Medical bio-waste container with integrated needle stop

A bio-waste container with integrated needle stop is disclosed. The apparatus includes a catch basin and a waste opening. The catch basin is configured to hold biological and other material, and the waste opening provides an aperture through which such biological and other materials can be deposited in the catch basin during the course of the procedure. The bio-waste container also includes an integrated needle stop apparatus having a cushion layer providing a depository for needles and other sharp tipped objects. The needle stop apparatus further includes a puncture resistant layer which prevents the needles or other sharp tipped objects from penetrating beyond the cushion layer. The needle stop apparatus is secured to the bio-waste container in such a way that it is securely coupled to the bio-waste container during shipping and use, but is selectively removeable from the bio-waste container for separate disposal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of surgical devices, and, more particularly, to a medical biological waste container with an integrated needle stop component.

2. The Relevant Technology

Millions of surgical procedures are performed in the United States every year. Medical personnel conduct these procedures according to various standards to ensure the health of both the patient and the medical staff. For example, some medical standards are directed to identification and disposal of hazardous waste. Examples of hazardous waste include blood, bodily fluids or the like, and anything contaminated with or containing human blood or other bodily fluids, such as needles, sponges, sheets, etc. Needles and other sharp tipped objects also present a potential hazard in a surgical setting, an emergency room, a patient's room, or in other medical settings.

Specialized procedures are utilized to ensure the safety of the individual, other patients and the rest of the staff. Currently, medical personnel dispose of the needles and other sharp tipped objects separately from other waste materials, such as sponges, etc. A needle stop device is often used to temporarily store and later to dispose of these needles and other sharp tipped objects. In a surgical setting, the needle stop device may be located on the operating table, or on another table or surface adjacent the operating table. In an emergency room, the needle stop device may be located on a cart or other accessory positioned near the patient.

One example of a typical needle stop device is a container, surface or layer having some material into which a needle can be inserted. This material helps secure the needle while the medical professional removes the syringe. Rigid, compressible or resilient foam can be used for this purpose, although other materials are also suitable. During set up for a medical procedure, and during the procedure, it is common for medical personnel to place needles, syringes and other sharps in a needle stop device so that they are easily accessible during the procedure. Then, when the surgery or emergency procedure is completed, the needle stop device containing all of the needles used in the procedure is disposed of as a unit, so that no further handling of the needle or exposure of the needle tip is needed. This helps alleviate the possibility of medical personnel accidentally puncturing, contaminating, or otherwise exposing themselves to the used needle.

In addition to the needle stop device currently employed, a hazardous or biological waste container is also located somewhere near the patient in the operating room. This container is used to dispose of contaminated materials such as sponges, dressings, etc. that are contaminated with a patients bodily fluids or that are otherwise used during the procedure. Medical personnel can then dispose of this container as a unit at the end of the surgery to minimize the amount of human contact with the waste.

One problem with this system is that operating room and emergency room personnel must constantly watch for the different containers/devices to ensure that appropriate waste is disposed of in appropriate containers. With so many instruments and other medical accoutrements associated with surgical or emergency procedures occupying a limited amount of space, there is great potential for the hazardous waste disposal containers to be misplaced, covered, or accidentally knocked on the floor. This can require time consuming and inconvenient disposal and replacement of the containers during the procedure. Such additional time can be important during time sensitive procedures both from a safety and cost standpoint.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a bio-waste container having an integrated needle stop device. This provides one easy, convenient package that provides medical personnel with a single place to dispose of all medical waste, regardless of type. When the medical procedure is concluded, medical personnel can dispose of the needle stop device separately from the other bio-waste, by simply optionally separating the needle stop device from the bio-waste container.

One exemplary embodiment of a bio-waste container according to the present invention includes a catch basin and a waste opening. The catch basin is configured to hold biological and other material, while the waste opening provides an aperture through which such biological and other materials can be deposited in the catch basin during the course of the procedure. The bio-waste container further comprises a needle stop apparatus providing a depository for needles and other sharp tipped objects. The needle stop apparatus comprises a cushion layer into which needles and other sharp tipped objects can be inserted. The cushion layer secures the needles and other sharp tipped objects during the procedure. The needle stop apparatus also includes a puncture resistant layer which prevents the needles or other sharp tipped objects from penetrating beyond the cushion layer. The puncture resistant layer prevents any needles or other sharps stored in the needle stop component from penetrating into the bio-waste container and thereby safeguards such needles and other sharps from possible contamination by any bio-waste materials that may be located in the interior of the bio-waste container. Finally, a securement apparatus engages an external surface of the needle stop apparatus such that the needle stop apparatus remains fixed relative to the catch basin during the course of the procedure, while allowing the user to selectively detach at least a portion of the needle stop apparatus from the bio-waste container and discard the needle stop apparatus separately from the catch basin.

In one exemplary embodiment, the cushion layer is made from a compressible, rigid or resilient foam. In another embodiment, the securement apparatus is a piece of plastic that surrounds the foam and that holds the needle stop apparatus securely against the catch basin. Alternately, the securement apparatus can be an adhesive that holds the cushion layer securely against the catch basin until the procedure is ended. In still other embodiments, a hook and loop type device (such as Velcro®) or a clip can be used to hold the needle stop apparatus securely against the catch basin. A tab can be attached to the cushion layer or to the securement apparatus to facilitate the removal of the needle stop apparatus from the catch basin. This allows the needles to be disposed of separately from other biological waste while minimizing the handling of the used needles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a medical bio-waste container with an integrated needle stop component. One exemplary embodiment of a bio-waste container according to the present invention includes a catch basin and a waste opening. The catch basin is configured to hold biological and other material, while the waste opening provides an aperture through which such biological and other materials can be deposited in the catch basin during the course of the procedure. The bio-waste container further comprises a needle stop component providing a depository for needles and other sharp tipped objects. The needle stop apparatus comprises a cushion layer into which needles and other sharp tipped objects can be inserted. The cushion layer secures the needles and other sharp tipped objects during the procedure. The needle stop apparatus also includes a puncture resistant layer which prevents the needles or other sharp tipped objects from penetrating beyond the cushion layer. The puncture resistant layer prevents any needles or other sharps stored in the needle stop component from penetrating into the bio-waste container and thereby safeguards such needles and other sharps from possible contamination by any bio-waste materials that may be located in the interior of the bio-waste container. Finally, a securement apparatus engages an external surface of the needle stop apparatus such that the needle stop apparatus remains fixed relative to the catch basin during the course of the procedure, while allowing the user to selectively detach at least a portion of the needle stop from the bio-waste container and discard the needle stop apparatus separately from the catch basin.

For the illustrated embodiments shown below, the terms hazardous waste, bio-waste, and biological waste are used synonymously to include any type of medical waste or waste product that requires special handling, i.e. that requires incineration, or disposal by some other means known to those of skill in the art.

FIGS. 1-3illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a bio-waste disposal container with an integrated needle stop component, designated generally as reference numeral100. As illustrated inFIG. 1, apparatus100preferably has three main components, namely, a container portion102, a lid130and a needle stop component170. Container portion102provides an enclosed container for disposal of bio-waste materials, such as used surgical pads, sponges, etc. The integrated needle stop component170, which in this embodiment nests in a recess formed in one corner of container portion102, provides a convenient location for storage of needles, syringes and other sharps during set up and performance of a medical procedure.

Following completion of a medical procedure, needle stop component170may optionally be separated from container portion102and disposed of separately if the applicable disposal protocol so dictates. Alternatively, the entire apparatus100, including needle stop component170, can be disposed of as a single unit if the applicable disposal protocol permits.

As discussed in more detail below, lid130is formed with a recess that is configured to accept a bottom portion of container portion102in a press-fit, nesting relationship during use of apparatus100, as depicted inFIGS. 1 and 3. Lid130is also configured to fit over and engage the top portion of container portion102. When it is time to dispose of apparatus100, lid130is separated from the bottom of container portion102and is pressed into place over the top of container portion102, with or without needle stop component170in place in container portion102.

In this manner, apparatus100provides a single location for both bio-waste and sharp tipped objects. Apparatus100allows operating room personnel to control both needles and other bio-waste in a single container. The device can be centrally located to provide access to all medical personnel and is thus conveniently available within the operating room. Using apparatus100, medical personnel need no longer look to multiple locations to dispose of bio-waste and sharp tipped objects, thus saving time and eliminating confusion in an otherwise hectic setting.

Referring now toFIGS. 2 and 3, container portion102comprises four side walls104a-dand a bottom106that define a catch basin108. Container portion102further includes a top section110that extends around the perimeter of container portion102. Container portion102and top section110define in interior space into which bio-waste and other materials can be deposited. In this exemplary embodiment, the top section110is integrally formed as part of container portion102. However, the top section110could also be a separate piece attached by various means to the container portion102. The top section110includes a ridge112that projects upwardly, and a lip122that extends generally horizontally out from ridge112. In one embodiment, the lip122provides a support base for the cover assembly140. Additionally, the lip122can provide a support base for a lid130that is used to seal container portion102after the completion of a medical procedure. In some embodiments, additional absorbent material124can be located within catch basin108of container portion102to absorb liquid or semi-liquid materials.

The ridge112includes an inside surface114and a top surface116. The top surface116provides further support for cover assembly140. The ridge112also includes an upper outside portion118and a lower outside portion120. In the embodiment shown, upper outside portion118extends slightly outwardly from the vertical, while lower outside portion120extends slightly inwardly from the vertical. This design optionally allows cover assembly140and lid130to be snap fit over ridge112, thus providing a secure attachment without the need for mechanical or other fasteners. In alternate embodiments, cover assembly140rests directly on top surface116(see, e.g.,FIG. 4).

As best shown inFIG. 2, container cover142of cover assembly140includes an upper surface144and a lower surface146. The container cover also includes an opening148that provides for access to catch basin108. In one exemplary embodiment, opening148is located approximately in the center of container cover142. Additionally, the upper and lower surfaces144,146may slope towards the middle of container portion102to facilitate the flow of liquids into catch basin108of container portion102. One or more channels149can be integrated into container cover142to facilitate this flow.

The catch basin108stores the bio-waste material during the surgical procedure, and segregates this material from the rest of the room and from needle stop device170, thus limiting contamination of operating or emergency room surfaces and/or personnel. The opening148can include a flexible porous material150having slits152that allow waste material to be inserted into, and that hold such material within, catch basin108. The flexible porous material150also facilitates the absorption of excess fluids that could contaminate the operating area.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, container cover142can include a top surface156and a lower outside surface158. When the cover assembly140is secured over container portion102, top surface156contacts top surface116and lower outside surface158contacts inside surface114of container portion102. This enables cover assembly140to nest within container portion102without the need for fasteners of any sort.

With further reference toFIG. 2, cover assembly140also includes in one corner a recess160configured to receive needle stop component170in a press-fit, nesting relationship. The shape and dimensions of recess160are chosen to be complementary of the overall shape and size of needle stop component170so that needle stop component170fits securely within recess160.

As discussed previously, apparatus100also includes an integrated needle stop component170. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, needle stop device170is removably integrated into cover assembly140. During set up for a medical procedure, needles, syringes and other sharps can be placed in needle stop component170for storage and to provide ready access to such items during the procedure. As needles are used during the surgical procedure, they may also be returned to needle stop device170for further storage and/or ultimately for disposal. When the procedure is completed, the entire needle stop device170, or a portion of needle stop device170containing the used needles, can be removed from cover assembly140and disposed of separately from the material contained within container portion102.

Needle stop device170comprises a generally cup-shaped hard plastic shell172and a cushion layer174positioned within shell172. The material forming shell172is preferably selected to provide a puncture resistant layer that prevents a needle assembly182or other sharp tipped objects from penetrating beyond cushion layer174. This puncture resistant layer prevents needles and other sharps inserted into needle stop component170from inadvertently penetrating into the interior of waste container portion102and thereby preventing contamination of such needles and other sharps by any waste material contained therein. In this exemplary embodiment, needle stop component170is configured to fit in one corner of container portion102and to nest within recess160as illustrated. Other shapes for needle stop component170can also be used depending on the shape of container portion102.

In exemplary embodiments, cushion layer174can be a rigid, compressible or resilient foam, such as, but not limited to, styrofoam, that is dense enough to hold needle assembly182while a syringe (not shown) or other structure is removed from needle assembly182. This leaves the needle assembly182securely retained within cushion layer174. In addition, the material forming cushion layer174is preferably selected so that it has sufficient structural integrity that it is “non-coring.” More specifically, when medical needles are inserted into and removed from needle stop component170, cushion layer174preferably has sufficient structural integrity that a core of material will not be torn away from cushion layer174and remain within the lumen of the needle as the needle is withdrawn.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, cushion layer174preferably includes one or more target symbols176printed on the its upper surface. Target symbols176not only provide a visible cue or indicator to operating personnel that needle stop170is intended to store needles and other sharps, but it also assists medical personnel in spacing multiple needles and other sharps apart from one another to further enhance accessibility of such needles and other sharps during the conduct of a medical procedure.

The needle stop device170also includes a tab184that a user can grip to remove needle stop device170from cover assembly140. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, tab184is integrally formed as part of shell172. Additionally, a user can selectively detach all or a portion of needle stop device170when the procedure is completed.

Needle stop component170can be removeably secured to container portion102by various means. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, needle stop component170engages recess160formed in one corner of cover assembly140and is removably secured to container portion102using a close tolerance, snap-fit arrangement. This close tolerance, snap-fit arrangement constitutes one means for selectively securing needle stop component170to container portion102. Other means for selectively securing needle stop component170to container portion102are disclosed in connection with the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 4-7and described below. However, the illustrated means for selectively securing needle stop component170to container portion102are not intended to be exhaustive, and other suitable securement means, devices, methods and/or mechanisms known to those skilled in the art may be substituted without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention.

Container cover142and needle stop device170can form separate and independent parts of cover assembly140. This lets a user pull tab184and easily disengage needle stop device170from cover assembly140. This disengagement allows the used needle assemblies182to be discarded separately from the rest of the medical waste contained within catch basin108.

Regardless of how container cover142and needle stop device170are integrated, the puncture resistant layer can be removed either separately or along with cushion layer174. In either case, when the needle stop device containing the used needles is removed, lid130can be secured over, for example, ridge112of container portion102to hold the contents of catch basin108securely within container portion102. This prevents unwanted spillage and provides a simple, effective way for medical personnel to dispose of the medical waste without further human contact.

The lid130is designed to fit tightly over container portion102when needle stop device170is removed. The lid130includes a first recess132that is sized to securely fit over ridge112. A lip134is disposed about a periphery of the lid130. The lip134contacts lip122of container portion102. The lid can optionally include a second recess136that is sized to mate with bottom106of container portion102, thus preventing the lid from becoming lost when device100is in use in the operating room.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the container portion102, cover assembly140, and lid130are all made from some type of plastic. Such plastics may include, by way of example and not limitation, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other suitable materials that are well known to those skilled in the art.

A variety of types and configurations of apparatus100can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, while container portion102is shown in the exemplary embodiment as having a generally square rectangular-section with rounded corners, this need not be the case. Any cross section that defines a main compartment of suitable size to hold a desired amount of bio-waste is contemplated to fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of such cross sections can include, but are not limited to, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, and/or tetrahedonal. Likewise, while the device illustrated inFIGS. 1-3has dimensions of approximately 4 inches by 5 inches, many other dimensions are also possible, depending on the desired shape and amount of bio-waste anticipated for the specific procedure being conducted.

In other alternate embodiments, cover assembly140could have a downward facing projection (not shown) that contacts inside surface114of ridge112along at least a portion of the perimeter, thus securing cover assembly140in place. In still other alternate embodiments, a projection (not shown) on cover assembly140could be bent around lip122to secure cover assembly140in place. In yet another alternate embodiment, adhesives could be used in addition to or instead of the various methods discussed above. Those skilled in the art will realize that there are many structures and methods that could be employed to secure cover assembly140to container portion102. Any structure or method that secures the two pieces together, or that maintains physical contact between the two pieces, including the force of gravity, is contemplated to fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In one embodiment, other materials besides the foam described above can be used for cushion layer174. Examples of these other materials can include, but are not limited to, rubber, plastics, or other types of foam. As long as the material grips needle assembly182with sufficient force to allow the syringe or other structure to be disengaged from the needle assembly, is it contemplated to fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, cover assembly140“snap fits” over top section110of container portion102. The cover assembly140is thus secured to container portion102, requiring some amount of force to overcome the resistance provided by the interlocking ridges112,154. Alternately, cover assembly140nests within container portion102without being mounted to container portion102. In either case, lid130can be used to secure the container once needle stop apparatus170has been removed.

FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate an alternate exemplary embodiment of a bio-waste disposal apparatus with an integrated needle stop device, designated generally as reference numeral200. Apparatus200includes a container portion202, and a cover assembly240. Cover assembly240includes a container cover242having a needle stop device270secured therein. Needle stop device270is secured to other components of apparatus200to maintain needle stop device270adjacent the aperture of the bio-waste container. This provides a single location for both bio-waste and sharp tipped objects. Apparatus200allows operating room and other personnel to control both contaminated needles and other bio-waste within a single container while a procedure is ongoing. The apparatus can be centrally located to provide access to all medical personnel and is thus conveniently available within the operating or treatment room. Using apparatus200, medical personnel need no longer look to multiple locations to dispose of bio-waste and sharp tipped objects, thus saving time and eliminating confusion in an otherwise hectic setting.

The container portion202comprises four sides204a-dand a bottom206that define a catch basin208. The container portion202further includes a top section210that extends around the perimeter of container portion202. However, top section210could also be a separate piece attached by various means to container portion202. The top section210includes a ridge212that projects upwardly, and a lip222that extends generally horizontally out from container portion202. In this exemplary embodiment, lip222provides a support base for a lid230that is used to seal container portion202after the completion of a surgical procedure. In some embodiments, additional absorbent material224can be located within catch basin208of container portion202to absorb liquid or semi-liquid materials.

The ridge212includes an inside surface214and a top surface216. The top surface216provides support for cover assembly240. The ridge212also includes an upper outside portion218and a lower outside portion220. In the embodiment shown, upper outside portion218extends slightly outwardly from the vertical, while lower outside portion220extends slightly inwardly from the vertical. This design allows lid230to be snap fit over ridge212, thus providing a secure attachment without the need for mechanical or other fasteners.

As best shown inFIG. 5, the container cover242of cover assembly240includes an upper surface244, a lower surface246, and an inside vertical surface245. The inside vertical surface245contacts inside surface214of container portion202when cover assembly240is installed. The container cover also includes an opening248that provides for access to catch basin208. In one exemplary embodiment, opening248is located approximately in the center of container cover242. Additionally, the upper and lower surfaces244,246may slope towards the middle of container portion202to facilitate the flow of liquids into catch basin208of container portion202. The catch basin208stores the bio-waste material during the surgical procedure, and segregates this material from the rest of the room and from needle stop device270, thus limiting contamination of operating or emergency room surfaces and/or personnel. The opening248can include a flexible porous material250having slots252that allow waste material to be inserted into, and that hold such material within, catch basin208. The flexible porous material250also facilitates the absorption of excess fluids that could contaminate the treatment area.

Container cover242has a flared portion256around its circumference. The flared portion256is configured to contact top surface216of ridge212, while inside vertical surface245contacts inside surface214of container portion202. The container cover242is thus secured within, and rests on top of, container portion202. In alternate embodiments, container cover242can have a mating ridge (not shown) that is configured to fit over ridge212of container portion202, similar to the design described with reference toFIGS. 1-3.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, needle stop device270is removably integrated into cover assembly240using a securement apparatus290. With specific reference toFIG. 5, securement apparatus290is a shell that includes a first side292, a bottom294, a second side296and a curved portion298extending from second side296. The curved portion298, second side296, and first side292define a channel299that holds needle stop device270. In this exemplary embodiment, securement apparatus290can be attached to container cover242using, for example, an adhesive. As needles or other sharp objects are used during a procedure, they are disposed of in needle stop device270. When the procedure is completed, the entire needle stop device270, or a portion of needle stop device270containing the used needles, can be removed from cover assembly240and disposed of separately from the material contained within container portion202.

The needle stop device270comprises a cushion layer272. The cushion layer272includes a top surface274, and left and right side surfaces276aand276b. In this exemplary embodiment, one or more targets278are provided on top surface274to assist a user with placing a needle assembly282into cushion layer272. A lower surface (not shown) of cushion layer272can sit on top of bottom294of securement apparatus290. The bottom294then provides a puncture resistant layer which prevents a needle assembly282or other sharp tipped objects from penetrating beyond cushion layer272.

The needle stop device270also includes a tab284that a user can grip to remove needle stop device270from securement apparatus290. This tab284can engage, for example, left or right side surfaces276a,276bof cushion layer272such that needle stop device270remains fixed to securement apparatus290, which is fixed to container portion202, during the course of a medical procedure. Additionally, a user can selectively detach all or a portion of needle stop device270when the procedure is completed. Alternately, the tab284can be connected to securement apparatus290, so that both securement apparatus290and needle stop device270can be removed and disposed of as a unit. In either case, this lets a user pull tab284and easily disengage all or a portion of needle stop device270from cover assembly240. This disengagement allows the used needle assemblies282to be discarded separately from the rest of the medical waste contained within catch basin208. This is necessary because the needles are disposed of in medical waste that may be taken, for example, to a secure landfill, while the other medical waste can be incinerated at a medical waste destruction facility.

In exemplary embodiments, cushion layer272can be a rigid, compressible or resilient foam, such as, but not limited to, Styrofoam, that is dense enough to hold needle assembly282while a syringe (not shown) or other structure is removed from needle assembly282. This leaves needle assembly282securely retained within cushion layer272.

FIG. 5illustrates one exemplary embodiment of lid230in a useful storage position under catch basin208. The lid230is designed to fit over ridge212to secure the contents stored in catch basin208when needle stop device270is removed. The lid230includes a first recess232that is sized to securely fit over ridge212. A lip234is disposed about a periphery of lid230. The lip234contacts lip222of container portion202. The lid can optionally include a second recess236that is sized to mate with bottom206of container portion202, thus preventing the lid from becoming lost when device200is in use in the operating room.

While container portion202is shown in the exemplary embodiment as having a generally rectangular cross-section, this need not be the case. Any cross section that defines a catch basin208of suitable size to hold a desired amount of bio-waste is contemplated to fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of such cross sections can include, but are not limited to, square, circular, oval, triangular, and/or tetrahedonal. Likewise, while the illustrated device has dimensions of approximately 5 inches by 7 inches, many other dimensions are also possible. Dimensions of 15 inches by 21 inches or larger can be used, depending on the amount of bio-waste anticipated for the specific surgical or emergency procedure being conducted.

In alternate embodiments, needle stop device270need not include a puncture resistant layer, such as bottom294of securement apparatus290. In this case, cushion layer272can be directly attached to top surface244of container cover242. The top surface244then acts as a puncture resistant layer (See, e.g.FIGS. 6 and 7). In other alternate embodiments, securement apparatus290can include perforations in cover assembly240that allow needle stop device270and securement apparatus290to be removed as a unit. Alternately, the securement apparatus can be an adhesive that holds needle stop device270in contact with container cover242. In this alternate embodiment, securement apparatus290shown inFIG. 5would not be used.

In any case, when needle stop device270containing the used needle assemblies282is removed, lid230can be secured over, for example, ridge212of container portion202to hold the contents of catch basin208securely within container portion202. This prevents unwanted spillage and provides a simple, effective way for medical personnel to dispose of the medical waste without further human contact.

In still other alternate embodiments, cushion layer272can be made from other materials, such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastics, or other types of foam. As long as the material grips needle assembly282with sufficient force to allow the syringe or other structure to be disengaged from the needle assembly, is it contemplated to fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

With reference now toFIG. 6, another alternate embodiment of a securement apparatus290ais shown. All other details of this embodiment are identical to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. Securement apparatus290acomprises a hook and loop type of temporary connection between needle stop device270and cover assembly240. A hook element300can be attached to the underside of cushion element272, while a loop element can be attached to surface244of container cover242. One example of a hook and loop assembly that is well known in the art is Velcro®. In this exemplary embodiment, hook elements300engage loop elements302when the two are pressed together. The hook and loop elements then securely hold needle stop device270to cover assembly240, until a sufficient force is applied to tab284to disengage hook elements300from loop elements302. In this exemplary embodiment, top surface244of container cover242provides a puncture resistant layer to prevent needles and other sharp tipped objects from penetrating into container area208.

In alternate exemplary embodiments, the position of the hook elements and loop elements can be reversed. In other alternate embodiments, the hook and loop elements can be attached to side245of container cover242and side276aof cushion member272. Any arrangement where cushion element272is releasably secured to cover assembly240is considered to be within the scope of this exemplary embodiment.

With reference now toFIG. 7, another alternate embodiment of a securement apparatus290bis shown. In this alternate embodiment, the securement apparatus290bis a shell, similar to securement apparatus290inFIGS. 4 and 5. The shell includes first side292, bottom294, second side296and curved portion298extending from second side296. The curved portion298, second side296, and first side292define channel299that holds needle stop device270. Securement apparatus290balso includes an extension304of side292. Integrated into extension304is a clip306that releasably secures the combination of the shell and needle stop device290to container cover242. The clip306includes a first part308and a second part310that cooperates with first part308to secure securement apparatus290bto container cover242. In this embodiment, clip306is biased in the closed position by a spring (not shown).

The clip306can have first part308integrated into extension304of the side292. Alternately, second part310can be integrated into lip246of container cover242, or into ridge212of container portion202. In still other alternate embodiments, clip306can be separate from both the shell, the cushion layer and the container portion. Other types of clips can also be used. For example, a paper clip type device can be used to temporarily secure the shell to container cover242. Any type of a clip device that can releasably secure the shell, or cushion layer272, to container cover242or container portion202, is contemplated to fall within the scope of this embodiment.

In exemplary embodiments, clip306is made from plastic. The plastic of the clip can be integrated into either the shell, the container cover, or the container. In alternate embodiments, clip306can be made from metal or metal alloys, composites, or any other material capable of temporarily securing needle stop apparatus270to cover assembly240.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide some distinct advantages over prior systems. Since the medical waste container and needle stop device are an integrated unit, operating room personnel need only look in one place to dispose of the contaminated medical waste generated during a surgical procedure. This is true regardless of whether the waste is a used needle or a blood soaked sponge. Having the devices thus integrated provides a time saving alternative in the operating room. Additionally, having the needle stop device located adjacent the bio-waste container opening also allows for a more efficient use of space for any procedure, whether in an operating room, an emergency room, or some other location. Another a advantage of the exemplary embodiments is that, when the needle stop device is removed from the container, the container can still function as a stand alone unit for the disposal of other contaminants.