Abstract:
A modular container for sterilization of medical devices. In various embodiments the container includes a slidable button for releasing the lid, the button being contained within a pocket. Other embodiments include a lid and container bottom arranged so that a pair of stacked containers have a gap between the lid and bottom to facilitate drying of the container contents. Yet other embodiments include arrangement of the container sidewalls to fit within the sides of the lid.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation patent application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/218,345, filed Aug. 14, 2003, to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,485, which is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to divisional application No. 09/634,072, filed Aug. 8, 2000, which is a divisional application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/020,889, filed Feb. 9, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,850. This application also claims priority to provisional patent application Serial No. 60/371,188, filed Apr. 9, 2002. All of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to containers useful for sterilization of medical devices. However, certain applications of the present invention may be outside of this field.  
         [0003]     The use of a container for the sterilization and storage of medical devices is well known. The container is provided with a particular selection of devices for a particular medical procedure. The devices are placed within a container and the container is then subjected to the heat and sterilant (water and/or chemicals) necessary to sterilize the devices. Subsequent to sterilization, the container may be wrapped within a sterile covering and stored until required.  
         [0004]     Various designs have been offered for sterilization containers. Some of these designs can be found in the following U.S. patents:  
                                                       Patent No.   Inventor   Issue Date                           4,798,292   Hauze   Jan. 17, 1989           4,643,303   Arp et al.   Feb. 17, 1987           5,284,632   Kudla et al.   Feb. 8, 1994           5,215,726   Kudla et al.   Jun. 1, 1993           5,451,379   Bowlen, Jr.   Sep. 19, 1995           5,524,755   Deeds   Jun. 11, 1996           5,084,251   Thomas   Jan. 28, 1992           5,433,929   Riihimaki et al.   Jul. 18, 1995           5,346,677   Risk   Sep. 13, 1994           5,518,115   Latulippe   May 21, 1996           5,540,901   Riley   Jul. 30, 1996           5,424,048   Riley   Jun. 13, 1995                      
 
         [0005]     These designs generally depict containers comprising a lower tray and an upper tray or lid. The lower and upper trays are generally of a fixed, unitary construction. The lower tray and the upper tray or lid are generally of a particular size and shape which cannot be altered without damaging or destroying the trays. Some of these designs have an internal volume satisfactory for the quantity of devices necessary for a particular medical procedure, but insufficient volume for a larger number of devices required by a different medical procedure. Likewise, the containers resulting from some of these designs may be too large for a particular medical procedure, and thus be inefficient in terms of space and costs.  
         [0006]     There is a continuing need for improvements in the field of sterilization containers and the present invention provides a novel and unobvious apparatus for an improved sterilization container.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     One embodiment of the present invention provides a container for sterilization of medical devices. The container includes a base defining a plurality of through holes, four walls, and a bottom. There is also a button actuateable between an extended position and a depressed position; and a lid releaseably coupled to the base and releasable therefrom by actuation of the button. The button is slidable within a pocket formed by the lid and the base.  
         [0008]     Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a container for sterilization of devices which includes an underside having a central portion and a bottom spacing feature, and a topside having a central portion and a top spacing feature adapted and configured to nest with the bottom spacing feature. During stacking of a first container on top of a second container the bottom spacing feature of the first container and the top spacing feature of the second container nest together, the bottom spacing feature and the top spacing feature being adapted and configured to establish a gap extending between the central portion of the underside and the central portion of the topside, the gap permitting flow of gas therebetween.  
         [0009]     Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns a container for sterilization of medical devices which includes a base including first and second endwalls and a base midsection having a bottom with integral or separable third and fourth opposing sidewalls, each third and fourth sidewall including a first edge projecting from a lengthwise ridge. The container also includes a lid including a lid midsection with a top and an integral or separable pair of opposing sides, each said side including a second edge. The lid fits on the base with the edge of each side being supported by a ridge of a corresponding sidewall and each second edge being displaced from the corresponding first edge.  
         [0010]     Another embodiment of the present invention concerns a container for sterilization of devices which includes a base having a button slidably retained thereto. The button has a first position and a second position, and the base includes a first latching member. There is also a lid releaseably coupleable to said base and including a second latching member which couples to the first latching member to retain the lid on said base. Sliding of the button to the second position uncouples the second latching member from the first latching member.  
         [0011]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container for serialization of medical devices.  
         [0012]     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description of the preferred embodiment, the drawings, and the claims that follow.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a top, front, and right side exploded perspective view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1B  is a top, front, and right side exploded perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 1A .  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 1A  with a bottom piece removed.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of a handle assembly comprising a portion of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a partial front elevational view in full section of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  as taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a right side perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  with a portion of the apparatus pushed in.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a handle molding comprising a portion of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a button comprising a portion of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a latchplate comprising a portion of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a corner piece comprising a portion of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is a top, front, and left side perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 13  as taken along the line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 16  is an end view of the apparatus of  FIG. 15 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 17  is a bottom view of the apparatus of  FIG. 15 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 18  as taken along the line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 20  is a front, top, and left side perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 21  is a side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 22  is a rear elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 24  is a sectional view of a pair of nested containers according to one embodiment of the present invention, the sectional views taken along the line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 25  is a sectional view of a pair of nested containers according to one embodiment of the present invention, the sectional views taken along the line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 26  is a top, front, and left side perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0040]     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be sued to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
         [0041]      FIG. 1A  is a top, front, and right side exploded perspective view of a sterilization container  20  useful for sterilization of medical instruments and devices according to one embodiment of the present invention. Container  20  includes a tray assembly  19  and a removable lid  22 . The tray assembly includes opposing separable sides  24   a  and  24   b , opposing separable sides  26   a  and  26   b , corner pieces  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , and  28   d , and bottom pieces  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c . Removable lid  22  includes a plurality of passage holes  21  defined therein for passage of sterilant fluid into and out of the interior of container  20 . Lid  22  is releaseably coupled to opposing separable sides  24   a  and  24   b  by a latching mechanism to be described later (see  FIGS. 3-9 ). Separable side  24   a  is coupled at one end to corner piece  28   a  and at the other end to corner piece  28   b . Separable side  24   b  is coupled at one end to corner piece  28   c  and at the other end to corner piece  28   d . Separable side  26   a  is coupled to corner pieces  28   a  and  28   d , and separable side  26   b  is coupled to corner pieces  28   b  and  28   c . Separable sides  26   a  and  26   b  are of a predetermined, modular length.  
         [0042]     A bottom panel  30  comprising bottom pieces  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c  is in contact with and preferably supported by substantially flat ledges that extend in a generally perpendicular manner from the vertical walls of separable sides  24   a ,  24   b ,  26   a , and  26   b . Separable sides  24   a  and  24   b  include ledges  31   a  and  31   b,  respectively, for supporting bottom pieces  30   c  and  30   a , respectively. Separable sides  26   a  and  26   b  include ledges  32   a  and  32   b , respectively, for supporting bottom pieces  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c . Additional support of bottom panel  30  is preferably provided by substantially flat ledges that extend from the corner pieces. Ledges  33   a  and  33   b  of corner pieces  28   a  and  28   b , respectively, support bottom piece  30   c . Ledges  33   c  and  33   d  of corner pieces  28   c  and  38   d , respectively, support bottom piece  30   a . In some embodiments of the present invention bottom panel  30  defines a plurality of attachment holes (not shown) to which fixtures may be attached which are useful for clamping medical devices thereto.  
         [0043]     Ledges  31   a ,  31   b ,  32   a,  and  32   b  incorporate a combination of pins  34  and fastener holes  36  that align with locating holes  38  and fastener holes  36 , respectively, on bottom panel  30 . Fasteners (not shown) fasten bottom piece  30   a  to ledges  32   a ,  32   b , and  31   b . Bottom piece  30   c  is similarly fastened to ledges  32   a ,  32   b , and  31   a . Bottom piece  30   b  is fastened to ledges  32   a  and  32   b . Pins  34  protrude through locating holes  38  and generally align bottom panel  30  relative to sides  24   a ,  24   b ,  26   a , and  26   b . Bottom panel  30  preferably includes a short cylinder protruding above the upper surface of bottom panel  30  and around hole  38  so as to provide additional bearing area for pin  34 . However, the present invention also contemplates a locating hole  38  defined only within bottom panel  30 . Also, although it is preferable to include pins  34  and fastener holes  36  within ledges  31   a ,  31   b ,  32   a , and  32   b , the present invention also contemplates pins  34  or fastener holes  36  as part of ledges  33   a ,  33   b ,  33   c , and  33   d  of corner pieces  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , and  28   d , respectively. Bottom pieces  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c  are repeatedly separable from sides  24   a ,  24   b ,  26   a , and  26   b , and/or from corners  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , and  28   d , by removal of the fasteners through holes  36 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 1A  shows one embodiment of the present invention in which three bottom pieces  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c  provide a bottom panel  30  of a predetermined length useful with the predetermined lengths of opposing sides  26   a  and  26   b . However, the present invention contemplates modularity of the length of container  20 , and thus modularity of the internal volume of container  20 . A container  20 ′ is shown in  FIG. 1B . Container  20 ′ incorporates a lid  22 ′ of a shorter length than lid  22 . Container  20 ′ also includes opposing sides  26   a ′ and  26   b ′ of a shorter length than opposing sides  26   a  and  26   b . Bottom panel  30 ′ comprises bottom pieces  30   a  and  30   c , with bottom piece  30   b  being omitted. Thus, container  20  with a first, larger internal volume may be converted into a container  20 ′ with a second, smaller internal volume by substitution of separable side  26   a ′ for  26   a , substitution of separable side  26   b ′ for separable side  26   b , omission of bottom piece  30   b , and substitution of lid  22 ′. Container  20  my also be converted into a container (not shown) with an internal volume larger than the internal volume of container  20 . One improvement offered by the present invention is that a healthcare provider such as a hospital can reduce its equipment cost by rebuilding sterilization containers made in accordance with the present invention into different sizes, both larger and smaller than apparatus  20 , and thus avoid the cost of purchasing new containers.  
         [0045]     Although apparatus  20  and  20 ′ have been described having multi-piece bottom panels  30  and  30 ′, respectively, the present invention also contemplates a single piece bottom panel  30  and a single piece bottom panel  30 ′ of different lengths. Further, although apparatus  20  and  20 ′ have been described incorporating a plurality of corner pieces separable from the sides of the container, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which corner pieces are integral with sides otherwise similar to sides  24   a  and  24   b . In these embodiments the corner pieces are not separable from the sides, but modularity of the present invention is maintained by the separability of opposing sides  26   a  and  26   b.    
         [0046]     Corner pieces  28   a - d  include a first alignment feature  42  that is preferably spaced above the upper surfaces of adjacent separable sides. Lid  22  includes a second alignment feature  44  which is generally complementary in shape to first alignment feature  42 . Coupling of lid  22  to sides  24   a  and  24   b  results in coupling of first alignment feature  42  with second alignment feature  44 . Separable sides  24   a  and  24   b  incorporate upper surfaces  39   a  and  39   b , respectively, and separable sides  26   a  and  26   b  incorporate upper surfaces  40   a  and  40   b , respectively. Although one embodiment of the present invention includes a first alignment feature  42  spaced above the upper surfaces of the separable sides, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which first alignment feature  42  is recessed below upper surfaces  39   a , and  39   b , and  40   a  and  40   b , and second alignment feature  44  includes a protrusion to fit within the recess. Also, although upper surfaces  39   a ,  39   b ,  40   a , and  40   b  are generally at the same elevation above bottom panel  30 , the present invention also contemplates upper surfaces  39   a ,  39   b ,  40   a , and  40   b  that are at different elevations.  
         [0047]     Lid  22  includes a pair of handles  46  on opposing ends of lid  22  as best seen in  FIGS. 1A, 1B , and  2 . Handle  46  includes within it a pocket  48  for carrying container  20 . Pocket  48  has a shape suitable for insertion of human fingers. Lid  22  also includes a button  50  coupled to lid  22  and moveable relative to lid  22 . Handle  46  is attached to lid  22  by a pair of ears  54  best seen in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . A pair of flush mounted fasteners  56  attach handle  46  to lid  22  through ears  54 .  
         [0048]     Handle  46  and button  50  are substantially flush with the exterior surface of container  20 . The exterior surface of container  20  is also generally smooth. By being generally smooth and not having abrupt protrusions beyond its exterior surfaces, container  20  is especially suitable for being wrapped in a protective covering after sterilization with little danger of the protective covering being ripped, abraded, broken, or damaged by the exterior surface of container  20 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  also show a plurality of holes  21  for passage of sterilant defined within sides  24  and  26 . In some embodiments of the present invention a plurality of holes  21  for passage of sterilant are defined within bottom panel  30 .  
         [0049]     Sides  24   a  and  24   b  each include a pair of stationary tabs  52  which are generally flush with the exterior surface of sides  24   a  and  24   b , and which project inwardly toward the interior of container  20 , as best seen in  FIG. 1 . Stationary tabs  52 , along with other elements of the latching mechanism of container  20  provides a means for releaseably coupling lid  22  to sides  24   a  and  24   b . The latching mechanism of apparatus  20  is best understood by referring to  FIGS. 3, 4 ,  5 , and  6 . Extending generally downward from the underside of handle  46  is a pair of supports  58 . A latchplate  60  is pivotally connected to supports  58  by a pair of pivoting fasteners  62  operating through pivot hole  63   a  of support  58  and hole  63   b  of latchplate  60  (see  FIGS. 7 and 9 ). Button  50  is coupled to latchplate  60  by a pair of fasteners  64 , and is moveable with latchplate  60 . A spring  66  located within a spring retainer  68  presses against back surface  70  of button  50  and thus urges button  50  and latchplate  60  to pivot in a direction whereby upper exterior surface  71  of button  50  is urged outward.  
         [0050]     Latchplate  60  incorporates a pair of tabs  72  moveable with latchplate  60  and button  50 . These moveable tabs  72  extend upward and outward at an angle as best seen in  FIG. 5 . Moveable tab  72  has an edge  74  which is proximate to the underside of stationary tab  52  when lid  22  is releaseably coupled to sides  24   a  and  24   b . Thus, when container  20  is picked up by handle  46 , edge  74  of moveable tab  72  engages the underside of tab  52  and does not permit lid  22  to uncouple from sides  24   a  and  24   b . To release lid  22  from its coupling with sides  24   a  and  24   b , button  50  is pushed in along upper surface  71  of button  50  (see  FIG. 6 ). Button  50 , latchplate  60 , and moveable tabs  72  will thus rotate into the interior of container  20 . As moveable tabs  72  pivot, edge  74  moves past edge  76  of stationary tab  52 . Once edge  74  has moved clear of edge  76 , lid  22  may be lifted vertically and uncoupled from sides  24   a  and  24   b . As upper surface  71  of button  50  is pushed inward toward the interior of container  20 , semi-circular guide  75  of handle assembly  57  provides a guide for guided surface  77  of button  50  (see  FIG. 8 ).  
         [0051]     Although button  50  and moveable tabs  72  have been shown and described as moving in a pivotal manner, the present invention also contemplates a button and moveable tabs that move linearly within container  20  when pushed. This linear movement button and linear movement tabs would be guided along support rails coupled to supports extending from the handle. The means for releaseably coupling lid  22  to container  20  includes a stationary tab  52 , a moveable tab  72 , and a button  50  for moving moveable tab  72 , the movement being rotational, linear, or a combination of the two.  
         [0052]     A handle molding  73  comprising a portion of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 7 . Handle molding  73  shows a preferable combination of handle  46 , ears  54 , supports  58 , spring retainer  68 , and semi-circular guide  75 , all molded within a single part. However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which the aforementioned pieces may be separately fabricated and attached together as an assembly.  
         [0053]     Latchplate  60  is shown apart from button  50  in  FIG. 9 . In a preferred embodiment, latchplate  60  is fabricated from a metal such as a corrosion resistant stainless steel. However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which moveable tabs  72  are molded integrally onto button  50 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a corner piece  28  comprising a portion of the present invention, and shown previously as corner pieces  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , and  28   d . Corner piece  28  has a generally smooth, rounded exterior surface and encompasses about 90 degrees of circular arc. Preferably projecting from either end  79   a  and  79   b  of corner piece  28  is an attachment ear  81   a  and  81   b , respectively. A side  24   a ,  24   b ,  26   a , or  26   b  may be attached to a corner piece  28  by placing the edge of the side in contact with surface  72   a , and the interior surface of the side in contact with attachment  81   a . A fastener fastens a side  26   a ,  26   b ,  24   a , or  24   b  to corner piece  28  through fastener hole  78   a . By removing the fastener from fastener hole  78   a , corner pieces  28  are separable from container  20 . For simplicity of manufacturing and assembly and reduction in cost, corner pieces  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , and  28   d , are preferably identical. The present invention also contemplates a corner piece in which the attachment ears are integrated into the separable sides, and the corner piece includes a pocket shaped to slidably accept the attachment ear.  
         [0055]     Corner  28  includes a smooth, recessed first locating feature  80  on the top surface of corner  28 . This first locating feature  80  is capable of being coupled to a second raised locating feature  82  on the bottom of corner piece  28  (refer to  FIG. 3 ). Locating features  80  and  82  are useful for stacking of one container  20  on top of another container  20 . Raised locating feature  82  can be coupled within recessed locating feature  80  and thus stabilize the position of the top container  20  relative to the position of the bottom container  20 . It is preferable that locating features  80  and  82  be complementary in shape, such that the shape of feature  82  fits within the recessed shape of feature  80 . It is also preferable that locating features  80  and  82  be incorporated on each corner piece  28 . However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which locating features  80  and  82  are present on only two of the corner pieces. Further, the present invention also contemplates a locating feature  82  that couples to locating feature  80 , but is not necessarily complementary in shape thereto.  
         [0056]      FIGS. 11-26  depict various views of sterilization containers according to other embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of a sterilization container  1020  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Container  1020  includes a lid  1022  which fits on top of a base  1024 . Container  1020  includes a pair of handles  1028  which are recessed into opposing endwalls of the container. Handles  1028  are used for lifting of the container. Preferably located above each handle  1028  is a button  1030  which releaseably couples and uncouples lid  1022  to base  1024 .  
         [0057]      FIG. 12  is a partially exploded view of the container of  FIG. 11 . Lid  1022  is shown raised above the corresponding fitment edges of base section  1024 . Lid  1022  includes a lid midsection  1032  and a pair of endpieces  1034  and  1036 , each endpiece being fastened by a plurality of fasteners  1038  to opposing sides of midsection  1032 . Base  1024  includes a base midsection  1040  with a pair of opposing endwalls  1042  and  1044  fastened by a plurality of fasteners  1038  to opposing ends of base midsection  1040 . Base section  1040  comprises a bottom and four opposing sides that define an interior  1026  in which medical instruments or other devices are retained during sterilization and storage. When lid  1022  is placed on based  1024 , each endpiece  1034  and  1036  is supported by a corresponding endwall  1042  and  1044 , respectively. Further, the other two opposing sides of lid midsection  1032  are supported upon opposing sides of base midsection  1040 .  FIG. 12  also shows a button  1030  in exploded view and removed from a corresponding pocket  1088 . Attachment hardware for button  1030 , including a pair of biasing springs  1031 , a pair of collars, and a pair of fasteners are also shown in exploded view.  
         [0058]      FIGS. 13 and 14  depict various features of base midsection  1040 . Preferably, base midsection  1040  is fabricated from an integral piece of stainless steel sheet metal, although the present invention contemplates other methods of fabrication, and non-integral base sections as well.  
         [0059]     Base midsection  1040  includes a pair of opposing sidewalls  1052  and  1054  which preferably are integral with a bottom  1050 . Each lateral edge of base midsection  1040  includes a plurality of fastener holes  1051  for subsequent fastening to respective endwalls. Bottom  1050  includes a central portion for supporting instruments. Central portion  1056  and integral sidewalls  1052  and  1054  further include a plurality of through holes  1070  for the passage of sterilant vapor and liquid during a sterilizing process.  
         [0060]     Preferably extending lengthwise along opposing sides of bottom  1050  are channels  1058  and  1060  which provide rigidity to base midsection  1040 . Channels  1058  and  1060  laterally interconnect the central portion  1056  to sidewalls  1052  and  1054 . Each sidewall projects generally vertically from the corresponding channel. Each sidewall  1052  and  1054  is preferably formed at the free edge to provide mating features and support features for lid  1022 .  
         [0061]     Referring to  FIG. 14 , each sidewall  1052  and  1054  includes a formed ridge  1062  and  1064 , respectively, and an inwardly and upwardly projecting free edge  1066  and  1068 , respectively. Each sidewall  1052  and  1054  is formed such that the corresponding uppermost edge  1066  and  1068  is displaced toward interior  1026  relative to ridges  1062  and  1064 , respectively. Preferably, each uppermost edge  1066  ad  1068  includes a rolled-over lip to add stiffness and a non-sharp safety feature to the sidewalls.  
         [0062]      FIGS. 15, 16 , and  17  depict various views of an endwall  1044 . Although a single endwall is shown and described, it is understood that a corresponding endwall is preferably attached to the opposite end of container  1020 .  
         [0063]     Endwall  1044  includes a generally smooth and curving midportion  1072 , a pair of laterally-projecting attachment ears  1074  and  1076  located on either end of midportion  1072 , and a bottom portion  1078  which spans the bottom area between midportion  1072  and ears  1074  and  1076 . Preferably, endwall  1024  is cast or molded from an organic material, although the present invention contemplates any method of fabrication.  
         [0064]     As best seen in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , bottom portion  1078  preferably includes a spacing feature  1080  which provides both stabilization and spacing to a stack of containers  1020 , as will be described later. Bottom spacing feature  1080  includes a spanwise planar portion  1084 , and a spanwise rounded edge portion  1082  located between planar portion  1084  and the outward surface of midportion  1072 . As best seen in  FIG. 16 , rounded portion  1082  is preferably a concave, or inwardly receding rounded edge. Further, planar portion  1084  is preferably spaced above the bottom most surface of bottom portion  1078 .  
         [0065]     In one embodiment, endwall  1044  defines a recessed handle  1028  for lifting of container  1020 . As best seen in  FIG. 17 , the finger grip area for handle  1028  is smoothly recessed inwardly from the outermost surface of midportion  1072 . In this way, handle  1028  does not present any projections or sharp corners for snagging of clothing on the handle.  
         [0066]     Located immediately above handle  1028  is a portion of a pocket  1088  which slidably receives button  1030 . As best seen in  FIG. 15 , pocket  1088  includes a bottom wall, inward wall, and opposing endwalls in which button  1030  is placed. Pocket  1088  and button  1030  are adapted and configured such that the outermost surface of button  1030  is generally flush with the outermost surface of midportion  1072 . Preferably, pocket  1088  is adjacent to the top of endwall  1044 , such that a corresponding endpiece  1036  of lid  1022  provides a top boundary for the pocket.  
         [0067]     Referring again briefly to  FIG. 11 , the relative placement of handle  1028 , button  1030  in pocket  1088 , and endpiece  1036  provide convenient handling and opening of container  1020 . Pocket  1088  and handle  1028  are arranged and configured such that a user&#39;s fingers fit within the recess of handle  1028 , with fingers or the thumb of the user being positioned to press button  1030  inward. When the user presses button  1030  to release lid  1022 , the user&#39;s fingers are also located under a surface  1105  of endpiece  1036  (see  FIGS. 20-21 ). Pushing inward on button  1030  simultaneously releases lid  1022  from base  1024 , and also places the user&#39;s fingers in a position to readily lift lid  1022  upwards. Because the top boundary of pocket  1088  is formed by endpiece  1036 , inward movement of the button uncovers portion  1105  of the edge of endpiece  1036 .  
         [0068]     Placed to either side of spacing feature  1080  are support surfaces  1075  and  1077 . Preferably, support surfaces  1075  and  1077  are spaced below spacing feature  1080 . Support surfaces  1077  and  1075  support the weight of an assembled container  1020 .  
         [0069]      FIGS. 18 and 19  show a lid midsection  1032  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Lid midsection  1032  includes a top  1090  and a pair of sides  1092  and  1094  that depend downward from the top. Top  1090  includes a central portion  1100  which preferably includes a plurality of through holes  1102  for passage of sterilant therethrough. Preferably, lid midsection  1032  is formed from a material such as stainless steel sheet metal, although the present invention contemplates any type of fabrication.  
         [0070]     Lid midsection  1032  includes a top  1090  having a central portion  1100 . A pair of lengthwise ribs  1093  and  1095  are formed along top  1090 , and provide stiffness to midsection  1032 . Each rib  1093  and  1094  project preferably outwardly and downwardly to sides  1092  and  1094 , respectively. Each side  1092  and  1094  include a lowermost edge  1096  and  1098 , respectively, which project downwards. Preferably, edges  1096  and  1098  are rolled over for additional stiffness, safety, and for improved fit of lid  1022  on ridges  1062  and  1064 , respectively, of base  1024 .  
         [0071]      FIGS. 20, 21 , and  22  depict various views of an endpiece  1036  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Although a single endpiece will be shown and described, it is understood that lid  1022  preferably includes a similar endpiece located on an opposite end of midsection  1032 .  
         [0072]     Endpiece  1036  includes a generally smooth and curving midportion  1104  with a pair of ears  1106  and  1108  that project laterally from midportion  1104 . Midportion  1104  further includes a downwardly projecting surface  1105  placed centrally that provides an upward boundary of pocket  1088  when a lid  1022  is coupled to a base  1024 . Preferably, endpiece  1036  is cast or molded from an organic material, although the present invention contemplates any method of fabrication.  
         [0073]     A top portion spanning from ear  1106  to ear  1108  preferably includes a spacing feature  1110  which provides both stabilization to a plurality of stacked containers  1020  and also a predetermined gap between adjacent stacked containers  1020  as will be described later. Spacing feature  1110  includes a convex or outwardly rounded portion  1112  that projects upward from the top of midportion  1104 . Rounded portion  1112  transitions smoothly to a planar portion  1114 . A plurality of through holes  1107  are provided in endpiece  1036  for fastening of endpiece  1036  to a U-shaped lateral edge of lid midsection  1032 .  
         [0074]     As best seen in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , endpiece  1036  includes a hook-shaped latching member  1118  which is centrally located inward of undersurface  1105 . Latching member  1118  is supported by a plurality of arms  1119  that project inward and downward from midportion  1104 .  
         [0075]      FIG. 23  shows a perspective view of a button  1030  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Button  1030  includes a latching member  1122  which is adapted and configured to releaseably couple to the hook of latching member  1118 . When button  1030  is biased outwardly to a first, extended, and latched position, latching members  1118  and  1122  couple together such that endpiece  1036 , as part of lid  1022 , is releaseably coupled to button  1030 , which is a part of base  1024 .  
         [0076]      FIGS. 24 and 25  present cross-sectional views of a pair of stacked containers. A first container  1020  is stacked on top of a second, identical container  1020 ′.  
         [0077]     In one embodiment of the present invention, top spacing feature  1110  and bottom spacing feature  1080  are preferably shaped complementary to each other, such that convex rounded section  1112  nests within concave rounded feature  1082 , as best seen in the middle of  FIG. 24 . When nested, planar section  1114  of the bottom container supports planar section  1084  of the top container. When sliding a top container  1020  from a position stacked on top of a second, bottom contain  1020 ′, the top container lifts slightly as the rounded portion  1110 ′ of the bottom container forces the rounded portion  1080  of the top container upward. As best seen in  FIG. 25 , there is a similar, lateral nesting of the lateral edges of a top spacing feature with a bottom spacing feature.  
         [0078]     Top spacing feature  1110  and bottom spacing feature  1080  are provided with a thickness or vertical height such that stacking of container  1020  on top of container  1020 ′ results in a gap  1130  formed between bottom  1050  of the top container and top  1090 ′ of the bottom container. As best seen in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the relative spacing of spacing features  1080  and  1110  preferably provides a continuous gap  1130  between the sidewalls of base midsection  1040 . This gap  1130  preferably extends from one sidewall  1054  to another sidewall  1052  (as best seen in  FIG. 25 ), thus allowing circulation of sterilant vapor from central portions  1056  and  1100 ′ to the outside of the stacked containers. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 24 , planar surface  1084 ′ is spaced apart and spaced below the underside surface of bottom  1050 ′. In addition, the top surface of planar portion  1114  is spaced apart from and spaced above the top surface of top  1090 . Further, container support surface  1075  is spaced apart from and spaced below the underside surface of channel  1060 ′. As best seen in  FIG. 24 , the weight of a container or stack of containers is supported by contact of surfaces  1075  and  1077  on top of a table or fixture.  
         [0079]     Referring to  FIG. 25 , container  1020  preferably includes an outer surface with smooth, rounded, and flush features. For example, ridge  1064  is adapted and configured such that outer surface of adjacent uppermost edge  1068  is spaced apart from the outer surface of sidewall  1054  by a distance that is about the same distance as the thickness of edge  1098  of lid  1022 . With this spacing, as is appreciated in viewing  FIG. 25 , the outer surface of side  1094  of lid  1022  is flush with the outer surface of sidewall  1054  of vase  1024 . Further, the outside surface the ear  1106  of endpiece  1036  is generally smooth and flush with the outer surface of ear  1074  of endwall  1044 .  
         [0080]      FIG. 26  presents a perspective view of a container  1020 ″ according to another embodiment of the present invention. Container  1020 ″ is identical to container  1020 , except that container  1020 ″ is of a shorter overall height, as a result of decreasing the height of sidewall  1054 ″ and midportion  1072 ″. It is further appreciated that the present invention contemplates containers having a variety of different lengths.  
         [0081]     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.