Disposable rigid container construction for collecting polluted sanitary liquids and for disposing of said liquids in a half-solid form

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a disposable rigid container construction specifically designed for collecting polluted sanitary liquids and for disposing of said liquids in a half-solid form.

[0002] The application field of the container construction according to the present invention is that of the hemodynamic procedures, radiologic, cardiologic methods and the like, in which the waste or unused liquids used in the procedure or method must be collected, and in which it is necessary to perform such a collection in the working field, in sterile conditions.

[0003] In the above mentioned procedures or methods, in particular, it is necessary to facilitate the first disposal of of the waste fluids, thereby rendering safe and efficient these operations.

[0004] The safety is addressed to the operators handling said liquids and who could be contaminated thereby.

[0005] In fact, it is important to prevent said liquids both from contaminating broad regions, and diffusing through special collecting containers or spilling therefrom, if an accidental breakage would occur.

[0006] Said liquids to be collected and disposed of comprise for example, physiologic solutions, contrasting liquids, blood or the like.

[0007] Said fluids, if they are allowed to accidentally contact the environment or user, would clearly cause a crossed type of contamination or pollution.

[0008] The documents US 2002/185156 and US 4853266 substantially discloses the preamble of claim 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to provide such a container construction which is adapted to solve the above disclosed problems.

[0010] Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the invention is to provide such a container construction allowing the operators to select the time for performing the gelling method on the waste liquids.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide such a container construction which can be used, as a conventional collecting vessel, during the related procedure and which, however, is adapted to be transformed into a waste liquid gelling means and for tightly containing or holding it.

[0012] Yet another object is to provide such a container construction allowing the operator to work as conventionally and to definitely insulating the waste liquid as his/her routine activity is ended.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a disposable rigid container construction, according to claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of the invention which is illustrated, by way of an indicative but not limitative example, in the accompanying drawings, where:

Figure 1 is an exploded elevation view of a container construction according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a further elevation view of said container construction;

Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating an use of said container construction;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the container construction in a closed condition thereof;

Figure 5 is a further elevation, cross-sectioned view of said container construction;

Figure 6 is a detail cross-sectioned view of the cover closure;

Figure 7 is an elevation cross-sectioned view of the container construction according to a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of that same container construction;

Figure 9 is a further cross-sectioned elevation view of the container construction according to a further aspect of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a view similar to figure 9, but illustrating the use of the container construction;

Figure 11 is an elevation cross-sectioned view of the container construction according to a further aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 12 is a view similar to figure 11 but showing the use of the container construction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the container construction according to the present invention, which has been generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises, as essential components thereof, a rigid container body 2 for collecting or holding waste liquid therein, a pre-metered gelling mixture 3 and a sealing cover 4.

[0016] More specifically, said rigid container body 2 can comprise, even if not exclusively, a container body of a type conventionally used in physiologic procedures, i.e. an unbreakable sterile container, for example made of polypropylene or polyethylene, having a cylindric configuration, where are prepared, for example, guide wires and catheters before the related procedure.

[0017] The container body 2 is preferably so graduated and contoured as to fit with a tight sealing relation the cover element 4.

[0018] The pre-metered granular mixture 3 contains polyacrylamide, i.e. a super-absorbing polymer suitable to absorb the waste liquid and to transform it into a dry gel, while holding this condition even if it is subjected to a pressure.

[0019] The amount by weight of said metered mixture is calibrated depending on the volume of the liquid to be gelified.

[0020] The used polymer is an atoxic, not irritating, environmentally compatible material, and it, moreover, does not release any toxic gases upon incinerating.

[0021] Said granular mixture also contains a soluble disinfecting material, also of an atoxic and biodegradable nature, and which, moreover, is not corrosive with respect to plastic materials containing it.

[0022] The disinfectant material contained in the device is constituted by Cloramine T, which is a disinfectant which is very efficient against a very great number of microorganisms, such as the positive and negative Gram bacteria, virus and fungi.

[0023] More specifically, said disinfectant is used in said mixture to provide a very high resistance against contaminating dangers, for example of a viral type, which could occur if a contaminated or polluted liquid would accidentally leak.

[0024] The amount of disinfectant held or contained in the mixture is calibrated on the liquid amount into which it is dissolved.

[0025] The tightly sealing cover 4 is suitable to allow the waste material 5, both in liquid form and in a semi-solid form, to be tightly held in said container, thereby insulating the waste material from the encompassing environment, for example in a case of an accidental falling and inside the collecting bags provided for collecting hospital waste material.

[0026] The cover 4, in particular, can be removed to facilitate the collection of the waste liquids or materials.

[0027] This can be achieved at different times during the procedure, or as it would be considered as necessary by the operators.

[0028] To meet the above requirements, the geometry of the cover, at the rigid container contact sealing region, can be of any desired types, already used in similar applications.

[0029] The design of the cover can be changed depending on the preferred method provided for introducing the polymer + disinfectant mixture into the rigid container.

[0030] In the figures are shown several exemplary embodiments of the container construction, which are equivalent with respect to their use type, and which are to be considered as entering the inventive scope.

[0031] In particular, figures 1-4 show an embodiment of the invention comprising three discrete elements, in which the rigid container body 2, the cover 4 and mixture 3 are supplied as separated elements.

[0032] More specifically, the cover 4 is made by an injecting or thermoforming molding method, it is of an essentially flat construction, with the already disclosed sealing end portions.

[0033] The polymeric material + disinfectant mixture is held in a sealed bag 3 made of a polyethylene material and which can be easily opened.

[0034] The bag is water soluble and a strip or the like, not water soluble, is connected thereto, to allow said bag to be handled by an operator who could have wet hands.

[0035] Thus, the mixture must be poured into the container, by opening the polyethylene bag and pouring its contents.

[0036] This pouring system is a very simple one and moreover it is very unexpensive and can be performed in an intuitive manner.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the container construction comprises three discrete elements, i.e. a rigid container body, a cover and a mixture.

[0038] In particular, said cover is made by an injecting or thermoforming molding method, it is of essentially flat construction, having the already disclosed sealed or sealing end portions.

[0039] The polymeric material and disinfectant mixture is held in a sealed bag made of a hydrosoluble polymer.

[0040] The hydrosoluble bag containing said mixture must be arranged in the vessel at the use moment.

[0041] The liquid to be disposed of constitutes the carrier or vector element adapted to dissolve the bag and disperse inside it the polymeric material and disinfectant mixture.

[0042] Said bag is made of a polyvinyl alcohol base plastics material, the main feature of which is that it is water soluble.

[0043] The speed of this reaction would depend on the water temperature and stirring, and moreover on the film thickness.

[0044] In particular, for achieving the above mentioned objects, the most suitable chemical formulation has been selected.

[0045] Further characteristics of the used plastics film are its biodegradability and atoxicity.

[0046] Even this system is very simple, economic and of easy use.

[0047] With respect to the first disclosed embodiment of the invention, this embodiment is of safer use.

[0048] In fact, in this embodiment, the operator does not directly contact the polymeric material and disinfectant mixture, and this mixture does not contact the outside environment, where it could be accidentally dispersed upon an erroneous handling, during the opening of the bag containing said mixture.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, the container construction comprises three separated elements, that is a rigid container body, a cover having sealing end portions, as already disclosed, and a water soluble type of bag containing said mixture.

[0050] The bag is coupled to said cover by strip which, in turn, is clamped to the cover by a sealing method or using an adhesive tape.

[0051] Said strip is used to facilitate in locating the bag inside the container, even if the user has wet hands and accordingly could not be properly handle the bag.

[0052] Said strip is made of a plastic material not soluble in water, at least at the region thereof at which a possibility of displacing the bag would be facilitated.

[0053] With the above mentioned solution, the same advantages as the above disclosed system are obtained, with additional advantages, in particular of having the cover and bag coupled to one another.

[0054] Figures 5-8 show a container construction 101, according to a further embodiment also comprising three separated or discrete elements, a rigid container body 102, a cover 104 and a mixture 103.

[0055] The rigid container body 102 is substantially like to the above disclosed container body.

[0056] The cover 104 has sealed end portions, as already disclosed, but, at a top portion thereof, it comprises a housing 106 provided for holding the polymeric material and disinfectant mixture bag.

[0057] More specifically, the housing 106 formed in said cover 104 is suitable to hold in its inside said mixture bag 103, through a mechanical type of connection, for example a second cover element 107 or cut-out detent elements.

[0058] Figures 5-8 show a further possible embodiment of the above disclosed system.

[0059] In said figures, the shown housings are designed to provide an optional bearing surface for the rigid container.

[0060] This system has the same advantages as the previously disclosed system.

[0061] Figures 9-12 show two different embodiments according to a further aspect of the invention, in which the container construction comprises three elements two of which are integrated with one another: a rigid container body, respectively indicated by the reference numbers 202 and 302, as already disclosed, and a cover, respectively indicated by the reference numbers 204 and 304 which comprises a housing, respectively indicated at 206 and 306 which can be inward opened, and holding the polymeric material + disinfectant mixture 203, 303.

[0062] In this embodiment, the mixture is hold or contained in the cover.

[0063] Upon having closed the cover on the rigid container, the mixture is poured thereinto through an openable portion 208, 308 which can be operated by the user.

[0064] The openable portion 208 can comprise a door element pivoted to the cover 204.

[0065] In this case, the operator must open the openable portion, through a pushing element 209 coupled to the outside, as is clearly shown in figures 9 and 10.

[0066] As is shown in figures 11 and 12, the openable portion can alternatively comprise a brittle material portion 308 such as an aluminium sheet element.

[0067] In this case, the operator must directly press the outer portion of the housing, in a manner similar to that used for pharmaceutical blisters.

[0068] More complex solutions, using, for example, pushing elements of a screw or spring type are also provided.

[0069] These solutions would have the advantages provided by the above disclosed system, however with a larger cost.

[0070] It has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.

[0071] In fact, the invention provides a container construction allowing to collect therein waste or unused liquids, which can be also collected in the work field, under sterile conditions.

[0072] The efficiency of the container would be related to the solidification capability of said liquids, thereby preventing the latter from polluting the environment, diffusing through special collecting vessels or exiting the latter in a case of an accidental breakage.

[0073] The container construction according to the present invention differs from prior collecting devices for performing a first collection of waste liquids, since the container according to the invention allows the operation to choose the time to perform the gelling of the waste liquids.

[0074] In this connection it should be pointed out that the container according to the invention has been specifically designed for operating as a conventional collecting vessel during the physiologic procedure.

[0075] However, the inventive container can be transformed into a gelling means for gelling the waste liquid and for tightly holding the latter, as the operator desires this.

[0076] This feature allows the user to operate as conventional and to insulate the waste liquid in a single operation and definitely, at the end of his/her routine operation.

[0077] The formulation of the gelling material is also original, since it comprises a chemical portion for providing gelling and a further chemical portion for providing disinfection.

[0078] Moreover, the container construction according to the invention is very simple and unexpensive.

[0079] In practicing the invention, the used materials, as well as the contingent size and shapes can be any, depending on requirements and the status of the art.

Claims

1. A disposable rigid container construction (1), particularly for collecting and disposing of polluted semi-solid sanitary liquids (5), said contained construction comprising a rigid container body (2, 102, 202, 302) for collecting said liquids, a pre-metered granular gelling mixture (3, 103, 203, 303) and- a sealing cover (4, 104, 204, 304), characterized in that said pre-metered mixture (3, 103, 203, 303) contains polyacryl-amide, a super-absorbing polymer (PA), that said granular mixture also contains an atoxic and biodegradable soluble disinfectant, not corrosive for the plastic material, holding it, that said PA and mixture are held in an easily openable polyethylene sealed bag, and that said bag is coupled to a non water soluble strip allowing said bag to be handled even with wet hands.

2. A container construction, according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid container body (2, 102, 202, 302) is made of an unbreakable sterile material such as polypropylene or polyethylene, has a cylindric shape, where are preprepared guide wires and catheters.

3. A container construction, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said container body (2, 102, 202, 302) is graduated and so contoured as to tightly removably receive a said cover (4, 104, 204, 304).

4. A container construction; according to claim 1, characterized in that the disinfectant is Cloramine T.

5. A container construction, according to claim 1, characterized in that said disinfectant is contained in said mixture in an amount depending on an amount of the liquid into which it is dissolved.

6. A container construction, according to claim 1, characterized in that said cover (4, 104, 204, 304) is suitable to allow waste material, both in a liquid and in a semi-solid form to be tightly insulatedly contained in hospital waste material collecting bags.

7. A container construction, according to claim 1, characterized in that said cover (4, 104, 204, 304) is an injected or thermoformed molded flat cover including sealed end portions.

8. A container construction, according to claim 1, characterized in that said PA and disinfectant mixture are held in a water soluble polymeric sealed bag.

9. A container construction, according to claim 8, characterized in that said water soluble bag is made of a polymeric material adapted to be dissolved by said liquid and dispersed through said PA and disinfectant mixture.

10. A container construction, according to claim 9, characterized in that said polymeric material bag is made of a polyvinyl alcohol based water soluble plastic materials.

11. A container construction, according to claim 10, characterized in that said plastic material is a plastic film having biodegradable and atoxic characteristics.

12. A container construction, according to claim 10, characterized in that said bag is coupled to said cover (4, 104, 204, 304) by a strip which is in turn coupled to said cover by sealing or by an adhesive tape.

13. A container construction, according to claim 8, characterized in that said cover (4, 104, 204, 304) comprises, at a top portion thereof, a housing (106, 206) for holding therein said bag.

14. A container construction, according to claim 13, characterized in that said housing formed in said cover (4, 104, 204, 304) is adapted to hold therein said bag, through a mechanical binding, such as a second cover or cut-out detent elements.

15. A container construction, according claims 1 and 3, characterized in that said cover comprises an inward openable housing for holding said PA and disinfectant mixture.

16. A container construction, according clam 15, characterized in that said inward openable housing comprises a door (208, 308) pivoted to said cover.

17. A container construction, according to claim 15, characterized in that said inward openable housing comprises a brittle material portion made of an aluminium sheet.

Ansprüche

1. Steifer Wegwerfbehälteraufbau (1), insbesondere zum Sammeln und Entsorgen von verschmutzten halbfesten Sanitärflüssigkeiten (5), wobei der Behälteraufbau einen starren Behälterkörper (2, 102, 202, 302) zum Sammeln dieser Flüssigkeiten, ein vordosiertes körniges Geliergemisch (3, 103, 203, 303) und einen abdichtenden Deckel (4, 104, 204, 304) umfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das vordosierte Gemisch (3, 103, 203, 303) Polyacrylamid, ein superabsorbierendes Polymer, (PA) enthält, dass das körnige Gemisch auch ein ungiftiges und biologisch abbaubares lösliches Desinfektionsmittel enthält, das für das Kunststoffmaterial, welches es hält, nicht korrosiv ist, dass das PA und das Gemisch in einem leicht zu öffnenden versiegelten Polyethylenbeutel gehalten werden, und dass der Beutel an einem nicht wasserlöslichen Streifen angebracht ist, wodurch gestattet wird, dass der Beutel selbst mit nassen Händen gehandhabt werden kann.

2. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der starre Behälterkörper (2, 102, 202, 302) aus einem unzerbrechlichen sterilen Material wie etwa Polypropylen oder Polyethylen besteht und eine zylinderförmige Form aufweist, an der sich vorgefertigte Führungsdrähte und Katheter befinden.

3. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälterkörper (2, 102, 202, 302) abgestuft und so konturiert ist, dass er einen genannten Deckel (4, 104, 204, 304) fest und lösbar aufnehmen kann.

4. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Desinfektionsmittel Chloramin T ist.

5. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Desinfektionsmittel im Gemisch in einer Menge enthalten ist, die von einer Menge der Flüssigkeit, in der es aufgelöst wird, abhängt.

6. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Deckel (4, 104, 204, 304) dazu geeignet ist, zu gestatten, dass Abfallstoffe sowohl in einer flüssigen als auch in einer halbfesten Form dicht isoliert in Krankenhausabfallsammelbeuteln aufgenommen werden.

7. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Deckel (4, 104, 204, 304) ein gespritzter oder durch Thermoformung geformter flacher Deckel ist, der versiegelte Endabschnitte beinhaltet.

8. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gemisch aus dem PA und dem Desinfektionsmittel in einem wasserlöslichen polymeren versiegelten Beutel gehalten wird.

9. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der wasserlösliche Beutel aus einem Polymermaterial besteht, das dazu geeignet ist, durch die Flüssigkeit aufgelöst und über das Gemisch aus dem PA und dem Desinfektionsmittel hinweg zerstreut zu werden.

10. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Beutel aus dem Polymermaterial aus einem wasserlöslichen Kunststoffmaterial auf Polyvinylalkoholbasis besteht.

11. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kunststoffmaterial ein Kunststofffilm ist, der biologisch abbaubare und ungiftige Eigenschaften aufweist.

12. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Beutel durch einen Streifen am Deckel (4, 104, 204, 304) angebracht ist, welcher wiederum durch Versiegeln oder durch ein Klebeband am Deckel angebracht ist.

13. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Deckel (4, 104, 204, 304) als obersten Abschnitt davon ein Gehäuse (106, 206), um darin den Beutel zu halten, umfasst.

14. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gehäuse, das im Deckel (4, 104, 204, 304) gebildet ist, dazu geeignet ist, den Beutel darin durch eine mechanische Bindung wie etwa einen zweiten Deckel oder ausgeschnittene Sperrelemente zu halten.

15. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 1 und 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Deckel ein nach innen aufmachbares Gehäuse zum Halten des Gemischs aus dem PA und dem Desinfektionsmittel umfasst.

16. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das nach innen aufmachbare Gehäuse eine Tür (208, 308) umfasst, die am Deckel schwenkbar ist.

17. Behälteraufbau nach Anspruch 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das nach innen aufmachbare Gehäuse einen Abschnitt aus einem spröden Material umfasst, der aus einem Aluminiumblech besteht.

Revendications

1. Construction de conteneur rigide jetable (1) plus particulièrement destiné à collecter et jeter des liquides sanitaires semi-solides pollués (5), ladite construction de conteneur comprenant un corps de conteneur (2, 102, 202, 302) rigide destiné à collecter lesdits liquides, une mélange gélifiant granulaire pré-mesuré (3, 103, 203, 303), et un couvercle hermétique (4, 104, 204, 304), caractérisé en ce que ledit mélange pré-mesuré (3, 103, 203, 303) contient du polyacrylamide, un polymère super-absorbant (PA), en ce que ledit mélange granulaire contient également un désinfectant soluble atoxique et biodégradable, non corrosif pour la matière plastique le retenant, en ce que ledit PA et ledit mélange sont retenus dans un sac hermétique en polyéthylène pouvant s'ouvrir facilement, et en ce que ledit sac est couplé à une bandelette non soluble dans l'eau permettant que ledit sac soit manipulé même avec les mains mouillées.

2. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ledit corps de conteneur (2, 102, 202, 302) rigide est composé d'un matériau stérile incassable tel que du polypropylène ou du polyéthylène, en ce qu'il a une forme cylindrique, où sont préparés des fils guides et des cathéters.

3. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce que ledit corps de conteneur (2, 102, 202, 302) est gradué et profilé de telle sorte qu'il reçoit, de manière amovible et hermétique, un dit couvercle (4, 104, 204, 304).

4. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le désinfectant est de la Chloramine T.

5. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ledit désinfectant est contenu dans ledit mélange en une quantité qui dépend d'une quantité de liquide dans lequel il est dissous.

6. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ledit couvercle (4, 104, 204, 304) convient pour permettre que les déchets, à la fois sous la forme liquide et sous la forme semi-solide, soient contenus dans des sacs de collecte de déchets hospitaliers de manière isolée et hermétique.

7. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ledit couvercle (4, 104, 204, 304) est un couvercle plat moulé par injection et thermoformé incluant des parties d'extrémité hermétiques.

8. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ledit mélange de PA et de désinfectant est retenu dans un sac hermétique en polymère soluble dans l'eau.

9. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que ledit sac soluble dans l'eau est composé d'un matériau polymère conçu pour être dissous par ledit liquide et dispersé grâce au dit mélange de PA et de désinfectant.

10. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que ledit sac en matériau polymère est constitué de matières plastiques solubles dans l'eau à base d'alcool polyvinylique.

11. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 10, caractérisée en ce que ladite matière plastique est un film plastique ayant des caractéristiques biodégradables et atoxiques.

12. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 10, caractérisée en ce que ledit sac est couplé au dit couvercle (4, 104, 204, 304) grâce à une bandelette qui est, .à son tour, couplée, au dit couvercle par scellage ou grâce à un ruban adhésif.

13. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que ledit couvercle (4, 104, 204, 304) comprend, dans une partie supérieure, un boîtier (106, 206) destiné à retenir, à l'intérieur de celui-ci, ledit sac.

14. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que ledit boîtier formé dans ledit couvercle (4, 104, 204, 304) est conçu pour retenir, à l'intérieur de celui-ci, ledit sac, grâce à une liaison mécanique, telle qu'un second couvercle ou des éléments de rétention prédécoupés.

15. Construction de conteneur selon les revendications 1 et 3, caractérisée en ce que ledit couvercle comprend un boîtier pouvant s'ouvrir vers l'intérieur destiné à retenir ledit mélange de PA et de désinfectant.

16. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 15, caractérisée en ce que ledit boîtier pouvant s'ouvrir vers l'intérieur comprend un panneau (208, 308) qui pivote sur ledit couvercle.

17. Construction de conteneur selon la revendication 15, caractérisée en ce que ledit boîtier pouvant s'ouvrir vers l'intérieur comprend une partie de matériau fragile composé d'une feuille d'aluminium.

Drawing