Patent Publication Number: US-2021186640-A1

Title: Medical device transportation systems

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/953,352, filed Dec. 24, 2019, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to containment and transportation systems, and more particularly, containers and methods for transporting medical devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some devices, including endoscopes, may be reusable for on-going patient use. Medical facilities, such as clinics or hospitals, may manually clean and high-level disinfect each device between use, and may need to transport the devices from a reprocessing or storage location to another location for use in a medical procedure. Clean medical devices may be deliverable to the medical professional for performing a medical procedure and used medical devices may be deliverable to the reprocessing or storage location. 
     One challenge for medical facilities is to maintain a workflow of the clean and used medical devices to minimize cross-contamination and a potential spread of infections and/or diseases. Current medical device containment and transportation systems used in medical facilities may be difficult to clean, e.g., including configurations that may allow for bacteria and other contaminants to remain on the surfaces even after disinfecting processes. Clean medical devices may be at risk of contamination in the event the containment systems are not thoroughly disinfected. 
     Additionally, existing containment and transportation systems may only be used exclusively together, so that medical facilities may be limited to a particular container to be used with a transportation system. Thus, medical facilities may be unable to swap out particular container configurations in different types of transportation systems as desired. 
     It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present improvements may be useful. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to necessarily identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     A system is disclosed for containing and transporting a medical device. The system may include a container including a bottom face and surrounding side faces as a closed first end and an open second end to form an inner portion for receiving and retaining the medical device. The system may also include a liner removably attachable to the container, the liner extendable over a portion of the side faces to line the inner portion of the container. A cover may be removably attachable to the container, the cover extendable over the liner and the container to encapsulate a medical device placed on the liner within the container. The cover may be attachable to the container via a tab. The liner may be coupleable to one of the side faces by an adhesive pull-tab. The cover may be coupleable to one of the side faces or the liner by an adhesive pull-tab. 
     The system may also include a first cover removably attachable to the liner and extendable across the open second end of the container to enclose the inner portion, and a second cover removably attachable to the first cover and extendable over at least a portion of the side faces and across the open second end of the container to enclose the inner portion. The first cover may be exchangeable with the second cover for visual verification of a condition of the medical device. The first and second covers may be coupled to the liner along an edge of the liner. The first cover may be perforated at or near a location of its attachment to the second cover so that the first cover is removable from the second cover. The first cover may be positionable over the second cover so that when the first cover is in a closed position with respect to the container the second cover is covered by the first cover. 
     A first cover may be removably attachable to at least one of the liner and the side face of the container, and may be extendable across the open second end of the container to enclose the inner portion. The first cover may be removably attachable to at least one of the liner and the side face of the container, and extendable across the open second end of the container to enclose the inner portion; the first may be is exchangeable with the second cover for visual verification of a condition of the medical device. 
     The first cover may comprise a cover portion and a plurality of extensions that are extendable beyond edges of the cover portion so that when the first cover is placed over the second open end of the container, the extension portions extend over the side faces of the container. The second cover may comprise a cover portion and a plurality of extensions that are extendable beyond edges of the cover portion so that when the second cover is placed over the second open end of the container, the extension portions extend over the side faces of the container. 
     Each of the extensions of the first and second cover portions may include an adhesive region on a container-facing side thereof. The adhesive regions may allow the user to press the extension portions against an associated side of the container to fix the extension portions to the side of the container to maintain the first or second cover in place over the second open end of the container. The first cover portion may be dispensable from a rolled tube containing a plurality of said first cover portions, and the second cover portion is dispensable from a rolled tube containing a plurality of said second cover portions. The liner may be formed from a flexible thermoformed material that closely conforms to surfaces forming the inner portion of the container. 
     The container and the liner may be a single integral piece. The container may include a laterally extending ledge portion disposed about a perimeter of the second open end of the container, the ledge portion providing a flat surface for receiving the cover. The cover may include a closure feature comprising an adhesive disposed on a container-facing side of cover, the adhesive enabling a user to press the cover against the laterally extending ledge portion of the container to fix the cover to the container, thus maintaining the cover coupled to the container. 
     A system is disclosed for containing and transporting a medical device. The system may include a container including a bottom face and surrounding side faces as a closed first end and an open second end to form an inner portion for receiving and retaining the medical device. The system may also include a liner removably attachable to the container to line the inner portion of the container. The system may further include a cover removably attachable to the container via a tab to encapsulate a medical device placed on the liner within the container. 
     At least one of the liner and the cover may be coupleable to one of the side faces by an adhesive pull-tab. The system may further include a first cover extendable across the open second end of the container to enclose the inner portion, and a second cover removably attachable to the first cover and extendable across the open second end of the container to enclose the inner portion. The first cover may exchangeable with the second cover for visual verification of a condition of the medical device. 
     The first cover may include a cover portion and a plurality of extensions that are extendable beyond edges of the cover portion so that when the first cover is placed over the second open end of the container, the extension portions extend over the side faces of the container. The second cover may include a cover portion and a plurality of extensions that are extendable beyond edges of the cover portion so that when the second cover is placed over the second open end of the container, the extension portions extend over the side faces of the container. The first cover may have a first color or first marking indicating the medical device is clean, while a second cover may have a second color or marking indicating the medical device is used. 
     The liner may be formed from a flexible thermoformed material. The container and the liner may be single integral piece. The container may include a laterally extending ledge portion providing a flat surface for receiving the cover, and the cover includes a closure feature comprising an adhesive disposed on a container-facing side of cover, the adhesive enabling a user to press the cover against the laterally extending ledge portion of the container to fix the cover to the container, thus maintaining the cover coupled to the container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are schematic and not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated is typically represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure. In the figures: 
         FIGS. 1A-1I  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a container in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a containment and transportation system in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a plurality of containers in a stacked configuration in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2C-2D  illustrate exemplary embodiments of a containment system in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 3A-3F  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a container, liner and lid arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a container, liner and lid arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a container, liner and lid arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a container, liner and lid arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 7A-7D  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a container, liner and lid arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting beyond the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, regions, steps elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof. 
     Exemplary embodiments of containment and transportation systems and methods according to the present disclosure may be configured for improved cleanability or disinfection, to reduce a risk of contamination of medical devices. Exemplary embodiments may also be configured to minimize or prevent inadvertent re-use of a device that has not been reprocessed, and/or inadvertently reprocessing an already reprocessed device that is thought to have been used. As described above, existing systems may be configured with features such as undercuts, lips, notches, or the like, that may trap contaminants. During handling, a medical professional may contact the contaminated undercut or lip, potentially transferring contaminants to a clean medical device and thereby increasing a risk of spreading diseases to a patient. 
     A containment system in accordance with the present disclosure may include a container having an improved design to minimize contamination for receiving, handling and retaining a medical device, which may be transported throughout a medical facility for reprocessing and patient use. Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1G , an exemplary embodiment of a container  100  is depicted. The container  100  may be formed as a tray, or basket, or a shallower type of receptacle, for receiving and retaining a medical device. The container  100  may have a bottom face  105 , and surrounding side faces  110   a - 110   d,  to form the container having a closed first end  115  and an open second end  120 . The open-ended container  100  may have an inner portion  125  formed by the bottom face  105  and surrounding side faces  110   a - 110   d,  e.g., such that a medical device is receivable by placement on the bottom face  105  and retainable inside the container by the surrounding side faces  110   a - 110   d.  In some embodiments, the side faces  110   a - 110   d  may extend along a straight line that is vertical to the bottom face  105  (e.g.,  FIGS. 1A-1C ), and in other embodiments one or more of side faces  110   a - 110   d  may extend along a straight line that tapers inward from the open second end  120  to the closed first end  115 . For example, referring to  FIGS. 1D-1I , the container  100  may include vertical sides faces  110   b,    110   d  along the front and back of the container, while side faces  110   a,    110   c  along the sides of the container including indentations  130  may taper slightly inward from vertical extending from the open second end  120  to the closed first end  115 .  FIG. 1E  depicts a taper of θ SW  degrees from vertical that may be a range of 0 degrees to about five degrees. The taper may help to provide clearance between side surfaces  110   a,    110   c  of the container and the sides of a transportation device when the container is loaded in the device. Alternatively, or additionally, the taper may help in the manufacturing process for the container, e.g., to aid in releasing the container from an injection mold if that forming technique is used. 
     In some embodiments, the container  100  may be formed as a rectangle, or square, e.g., having four side faces  110   a - 110   d,  although it is envisioned that the container may be formed with any number “n” of side faces. Additionally, the container  100  may have rounded edges  107  connecting the bottom face and surrounding side faces, which may be advantageous for a more thorough disinfection as well as handling. In embodiments with a tapered side face, the side face may be made to follow a straight line from the open second end to the closed first end and tangential to the apex of the rounded edge  107  (see  FIG. 1E ). The container may be formed of a substantially rigid material, such as a plastic or composite, and may be thermoformed or molded as a single piece to its configuration. 
     The container  100  may have one or more indentations  130 . In embodiments, a first indentation  130   a  may extend along at least a portion of a first side face  110   a,  e.g., substantially parallel to the bottom face  105 . Similarly, a second indentation  130   a  may extend along at least a portion of a third side face  110   c,  e.g., substantially parallel to the bottom face  105  and in alignment with the first indentation  130   a.  The indentations may extend along the full length of the respective face, although in some embodiments the indentations may extend along a portion of the side face. In some embodiments, the container  100  may have two indentations  130   a,    130   b,  along opposing side faces, to be received by a transportation device. Indentations may also be included in at least a portion of the other side faces  110   b,    110   d,  etc. The indentations  130  may be substantially symmetrical to each other, e.g., so that the container  100  may be receivable into a transportation device in an upright position. In embodiments, the container may be receivable into a cart, for transport in a medical facility. 
     The indentations  130  may be formed to extend inward into the inner portion  125 . In some embodiments, the indentations  130  may be formed as rails, e.g., having a rectangular cross-section. The indentations may be formed inward so that a user, e.g., a medical professional, may grip the container  100  by the indentations  130  (e.g., surfaces  135   a ). The medical professional may alternatively and/or additionally handle the container  100  via the bottom face  105  and/or side faces  110   a - 110   d  (e.g., rounded edges  107 ). In embodiments, the medical professional may slide a container  100  in and out of a transportation device, such as a cart, and may carry the container  100  to a reprocessing location and/or a patient procedure location. The indentations  130  may have surfaces  135   a - 135   c  formed substantially perpendicular to each other (90 degrees±10 degrees), although in some embodiments one or more of the surfaces may form an obtuse angle (≥90 degrees). The surfaces  135   a - 135   c  of the indentations  130  may be cleanable, e.g., contaminants may not be trapped in the indentations, so that when the medical professional grips and carries the container  100  as needed, cross-contamination may be minimized. In embodiments, corners of the surfaces  135   a - 135   c  may have radii to enhance cleanability of the container  100 , which may be dimensioned between approximately 0.100 to 0.180 inches for cleaning. The surfaces  135   a - 135   c  may be a “C” or “U” shape, to create an opening “o”. As described below, the opening “o” may be sized as desired, e.g., to allow for handling by a medical professional and/or for receiving a cover, a liner, or both, e.g., based on the surface  135   b  formed substantially perpendicular relative to the bottom face  105 . 
     In some embodiments, the indentations  130  may have a uniform height of opening along the side face (e.g.,  FIG. 1C ), and in other embodiments the indentions may have a height of opening that increases at one or both ends of the indentation. Referring to  FIG. 1F , container  100  includes indentations  130  extending along the side faces  110   a,    110   c,  with flared end openings  132 . The height of the middle length of indentation  130  is represented as dci and the height of the flared end openings  132  is represented as d TI  Height d TI , may gradually decease to height do, through the length of the flare end openings  132 . For example, at a maximum height, flared end openings  132  may be approximately 30%-50% greater than the height of the middle length of indentations  130 . Flare end openings may assist with aligning the opening of indentation  130  with the rails  215  of a transportation device  505   a,    505   c,  as the container is loaded into the device. Flare end openings  132  may also provide some gap clearance between the edges of the opening of indentation  130  and the edges of rails  215  to facilitate sliding the container into a transportation device along the rails. In some embodiments, one or both ends of indentations  130 , whether flared or not, may include a portion  135   d  that wraps around from the side face with the indentation to the adjacent side face (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1D ). This may assist with alignment and starting the indentation along the rails of a transportation device once aligned. 
     In embodiments, the indentations  130  may be formed to allow for the container  100  to be compatibly receivable into a plurality of transportation devices. For example, the container  100  may be receivable in a first transportation device, and a second transportation device, where the first and second transportation devices have differing configurations. It is understood that the container may be compatibly receivable in any number “n” of transportation devices of differing configurations. The indentations may extend inwardly into the inner portion  125  a depth such that the container is adaptably receivable into carts having different configurations. In some embodiments, the container  100  and the indentations  130  may be dimensioned to be receivable in the transportation devices. In this matter, the container  100  may be compatible with a variety of transportation systems (see  FIGS. 2A-2D ). 
     Additional features may also include contouring and/or beveling on the rounded edges  107  at the corners of the container  100  underneath the indentations  130 , as described in more detail in U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application titled “Medical Device Containment and Transportation Systems and Methods,” Attorney Docket Number 8150.0546, filed Dec. 24, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application titled “Medical Device Transportation Systems,” Attorney Docket Number 8150.0715Z, filed Dec. 24, 2019, the entirety of which applications are incorporated by reference herein. 
     The bottom face  105  of the container  100  may include a contour  140 . The contour  140  may include recessed portions  145 , e.g., an outer surface  148  of the bottom face  105  may be disposed inward from portions  150  of the bottom face  105 . The recessed portions  145  may be positioned substantially along the side faces  110   b,    110   d  opposite of side faces having the indentations  130   a,    130   b,  and/or along a central portion  147  of the bottom face  105 . In some embodiments, side faces  110   a,    110   c  may have at least the portions  150 . 
     In some embodiments, the central portion  147  of the bottom face  105  may include an indentation  146  that extends from the surface of the recessed portion  145  of the bottom face  105  into the inner portion  125  (e.g.,  FIGS. 1D-1H ). Referring to  FIGS. 1D-1E , indentation  146  may have a square shape and extend into inner portion  125  a distance d RB  that may range from about 0 mm. to about 25 mm. As shown, indentation  146  may extend into inner portion  125  a distance d RB  of 0.4 in. (10.16 mm). The shape of indentation  146  is depicted as a square, but may be any number of other shapes, such as circular, oval, rectangular, etc. The profile of the indentation  146  may have a plateau-like cross-section, as shown, with a step-up around the edges and a relatively flat portion parallel to the bottom face  105  and recessed portions  145 . Alternatively, indentation  146  may have a dome-like cross-section, with a gradual slope from recessed portion  145  of bottom face  105  to an apex at central portion  147 , and then a gradual slope back to recessed portion  145 . 
     The bottom face  105  and recessed portions  145  may allow for the container  100  to be received in a transportation device in a plurality of orientations. As shown in  FIG. 2C , a first container  200   a  may be receivable into a transportation device  205   c  via the indentations  130  in a first orientation. The transportation device  205   c  may be configured such that a container may not be receivable in a lower portion  205  in the first orientation. In some embodiments, the transportation device  205   c  may lack means for receiving a container by the indentations  130 , and/or include additional elements that may otherwise prevent the first container  200   a  from being received, e.g., support elements at a bottom portion of the transportation device  205   c.  In this event, a second container  200   b  may be receivable into the transportation device  205   c  in a second orientation, e.g., rotation of the container 90° about a central axis  155 . The recessed portion  145  may allow for the second container  200   b  to fit in the transportation device  205   c  with enough vertical clearance from an above first container  200   a.  In some embodiments, the container  100  may be formed in a rectangle, so that in the second orientation the second container  200   b  is receivable in a narrower configuration than in the first orientation. It is understood that the first and second containers  200   a,    200   b  may include the features described with respect to the container  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the bottom face  105  and/or surrounding side faces  110   a - 110   d,  may incorporate a handle  160 ,  170 ,  180  to facilitate holding and movement of the container  100  (see  FIGS. 1H-1I ). Referring to  FIGS. 1H-1I , a container  100  with corner handles  160  is depicted. Respective corner handles  160   a,    160   b  may be integrated into opposite sides faces  110   b,    110   d,  and their adjoining recessed portions  145  of bottom face  105 . Each handle  160   a,    160   b,  may have a width W h , height H h  and depth D h  dimension that is sized to accommodate the fingers of a user&#39;s hand grasping the container palm-side upward. For example, each handle  160   a,    160   b,  may have a width W h  that extends 3-7 in. (76.2-177.8 mm), height H h  that extends 1.0-3.0 in. (25.4-76.2 mm), and depth Dh that extends 0.5-2.0 in. (12.7-50.8 mm). Handles  160   a,    160   b,  may extend inward from respective side faces  110   b,    110   d  into the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , and may include a sloped vertical face  165   b  that transitions to a recessed dimple  165   a.  Dimple  165   a  may be sized to accommodate a user&#39;s fingertips when grasping the container  100 . Other shapes and dimensions of handles  160 ,  170 ,  180  may be possible depending on user requirements. Handles  160 ,  170 ,  180  may provide a more secure grasping feature compared to holding a container from the bottom face  105  and/or side faces  110   a - 110   d,  particularly if the container is encased in a liner (e.g., liner  300 ,  FIG. 3A ). For example, the handle  160   a,    160   b  may not extend along an entire length of a side face  110   a - 110   d.    
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , a first container  200   a  may be configured to be stacked with a second container  200   b,  by nesting an optional lid  202  disposed on an upper surface of the second container  200   b  with the bottom face  105  of the first container. The first and second containers  200   a,    200   b  may include the features described above with respect to container  100  described in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1I  and may be removably attachable to a respective optional lid  202 . The nested configuration may allow for the containers to be stacked, e.g., vertically stacked, relative to each other, which may be advantageous for storing extra containers in a medical facility, and/or during transport of a plurality of containers. For example, the nesting configuration may provide stability to the stack of containers to reduce a likelihood of tipping over, which may reduce potential contamination of a medical device. The lid  202  may be formed of a substantially rigid material such as a plastic or composite material and may be a single piece thermoformed or molded configuration. 
     The containment and transportation system may further include a liner for lining the inner portion  125  of the container  100 . In embodiments, a liner may be included so that when a medical device is placed in the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , the liner may act as a protective barrier to the inner portion  125 . This may aid in minimizing potential contamination of the container, e.g., when receiving and/or retaining a used medical device. When the medical device is removed for cleaning, the liner may be disposed of so that the container may avoid direct contact with the used medical device. In some embodiments the containment and transportation system can include a cover. As will be described in greater detail later, the cover may be extendable across the second open end  120  of the container  100 , so that a medical device placed in the inner portion  125  of the container is enclosed between the liner and the cover. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3F , an embodiment of a liner and cover arrangement will be described in greater detail. The liner  300  may have a lining portion  305  and a closure feature  310 . The lining portion  305  may be sized to extend over the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  and line the inner portion  125  ( FIG. 1A ). The lining portion  305  may be extendable fully over at least a portion of the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100 . The lining portion  305  partially or substantially enclose the container  100  to act as a protective barrier and prevent and/or minimize direct contact between a medical device and the container, and/or between a user and the medical device and/or container. The lining portion  305  may be formed of a flexible material, such as a single plastic sheet, and may have a closure feature  310  that may secure the liner  300  to the container  100 . The flexible material may allow for the liner  300  to be conformable to a profile of the container  100 , e.g., the liner may surround the side faces  110   a - 110   d  and may sit in the inner portion  125  of the container ( FIG. 1A ). In embodiments, the liner  300  may be at least partially substantially transparent or translucent, although it is also envisioned that the liner  300  may be colored, or opaque. 
     The liner  300  may be removably attachable to the container by the closure feature  310 , so that when the container  100  is lined, the closure feature  310  maintains the liner  300  in position with respect to the container  100 . By aligning the liner  300  so that the lining portion  305  is continuously extended across the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , contamination of the container may be minimized. 
     In embodiments, the closure feature  310  may be a pull-tab  315  that can be removably fixed to a surface of the container  100  once the liner  300  has been cinched around the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container. The liner  300  may be placed over the container  100  with the pull-tab in an un-extended position. Once the liner  300  is positioned to enclose the container  100 , the pull-tab  315  may be moved to an extended position, thereby cinching the liner  300  around the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container. An adhesive may be provided on a container-facing side of the pull-tab  315 . This adhesive may allow the user to press the pull-tab  315  against the associated side  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  to fix the pull-tab  315  to the side of the container, thus maintaining the liner  300  cinched around the container. In some embodiments the liner  300  may be configured so that the adhesive applied to the pull-tab  315  fixes the pull-tab to another portion of the liner, thus maintaining the liner cinched around the container  100 . In some embodiments the adhesive may allow the pull-tab  315  to be removably fixed to the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  or another portion of the liner  300  so that the pull-tab  315  can be released from the side of the container or another portion of the liner to release the liner from the container after use. The pull-tab  315  may, in some embodiments, be elastic so that it is at least partially extensible when configured in the extended state. 
     Although a pull-tab closure is illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3F , it will be understood that the liner  300  may be removably attachable to the container  100  in any manner, including but not limited to an elastic, a drawstring, an adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like. 
     As mentioned, the liner  300  may be extendable partially over the side faces  110   a - 110   d,  so that the closure feature  310  remains in a stretched position around the side faces  110   a - 110   d.    FIGS. 3D-3F  show three example configurations in which the liner  300  extends over different portions of the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100 . In  FIG. 3D , the liner  300  extends over only a top portion of the side faces  110   a - 110   d;  in  FIG. 3E , the liner extends over an upper half portion of the side faces, and in  FIG. 3F , the liner extends over substantially the entirety of the side faces. 
     As described, the liner  300  may be removably attachable to the container  100  prior to placement of medical device (not shown) in the inner portion  125  of the container. As will be appreciated, a medical device may be placed in an inner portion  125  of a container  100  ( FIG. 1A ) after the liner  300  is attached to the container. When the medical device is placed in the container  100 , at least one cover may be extendable across the second open end  120 , so that the medical device is captured between the liner  300  and the cover. Referring to  FIGS. 3B and 3C , a first cover  320  may have a cover portion  325  and a closure feature  330 , and a second cover  335  may have a cover portion  340  and a closure feature  345 . In embodiments, the covers  320 ,  335  may be formed of a flexible material, such as a single plastic sheet having a closure feature  330 ,  345  to an edge thereof. The flexible material may allow for the first and second cover  320 ,  335  to extend across the container  100 , e.g., the first and/or second cover  320 ,  335  may form a barrier across the second open end  120  of the container  100 . In embodiments, the first and/or second cover  320 ,  335  may be at least partially substantially transparent or translucent. It is also envisioned that the first and second covers  320 ,  335  may be different colors, and/or may include symbols, patterns and/or words to indicate the status of the medical device. Different colors and/or patterns may provide an easy indicator for medical professionals traversing through a medical facility, picking up used medical devices and/or delivering clean medical devices, so that incorrect delivery of a medical device is minimized. In embodiments, the liner  300 , first cover  320  and/or second cover  335  may include a section for writing on the top surface. Details regarding the medical device may be included by a medical profession, e.g., to document details such as the time the medical device was used, to track a time from use to cleaning. In some medical facilities, a used medical device must be reprocessed within a predetermined time period, such as less than 1 hour. In some embodiments, the first cover  320  may be different than the second cover  335 , so that a medical professional may have a visual indication of a condition of the medical device in the container  100 . For example, a green colored cover  320  may indicate a clean medical device. A medical professional may be able see the green cover  320  and transport the medical device to a patient procedure location for use. Similarly, a red colored cover  335  may indicate a used medical device, so the medical professional may transport the medical device to a reprocessing location. In some embodiments, a hazardous waste symbol, and/or a pattern of hazardous waste symbols, may be printed on a cover  320 ,  335  to indicate a used medical device, so that the pattern may indicate to a medical professional for proper handling and disposal. Symbols or other printing may be printed on each side of the cover, with each side being different colors. For example, symbols may be printed in green on a first side of the cover and red on a second side of the cover, so that a single cover may be used in the system. 
     The first and/or second covers  320 ,  335  may be removably attachable to the container by the respective closure feature  330 ,  345 , so that the covers  320 ,  335  are substantially taut (e.g., the covers may not sag into the inner portion  125  of the container) across the second open end  120 . The first and/or second covers  320 ,  335  may be exchangeable with each other, e.g., by the medical professional. For example, after endoscope reprocessing, a clean medical device may be placed in a lined container, and a first cover  320  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be green in color. The container may be transported from a reprocessing location to a medical procedure location, where the clean medical device may be used on a patient. Subsequent to the procedure, the used medical device may be placed back in the container, and a second cover  335  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be red in color. This may indicate to a medical professional, or other medical facility personnel that the medical device should be transported back to the reprocessing area for cleaning. 
     Similar to the liner  300 , the first and/or second cover  320 ,  335  may enclose a portion of the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  ( FIG. 1A ), as well as a portion of the already-attached liner  300 . By aligning the first and second covers  320 ,  335  so that the cover portions  325 ,  340  may be continuously extended across the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , a clean medical device may be protected from outside contamination. Additionally, a used medical device, which may include contaminants from a patient, may be containable by the first or second cover  320 ,  335 , and the liner  300 . 
     In embodiments, the first and second covers  320 ,  335  may be removably attachable to the container  100  by respective closure features  330 ,  345 , so that when the container  100  is covered, the associated closure features  330 ,  345  maintain the covers  320 ,  335  in position with respect to the container  100 . In embodiments, the closure features  330 ,  345  can be pull-tabs  332 ,  347  that can be removably fixed to a surface of the container  100  once the respective cover  320 ,  335  has been cinched around the side faces  110   a - 110   d  ( FIG. 1A ) of the container. The selected cover  320 ,  335  may be placed over the container  100  with the pull-tabs  332 ,  347  in an un-extended position. Once the cover  320 ,  335  is positioned to enclose the container  100 , the pull-tab  332 ,  347  may be moved to an extended position, thereby cinching the cover  320 ,  335  around the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container. 
     In some embodiments, an adhesive may be provided on a container-facing side of each pull-tab  332 ,  347 . This adhesive may allow the user to press the pull-tab  332 ,  347  against the associated side  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  to fix the pull-tab  332 ,  347  to the side of the container, thus maintaining the cover  320 ,  335  cinched around the container. In some embodiments the cover  320 ,  335  may be configured so that the adhesive applied to the pull-tab  332 ,  347  fixes the pull-tab to a portion of the liner  300 , thus maintaining the cover  320 ,  335  cinched around the container  100 . In some embodiments the adhesive may allow the pull-tab  332 ,  347  to be removably fixed to the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  or a portion of the liner  300  so that the pull-tab  332 ,  347  can be released from the side of the container or the liner to release the cover  320 ,  335  from the container after use. The pull-tab  332 ,  347  may, in some embodiments, be elastic so that it is at least partially extensible when configured in the extended state. Although a pull-tab closure is illustrated in  FIGS. 3B-3C , it will be understood that the cover  320 ,  335  may be removably attachable to the container  100  in any manner, including but not limited to an elastic, a drawstring, an adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the first and/or second cover  320 ,  335  can be form fitting to the shape of the container  100  so that when the first and/or second cover  320 ,  335  is fit over the container, the cover(s) fit snugly to the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  ( FIG. 1A ) even before the respective pull-tab  332 ,  347  is extended and fixed to one of the side faces of the container or the liner  300 . In other embodiments, the first and/or second cover  320 ,  335  is slightly oversized or is bag-shaped so that it can be easily placed over the container  100  to provisionally cover the container. In such embodiments, the pull-tab  332 ,  347  may be extended and adhered to the side of the container  100  or the liner  300  to cinch the cover  320 ,  335  to the container. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4C , an embodiment of a liner and cover arrangement will be described in greater detail. The liner  400  of the present embodiment may have a lining portion  405  and a closure feature  410 . The lining portion  405  may be sized to extend over the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  and line the inner portion  125 . In some embodiments, the liner  400 , including the lining portion  405  and the closure feature  410 , may have all the physical aspects and functionalities of the liner  300 , lining portion  305  and closure feature  310  described above in relation to  FIGS. 3A-3F , and thus those aspects will not be repeated. 
     In the present embodiment, the liner  400  may be coupled to first and/or second covers  420 ,  435  along a first edge  401  of the liner. The first cover  420  may have a cover portion  425  and a closure feature  430 , and the second cover  435  may have a cover portion  440  and a closure feature  445 . In embodiments, the covers  420 ,  435  may be formed of a flexible material, such as a single plastic sheet, and may be sized to cover the opening of the container  100 . The flexible material may allow for the first and second cover  420 ,  435  to extend across the container  100 , e.g., the first and/or second cover  420 ,  435  may form a barrier across the second open end  120  of the container  100 . In embodiments, the first and/or second cover  420 ,  435  may be at least partially substantially transparent or translucent, may be different colors, and/or may include symbols, patterns and/or words to indicate the status of the medical device. As such, the first and second covers  420 ,  435  may have similar features and functionalities relating to providing information about the clean or used status of a contained medical device, as has been described in relation to the first and second covers  320 ,  335  of  FIGS. 3A-3F . As such those aspects will not be repeated. 
     The first and/or second covers  420 ,  435  may be coupled to each other and/or to the liner  400  along the first edge  401  of the liner. As such, the first and second covers  420 ,  435  may be pivotable about the first edge  401  to move between a covered position (i.e., one that seals off the inner portion  125  of the container  100 ) and an open position that allows a user to access the inner portion of the container. Each of the first and second covers  420 ,  435  can be fixed in place via their respective closure features  430 ,  445 . The closure features  430 ,  445  comprise tab members  432 ,  447  that extend from the respective first and second cover  420 ,  435  on a side opposite the first edge  401 . 
     In some embodiments the tab members  432 ,  447  may include an adhesive on a container-facing side thereof. This adhesive may allow the user to press the tab member  432 ,  447  against the associated side  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  to fix the tab member  432 ,  447  to the side of the container, thus maintaining the cover  420 ,  435  in place over the container  100 . In some embodiments the adhesive may allow the tab member  432 ,  447  to be removably fixed to the side face  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  or another portion of the liner  400  so that the tab member  432 ,  447  can be released from the side of the container or another portion of the liner to release the cover from the container. The tab member  432 ,  447  may, in some embodiments, be elastic so that it is at least partially extensible to fix the cover  420 ,  435  to the container. 
     In some embodiments the first cover  420  may be selectively removable from the second cover  435  and/or the liner. In one non-limiting example embodiment, the first cover  420  may perforated at or near the location of its attachment to the second cover  435  and/or liner  400  so that it can be removed by a user. The first cover  420  may also be positioned over the second cover  435  so that when the first cover  420  is in a closed position with respect to the container  100 , the second cover  435  is covered by the first cover  420 . 
     In use, the second cover  435  may be pivoted about the first edge  401  so that it nests within the inner portion  125  of the container  100 . A clean medical device  403  can be placed within the container  100 , on top of the second cover  435  (see  FIG. 4B ). The first cover  420  can be pivoted about the first edge  401  so that it covers the inner portion  125  of the container  100  and the medical device  403 . The adhesive of the tab member  432  can be exposed, and the tab can be adhered to a side  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  to fix the tab member  432  to the side of the container, thus maintaining the first cover  420  in place over the container  100 . 
     The tab member  432  can be detached from the side  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  and the first cover can be pivoted back, about the first edge  401 , to allow a user to access the clean medical device  403 . The first cover  420  can be detached from the liner  400  and/or the second cover  435  along the perforation. After the medical device  403  has been used, the second cover can be pivoted back, about the first edge  401 , to allow the user to return the used medical device  403  to the container  100 . The used medical device can be placed within the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , on top of the liner  400  (see  FIG. 4C ). The second cover  435  can be pivoted about the first edge  401  so that it covers the inner portion  125  of the container  100  and the used medical device  403 . The adhesive of the tab  447  can be exposed, and the tab can be adhered to a side  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  to fix the tab member  447  to the side of the container, thus maintaining the second cover  435  in place over the container  100 . 
     In one non-limiting example embodiment, after endoscope reprocessing, a clean medical device  403  may be placed in a lined container, and the first cover  420  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be green in color. The container may be transported from a reprocessing location to a medical procedure location, where the clean medical device may be used on a patient. Subsequent to the procedure, the used medical device may be placed back in the container, and the second cover  435  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be red in color. This may indicate to a medical professional, or other medical facility personnel that the medical device should be transported back to the reprocessing area for cleaning. 
     Similar to the liner  400 , the first and/or second cover  420 ,  435  may enclose the side faces  110   a - 110   d,  as well as the already-attached liner  400 . By aligning the first cover  420  to extend across the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , a clean medical device may be protected from outside contamination. Additionally, a used medical device, which may include contaminants from a patient, may be containable by the second cover  435 , and the liner  400 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5D , an embodiment of a liner and cover arrangement will be described in greater detail. The liner  500  of the present embodiment may have a lining portion  505  and a closure feature  510 . The lining portion  505  may be sized to extend over the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  and line the inner portion  125 . In some embodiments, the liner  500 , including the lining portion  505  and the closure feature  510 , may have all the physical aspects and functionalities of the liner  300 , lining portion  305  and closure feature  310  described above in relation to  FIGS. 3A-3F , and as such those aspects will not be repeated. 
     The liner  500  may be removably attachable to the container  100  prior to placement of a medical device  503  in the inner portion  125  of the container. As shown in  FIG. 5B , a medical device  503  may be placed in an inner portion  125  of a container  100  after the liner  500  is attached to the container. When the medical device  503  is placed in the container  100 , a cover may be extendable across the second open end  120 , so that the medical device is captured between the liner  500  and the cover. A first cover  520  may have a cover portion  525  and a closure feature  530 , and a second cover  535  may have a cover portion  540  and a closure feature  545 . In embodiments, the first and second covers  520 ,  535  may be formed of a flexible material, such as a single plastic sheet. The flexible material may allow for the first and second covers  520 ,  535  to extend across the container  100 , e.g., the first and/or second cover  520 ,  535  may form a barrier across the second open end  120  of the container  100 . In embodiments, the first and/or second cover  520 ,  435  may be at least partially substantially transparent or translucent. It is also envisioned that the first and second covers  520 ,  535  may be different colors, and/or may include symbols, patterns and/or words to indicate the status of the medical device. Thus, the first and second covers  520 ,  535  may have similar features and functionalities relating to providing information about the clean or used status of a contained medical device, as has been described in relation to the first and second covers  320 ,  335  of  FIGS. 3A-3F . As such those aspects will not be repeated. 
     The first and/or second covers  520 ,  535  may be removably attachable to the container by the respective closure feature  530 ,  545 , so that the covers  520 ,  535  are substantially taut (e.g., the covers may not sag into the inner portion  125  of the container) across the second open end  120 . The first and/or second covers  520 ,  535  may be exchangeable with each other, e.g., by the medical professional. For example, after endoscope reprocessing, a clean medical device  503  may be placed in a lined container, and a first cover  520  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be green in color. The container may be transported from a reprocessing location to a medical procedure location, where the clean medical device may be used on a patient. Subsequent to the procedure, the used medical device may be placed back in the container, and a second cover  535  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be red in color. This may indicate to a medical professional, or other medical facility personnel that the medical device should be transported back to the reprocessing area for cleaning. 
     Similar to the liner  500 , the first and/or second cover  520 ,  535  may enclose a portion of the side faces  110   a - 110   d,  as well as the already-attached liner  500 . By aligning the first and second covers  520 ,  535  so that the cover portions  525 ,  540  may be continuously extended across the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , a clean medical device may be protected from outside contamination. Additionally, a used medical device, which may include contaminants from a patient, may be containable by the first and second covers  520 ,  535 , and the liner  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the cover portions  525 ,  540  may have the same size and shape as the second open end  120  of the container  100 . The respective closure features  530 ,  545  may be extensions of the first and second cover portions  525 ,  540 . In the illustrated embodiment the closure features  530 ,  545  may comprise extension portions  530   a - d,    545   a - d  (see  FIGS. 5B, 5D ) (which may also be referred to as tabs or tab portions) that extend beyond the edges of the cover portions  525 ,  540  so that when the first and second covers  520 ,  535  are placed over the second open end  120  of the container, the extension portions extend over the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100 . The extension portions  530   a - d,    545   a - d  may include an adhesive region  532   a - d,    547   a - d  on a container-facing side thereof. This adhesive region may allow the user to press the extension portions  530   a - d,    545   a - d  against the associated side  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  to fix the extension portions  530   a - d,    545   a - d  to the side of the container, thus maintaining the cover  520 ,  535  in place over the second open end  120  of the container  100 . In some embodiments the adhesive regions  532   a - d,    547   a - d  may allow the extension portions  530   a - d,    545   a - d  to be removably fixed to the side face  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  or another portion of the liner  500  so that the extension portions  530   a - d,    545   a - d  can be released from the side of the container or another portion of the liner to release the respective cover  520 ,  535  from the container. The extension portions  530   a - d,    545   a - d  may, in some embodiments, be elastic so that it is at least partially extensible to fix the cover  520 ,  535  to the container. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second covers  520 ,  535  can be dispensed from respective rolls  550 ,  555 , each of which contain a plurality of covers that can be dispensed serially as needed by the user. It will be appreciated that the adhesive regions  532   a - d,    547   a - d  may be embodied in a “peel and stick” arrangement in which removable tabs (not shown) are disposed over the adhesive regions to prevent the first and second covers  520 ,  535  from adhering to each other while in the rolled state. The use can simply pull the removable tabs off the adhesive regions  532   a - d,    547   a - d  to apply a cover  520 ,  535  to the container  100 . 
     It will be understood that although extension portions  530   a - d,    545   a - d  and adhesive regions  532   a - d,    547   a - d  are disclosed for coupling the first and second covers  520 ,  535  to the container  100 , it is also contemplated that the first and/or second covers  520 ,  535  may be removably attachable to the container  100  in any manner, including but not limited to an elastic, a drawstring, an adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like. In addition, although the first and second covers  520 ,  535  are disclosed as being separate pieces, they could instead be pre-bonded together, and simply flipped over after use. 
     In use, a clean medical device  503  can be placed within the container  100 , on top of the liner  500  (see  FIG. 5B ). The first cover  520  can be dispensed from the roll  550  and placed over the container  100  so that it covers the inner portion  125  of the container  100  and the medical device  503 . The adhesive regions  532   a - d  of the extension portions  530   a - d  can be exposed, and the extension portions can be adhered to respective sides  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  to fix the extension portions to the sides of the container, thus maintaining the first cover  520  in place over the container  100  and the medical device. 
     The extension portions  530   a - d  can be detached from the sides  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  and the first cover  520  can be removed, to allow a user to access the clean medical device  503 . The first cover  520  can then be disposed of. After the medical device  503  has been used, the used medical device can be placed within the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , on top of the liner  500  (see  FIG. 5C ). The second cover  535  can be dispensed from the roll  555  and placed over the container  100  so that it covers the inner portion  125  of the container  100  and the medical device  503 . The adhesive regions  547   a - d  of the extension portions  545   a - d  can be exposed, and the extension portions can be adhered to respective sides  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  to fix the extension portions to the sides of the container, thus maintaining the second cover  535  in place over the container  100  and the medical device. 
     In one non-limiting example embodiment, after medical device reprocessing, a clean medical device  503  may be placed in a lined container, and the first cover  520  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be green in color. The container  100  may be transported from a reprocessing location to a medical procedure location, where the clean medical device may be used on a patient. Subsequent to the procedure, the used medical device may be placed back in the container  100 , and the second cover  535  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be red in color. This may indicate to a medical professional, or other medical facility personnel that the medical device should be transported back to the reprocessing area for cleaning. 
     Similar to the liner  500 , the first and/or second cover  520 ,  535  may enclose a portion of the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100 , as well as the already-attached liner  500 . By aligning the first cover  520  to extend across the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , a clean medical device may be protected from outside contamination. Additionally, a used medical device, which may include contaminants from a patient, may be containable by the second cover  535 , and the liner  500 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6D , an embodiment of a liner and cover arrangement will be described in greater detail. The liner  600  may have a lining portion  605  and a closure feature  610 . The lining portion  605  may be sized to extend over the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  and line the inner portion  125 . The lining portion  605  may enclose a portion of the container  100  to act as a protective barrier and prevent and/or minimize direct contact between a medical device and the container, and/or between a user and the medical device and/or container. The lining portion  605  may be formed of a flexible thermoformed material that closely conforms to the surfaces forming the inner portion  125  of the container  100 . Such conformity is best seen in  FIG. 6B . By providing a thermoformed liner  600 , additional slack material that can be present when the liner is formed as a bag can be eliminated. 
     A portion of the liner  600  may surround the side faces  110   a - 110   d  and may sit in the inner portion  125  of the container. In embodiments, the liner  600  may be at least partially substantially transparent or translucent, although it is also envisioned that the liner  600  may be colored, or opaque. The liner  600  may be removably attachable to the container by the closure feature  610 , so that when the container  100  is lined, the closure feature  610  maintains the liner  600  in position and to enclose the container  100 . By fitting the liner  600  into the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , contamination of the container may be minimized. 
     In embodiments, the closure feature  610  may be a pull-tab  615  that can be removably fixed to a surface of the container  100  once the liner  600  has been fit into the inner portion  125  of the container and cinched around the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container. The liner  600  may be fit into the container  100  with the pull-tab  615  in an un-extended position. Once the liner  600  is positioned to enclose the container  100 , the pull-tab  615  may be moved to an extended position, thereby cinching the liner  600  around the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container. An adhesive may be provided on a container-facing side of the pull-tab  615 . This adhesive may allow the user to press the pull-tab  615  against the associated side  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  to fix the pull-tab  615  to the side of the container, thus maintaining the liner  600  cinched around the container. In some embodiments the liner  600  may be configured so that the adhesive applied to the pull-tab  615  fixes the pull-tab to another portion of the liner, thus maintaining the liner cinched around the container  100 . In some embodiments the adhesive may allow the pull-tab  615  to be removably fixed to the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  or another portion of the liner  600  so that the pull-tab  615  can be released from the side of the container or another portion of the liner to release the liner from the container after use. The pull-tab  615  may, in some embodiments, be elastic so that it is at least partially extensible when configured in the extended state. 
     Although a pull-tab closure is illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6D , it will be understood that the liner  600  may be removably attachable to the container  100  in any manner, including but not limited to an elastic, a drawstring, an adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like. 
     As described, the liner  600  may be removably attachable to the container  100  prior to placement of medical device in the inner portion  125  of the container. A medical device (not shown) may be placed in an inner portion  125  of a container  100  after the liner  600  is attached to the container. When the medical device is placed in the container  100 , a cover may be extendable across the second open end  120  ( FIG. 6A ), so that the medical device is captured between the liner  600  and the cover. Referring to  FIGS. 6C and 6D , a first cover  620  may have a cover portion  625  and a closure feature  630 , and a second cover  635  may have a cover portion  640  and a closure feature  645 . In embodiments, the covers  620 ,  635  may be formed of a flexible material, such as a single plastic sheet, and may have an edge as the respective closure feature  630 ,  645 . The flexible material may allow for the first and second cover  620 ,  635  to extend across the container  100 , e.g., the first and/or second cover  620 ,  635  may form a barrier across the second open end  120  of the container  100 . In embodiments, the first and/or second cover  620 ,  435  may be at least partially substantially transparent or translucent. As such, the first and second covers  620 ,  635  may have similar features and functionalities relating to providing information about the clean or used status of a contained medical device, as has been described in relation to the first and second covers  320 ,  335  of  FIGS. 3A-3F . As such those aspects will not be repeated 
     The first and/or second covers  620 ,  635  may be removably attachable to the container by the respective closure feature  630 ,  645 , so that the covers  620 ,  635  are substantially taut (e.g., the covers may not sag into the inner portion  125  of the container) across the second open end  120 . The first and/or second covers  620 ,  635  may be exchangeable with each other, e.g., by the medical professional. For example, after medical device reprocessing, a clean medical device (not shown) may be placed in a lined container, and a first cover  620  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be green in color. The container  100  may be transported from a reprocessing location to a medical procedure location, where the clean medical device may be used on a patient. Subsequent to the procedure, the used medical device may be placed back in the container, and a second cover  635  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be red in color. This may indicate to a medical professional, or other medical facility personnel that the medical device should be transported back to the reprocessing area for cleaning. 
     Similar to the liner  600 , the first and/or second cover  620 ,  635  may enclose the side faces  110   a - 110   d,  as well as a portion of the already-attached liner  600 . By aligning the first and second covers  620 ,  635  so that the cover portions  625 ,  640  may be continuously extended across the inner portion  125  of the container  100 , a clean medical device may be protected from outside contamination. Additionally, a used medical device, which may include contaminants from a patient, may be containable by the first and second covers  620 ,  635 , and the liner  600 . For example, fluids or other particulates may not leak over the closure feature  630 ,  645  when positioned on the outer surface  148  of the bottom face  105 . 
     In embodiments, the first and second covers  620 ,  635  may be removably attachable to the container  100  by respective closure features  630 ,  645 , so that when the container  100  is covered, the associated closure features  630 ,  645  maintain the covers  620 ,  635  in position with respect to the container  100 . In embodiments, the closure features  630 ,  645  can be pull-tabs  632 ,  647  that can be removably fixed to a surface of the container  100  once the respective cover  620 ,  635  has been cinched around the side faces  110   a - 110   d  ( FIG. 1A ) of the container. The selected cover  620 ,  635  may be placed over the container  100  with the pull-tabs  632 ,  647  in an un-extended position. Once the cover  620 ,  635  is positioned to enclose the container  100 , the pull-tab  632 ,  647  may be moved to an extended position, thereby cinching the cover  620 ,  635  around the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container. 
     In some embodiments, an adhesive may be provided on a container-facing side of each pull-tab  632 ,  647 . This adhesive may allow the user to press the pull-tab  632 ,  647  against the associated side  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  to fix the pull-tab  632 ,  647  to the side of the container, thus maintaining the cover  620 ,  635  cinched around the container. In some embodiments the cover  620 ,  635  may be configured so that the adhesive applied to the pull-tab  632 ,  647  fixes the pull-tab to a portion of the liner  600 , thus maintaining the cover  620 ,  635  cinched around the container  100 . In some embodiments the adhesive may allow the pull-tab  632 ,  647  to be removably fixed to the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  or a portion of the liner  600  so that the pull-tab  632 ,  647  can be released from the side of the container or the liner to release the cover  620 ,  635  from the container after use. The pull-tab  632 ,  647  may, in some embodiments, be elastic so that it is at least partially extensible when configured in the extended state. Although a pull-tab closure is disclosed, it will be understood that the cover  620 ,  635  may be removably attachable to the container  100  in any manner, including but not limited to an elastic, a drawstring, an adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the first and/or second cover  620 ,  635  can be form fitting to the shape of the container  100  so that when the first and/or second cover  620 ,  635  is fit over the container, the cover(s) fit snugly to the side faces  110   a - 110   d  of the container  100  ( FIG. 1 ) even before the respective pull-tab  632 ,  647  is extended and fixed to one of the side faces of the container or the liner  600 . In other embodiments, the first and/or second cover  620 ,  635  is slightly oversized or is bag-shaped so that it can be easily placed over the container  100  to provisionally cover the container. In such embodiments, the pull-tab  632 ,  647  may be extended and adhered to the side of the container  100  or the liner  300  to cinch the cover  620 ,  635  to the container. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7D , an embodiment of a single use container and cover arrangement will be described in greater detail. In the illustrated embodiment, a discrete liner is not provided because the container itself is configured for disposal after use (i.e., it will not be cleaned and reused). Thus, in the present embodiment the container and the liner may be a single integral piece (i.e., the container itself performs the function of the liner). The container  1000  may incudes some or all of the features of the container  100  described in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1I  and may further include a laterally extending ledge portion  1100  disposed about the perimeter of the second open end  1120 . The ledge portion  1100  can provide a flat surface for receiving a removable cover. 
     As with the previously described arrangements, a medical device (not shown) may be placed in an inner portion  1125  of the container  1000 . When the medical device is placed in the container  1000 , a cover may be extendable across the second open end  1120 , so that the medical device is captured between the container  1000  and the cover. Referring to  FIGS. 7B-7D , a first cover  720  may have a cover portion  725  and a closure feature  730 , and a second cover  735  may have a cover portion  740  and a closure feature  745 . In embodiments, the covers  720 ,  735  may be formed of a flexible material, such as a single plastic sheet sized to match the size of the second open end  1120  of the container  1000 . The flexible material may allow for the first and second cover  720 ,  735  to extend across the container  100 , e.g., the first and/or second cover  720 ,  735  may form a barrier across the second open end  1120  of the container  1000 . In embodiments, the first and/or second cover  720 ,  735  may be at least partially substantially transparent or translucent. It is also envisioned that the first and second covers  720 ,  735  may be different colors, and/or may include symbols, patterns and/or words to indicate the status of the medical device. As such, the first and second covers  720 ,  735  may have similar features and functionalities relating to providing information about the clean or used status of a contained medical device, as has been described in relation to the first and second covers  320 ,  335  of  FIGS. 3A-3F . As such those aspects will not be repeated. 
     The first and/or second covers  720 ,  735  may be removably attachable to the container  1000  by the respective closure feature  730 ,  745 , so that the covers  720 ,  735  are substantially taut (e.g., the covers may not sag into the inner portion  1125  of the container) across the second open end  1120 . The first and/or second covers  720 ,  735  may be exchangeable with each other, e.g., by the medical professional. For example, after endoscope reprocessing, a clean medical device (not shown) may be placed in the container, and a first cover  720  may be extended across the second open end  120 , which may be green in color. The container may be transported from a reprocessing location to a medical procedure location, where the clean medical device may be used on a patient. Subsequent to the procedure, the used medical device may be placed back in the container, and a second cover  735  may be extended across the second open end  1120 , which may be red in color. This may indicate to a medical professional, or other medical facility personnel that the medical device should be transported back to the reprocessing area for cleaning. 
     The first and/or second covers  720 ,  735  may couple to the laterally extending ledge portion  1100  of the container  1000  to removably fix the cover to the container. In some embodiments, the portion of the first and/or second cover  720 ,  735  that couples to the ledge portion  1100  of the container  1000  may be referred to as a tab, or tab portion. By aligning the first and second covers  720 ,  735  so that the cover portions  725 ,  740  may be continuously extended across the inner portion  1125  of the container  1000 , a clean medical device may be protected from outside contamination. Additionally, a used medical device, which may include contaminants from a patient, may be containable by the first and second covers  720 ,  735 , and the container  1000 . 
     In some embodiments, the closure feature  730 ,  745  may be an adhesive ( FIG. 7D ), which may be provided on a container-facing side of cover  720 ,  735 . This adhesive may allow the user to press the cover  720 ,  735  against the laterally extending ledge portion  1100  of the container  1000  to fix the cover  720 ,  735  to the ledge portion, thus maintaining the cover coupled to the container. In some embodiments the adhesive may allow the cover  720 ,  735  to be removably fixed to the laterally extending ledge portion  1100  of the container  1000  so that the cover can be released from the container after use. 
     It will be appreciated that the adhesive of the closure feature  730 ,  745  may be embodied in a “peel and stick” arrangement in which removable tabs (not shown) are disposed over the adhesive to prevent the first and second covers  720 ,  735  from adhering to other surfaces before use. To fix the cover  720 ,  735  to the container  1000  the user can simply pull the removable tabs off the adhesive to apply a cover  720 ,  735  to the container  100 . 
     It will be understood that although adhesive is disclosed for coupling the first and second covers  720 ,  735  to the container  1000 , it is also contemplated that the first and/or second covers  720 ,  735  may be removably attachable to the container  1000  in any manner, including but not limited to a drawstrings, elastics, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like. In addition, although the first and second covers  720 ,  735  are disclosed as being separate pieces, they could instead be pre-bonded together, and simply flipped over after use. 
     Numerous specific details have been set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments. It can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. 
     Some embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. These terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments may be described using the terms “connected” and/or “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. 
     It should be noted that the methods described herein do not have to be executed in the order described, or in any particular order. Moreover, various activities described with respect to the methods identified herein can be executed in serial or parallel fashion. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. It is to be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Thus, the scope of various embodiments includes any other applications in which the above compositions, structures, and methods are used. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.