container neck and said
closure.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said system further includes a
liquid-impermeable bottle liner sealing said container opening.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein said bottle liner forms a heat
seal, press-fit seal or adhesive seal to said container neck.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure relief
regulator is located between said container opening and said at
least one pressure relief aperture.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure
relief regulator is a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable
membrane.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said gas-permeable,
liquid-impermeable membrane includes a plurality of gas
pathways.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein said gas-permeable,
liquid-impermeable membrane is manufactured from expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
13. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure
relief regulator is a variable pressure relief valve.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said variable pressure relief
valve is located within a valve seat inside of said closure.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein said variable pressure relief
valve is located between said pressure relief aperture and a valve
retainer.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein said disposal formula is an
aqueous solution of surfactant and neutralizer.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said surfactant is soap and
said neutralizer is activated charcoal.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein said system further includes a
removable seal over said pressure relief aperture on an external
surface of said closure.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein said removable seal is liquid
impermeable.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein said removable seal forms a
heat seal or adhesive seal to said closure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/940,301 filed on Feb. 14, 2014.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the field of hazardous waste
containment, and more specifically to a system for the safe
disposal of medications.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Abuse of prescription medications represents the
fastest-growing segment of drug abuse. Painkillers such as morphine
and oxycodone, stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate,
and depressants such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines can be
therapeutic when properly used, but can also be addictive and
dangerous when abused. Unfortunately, these medications cannot
simply be thrown out or washed down a drain when unused or expired,
as they may cause contamination of soil and water.
[0004] Non-prescription medications are also abused, and, like
prescription medications, cannot simply be thrown out due to a risk
of contamination. Additionally, over-the-counter effervescent
medications such as cold and flu tablets may cause chemical
reactions that damage pipes or refuse containers.
[0005] There is a need for a system that can neutralize, store and
safely dispose of any unused or expired medications.
[0006] There is also a need for a system that can safely vent any
gas produced by the medication neutralization process without
leaking any liquid or solid materials from the system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate an exploded perspective view and
an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an
exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded side view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medication disposal system.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially
assembled exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.
[0011] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate an exploded perspective view and
an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an
alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded side view of an alternative
embodiment of a medication disposal system.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an
alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially
assembled alternative embodiment of a medication disposal
system.
[0015] FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate resting and activated close-up
views, respectively, of a valve from an alternative embodiment of a
medication disposal system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention is a system for safely neutralizing
medication and venting gases produced by the neutralization
process. The system includes a container holding a quantity of
disposal formula and sealed with a bottle liner, a closure with a
pressure relief aperture, and an amount of hardener that may be
added to the disposal formula. In some embodiments, a breathable
liner within the closure prevents liquids and solids from leaking
through the pressure relief aperture. Other embodiments utilize a
variable pressure relief valve within the closure to prevent
leakage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0017] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present
invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments
of a medication disposal system, only some of which are described
herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of
the invention are intended by describing these exemplary
embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent components
may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as
limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art
to employ the present invention.
[0018] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis has been placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Like reference
numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or nearly
identical structural elements.
[0019] Moreover, the terms "substantially" or "approximately" as
used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative
representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a
change in the basic function to which it is related.
[0020] FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate an exploded perspective view and
an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an
exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system 100.
Medication disposal system 100 includes a container 10 having a
container neck 15 with a container opening 17, a quantity of
disposal formula 20, a container of hardener 25, a bottle liner 30,
a breathable liner 40 having a plurality of gas pathways 45 and a
closure 50 having a pressure relief aperture 55.
[0021] As shown in Figure la, container 10 is a liquid-impermeable
container having a container neck 15 with a container opening 17.
Container 10 is preferably manufactured from a layer of polymer
material. While container 10 has a cylindrical shape in the
exemplary embodiment, numerous other shapes are contemplated. In
some embodiments, container 10 may be made from one or more layers
of material, such as a liquid-impermeable yet gas-permeable fabric
membrane liner such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene
(Gore-Tex.TM.). In various embodiments, container neck 15 may form
a threaded connection or a snap connection with closure 50.
Container opening 17 is sized to permit insertion of solid or
liquid medications.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1b, container 10 holds a quantity of
disposal formula 20. Disposal formula 20 is an aqueous solution
including a surfactant and neutralizer. In one embodiment, the
surfactant is soap and the neutralizer is activated charcoal. The
activated charcoal may be in a granular, powdered, bead, pellet or
any other form. Disposal formula 20 serves to safely dissolve and
disperse any medications placed into container 10.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1a, medication disposal system 100 also
includes a quantity of hardener 25. In various embodiments,
hardener 25 may be a solid or liquid chemical composition which,
when added to disposal formula 20, causes disposal formula 20 to at
least partially gel or solidify, preventing it from leaking from
container 10. Hardener 25 may be provided in a single-dose packet
or a larger multi-dose container.
[0024] Bottle liner 30, made from a liquid-impermeable material
such as a polymer, seals container opening 17 to prevent
evaporation of disposal formula 20 and ensure that disposal formula
20 remains in container 10 during shipping. Bottle liner 30 also
indicates any tampering with disposal formula 20. In various
embodiments, bottle liner 30 attaches to container neck 15 through
heat-sealing, press-fit or adhesion.
[0025] Breathable liner 40 is a liquid-impermeable yet
gas-permeable fabric membrane liner located within closure 50.
Breathable liner 40 is manufactured from materials such as, but not
limited to, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex.TM.). At
least one gas pathway 45 in breathable liner 40 permits safe
expulsion of any gases generated within container 10 during use of
medication disposal system 100, preventing pressure buildup within
or rupture of container 10. Since breathable liner 40 only permits
release of gases, any liquids or solids remain safely within
container 10.
[0026] In various embodiments, closure 50 may be a standard closure
or may have child-resistant features, such as a two-part closure 50
with a threaded inner closure member and an outer overcap. Closure
50 also has at least one pressure relief aperture 55 that provides
an outlet for any gases generated within container 10 during use of
medication disposal system 100. This allows safe expulsion of these
gases, preventing pressure buildup within or rupture of container
10. In various embodiments, closure 50 may form a threaded
connection or a snap connection with container neck 15.
[0027] During use, a user removes bottle liner 30 to unseal
container opening 17. The user then adds medication to container 10
through container opening 15. Once inside container 10, medication
contacts disposal formula 20, which dissolves the medication and
renders it inert. A user may repeat the process for additional
medications or close container 10 using closure 50. Any gases
produced during the neutralization process vent through container
opening 17 or through breathable liner 40 and pressure relief
aperture 55 after application of closure 50. During final use, the
user may also add a quantity of hardener 25 to solidify disposal
formula 20 before applying closure 50. The entire medication
disposal system 100 can then be safely disposed of.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded side view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medication disposal system 100. This view shows the
layered arrangement of container 10, container neck 15, container
opening 17, bottle liner 30, breathable liner 40 and closure
50.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system 100. This view
shows the layered arrangement of container 10, container neck 15,
container opening 17, bottle liner 30, breathable liner 40 and
closure 50.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially
assembled exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system 100.
This view displays the assembled arrangement of breathable liner 40
and closure 50. The position of breathable liner 40 during
attachment of closure 50 allows venting of any gases that may have
formed during the use of medication disposal system 100. Expelled
gas is represented by arrows.
[0031] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate an exploded perspective view and
an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an
alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system 200.
Medication disposal system 200 includes a container 210 having a
container neck 215 with a container opening 217, a quantity of
disposal formula 220, a container of hardener 225, a bottle liner
230, a closure 250 having a pressure relief aperture 255, a
variable pressure relief valve 257, a valve seat 258 (not shown), a
valve retainer 259, and an optional removable seal 260.
[0032] Container 210, container neck 215, container opening 217,
disposal formula 220, hardener 225, bottle liner 230, closure 250,
and pressure relief aperture 255 correspond to their counterparts
in the previous exemplary embodiment.
[0033] Variable pressure relief valve 257 connects to closure 250
through valve retainer 259. Variable pressure relief valve 257
opens at a calibrated pressure to provide an outlet for any gases
generated within container 210 during use of medication disposal
system 200. This allows safe expulsion of these gases, preventing
pressure buildup within or rupture of container 210. In various
embodiments, the pressure at which variable pressure relief valve
257 opens may be different to accommodate different pressurization
levels for container 210. Variable pressure relief valve 257 can be
manufactured from silicone, rubber, or any other flexible
polymer.
[0034] Removable seal 260 is an optional part of medication
disposal system 200. Optionally, a user applies removable seal 260
over pressure relief aperture 255 and variable pressure relief
valve 257 after the final use of container 210, sealing them closed
and preventing leakage. In various embodiments, removable seal 260
attaches to closure 250 through heat-sealing or adhesion. The
material making up removable seal 260 is liquid-impermeable.
[0035] During use, a user removes bottle liner 230 to unseal
container opening 217. The user then adds medication to container
210 through container opening 215. Once inside container 210,
medication contacts disposal formula 220, which dissolves the
medication and renders it inert. A user may repeat the process for
additional medications or close container 210 using closure 250.
Any gases produced during the neutralization process vent through
container opening 217 or through variable pressure relief valve 257
and pressure relief aperture 255 after application of closure 250.
During final use, the user may also add a quantity of hardener 225
to solidify disposal formula 220 before applying closure 250. The
user may also seal variable pressure relief valve 257 and pressure
relief aperture 255 by applying removable seal 260. The entire
medication disposal system 200 can then be safely disposed of.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded side view of an alternative
embodiment of a medication disposal system 200. This view shows the
layered arrangement of container 210, container neck 215, container
opening 217, bottle liner 230, closure 250, variable pressure
relief valve 257, valve retainer 259, and removable seal 260.
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an
alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system 200. This
view shows the layered arrangement of container 210, container neck
215, container opening 217, bottle liner 230, closure 250, pressure
relief aperture 255, variable pressure relief valve 257, valve seat
258, valve retainer 259 and removable seal 260.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially
assembled alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system
200. This view displays the final assembled arrangement of closure
250, pressure relief aperture 255, variable pressure relief valve
257, valve seat 258, valve retainer 259 and removable seal 260. As
shown in FIG. 8, the combination of valve seat 258 and valve
retainer 259 holds variable pressure relief valve 257 in place
during use.
[0039] FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate resting and activated close-up
views, respectively, of variable pressure relief valve 257. FIG. 9a
shows variable pressure relief valve 257 at rest. FIG. 9b shows
variable pressure relief valve 257 opened due to gas pressure
build-up in container 210. Expelled gas is represented by
arrows.
* * * * *