Instrument sterilization container having improved drainage and support for an instrument mat
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A sterilization container for sterilizing instruments comprising:
- an enclosing wall;
a base portion of said wall;
a plurality of drainage apertures through the base portion;
drainage wells associated with at least a portion of the drainage apertures;
the drainage wells individually comprising;
a supporting surface above the exit aperture, and an exit surface between supporting surface and the exit aperture, the exit surface being oriented to direct liquid downwardly toward the exit aperture without entrapment; and
a flexible elastomeric mat supported within the container upon the supporting surfaces, said mat having means for holding an instrument;
whereby the exit surfaces promote drainage of liquids from the container out through the drainage apertures associated therewith and the supporting surfaces support the flexible elastomeric mat.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting instruments is provided with a base portion having a plurality of drainage wells. Each drainage well has a downwardly sloping surface terminating in a drainage aperture. Upper portions of the sloping surfaces support a flexible instrument holding mat within the container. Sterilization containers are formed of thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer, such as a wholly aromatic polyester. A latch mechanism comprises a latch member rotatably supported upon torsion bars within a recessed portion of the container which presents no sharp surfaces to the user.
95 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A sterilization container for sterilizing instruments comprising:
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an enclosing wall;
a base portion of said wall;
a plurality of drainage apertures through the base portion;
drainage wells associated with at least a portion of the drainage apertures;
the drainage wells individually comprising;
a supporting surface above the exit aperture, and an exit surface between supporting surface and the exit aperture, the exit surface being oriented to direct liquid downwardly toward the exit aperture without entrapment; and
a flexible elastomeric mat supported within the container upon the supporting surfaces, said mat having means for holding an instrument;
whereby the exit surfaces promote drainage of liquids from the container out through the drainage apertures associated therewith and the supporting surfaces support the flexible elastomeric mat. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of sterilizing an instrument comprising the steps of:
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placing a flexible elastomeric mat within a sterilization container, the container having an enclosing wall, a base portion of said wall, and a plurality of drainage apertures through the base portion;
associating drainage wells with at least a portion of the drainage apertures, the drainage wells individually comprising a supporting surface above the exit aperture, and an exit surface between supporting surface and the exit aperture, the exit surface being oriented to direct liquid downwardly toward the exit aperture without entrapment;
supporting the mat upon the supporting surfaces;
holding the instrument in a position on the mat with a holding means;
passing a sterilizing fluid through the container and over the instrument;
draining liquid from within the container along the exit surfaces out through the drainage apertures associated therewith. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification