Abstract:
A portable medical waste disposal assembly that offers convenience and safety during use, disposal and maintenance of the disposal assembly. The portable and sanitizable medical waste disposal assembly includes a waste receptacle mounted within a unitary frame providing increased strength and stability to the disposal assembly so as to facilitate transport and sanitization. A positive closure system mounts to the unitary frame and operably interconnects to a slidable lid on the waste receptacle such that the waste receptacle is maintained in a closed disposition unless specifically opened by a user. The positive closure system can be adapted so as to adjustably retain the waste receptacle within the unitary frame while allowing for quick release of the waste receptacle at a time of disposal of the receptacle&#39;s contents.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/901,400 filed Feb. 15, 2007, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a container for disposal of medical waste. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable and sanitizable disposal assembly providing for hands free operation of a normally closed container access. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Containers for the disposal of used medical devices and equipment are well known. Generally, these containers are designed to clearly spell out their hazardous contents such that medical professionals know to take extra care when disposing of contaminated and/or used items. Careful use of these containers are necessary not only because of the possible biohazards such as blood and other fluids but also because of the physical nature of the piercing and/or cutting nature of the products including needles, glass and cutting instruments. 
         [0004]    In clinical, laboratory and hospital settings, it is very common to have wall mounted or floor positionable receptacles for depositing contaminated and used items. Often times, specially marked bags are positioned within the receptacles such that the bag can be removed and disposed of either as it is filled or at regular intervals. Unfortunately, the use of such bags requires an individual to handle the bags, such handling potentially leading to accidental exposure of the individual to the contaminated materials. 
         [0005]    In order to reduce the potential for such exposure, a variety of hands-free devices have been developed that allow a container to be used and subsequently transported to a designated disposal site while substantially eliminating the necessity for the individual to come into contact with the container. Examples of said hands-free devices include devices available from Tyco Healthcare including the SHARPSCART® hands-free device as well as the versions disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,629 and its related applications, all which are herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0006]    While these prior art devices have helped to increase safety in using these medical waste receptacles, it would be advantageous to further improve on known designs to increase functionality and safety. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention addresses the aforementioned needs by providing for a portable and sanitizable medical waste disposal assembly that offers convenience and safety during use, disposal and maintenance of the disposal assembly. The portable and sanitizable medical waste disposal assembly generally comprises a waste receptacle mounted within a unitary frame providing increased strength and stability to the disposal assembly so as to facilitate transport and sanitization. The unitary frame can include a handle portion providing a handle region for secure direction of the disposal assembly to points of use, disposal or sanitization. A positive closure system mounts to the unitary frame and operably interconnects to a slidable lid on the waste receptacle such that the waste receptacle is maintained in a closed disposition unless specifically opened by a user. The positive closure system includes a footpedal such that the slidable lid is openable so as to provide hand-free operation and eliminate the necessity of operator contact proximate the slidable lid. The positive closure system can provide an initial opening resistance as the footpedal is operated so as to reduce the potential for unintentional operation and opening of the slidable lid. The positive closure system can be adapted so as to adjustably retain the waste receptacle within the unitary frame while allowing for quick release of the waste receptacle at a time of disposal of the receptacle&#39;s contents. In addition, the positive closure system can be configured to reset its capture and control of the slidable lid following emptying of the waste receptacle or in the event that capture of the slidable lid by the positive closure system is disrupted. 
         [0008]    In one aspect of the present disclosure, the present application is directed to a portable and sanitizable medical waste disposal assembly comprising a waste receptacle, a unitary frame and a positive closure system. The waste receptacle can be mounted within the unitary frame, wherein the positive closure system retains the waste receptacle within the unitary frame. The unitary frame is preferably fabricated of easily cleanable and/or sanitizable materials such as, for example, painted carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel and suitable polymers. The unitary frame generally includes casters such that a handle portion provides for easy manipulation of the medical waste disposal assembly during use, disposal or sanitization. The positive closure system attaches to the unitary frame and operably interfaces with a slidable lid on the waste receptacle such that the slidable lid is biased in a normally closed disposition. The positive closure system includes a footpedal providing for hands free operation of the medical waste disposal system. In some presently preferred embodiments, the positive closure system can include a biasing element providing an initial resistance to an operator such that non-intentional opening of the slidable lid is avoided. The positive closure system can include a retaining member and a capture member for positively retaining the waste receptacle within the unitary frame and to allow recapture of the waste receptacle should the interconnection of the positive closure system and slidable lid be disrupted during use or waste disposal. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for providing hands free disposal of medical waste can include fabricating a unitary frame to increase overall strength and maneuverability of a medical waste disposal assembly. The unitary frame can include a handle portion allowing for easy maneuvering of the medical waste disposal assembly. The method can further include mounting a waste receptacle within the unitary frame and releasably capturing the waste receptacle with a hands free access assembly. The method can further include configuring the hands free access assembly to maintain the waste receptacle in a normally closed disposition. In some embodiments, the method can further include providing an increased initial opening resistance so as to avoid accidental opening of the waste receptacle. 
         [0010]    In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a portable medical waste disposal system can comprise a unitary frame, a closable waste receptacle and a hands free opening assembly. The hands free opening assembly simultaneously retains the waste receptacle within the unitary frame while providing for hands free opening and closing of a slidable lid on the waste receptacle. 
         [0011]    The above summary of the various aspects of the disclosure is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. The figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    These, as well as other objects and advantages of this invention, will be more completely understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description of the presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable medical waste disposal system of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a unitary frame of the portable medical waste disposal system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the unitary frame of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the unitary frame of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a waste receptacle of the portable medical waste disposal system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the waste receptacle of  FIG. 5  including a portion of a lid assembly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the waste receptacle of  FIG. 5  including a lid assembly. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective, exploded view of the lid assembly used in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an interface assembly of the portable medical waste disposal system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the unitary frame of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the unitary frame of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a capture assembly of the portable medical waste disposal system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a retention member of the portable medical waste disposal system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the unitary frame of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the portable medical waste disposal system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a rear view of the portable medical waste disposal system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the portable medical waste disposal system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the portable medical waste disposal system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the portable medical waste disposal system of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
       [0032]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a portable medical waste disposal assembly, hereafter referred to waste disposal assembly  100 , generally comprises a unitary frame  102 , a waste receptacle  104  and a hands-free actuation assembly  106 . Waste disposal assembly  100  can comprise any of a variety of suitable sizes dependent upon the setting in which the assembly is utilized and the types of waste items being generated within said setting. The materials utilized in constructing waste disposal assembly  100  generally comprise materials suitable for exposure to cleaning and sanitizing environments including, for example, painted carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel as well as suitable polymeric materials. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 , unitary frame  102  generally comprises a single frame member  108  manipulated to form a pair of side members  110   a,    110   b.  Side members  110   a,    10   b  are preferably arranged in a mirror-image fashion defining an upper mounting portion  114 , an upper handle portion  116 , a side retaining portion  118 , and a lower mounting portion  120 . The lower mounting portion  120  on each side member  110   a,    110   b  can include a pair of caster assemblies  122 . In some embodiments, caster assemblies  122  can comprise selectably lockable casters for retaining the waste disposal assembly  100  in a desired location during use. At a rear portion of the unitary frame  102 , a cross member  124  can interconnect the upper mounting portion  114  of each side member  110   a,    110   b  while a pair of mounting arms  126   a,    126   b  are attached between the upper mounting portion  114  and a lower transition portion  128  on each side member  110   a,    110   b.  Mounting arms  126   a,    126   b  each include a retainer channel  127  for operable connection to a quick-release retainer member  129 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  6  and  7 , waste receptacle  104  generally comprises a container  130  having a front wall  132 , a rear wall  134 , a pair of side walls  136   a,    136   b,  a floor  138  and a top opening  140 . At top opening  140 , a flanged upper surface  142  extends from the front wall  132 , rear wall  134 , and side walls  136   a,    136   b.  Along the rear wall  134  and side walls  136   a,    136   b,  a vertical track surface  144  projects upward from the flanged upper surface  142 . A horizontal track surface  146  projects inward from the vertical track surface  144  such that the flanged upper surface  142 , vertical track surface  144  and horizontal track surface  146  cooperatively define an access track  148 . At the front wall  132 , access track  148  includes a track opening  150 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  8 , a lid assembly  160  comprising a bottom stationary member  162  and an upper slidable member  164  is operably mounted within the access track  148 . Bottom stationary member  162  generally comprises a sheet  166  that is slightly larger than the top opening  140  but smaller than the access track  148  such that the bottom stationary member  162  can be positioned within the access track  148  by sliding the bottom stationary member  162  through the track opening  150 . Sheet  166  generally includes a disposal aperture  168  and an upwardly projecting retention member  170 . Upper slidable member  164  generally comprises a solid sheet  174  having an upwardly projecting biasing member  176 . Solid sheet  174  generally has a similar width as sheet  166  such that the upper slidable member  164  is slidably insertable into the access track  148  through track opening  150 . Solid sheet  174  must be at least large enough to fully cover the disposal aperture  168  when the solid sheet  174  is positioned directly above the disposal aperture  168 . 
         [0037]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , hands-free actuation assembly  106  generally comprises an interface assembly  180 , a linkage assembly  182 , a biasing assembly  184  and a retention assembly  186 . Interface assembly  180  as depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 10  can comprise an interface member  188  defining a foot pedal  190  and a pair of mounting arms  192   a,    192   b.  Using mounting arms  192   a,    192   b,  interface member  188  can be rotatably attached to the unitary frame  102  using mounting arm bores  194  in the lower mounting portion  120  of each side member  110   a,    110   b.    
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , linkage assembly  182  generally comprises a first link member  194 , a second link member  196 , a third link member  198  and a pressurized cylinder  200 . First link member  194  is fixedly attached to mounting arm  192   b  such that operation of foot pedal  190  translates articulating movement to the linkage assembly  182 . Third link member  198  includes a link bore  202  for rotatably attaching the third link member  198  to the side retaining portion  118  on side member  110   b  so as to define a pivot point  204 . The pressurized cylinder  200  is mounted between the third link member  198  and mounting arm  126   b  such that a cylinder arm  206  attaches to the third link member  198  between the pivot point  204  and mounting arm  126   b.    
         [0039]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  11  and  12 , biasing assembly  184  can comprise a slider assembly  210  and a capture assembly  212 . Slider assembly  210  can comprise a front mounting member  214 , a rear mounting member  216 , a slide arm  218  and a slider bracket  220 . Front mounting member  214  and rear mounting member  216  can each include a mounting bore (not shown) for receivably mounting the slide arm  218 . Front mounting member  214  and rear mounting member  216  can be attached to an under side of the upper mounting portion  114  on side member  110   b.  Slider bracket  220  can include a mounting surface  222 , a front slider surface  224  and a rear slider surface  226 . Mounting surface  222  includes a mounting bore (not shown) for operable connection to a link channel  208  in the third link member  198 . Front slider surface  224  and rear slider surface  226  each include a slider bore (not shown) to accommodate the slide arm  218  as well as a connecting bore (not show) for rotatable interconnection of the capture assembly  212 . Capture assembly  212  generally comprises a rotatable mounting portion  228  and a capture portion  230  that are arranged in generally perpendicular orientation. Rotatable mounting portion  228  includes a rotation arm  232 , a front attachment arm  233 , a rear attachment arm  234  and a connecting arm  235 . Capture portion  230  includes a front connecting arm  236 , a rear connecting arm  238 , a pair of side arms  240   a,    240   b,  a forward capture arm  242 , a rear capture arm  243 , a support arm  244  and a rear contact arm  246 . Rear attachment arm  232  and rear contact arm  246  operably interconnect at a rearmost contact point  248 . Front connecting arm  236 , rear connecting arm  238  and side arms  240   a,    240   b  cooperatively define a capture region  250 . Capture region  250  generally defines an area slightly larger than a top cross-sectional area of upwardly projecting biasing member  176 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , quick-release retainer member  129  generally comprises a unitary member having a pair of adjustment arms  260   a,    260   b,  a pair of vertical retainer arms  262   a,    262   b,  a pair of retainer side arms  264   a,    264   b  and a retainer arm  266 . Retainer side arms  264   a,    264   b  are sized such that when vertical retainer arms  262   a,    262   b  are placed in a vertical disposition, retainer arm  266  resides in a forward position with respect to the upwardly projecting retention member  170  on bottom stationary member  162 . 
         [0041]    Prior to using waste disposal assembly  100 , waste receptacle  104  must be attached and secured within the unitary frame  102 . To accomplish said attachment, the user rotatably positions the capture assembly  212  to a non-capture disposition  300  as shown in  FIG. 14 . This is generally accomplished by grasping the capture portion  230  and lifting upwards such that the capture assembly  212  rotates about the rotation arm  232 . Next the quick release member  129  is placed in a non-retaining disposition  302  by lifting and directing the retainer arm  266  in a rearward direction such that the quick release member  129  rotates rearward around the adjustment arms  260   a,    260   b.  With the capture assembly  212  in non-capture disposition  300  and quick release member  129  in non-retaining disposition  302 , unitary frame  102  is in an open receiving disposition  304 . The user then positions the waste receptacle  104  such that the flanged upper surface  142  sets onto and is supported by the upper mounting portion  114  of each side member  110   a,    110   b  and the cross member  124  as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . Once the waste receptacle is positioned within unitary frame  102 , capture portion  230  is lifted upward such that the capture assembly  212  rotates about the rotation arm  232  and capture region  250  is positioned over and around the upwardly projecting biasing member  176 . Finally, retainer arm  266  is lifted up and over the upwardly projecting retention member  170  wherein it is subsequently released such that it falls on a forward side of the upwardly projecting retention member  170  so as prevent forward movement of the bottom stationary member  162 . With upwardly projecting biasing member  176  positioned within capture region  250  and retainer arm  266  positioned forward of the upwardly projecting retention member  170 , waste disposal assembly  100  is arranged in an operational disposition  306  as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0042]    Prior to disposing of waste contents within the waste disposal assembly  100 , a user directs the waste disposal assembly  100  to a desired location by grasping and manipulating unitary frame  102  with the upper handle portion  116  on one or both of the side members  110   a,    110   b.  Once the waste disposal assembly  100  has been positioned, the user can in some embodiments lock the caster assemblies  122  so as to maintain the desired location and orientation. Should the user desire to reposition the waste disposal assembly  100  or if the waste receptacle  104  is to be emptied, the user can unlock the caster assemblies  122  and direct the waste disposal assembly  100  again using the upper handle portions  116 . 
         [0043]    Once the waste disposal assembly  100  has been properly positioned and is in the operation disposition  306 , a user can dispose of waste contents by manipulating hands-free actuation assembly  106  by stepping on foot pedal  190  as shown in  FIG. 18 . Due to the arrangement of hands-free actuation assembly  106  and more specifically, the orientation of linkage assembly  182  and pressurized cylinder  200 , an initial resistance must be overcome before hands free actuation assembly  106  accomplishes opening of the waste receptacle  104 . This initial resistance inhibits accidental opening of the waste receptacle  104  so as to reduce the potential for unintended opening and possible accidental exposure to waste contents within the waste receptacle  104 . As the user continues to apply downward pressure to the foot pedal  190 , mounting arms  192   a,    192   b  are caused to rotate in a forward direction such that first link member  194  is also directed forward. First link member  194  directs second link member  196  in a forward direction which simultaneously directs third link member  198  to rotate in a rearward direction about the pivot point  204 . As third link member  198  rotates rearward, cylinder arm  206  is directed rearward into the pressurized cylinder  200  while at the same time, slider assembly  210  is caused to slide rearward along the slide arm  218 . As the slider assembly  210  moves rearward, capture assembly  212  is directed rearward such that forward capture arm  242  contacts the upwardly projecting biasing member  176  and pushes the upper slidable member  164  in a rearward direction. As the upper slidable member  164  is directed rearward, disposal aperture  168  is uncovered and exposed allowing the user to drop the waste contents into the waste receptacle  104 . 
         [0044]    Once the waste contents have been dropped into the waste receptacle  104 , the user can release the foot pedal  190  wherein the pressurized cylinder  200  immediately directs the cylinder arm  206  in a forward direction causing the third link member to rotate around the pivot point  204  in a forward direction such that the slider assembly  210 , capture assembly  212  and consequently the upper slidable member  164  are directed forward to cover the disposal aperture  168 . At the same time, second link member  196  and first link member  194  are directed in a rearward direction such that mounting arms  192   a,    192   b  rotate in a rearward direction thus allowing the foot pedal  190  to move upwards where it is in position for subsequent biasing by the user. 
         [0045]    As discussed previously, waste receptacle  104  can be removed from the unitary frame  100  by directing the capture assembly  212  to non-capture disposition  300  and quick release member  129  to the non-retaining disposition  302  and lifting the waste receptacle  104  from the unitary frame  102 . This is generally accomplished when the waster receptacle  104  is filled with waste content and is to be disposed of in an incinerator or container that can be hauled away for destruction and/or disposal. Generally, upper slidable member  164  can be directed rearward over bottom stationary member  162  to uncover disposal aperture  168  or alternatively, both the bottom stationary member  162  and upper slidable member  164  can be slidably removed through the track opening  150  in the access track  148 . 
         [0046]    In some instances during installation of waste receptacle  104  within the unitary frame  102 , upper slidable member  164  may be positioned such that the upwardly projecting biasing member  176  is in a rearward location with respect to the capture assembly  212 . In this case, capture region  250  may not be in alignment with the upwardly projecting biasing member  176  such that the capture assembly  212  does not successfully engage the upper slidable member  164  as illustrated in  FIG. 19 . To reset the engagement of capture assembly  212  and the upper slidable member  164 , the user need only step upon foot pedal  190  as previously described wherein capture assembly  212  is directed rearward over the upper slidable member  164  until the capture region  250  is positioned over the upwardly projecting biasing member  176  and consequently the capture assembly  212  falls over and engages the upper slidable member  164 . 
         [0047]    As will understood of one in skill in the art, waste disposal assembly  100  as described above provides for ease of movement while allowing for easy disposal of waste contents as well as limiting opening and possible exposure to said waste contents only when purposely directed by a user. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, that many modifications and equivalent arrangements may be made thereof within the scope of the invention, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products.