Abstract:
A sharps holding device according to the present invention may include a body providing a housing having a contact surface and at least one needle securement aperture. A needle securement aperture may be configured to allow insertion of at least a portion of a needle or other sharp into the housing. The device may also have one or more needle cushions positioned adjacent to the contact surface. A needle cushion may be configured such that a needle or other sharp inserted through a securement aperture can be inserted into the needle cushion. A lid may be included in the device and configured to secure the one or more needle cushions within the body of the housing. One or more needle cushions may be cooperatively engaged by the contact surface of the body and the lid, and one of the needle cushions may be located between the lid and the contact surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/290,935, filed Nov. 30, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application also incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/538,761 filed Oct. 4, 2006. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a temporary instrument holder. In more particular, the present invention relates to a temporary holder for medical instruments, such as needles, trocars, scalpels or other devices or implements. The temporary holder includes a lateral instrument holder aperture. 
     In recent years, increased attention has been directed by medical practitioners and the medical community as a whole to blood borne illnesses and infections. The potential for the transmission of blood borne illnesses from patients to practitioners has heightened the awareness of safety standards to protect against inadvertent practitioner infection. A variety of new safety practices and regulations have been developed dictating procedures to be followed before, during, and after surgery as well as during the routine care of patients. For example, special procedures and cautions are recommended and/or required for interactions with patients involving bodily fluids, the handling of medical apparatus that have been utilized in connection with the bodily fluids of patients, and for the disposal of bodily fluids and other biological materials. 
     As a part of the new safety emphasis with regard to blood borne illnesses and infections, particular attention has been directed to the handling of needles, trocars, or other “sharps.” Such sharps have been a subject of increased focus due to the potential for accidental puncture of the practitioner&#39;s skin and consequent transmission of disease to the practitioner. A number of devices have been developed to protect against accidental punctures while utilizing sharps. For example, self-deploying needle shields, which can be readily actuated with limited risk of inadvertent puncturing of a practitioner, have been provided on a number of needles and other trocar type apparatus. Specialized depositories for the receipt and containment of used needles have also been developed which provide for safe and simple disposition of sharps. 
     Another type of device which has been developed to prevent needle sticks or other punctures of a practitioner are temporary needle holders. Such temporary needle holders are adapted to be utilized in a surgical field for holding a needle or other sharp implement that has been utilized or is intermittently utilized during the course of the procedure. Such temporary needle holders typically have a needle holder field in which the needles can be inserted while they are not being used. The temporary needle holder provides a location for the holding of needles that are not being utilized, such that the needles are not left on the surgical surface in a manner that they may inadvertently stick or puncture the skin of a practitioner during the course of the procedure. 
     Typically, such temporary needle holders are configured to be fairly small. Smaller temporary needle holders are typically desired due to surgical surface ergonomics and the fact that a limited number of needles are typically utilized in a procedure. For example, typically the number and types of surgical tools, implements, and containers placed in the surgical field for use during the procedure are sufficient that a limited amount of space is available for each apparatus. Due to the limited number of needles that are utilized in typical procedures, a fairly small temporary needle holder is sufficient to hold the number of needles needed during the procedure. Because a fairly small number of needles are typically utilized and the size requirements for additional needles are quite minimal, a larger unit is typically inefficient due to unused space on the needle holder field. Elimination of unused space on the needle holder field typically creates greater efficiencies in usage of materials, storage/shipping size, and per unit weight. 
     One problem associated with such smaller and/or lighter devices, is that where a practitioner is utilizing a larger needle and syringe combination or a partially-filled syringe, placement of the needle and syringe in the temporary needle holder can result in disadvantageous tipping of the temporary needle holder. Not only can such tipping be unpredictable, but the tipping can make it difficult to utilize the temporary needle holder and the needles and/or syringes positioned therein during the course of the procedure. Additionally, tipping of a partially-filled syringe can result in turbulence in the contents of the syringe that may introduce air bubbles into the syringe. As a result, valuable surgical time may be consumed de-bubbling the syringe in preparation for injection of the contents of the syringe into the patient. 
     What is needed is a sharps holder large enough to prevent accidental damage or disruption of surgical instruments, while still being useful in the operating environment. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Throughout the specification, “sharps” is used to describe any instrument or device that poses a contamination risk to people, such as medical personnel, by disruption of the skin. Examples of sharps may include, but are not limited to, sharp instruments such as needles, trocars, scalpels, and other dangerous implements with edges or surfaces that can cut or puncture. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a sharps holding device includes a housing having a contact surface and at least one instrument securement aperture. An instrument securement aperture may be configured to allow insertion of at least a portion of a needle or other sharp into the housing. The device may also have one or more cushions positioned adjacent to the contact surface. A cushion may be configured such that a needle or other sharp inserted through a securement aperture can be inserted into and held by the cushion. Additionally, a selectively closeable bottom member may be included in the device and configured to secure the one or more instrument cushions within the housing. One or more cushions may be cooperatively engaged by the contact surface of the housing and the bottom member. At least one of the cushions may be located between the lid member and the contact surface. 
     The lid may also be moveably connected to the housing with a hinge. One or more securement apertures may be located on various surfaces of the body, including a surface opposite the lid. The device may also include a planar member configured to securely attach to the body. 
     These and other aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify the above and other aspects of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a portion of the sharps holder apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is an isometric view of a portion of the sharps holder apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a view of a partially assembled sharps holder apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a view of a fully assembled sharps holder apparatus, including depictions of sharps, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a sharps holder apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  disclose various elements of the sharps holder apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the sharps holder apparatus  200  comprises a housing  201 , a top surface cushion layer  226 , and a side-surface cushion layer  228 . Top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  can be positioned within housing  201  to provide a mechanism for capturing needles, sharps, syringes, or other sharp medical implements that may be utilized within the surgical field. Housing  201  may provide a mechanism for accommodating and securing top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  in a manner that allows for securement of the sharps by cushion layers  226  and  228 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, housing  201  may include an outer wall  202 , a first cavity  204 , a second cavity  206 , a boundary septum  207 , a top surface aperture  208 , a side surface aperture  210 , and a moveable bottom member  215 . 
     Outer wall  202  can define the outer boundary of housing  201  and provides a secure framework in which top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  can be positioned. Outer wall  202  partially defines a first cavity  204  and a second cavity  206 . First cavity  204  may have a substantially square configuration having a depth configured to accommodate top surface cushion layer  226 . Second cavity  206  may have a depth and size to accommodate second side surface cushion layer  228 . Boundary septum  207  can separate first cavity  204  from second cavity  206 . Utilizing a boundary septum  207  prevents passage of a trocar, needle, or other sharp implement between top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228 . 
     As illustrated, housing  201  may include a top surface aperture  208  and side surface aperture  210 . Top surface aperture  208  is defined by the top surface of housing  201 . Side surface aperture  210  may be positioned on the side surface of housing  201 . When sharps holder apparatus  200  is fully assembled and resting on the surgical surface, top surface aperture  208  may then be positioned upward allowing needles, trocars, or other instruments to be inserted therein, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . As shown in  FIG. 3 , side surface aperture  210  may be positioned on the side of the needle holder apparatus in a manner such that heavier or larger implements, such as a fluid-filled syringe  242 , a scalpel  256 , or other implement can be positioned in the side surface cushion layer  228  while the instrument, trocar, or other apparatus can rest on the table or other surgical surface in manner to prevent tipping of the needle holder apparatus. 
     A top rim contact surface  212 , top barrier surface  214 , and side rim contact surfaces  250  are also illustrated. Top rim contact surface  212 , top barrier surface  214 , and side rim contact surface  250  facilitates proper positioning and securement of top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  during assembly. For example, when top surface cushion layer  226  is positioned in first cavity  204 , top surface cushion layer  226  may be slid into first cavity  204  until the outer rim of the upper surface of top surface cushion layer  226  contacts rim contact surface  212 . Contact surface  212  can stop additional upward movement of top surface cushion layer  226 , and also provides indication to the user that further advancement of the top surface cushion layer is no longer necessary. 
     Top barrier surface  214  may provide a solid contact surface that also stops further advancement of side surface cushion layer  228  when side surface cushion layer  228  is being inserted into housing  201 . Side rim contact surfaces  250  may maintain the lateral positioning of side surface cushion layer  228  in second cavity  206 . In this manner, side surface cushion layer may be prevented from migrating out of side surface aperture  210  during assembly or usage of the needle holder apparatus. 
     A moveable bottom member  215  is also illustrated. Moveable bottom member  215  may be configured to be secured to the bottom periphery of outer wall  202  to secure top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  within their respective cavities  204  and  206 . As illustrated, moveable bottom member  215  may be attached to one side of outer wall  202  using a hinge  217 . In this manner, the desired positioning of moveable bottom member  215  relative to the other portions of housing  201  may be maintained until the top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  have been positioned within first cavity  204  and second cavity  206 . 
     Once top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  have been positioned within housing  201 , the user can simply hinge moveable bottom member  215  into cooperative and locked engagement with the entire bottom periphery of outer wall  202 . As illustrated, outer wall  202  includes a snap fit ridge  220  and moveable bottom member  215  includes a snap fit flange  222 . When moveable bottom member  215  is hinged to a closed position relative to outer wall  202 , snap fit flange  222  biases over snap fit ridge  220  securing moveable bottom member  215  in position relative to the other components of housing  201 . In this manner, top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  can be secured within housing  201  in a relatively simple, effective, and cost effective manner. 
     As illustrated, side margin supports  216  and bottom margin supports  218  may be provided. Side margin supports  216  comprise a raised ridge, and bottom margin supports  218  comprise raised panels. Side margin supports  216  and bottom margin supports  218  may be adapted to contact portions of top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228 . Side margin supports  216  and bottom margin supports  218  may effectively secure top surface cushion layers  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  within first cavity and second cavity  204  and  206 , even when there is a slight margin left by a discrepancy between the size of top surface cushion layer  226  and first cavity  204  or side surface cushion layer  228  and second cavity  206 . In this manner, any gap that is left by a slightly smaller side of cushion layers  226  and  228  may be effectively filled, while allowing for larger cushion layers to also be inserted within first cavity  204  and second cavity  206 . 
     As illustrated, side margin supports  216  may be positioned on the inside of first cavity  204  and second cavity  206 . For example, side margin supports  216  can be provided on each of the four lateral surfaces along outer wall  202  and boundary septum  207 . The somewhat narrow and stiffened nature of side margin supports  216  and bottom margin supports  218  may allow for a certain amount of deformation of cushion layers  226  and  228  in the event that there is little or no margin between the sides of the cushion layer and the respective cavity in which it is being positioned. Additionally, the ridged nature of side margin supports  216  and bottom margin supports  218  may allow for securement of the cushion layer in the event that there is a somewhat larger margin between the sides of the cushion layer and the respective cavity in which it is positioned. 
     Side margin supports  216  may be configured to fill lateral discrepancies in size between the cushion layer  226 ,  228 , and the cavities  204  and  206 , respectively. Bottom margin supports  218  may be configured to facilitate contact between top rim contact surface  212  and the top surface cushion layer  226 . Similarly, bottom margin support  218  may facilitate contact between top barrier surface  214  and the side surface cushion layer  228 . 
     As illustrated, an adhesive cover strip  224  may extend from the underside of moveable bottom member  215 . Adhesive cover strip  224  includes a tab that can be grasped by a user facilitating removal of adhesive cover strip  224  from the respective adhesive strip. When positioned on the underside of moveable bottom member  215 , adhesive cover strip  224  may secure sharps holder apparatus  200  on a surgical or other support surface, minimizing tipping or inadvertent movement of the apparatus during a surgical procedure being performed. 
     Top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  are depicted in  FIG. 1B . As illustrated, top surface cushion layer  226  may include a side surface  230  and a top surface  232 . As previously discussed, side surface  230  may be positioned in contact with outer wall  202  and boundary septum  207 . Top surface  232  may be largely exposed to the external working environment by top surface aperture  208  of housing  201 . In this manner, top surface  232  can be accessed by a user for positioning needles, trocars, scalpels, or the like within the sharps holder apparatus. The outer periphery of top surface  232  may be configured to contact top rim contact surface  212  to secure the positioning of top surface cushion layer  226  within housing  201 . Top surface cushion layer  226  also includes a bottom surface  238 . Bottom surface  238  may be configured to be in contact with moveable bottom member  215  so that top surface cushion layer  226  is thereby cooperatively secured between top rim contact surface  212  and bottom surface  238 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of targets  233  of top surface cushion layer  226  are depicted. Targets  233  are positioned on top surface  232  of top surface cushion layer  226 . Targets  233  may provide a visual identification facilitating proper insertion of needles, trocars, or other instruments within the top surface cushion layer  226 . 
     As illustrated, a side surface cushion layer  228  is also depicted. Side surface cushion layer  228  includes a side surface  234 , a top surface  236 , and bottom surface  240 . As previously discussed, top surface  236  may be configured to be in contact with a top barrier surface  214 . One of side surfaces  234  may be exposed to the external environment by side surface aperture  210 . In this manner, a practitioner, such a surgeon or nurse, can insert a scalpel, fluid filled syringe, or other instrument into side surface cushion layer  228 . In this manner, when moveable bottom member  215  is resting on the support surface, the instrument positioned within side surface cushion layer  228  can rest on the surgical surface in a manner to prevent tipping of the needle holder apparatus or inadvertent breakage of the instrument positioned within side surface cushion layer  228 . 
     As illustrated, bottom surface  240  may be positioned in contact with moveable bottom member  215 . In this manner, side surface cushion layer  228  may be sandwiched between top barrier surface  214  and moveable bottom member  215 . 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of the sharps holder apparatus can be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a single needle cushion layer may be provided. In another embodiment, the moveable bottom member may be locked into place once the sharps holder apparatus has been fully assembled. In another embodiment, moveable bottom member may be secured to the needle holder apparatus using other than a hinge. In another embodiment, the moveable bottom member may not be secured to the needle holder apparatus but positioned in place once the one or more cushion layers have been positioned within the housing. In yet another embodiment the moveable bottom member may comprise a plurality of components, which cooperatively secure one or more cushion layers within the housing. In yet another embodiment, one or more side ports may be provided in addition to a top surface cushion layer. 
       FIG. 2A  is a top perspective view of sharps holder apparatus  200  during assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, top surface cushion layer  226  may be positioned within housing  201 . As previously discussed with reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , top surface cushion layer  226  may be configured to be positioned within first cavity  204  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). As illustrated, top surface cushion layer  226  may be fully advanced within housing  201  such that top surface cushion layer  226  is accessible through top surface aperture  208 . A plurality of targets  233  may be seen through top surface aperture  208 . In this manner, potentially desired points of contact between the needle and the top surface cushion layer  226  are clearly displayed to the user. A top rim  252  is also illustrated. Top rim  252  may be positioned on the upward facing side of the top rim contact surface  212  depicted in  FIG. 1A . Top rim  252  may have a desired amount of elevation over and above top surface  232  of top surface cushion layer  226 . 
     As illustrated, side surface cushion layer  228  may be fully advanced within second cavity  206  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Side surface cushion layer  228  may be in contact with top barrier surface  214 . Additionally, a side rim  254  may be in contact with a side surface  236  of side surface cushion layer  228 . In this manner, inadvertent migration of side surface cushion layer  228  out through side surface aperture  210  may be prevented. Side surface aperture  210  may provide access to side surface cushion layer  228 . In this manner, practitioner can insert needles, syringes, scalpels, or other medical devices into the side port of the needle holder apparatus. In this manner, heavier items, such as a fluid-filled syringe, scalpel, or other instrument can rest on the table to prevent inadvertent breakage or damage to the medical instrument which is inserted into side surface cushion layer  228 . 
     In the depicted embodiment, the movable bottom member  215  is starting to be closed in relation to the other components of housing  201 . As previously discussed, movable bottom member  215  may be secured to housing  201  utilizing a hinge  217 . Snap fit flange  222  on the outer periphery on a portion of movable bottom member  215  may allow for securement of the movable bottom member  215  to snap fit ridge  220  of housing  201  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). In this manner, when movable bottom member  215  is closed, the fit between snap fit ridge  220  and snap fit flange  222  may effectively secure movable bottom member  215  to the other components of the housing securing the position of top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228 . A bottom margin support member  218  is also shown. The illustrated bottom margin support  218  may be configured to contact side surface cushion layer  228  to ensure a desired fit between side surface cushion layer, top barrier surface  214 , and movable bottom member  215 . 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates needle holder apparatus  200  during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable bottom member  215  may be secured to the other components of housing  201 . In this manner, top surface cushion layer  226  and side surface cushion layer  228  may be secured within housing  201  to allow for desired operation of the sharps holder apparatus. 
     A needle syringe combination  242  is depicted as being inserted into side surface cushion layer  228 . As illustrated, the needle syringe combination may include an amount of fluid which adds substantially to the weight of needle syringe combination  242 . In the event that needle syringe combination  242  were inserted into top surface cushion layer  226 , the weight of needle syringe combination  242  could tip the needle holder apparatus or inadvertently result in breakage of the needle portion of the needle syringe combination  242 . In the illustrated embodiment, needle syringe combination  242  can rest on the surgical surface on which the needle holder apparatus is positioned. In this manner, positioning of the needle syringe combination  242  is maintained until the needle syringe combination needs to be utilized again or until the entire needle holder apparatus, including the needle syringe combination  242 , is disposed. 
     As illustrated, needle tips  244   a  and  244   b  may be positioned within the top surface cushion layer  226 . In the illustrated embodiment, a first needle tip  244   a  may be positioned within a first target  243  and a second needle tip  244   b  also positioned within a different target  243 . In this manner, the practitioner can quickly identify potential open areas where needle tip or other sharp implement can be inserted. Additionally, the practitioner can quickly identify the amount of remaining space for sharps that are used in connection with subsequent portions of the procedure. 
     The top barrier surface  214  may be provided to prevent inadvertent insertion of a needle or other sharp implement into the top surface  236  (not shown) of side surface cushion layer  228 . In this manner, inadvertent migration of a needle tip through top surface  236  of side surface cushion layer  228  and out through side surface aperture  210  may be prevented. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of sharps holder apparatus  200  according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, first and second side surface cushion layers  228   a  and  228   b  are illustrated. By providing first and second side surface cushion layers  228   a  and  228   b , a plurality of different medical instruments may be inserted into the needle holder apparatus organized in an efficient manner. For example, as illustrated, a needle syringe combination  242  may be inserted into side surface cushion layer  228   a . Scalpel  256  may also be positioned in side surface cushion layer  228   b . In this manner, interference or inadvertent breakage by contact between needle syringe combination  242  and scalpel  256  may be prevented. According to one embodiment of the present invention, side surface cushion layers  228   a  and  228   b  may comprise a single internal piece of foam which may be simply separated by a single septum member (not shown) in the outer wall of housing  201 . In other words, first and second lateral surface apertures may be provided to access a single side surface to cushion layer positioned on the interior of housing  201 . 
     As illustrated, a lid  256  may be provided. Lid  256  may be configured to be positioned over sharps holder apparatus  200  subsequent to usage of the sharps holder apparatus  200  and in preparation for disposal of the apparatus and the needles, syringes, or other medical implements utilized therewith. As illustrated, lid  258  may include a top surface  260 , a sidewall  262 , and an expandable drape  264 . Top surface  260  may comprise a hardened material which minimizes inadvertent puncture by implements that are positioned within needle holder apparatus. Sidewall  262  may provide an amount of displacement between the upper surface of the top surface cushion layer  226  and top surface  260 . 
     An expandable drape  264  may also be provided along a portion of lid  258 . Expandable drape  264  may be deployed subsequent to closing of lid  258 . Expandable drape  264  may be made of a material that allows expandable drape  264  to extend past and enclose components positioned in side surface cushion layers  228   a  and  228   b . Similarly, expandable drape may include several pleats that allow expansion in a similar manner. Alternatively, the expandable drape  264  may not entirely enclose the components positioned within side cushion layer  228  that are utilized to secure those components in place during disposal of the needle holder apparatus, but may expand to contact any components positioned within side cushion layer  228  and provide additional stability to the components. 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of sharps holder apparatus can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid  258  may include an extension portion which secures part or all of the apparatus positioned within the side surface cushion layers. In another embodiment, needle holder apparatus may include only side ports and does not include a top surface for inserting needles, trocars, syringes, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the side surface cushion layers may include targets facilitating the insertion of instruments into a central or desired location within the side surface cushion layers. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.