1. A container for use in transport and disposal of medical instruments, comprising:
a container body having an opening;
a self-closing biased flap connected to the container body for covering the opening; and
a cradling means for insertion of medical instruments and waste into the container body through the opening, said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap.
2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said container body is rectangularly shaped.
3. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said container body is cylindrically shaped.
4. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said biased flap includes a first end and a second end and comprises a living hinge at the first end.
5. A device as defined in claim 1 , wherein said biased flap further comprises a spring interposed between the biased flap and container body.
6. A device as defined in claim 1 , wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the container body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the container body opening extending outwardly and defined by the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
7. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the container body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap and also extending along the first side and second side of the biased flap from the first enclosure wall to the second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the container body opening extending outwardly and defined by the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap; and a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
8. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said cradling means comprises: an enclosure wall on the container body opening, the biased flap having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, said enclosure wall having a first portion extending outwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap and a second portion extending around the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first portion of the enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first portion and second portion of the enclosure wall.
9. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said cradling means comprises a recessed area in the biased flap defined by:
an enclosure wall on the biased flap, the biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said enclosure wall extending inwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the inwardly extending enclosure wall and the container body abutting the second end, and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the enclosure wall and second end.
10. A container for use in transport and disposal of medical instruments, comprising:
a container body having an opening;
a self-closing biased flap connected to the container body for covering the opening;
a cradling means for insertion of medical instruments and waste into the container body through the opening, said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap; and
stopping means for maintaining the biased flap in a closed position.
11. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein said container body is rectangularly shaped.
12. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein said container body is cylindrically shaped.
13. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein said biased flap includes a first end and a second end and comprises a living hinge at the first end.
14. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein said biased flap further comprises a spring interposed between the biased flap and container body.
15. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the container body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the container body opening extending outwardly and defined by the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
16. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the container body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap and also extending along the first side and second side of the biased flap from the first enclosure wall to the second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the container body opening extending outwardly and defined by the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap; and a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
17. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein said cradling means comprises: an enclosure wall on the container body opening, the biased flap having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, said enclosure wall having a first portion extending outwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap and a second portion extending around the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first portion of the enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first portion and second portion of the enclosure wall.
18. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein said cradling means comprises a recessed area in the biased flap defined by:
an enclosure wall on the biased flap, the biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said enclosure wall extending inwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the inwardly extending enclosure wall and the container body abutting the second end, and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the enclosure wall and second end.
19. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein said stopping means comprises one or more tabs positioned at the container opening, the biased flap having a second end and said one or more tabs overlying a portion of the second end.
20. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein said stopping means comprises a second flap affixed to the container body at the opening and extending towards the biased flap, said second flap overlying a portion of the biased flap.
21. A container for use in transport and disposal of medical instruments, comprising:
a container body having an opening;
a self-closing biased flap connected to the container body for covering the opening;
a cradling means for insertion of medical instruments and waste into the container body through the opening, said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap; stopping means for maintaining the biased flap in a closed position; and means for locking the biased flap in the closed position.
22. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said container body is rectangularly shaped.
23. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said container body is cylindrically shaped.
24. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said biased flap includes a first end and a second end and comprises a living hinge at the first end.
25. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said biased flap further comprises a spring interposed between the biased flap and container body.
26. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the container body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the container body opening extending outwardly and defined by the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
27. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the container body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap and also extending along the first side and second side of the biased flap from the first enclosure wall to the second end of the biased flap; a second enclosure wall on the container body opening extending outwardly and defined by the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap; and a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
28. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said cradling means comprises: an enclosure wall on the container body opening, the biased flap having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, said enclosure wall having a first portion extending outwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap and a second portion extending around the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first portion of the enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first portion and second portion of the enclosure wall.
29. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said cradling means comprises a recessed area in the biased flap defined by:
an enclosure wall on the biased flap, the biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said enclosure wall extending inwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the inwardly extending enclosure wall and the container body abutting the second end, and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the enclosure wall and second end.
30. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said stopping means comprises one or more tabs positioned at the container opening, the biased flap having a second end and said one or more tabs overlying a portion of the second end.
31. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said stopping means comprises a second flap affixed to the container body at the opening and extending towards the biased flap, said second flap overlying a portion of the biased flap.
32. A device as defined in claim 31, wherein the second flap includes an underside and the biased flap having a second end extending towards the second flap, said second end of the biased flap including a notch, and the locking means comprising an elongated plate with an outwardly extending tab of a shape corresponding to the notch, said plate slidably mounted to the underside of the second flap, and the closed position defined by the plate positioned such that the tab is located adjacent to the notch on the biased flap, thereby preventing depression of the biased flap.
33. A device as defined in claim 32, wherein the second flap includes a slit for slidable translation of a knob adapted to be attached to the plate for positioning in an open, closed, or permanently closed position.
34. A device as defined in claim 33, wherein the open position is defined by the tab in alignment with the notch in the biased flap such that the biased flap may be depressed without interference of the tab.
35. A device as defined in claim 33, wherein the slit includes a necked section of slightly smaller width than the knob and the permanently closed position is defined by the knob extended beyond the necked section in the slit.
36. A container for use in transport and disposal of medical instruments, comprising:
a container body having an opening;
a self-closing biased flap connected to the container body for covering the opening;
a cradling means for insertion of medical instruments and waste into the container body through the opening, said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap; stopping means for maintaining the biased flap in a closed position;
means for locking the biased flap in the closed position; and
means for extracting needles from a syringe.
37. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said container body is rectangularly shaped.
38. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said container body is cylindrically shaped.
39. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said biased flap includes a first end and a second end and comprises a living hinge at the first end.
40. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said biased flap further comprises a spring interposed between the biased flap and container body.
41. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the container body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the container body opening extending outwardly and defined by the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
42. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the container body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap and also extending along the first side and second side of the biased flap from the first enclosure wall to the second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the container body opening extending outwardly and defined by the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap; and a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
43. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said cradling means comprises: an enclosure wall on the container body opening, the biased flap having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, said enclosure wall having a first portion extending outwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap and a second portion extending around the container body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first portion of the enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first portion and second portion of the enclosure wall.
44. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said cradling means comprises a recessed area in the biased flap defined by:
an enclosure wall on the biased flap, the biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said enclosure wall extending inwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the inwardly extending enclosure wall and the container body abutting the second end, and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the enclosure wall and second end.
45. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said stopping means comprises one or more tabs positioned at the container opening, the biased flap having a second end and said one or more tabs overlying a portion of the second end.
46. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said stopping means comprises a second flap affixed to the container body at the opening and extending towards the biased flap, said second flap overlying a portion of the biased flap.
47. A device as defined in claim 46, wherein the second flap includes an underside and the biased flap having a second end extending towards the second flap, said second end of the biased flap including a notch, and the locking means comprising an elongated plate with an outwardly extending tab of a shape corresponding to the notch, said plate slidably mounted to the underside of the second flap, and the closed position defined by the plate positioned such that the tab is located adjacent to the notch on the biased flap, thereby preventing depression of the biased flap.
48. A device as defined in claim 47, wherein the second flap includes a slit for slidable translation of a knob adapted to be attached to the plate for positioning in an open, closed, or permanently closed position.
49. A device as defined in claim 48, wherein the open position is defined by the tab in alignment with the notch in the biased flap such that the biased flap may be depressed without interference of the tab.
50. A device as defined in claim 48, wherein the slit includes a necked section of slightly smaller width than the knob and the permanently closed position is defined by the knob extended beyond the necked section in the slit.
51. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein a second flap is attached to the container opening and extends toward the biased flap, and the means for extracting needles from a syringe comprises a tapered opening in the second flap.
52. A device as defined in claims 47 and 51, wherein the plate covers the tapered opening when in the closed position.
53. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein a handle is attached to the container body for carrying.
54. A lid for use with containers in transport and disposal of medical instruments, comprising:
a lid body having an opening;
a self-closing biased flap connected to the lid body for covering the opening; means for attaching said lid over an opening of an associated container; and cradling means for insertion of medical instruments and waste through the opening, said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap.
55. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein said lid and container bodies are rectangularly shaped.
56. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein said container body is cylindrically shaped and said lid body is circularly shaped.
57. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein said biased flap includes a first end and a second end and comprises a living hinge at the first end.
58. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein said biased flap further comprises a spring interposed between the biased flap and container body.
59. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the lid body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap; a second enclosure wall on the lid body opening extending outwardly and defined by the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
60. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the lid body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap and also extending along the first side and second side of the biased flap from the first enclosure wall to the second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the lid body opening extending outwardly and defined by the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
61. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein said cradling means comprises: an enclosure wall on the lid body opening, the biased flap having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, said enclosure wall having a first portion extending outwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap and a second portion extending around the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first portion of the enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first portion and second portion of the enclosure wall.
62. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein said cradling means comprises a recessed area in the biased flap defined by:
an enclosure wall on the biased flap, the biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said enclosure wall extending inwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the inwardly extending enclosure wall and the lid body abutting the second end, and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the enclosure wall and second end.
63. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein the lid body is adapted to be used interchangeably with a plurality of containers.
64. A device as defined in claim 63, wherein the containers include a means for mounting to a wall surface.
65. A device as defined in claim 64, wherein the means for mounting to a wall surface comprises a bracket attached to the container and a corresponding adapter rigidly secured to the wall surface.
66. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a protruding edge, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding female slot located on the container for each tab disposed in the lid body such that the tabs slide through the corresponding slots and the protruding edges lock the tabs in place.
67. A device as defined in claim 66, wherein the tabs and slots are positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the tabs and slots are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical instruments.
68. A device as defined in claim 54, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of hinged pull tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a female end of an arrow lock, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding male end located on the container for each female end disposed on the lid body.
69. A device as defined in claim 68, wherein the female end of the arrow locks and the male ends are positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the female end of the arrow locks and the male ends are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical instruments.
70. A lid for use with containers in transport and disposal of medical instruments, comprising:
a lid body having an opening;
a self-closing biased flap connected to the lid body for covering the opening; means for attaching said lid body over an opening of an associated container; cradling means for insertion of medical instruments and waste through the opening, said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap; and
stopping means for maintaining the biased flap in a closed position.
71. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein said lid and container bodies are rectangularly shaped.
72. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein said container body is cylindrically shaped and said lid body is circularly shaped.
73. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein said biased flap includes a first end and a second end and comprises a living hinge at the first end.
74. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein said biased flap further comprises a spring interposed between the biased flap and container body.
75. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the lid body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the lid body opening extending outwardly and defined by the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
76. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the lid body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap and also extending along the first side and second side of the biased flap from the first enclosure wall to the second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the lid body opening extending outwardly and defined by the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
77. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein said cradling means comprises: an enclosure wall on the lid body opening, the biased flap having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, said enclosure wall having a first portion extending outwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap and a second portion extending around the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first portion of the enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first portion and second portion of the enclosure wall.
78. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein said cradling means comprises a recessed area in the biased flap defined by:
an enclosure wall on the biased flap, the biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said enclosure wall extending inwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the inwardly extending enclosure wall and the lid body abutting the second end, and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the enclosure wall and second end.
79. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein the lid is adapted to be used interchangeably with a plurality of containers.
80. A device as defined in claim 79, wherein the containers include a means for mounting to a wall surface.
81. A device as defined in claim 80, wherein the means for mounting to a wall surface comprises a bracket attached to the container and a corresponding adapter rigidly secured to the wall surface.
82. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a protruding edge, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding female slot located on the container for each tab disposed in the lid body such that the tabs slide through the corresponding slots and the protruding edges lock the tabs in place.
83. A device as defined in claim 82, wherein the tabs and slots are positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the tabs and slots are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical instruments.
84. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of hinged pull tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a female end of an arrow lock, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding male end located on the container for each female end disposed on the lid body.
85. A device as defined in claim 84, wherein the female end of the arrow locks and the male ends are positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the female end of the arrow locks and the male ends are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical instruments.
86. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein said stopping means comprises one or more tabs positioned at the lid opening and overlying a portion of the biased flap.
87. A device as defined in claim 70, wherein said stopping means comprises a second flap affixed to the container body at the opening and extending towards the biased flap, said second flap overlying a portion of the biased flap.
88. A lid for use with containers in transport and disposal of medical instruments, comprising:
a lid body having an opening;
a self-closing biased flap connected to the lid body for covering the opening; means for attaching said lid body over an opening of an associated container; cradling means for insertion of medical instruments and waste through the opening, said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap;
stopping means for maintaining the biased flap in a closed position; and means for locking the biased flap in the closed position.
89. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein said lid and container bodies are rectangularly shaped.
90. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein said container body is cylindrically shaped and said lid body is circularly shaped.
91. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein said biased flap includes a first end and a second end and comprises a living hinge at the first end.
92. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein said biased flap further comprises a spring interposed between the biased flap and container body.
93. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the lid body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the lid body opening extending outwardly and defined by the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
94. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the lid body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap and also extending along the first side and second side of the biased flap from the first enclosure wall to the second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the lid body opening extending outwardly and defined by the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
95. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein said cradling means comprises: an enclosure wall on the lid body opening, the biased flap having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, said enclosure wall having a first portion extending outwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap and a second portion extending around the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first portion of the enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first portion and second portion of the enclosure wall.
96. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein said cradling means comprises a recessed area in the biased flap defined by:
an enclosure wall on the biased flap, the biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said enclosure wall extending inwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap; and a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the inwardly extending enclosure wall and the lid body abutting the second end, and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the enclosure wall and second end.
97. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein the lid is adapted to be used interchangeably with a plurality of containers.
98. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein the containers include a means for mounting to a wall surface.
99. A device as defined in claim 98, wherein the means for mounting to a wall surface comprises a bracket attached to the container and a corresponding adapter rigidly secured to the wall surface.
100. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a protruding edge, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding female slot located on the container for each tab disposed in the lid body such that the tabs slide through the corresponding slots and the protruding edges lock the tabs in place.
101. A device as defined in claim 100, wherein the tabs and slots are positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the tabs and slots are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical instruments.
102. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of hinged pull tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a female end of an arrow lock, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding male end located on the container for each female end disposed on the lid body.
103. A device as defined in claim 102, wherein the female end of the arrow locks and the male ends are positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the female end of the arrow locks and the male ends are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical instruments.
104. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein said stopping means comprises one or more tabs positioned at the lid opening and overlying a portion of the biased flap.
105. A device as defined in claim 88, wherein said stopping means comprises a second flap affixed to the container body at the opening and extending towards the biased flap, said second flap overlying a portion of the biased flap.
106. A device as defined in claim 105, wherein the second flap includes an underside and the biased flap having a second end extending towards the second flap, said second end of the biased flap including a notch, and the locking means comprising an elongated plate with an outwardly extending tab of a shape corresponding to the notch, said plate slidably mounted to the underside of the second flap, and the closed position defined by the plate positioned such that the tab is located adjacent to the notch on the biased flap, thereby preventing depression of the biased flap.
107. A device as defined in claim 106, wherein the second flap includes a slit for slidable translation of a knob adapted to be attached to the plate for positioning in an open, closed, or permanently closed position.
108. A device as defined in claim 107, wherein the open position is defined by the tab in alignment with the notch in the biased flap such that the biased flap may be depressed without interference of the tab.
109. A device as defined in claim 107, wherein the slit includes a necked section of slightly smaller width than the knob and the permanently closed position is defined by the knob extended beyond the necked section in the slit.
110. A lid for use with containers in transport and disposal of medical instruments, comprising:
a lid body having an opening;
a self-closing biased flap connected to the lid body for covering the opening; means for attaching said lid body over an opening of an associated container; cradling means for insertion of medical instruments and waste through the opening, said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap;
stopping means for maintaining the biased flap in a closed position;
means for locking the biased flap in the closed position; and
means for extracting needles from a syringe.
111. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein said lid and container bodies are rectangularly shaped.
112. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein said container body is cylindrically shaped and said lid body is circularly shaped.
113. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein said biased flap includes a first end and a second end and comprises a living hinge at the first end.
114. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein said biased flap further comprises a spring interposed between the biased flap and container body.
115. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the lid body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the lid body opening extending outwardly and defined by the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
116. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein said cradling means comprises: a first enclosure wall on the biased flap extending outwardly from the lid body, said biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said first enclosure wall extending from the first side to the second side and located between the first end and second end of the biased flap and also extending along the first side and second side of the biased flap from the first enclosure wall to the second end of the biased flap;
a second enclosure wall on the lid body opening extending outwardly and defined by the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall.
117. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein said cradling means comprises: an enclosure wall on the lid body opening, the biased flap having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, said enclosure wall having a first portion extending outwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap and a second portion extending around the lid body opening abutting the second end of the biased flap and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the first portion of the enclosure wall and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the first portion and second portion of the enclosure wall.
118. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein said cradling means comprises a recessed area in the biased flap defined by:
an enclosure wall on the biased flap, the biased flap having a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, said enclosure wall extending inwardly and between the first side and second side of the biased flap and parallel with the first end and second end of the biased flap; and
a floor defined by an area on the biased flap enclosed by the inwardly extending enclosure wall and the lid body abutting the second end, and the first side and second side of the biased flap between the enclosure wall and second end.
1 19. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein the lid is adapted to be used interchangeably with a plurality of containers.
120. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein the containers include a means for mounting to a wall surface.
121. A device as defined in claim 120, wherein the means for mounting to a wall surface comprises a bracket attached to the container and a corresponding adapter rigidly secured to the wall surface.
122. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a protruding edge, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding female slot located on the container for each tab disposed in the lid body such that the tabs slide through the corresponding slots and the protruding edges lock the tabs in place.
123. A device as defined in claim 122, wherein the tabs and slots are positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the tabs and slots are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical instruments.
124. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of hinged pull tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a female end of an arrow lock, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding male end located on the container for each female end disposed on the lid body.
125. A device as defined in claim 124, wherein the female end of the arrow locks and the male ends are positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the female end of the arrow locks and the male ends are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical instruments.
126. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein said stopping means comprises one or more tabs positioned at the lid opening and overlying a portion of the biased flap.
127. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein said stopping means comprises a second flap affixed to the container body at the opening and extending towards the biased flap, said second flap overlying a portion of the biased flap.
128. A device as defined in claim 127, wherein the second flap includes an underside and the biased flap having a second end extending towards the second flap, said second end of the biased flap including a notch, and the locking means comprising an elongated plate with an outwardly extending tab of a shape corresponding to the notch, said plate slidably mounted to the underside of the second flap, and the closed position defined by the plate positioned such that the tab is located adjacent to the notch on the biased flap, thereby preventing depression of the biased flap.
129. A device as defined in claim 128, wherein the second flap includes a slit for slidable translation of a knob adapted to be attached to the plate for positioning in an open, closed, or permanently closed position.
130. A device as defined in claim 129, wherein the open position is defined by the tab in alignment with the notch in the biased flap such that the biased flap may be depressed without interference of the tab.
131. A device as defined in claim 129, wherein the slit includes a necked section of slightly smaller width than the knob and the permanently closed position is defined by the knob extended beyond the necked section in the slit.
132. A device as defined in claim 110, wherein a second flap is attached to the lid opening and extends toward the biased flap, and the means for extracting needles from a syringe comprises a tapered opening in the second flap.
133. A device as defined in claims 128 and 132, wherein the plate covers the tapered opening when in the closed position.
134. A method of transporting and storing unused medical materials by means of a container assembly comprising a lid body having an opening, a self-closing biased flap connected to the lid body for covering the opening, means for temporarily attaching the lid over an opening of an associated container, and a cradling means for insertion of medical materials into the container body through the opening, said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap, comprising the steps of:
a) placing unused medical materials inside the container body; and b) temporarily securing the lid body over the container opening.
135. The method as defined in claim 134, wherein the means for temporarily securing the lid body over the container opening comprises a plurality of tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a protruding edge, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding female slot located on the container for each tab disposed in the lid body such that the tabs slide through the corresponding slots and the protruding edges lock the tabs in place, said tabs and slots positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the tabs and slots are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical materials.
136. A method as defined in claim 134, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of hinged pull tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a female end of an arrow lock, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding male end located on the container for each female end disposed on the lid body, said female end of the arrow locks and the male ends positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the female end of the arrow locks and the male ends are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical materials.
137. A method of disposing of used medical materials by means of a container assembly comprising a lid body having an opening, a self-closing biased flap connected to the lid body for covering the opening, means for permanently attaching the lid body over an opening of an associated container, and a cradling means for insertion of medical materials into the container body through the opening, said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap, comprising the steps of:
a) permanently securing the lid body to the associated container;
b) placing the used medical materials onto the floor of the cradling means; and
c) pushing downward against the biased flap in an area adjacent to the cradling means, thereby allowing the used medical materials to fall inside the container assembly without operator contact.
138. The method as defined in claim 139, wherein the means for permanently securing the lid body over the container opening comprises a plurality of tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a protruding edge, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding female slot located on the container for each tab disposed in the lid body such that the tabs slide through the corresponding slots and the protruding edges lock the tabs in place.
139. A method as defined in claim 134, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of hinged pull tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a female end of an arrow lock, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding male end located on the container for each female end disposed on the lid body.
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 11 July 1995 (11.07.95);
original claims 134-139 replaced by amended claims 134-138 (3 pages)]
130 A device as denned in claim 129. wherein the open position is denned by the tab m alignment with the notch in the biased flap such that the biased flap may be depressed without interference of the tab. 131 A device as defined in claim 129, wherein the slit includes a necked section of slightly smaller width than the knob and tne permanently closed position is defined by the knob extended beyond the necked section in the slit.
132 A device as defined in claim 1 10, wherein a second flap is attached to the lid opening and extends toward the biased flap, and the means for extracting needles from a syringe comprises a tapered opening in the second flap.
133 A device as defined in claims 128 and 132, wherein the plate covers the tapered opening when in the closed position.
134 A method of transporting or disposing of medical materials by means of a container assembly comprising a lid body having an opening, a self-closing biased flap connected to the lid body for covering the opening, means capable of temporarily or permanently attaching the lid over an opening of an associated container, and a cradling means for insertion of medical materials into the container body through the opening said cradling means having a floor disposed on the biased flap, comprising the steps of:
a ) placing unused medical materials inside the container body when transporting medical materials:
b ) temporarily securing the lid body over the container opening when transporting medical materials:
c ) permanently securing the lid body to the associated container when disposing of medical materials:
d) placing the used medical materials onto the floor of the cradling means when disposing of medical materials: and e) pushing downward against the biased flap in an area adjacent to the cradling means, thereby allowing the used medical materials to fall inside the container assembly without operator contact when disposing of medical materials. 135. The method as defined in claim 134, wherein the means for temporarily securing the lid body over the container opening comprises a plurality of tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a protruding edge, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding female slot located on the container for each tab disposed in the lid body such that the tabs slide through the corresponding slots and the protruding edges lock the tabs in place, said tabs and slots positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the tabs and slots are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical materials. 136. A method as defined in claim 134, wherein the means for temporarily securing the lid body over the container comprises a plurality of hinged pull tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a female end of an arrow lock, the attaching means further comprising a conesponding male end located on the container for each female end disposed on the lid body, said female end of the arrow locks and the male ends positioned such that when the lid body is rotated one-hundred and eighty degrees the female end of the arrow locks and the male ends are misaligned for temporary securement of the lid body to the container for transport and later removal of new medical materials. 137. The method as defined in claim 134, wherein the means for permanently securing the lid body over the container opening comprises a plurality of tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a protruding edge, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding female slot located on the container for each tab disposed in the lid body such that the tabs slide through the conesponding slots and the protruding edges lock the tabs in place.
138. A method as defined in claim 134, wherein the means for permanently securing the lid body over the container opening comprises a plurality of hinged pull tabs secured to the lid body, each tab including a distal end at which is disposed a female end of an arrow lock, the attaching means further comprising a corresponding male end located on the container for each female end disposed on the lid body.
STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19
Enclosed are new substitute pages 35 - 37. Original claims 134 - 139 have been deleted and new claims 134-138 have been added. The abstract has not been changed.