Plastic sterilization case

Details Plastic sterilization case Plastic sterilization case

1998-03-20

2001-04-03

Till, Terrence R. (Department: 1744)

Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting, deodorizing, preser

Process disinfecting, preserving, deodorizing, or sterilizing

Using direct contact with electrical or electromagnetic...

C220S345100, C422S297000, C422S300000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06210638

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sterilization case or other elements for surgical tools which does not require any exterior hardware for securing the cover to the case. Also described is a method of sterilizing surgical tools and other elements using the new sterilization case.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently available of plastic sterilization cases have external metal or plastic latches attached thereto for securing a cover to the case. These latches require many moving mechanical parts to lock the case. The assembly of these latches onto cases is a very time consuming effort. Because of the many moving parts and complicated design of these latches they have a tendency to break over time. Another major problem with the existing latches is that because they are made from metal or hard plastic they have a tendency to cause the plastic in the cases to fatigue in the area where the latch grabs the material to lock it. Over time the latches will pop open if the case is dropped or banged due to the material fatigue on the cases.
Another problem with the existing cases is that the external latches protrude from the surface of the sterilization case. After a surgical procedure, instruments are repacked into the sterilization case and sterilized in the case. After the sterilization treatment, the case is wrapped in special surgical gauze to ensure sterility until the next use. Since these latches protrude from the surface of the sterilization case, they have a tendency to catch on and tear the surgical gauze, requiring resterilization of the case.
Also problematic is the amount of clearance room required to open the existing surgical sterilization cases in the often very confined space of the operating room.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an objective of this invention to provide a sterilization case having no external hardware for sterilizing, transporting and storing surgical instruments, or other elements and tools to be sterilized, which can be securely locked in a closed position.
It is another objective of the invention to provide a sterilization case having a body and mating lid which can be placed on the body and slid between an open position and a locked, closed position.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a sterilization case with a smooth exterior which can be wrapped in surgical gauze without risk of catching or tearing the gauze.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a sterilization case for surgical instruments which requires a minimum amount of clearance to open and close.
A further objective of the invention is to provide a method of sterilizing elements and surgical tools.
We have discovered a sterilization case that achieves the above objectives. The inventive sterilization case comprises a body defining an interior cavity and a lid sized to cover and close the cavity. The cavity can be of any size or shape needed to contain instruments for use in surgery or other elements to be sterilized. Integral to the body of the sterilization case are flanges which protrude from exterior sides of the body. The lid has grooved members in corresponding exterior sides for slidably engaging the flanges. The lid can be slid across the body between a closed position wherein the lid fully covers the cavity and is secured to the body by engagement of the grooved members with the flanges, and an open position wherein the grooved members are disengaged from the flanges and the lid is removable from the body.


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