Patent Description:
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.

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, - <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose known containers.

This Summary is not intended to necessarily identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

Further embodiments of the invention are recited in the dependent claims. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for containing and transporting a medical device 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. At least a portion of one or more of the side faces has an indentation extending along a length of the respective side face. A liner is removably enclosable about or attachable to the container. The liner is extendable over the side faces to line the inner portion of the container to an outer surface of the bottom face of the container. The liner is conformable to a profile of the container. The indentation is formed into the inner portion of the container such that the container is compatibly receivable in a first transportation device in a first orientation.

The bottom face of the container includes a contour, such that the container may be compatibly receivable in the first transportation device in a second orientation different from the first orientation. A lid may be removably attachable to the open second end of the container, and the lid may be extendable over the side faces to enclose the inner portion of the container. A lid may be removably attachable to the open second end of the container. The lid may be at least partially insertable in the inner portion of the container, such that an overhang of the lid may contact an upper edge of the side faces of the container. A contour of the lid may be formed to mate with the bottom face contour of the container, such that a plurality of containers and lids may be stackable in alignment with each other. The lid may include one or more handles. A first cover may be removably enclosable about or attachable to the container 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. A second cover may be removably enclosable about or attachable to the container 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 cover may be reversible, as opposed to a second cover, with each side of the reversible cover for visual verification of a different condition of the medical device. The container may be compatibly receivable in a second transportation device. The second transportation device may be different from the first transportation device, such that the container may be exchangeable between the first transportation device and the second transportation device. The liner may be removably enclosable about or attachable to the container by an elastic opening, drawstring, or a securement, or combinations thereof. One or more handles may be formed in a container as indentations in the side face, bottom face, or the corner between a side face and the bottom face, or some combination thereof. The handles may be formed with a width, depth and height sized to accommodate a user's fingers when grasping the container. Handles on the lid may be formed to complement handles on the container, so that one may grasp a container handle and lid handle together with the fingers and thumb of one hand. The side faces of a container may extend along a straight line from the open second end to the closed first end vertical to the bottom face, or the side faces may extend along a straight line that tapers inward from vertical from the open second end to the closed first end, or some side faces may be vertical while others may be tapered inward. The indentations formed into the inner portion of a container may have a uniform height of opening along the length of the indentation, or the opening may increase in height toward one or both ends of the indentation, such that the container may be further compatibly receivable in a transportation device. The contour of the bottom face of the container may include an indentation that may extend from the bottom face into the inner portion of the container in order to form a space along the bottom face that may accommodate gathered edges of a liner extendable over the side faces and an outer surface of the bottom face of the container.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a container for containing and transporting a medical device may include 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. At least a portion of one or more of the side faces may have a first indentation extending along a length of the respective side face. The first indentation on the at least a portion of the one or more side faces may be formed into the inner portion of the container. The container may be compatible to be receivable in a first transportation device.

In various of the foregoing and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a protrusion may extend from at least a portion of one or more of the side faces and may be positionable relative to the first indentation on at least the portion of the one or more of the side faces of the container. The portion of one or more of the side faces of the container may include a second indentation. A liner may be removably enclosable about or attachable to the container. The liner may be extendable over the side faces and engageable with the first or second indentation to line the inner portion of the container, such that the liner may be conformable to a profile of the container. The container may be compatibly receivable in a second transportation device. The second transportation device may be different from the first transportation device, such that the container may be exchangeable between the first transportation device and the second transportation device. A lid may be removably attachable to the open second end of the container to enclose the inner portion of the container.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for containing and transporting a medical device may include attaching a liner to a container. The container may include a bottom face and surrounding side faces as a closed first end and an open second end to form an inner portion. At least a portion of one or more of the side faces may have an indentation extending along a length of the respective side face. The liner may be extendable over the side faces and the inner portion of the container to an outer surface of the bottom face of the container, such that the liner may be conformable to a profile of the container. A medical device may be received in the inner portion of the container. A first cover may be enclosed about or attachable to the container. The first cover may extend 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 a second cover for visual verification of a condition of the medical device. The first cover may be reversible, as opposed to a second cover, with each side of the reversible cover for visual verification of a different condition of the medical device. The indentation may be formed into the inner portion of the container such that the container may be compatibly receivable in a first transportation device in a first orientation. The bottom face of the container may include a contour, such that the container may be compatibly receivable in the first transportation device in a second orientation different from the first orientation. A lid may be attached to the open second end of the container to enclose the inner portion of the container. The container may be compatibly receivable in a second transportation device. The second transportation device may be different from the first transportation device, such that the container may be exchangeable between the first transportation device and the second transportation device. The first cover may be exchanged with the second cover in response to a change in the condition of the medical device.

<FIG>, <FIG> show embodiments within the scope of the claimed invention. In the figures:.

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.

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 <FIG>, an embodiment of a container <NUM> is depicted. The container <NUM> may be formed as a tray, or basket, or a shallower-type of receptacle, for receiving and retaining a medical device. The container <NUM> has a bottom face <NUM>, and surrounding side faces 110a-110d, to form the container having a closed first end <NUM> and an open second end <NUM>. The open-ended container <NUM> has an inner portion <NUM> formed by the bottom face <NUM> and surrounding side faces 110a-110d, e.g., such that a medical device is receivable by placement on the bottom face <NUM> and retainable inside the container by the surrounding side faces 110a-110d. In some embodiments, the side faces 110a-110d may extend along a straight line that is vertical to the bottom face <NUM> (e.g., <FIG>), and in other embodiments one or more of side faces 110a-110d may extend along a straight line that tapers inward from the open second end <NUM> to the closed first end <NUM>. For example, referring to <FIG>, the container <NUM> may include vertical sides faces 110b, 110d along the front and back of the container, while side faces 110a, 110c along the sides of the container including indentations <NUM> may taper slightly inward from vertical extending from the open second end <NUM> to the closed first end <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a taper of θSW degrees from vertical that may be a range of <NUM> degrees to about five degrees. The taper may help to provide clearance between side surfaces 110a, 110c 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 <NUM> may be formed as a rectangle, or square, e.g., having four side faces 110a-110d, although it is envisioned that the container may be formed with any number "n" of side faces. Additionally, the container <NUM> may have rounded edges <NUM> 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 <NUM> (see <FIG>). 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 <NUM> has one or more indentations <NUM>. In embodiments, a first indentation 130a may extend along at least a portion of a first side face 110a, e.g., substantially parallel to the bottom face <NUM>. Similarly, a second indentation 130a may extend along at least a portion of a third side face 110c, e.g., substantially parallel to the bottom face <NUM> and in alignment with the first indentation 130a. 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 <NUM> may have two indentations 130a, 130b, 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 110b, 110d, etc. The indentations <NUM> may be substantially symmetrical to each other, e.g., so that the container <NUM> may be receivable into a transportation device in an upright position. In embodiments, the container is receivable into a cart, for transport in a medical facility.

The indentations <NUM> are formed to extend inward into the inner portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the indentations <NUM> 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 <NUM> by the indentations <NUM> (e.g., surfaces 135a). The medical professional may alternatively and/or additionally handle the container <NUM> via the bottom face <NUM> and/or side faces 110a-110d (e.g., rounded edges <NUM>). In embodiments, the medical professional may slide a container <NUM> in and out of a transportation device, such as a cart, and may carry the container <NUM> to a reprocessing location and/or a patient procedure location. The indentations <NUM> may have surfaces 135a-135c formed substantially perpendicular to each other (<NUM> degrees ± <NUM> degrees), although in some embodiments one or more of the surfaces may form an obtuse angle (≥<NUM> degrees). For example, surface 135a may slope down slightly as it approaches surface 135b, so as to form an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees to vertical surface 135b. As a further example, surface 135c may be at an angle Ω of approximately <NUM> degrees to surface 135b, such that surface 135c slopes downward toward the bottom surface <NUM> as the surface 135c extends to the side surface of the container <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). The surfaces 135a-135c of the indentations <NUM> may be cleanable, e.g., contaminants may not be trapped in the indentations, so that when the medical professional grips and carries the container <NUM> as needed, cross-contamination may be minimized. In embodiments, corners of the surfaces 135a-135c may have radii to enhance cleanability of the container <NUM>, which may be dimensioned between approximately <NUM> to <NUM> inches for cleaning (see e.g., <FIG>). The surfaces 135a-135c 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 135b formed substantially perpendicular relative to the bottom face <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the indentations <NUM> may have a uniform height of opening along the side face (e.g., <FIG>), 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>, container <NUM> includes indentations <NUM> extending along the side faces 110a, 110c, with flared end openings <NUM>. The height of the middle length of indentation <NUM> is represented as dCI and the height of the flared end openings <NUM> is represented as dTI. Height dTI, may gradually decease to height dCI, through the length of the flare end openings <NUM>. For example, at a maximum height, flared end openings <NUM> may be approximately <NUM>%-<NUM>% greater than the height of the middle length of indentations <NUM>. Flare end openings may assist with aligning the opening of indentation <NUM> with the rails <NUM> of a transportation device 505a, 505c, as the container is loaded into the device. Flare end openings <NUM> may also provide some gap clearance between the edges of the opening of indentation <NUM> and the edges of rails <NUM> to facilitate sliding the container into a transportation device along the rails. In some embodiments, one or both ends of indentations <NUM>, whether flared or not, may include a portion 135d that wraps around from the side face with the indentation to the adjacent side face (see, e.g., <FIG>). This may assist with alignment and starting the indentation along the rails of a transportation device once aligned.

In embodiments, the indentations <NUM> may be formed to allow for the container <NUM> to be compatibly receivable into a plurality of transportation devices. For example, the container <NUM> 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 <NUM> a depth such that the container is adaptably receivable into carts having different configurations. In some embodiments, the container <NUM> and the indentations <NUM> may be dimensioned to be receivable in the transportation devices. In this matter, the container <NUM> may be compatible with a variety of transportation systems (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>).

The bottom face <NUM> of the container <NUM> includes a contour <NUM>. The contour <NUM> may include recessed portions <NUM>, e.g., an outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> may be disposed inward from portions <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>. The recessed portions <NUM> may be positioned substantially along the side faces 110b, 110d opposite of side faces having the indentations 130a, 130b, and/or along a central portion <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>. In some embodiments, side faces 110a, 110c may have at least the portions <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the central portion <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> may include an indentation <NUM> that extends from the surface of the recessed portion <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> into the inner portion <NUM> (e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). Referring to <FIG>, indentation <NUM> may have a square shape and extend into inner portion <NUM> a distance dRB that may range from about <NUM>. to about <NUM>. As shown, indentation <NUM> may extend into inner portion <NUM> a distance dRB of <NUM> in. The shape of indentation <NUM> is depicted as a square, but may be any number of other shapes, such as circular, oval, rectangular, etc. The profile of the indentation <NUM> 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 <NUM> and recessed portions <NUM>. Alternatively, indentation <NUM> may have a dome-like cross-section, with a gradual slope from recessed portion <NUM> of bottom face <NUM> to an apex at central portion <NUM>, and then a gradual slope back to recessed portion <NUM>. Indentation <NUM> may encompass outer surface <NUM> and serve as a space in which the closure feature <NUM> (e.g., elastic) of liner <NUM> may gather as it wraps around side faces 110a-110d, and bottom face <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). With the closure feature <NUM> gathered in indentation <NUM>, the bottom face <NUM> may be maintained relatively flat, e.g., to facilitate stacking and/or storage. Additionally, or alternatively, the raised surface of the indentation <NUM> may serve to strengthen the bottom face <NUM> of the container (e.g., resist twisting or warping), or facilitate manufacturing (e.g., ease removal of the container from an injection or thermoforming mold).

The bottom face <NUM> and recessed portions <NUM> allows for the container <NUM> to be received in a transportation device in a plurality of orientations. As shown in <FIG>, a first container 500a is receivable into a transportation device 505c via the indentations <NUM> in a first orientation. The transportation device 505c may be configured such that a container may not be receivable in a lower portion <NUM> in the first orientation. In some embodiments, the transportation device 505c may lack means for receiving a container by the indentations <NUM>, and/or include additional elements that may otherwise prevent the container 500a from being received, e.g., support elements at a bottom portion of the transportation device 505c. In this event, a second container 500b is receivable into the transportation device 505c in a second orientation, e.g., rotation of the container <NUM>° about a central axis <NUM>. The recessed portion <NUM> allows for the second container 500b to fit in the transportation device 505c with enough vertical clearance from an above first container 500a. In some embodiments, the container <NUM> may be formed in a rectangle, so that in the second orientation the second container 500b is receivable in a narrower configuration than in the first orientation. It is understood that the first and second containers 500a, 500b may include the features described with respect to the container <NUM>, and/or containers 200a-200e as described below.

In some embodiments, the bottom face <NUM> and/or surrounding side faces 110a-110d, may incorporate a handle <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to facilitate holding and movement of the container <NUM> (see <FIG>, and <FIG> and <FIG>, as described further below). Referring to <FIG>, a container <NUM> with corner handles <NUM> is depicted. Respective corner handles 160a, 160b may be integrated into opposite sides faces 110b, 110d, and their adjoining recessed portions <NUM> of bottom face <NUM>. Each handle 160a, 160b, may have a width Wh, height Hh and depth Dh dimension that is sized to accommodate the fingers of a user's hand grasping the container palm-side upward. For example, each handle 160a, 160b, may have a width Wh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>- <NUM>), height Hh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>-<NUM>), and depth Dh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>-<NUM>). Handles 160a, 160b, may extend inward from respective side faces 110b, 110d into the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>, and may include a sloped vertical face 165b that transitions to a recessed dimple 165a. Dimple 165a may be sized to accommodate a user's finger tips when grasping the container <NUM>. Other shapes and dimensions of handles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be possible depending on user requirements. Handles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may provide a more secure grasping feature compared to holding a container from the bottom face <NUM> and/or side faces 110a-110d, particularly if the container is encased in a liner <NUM>. For example, the handle 160a, 160b may not extend along an entire length of a side face 110a-110d. Thus, a closure feature <NUM> may be unable to attach to the dimple 165a and/or sloped vertical face 165b. The liner, cover, or both, may instead extend around to the bottom surface of the container (see <FIG>), thereby covering the handles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Covering the dimple 165a and the sloped vertical face 165b may reduce or eliminate contamination to the container from a user's hands and/or transportation devices during transport.

In some embodiments, additional features may be incorporated into the container <NUM>, e.g., to assist a user in locating other features on the container, gripping the container, loading and unloading containers into a transportation device 505a, such as a cart 505c, or to assist in manufacturing. Referring to <FIG>, container <NUM> of <FIG> may include a cut-out <NUM> on each of the side faces 110b, 110d, where handles 160a, 160b may be located. The slots <NUM> may be dimensioned to mirror the width of the handles <NUM>. In this regard, the slots <NUM> can serve several functions for the user. For example, the slots <NUM> can provide tactile feedback to a user grasping the container from the top as to what sides of the container include the handles and the orientation of the indentations <NUM>. Slots <NUM> may also provide a more secure gripping surface for users grasping the handles <NUM> at the bottom of the container <NUM> with their fingers and the top of the container with their thumbs.

Additional features may also include contouring on the indentations <NUM>, as well as beveling on the rounded edges <NUM> at the corners of the container underneath the indentations <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, container <NUM> may have sloped edges 136a, 136b on the bottom surface 135c, at each end of the indentations <NUM>, on side surfaces 110a, 110c. The sloped edges start at the edge of surface 135c that coincides with the vertical plane of the side surfaces 110a, 110c, and taper along a straight line to the back of the surface 135c, where they join surface 135b at each end of the indentation <NUM>. In between the sloped edges 136a, 136b may be straight edge 136c. The point at which the sloped edges begin at the proximal end and the distal end of the straight edge 136c may vary depending on the desired angle of the slope. In embodiments, the angle of sloped edges 136a, 136b from a vertical plane coincident with straight edge 136c may range from <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, or <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, or <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, or any degree of angle within and including the endpoints of such ranges. Similarly, while sloped edges are illustrated as being straight, they may be configured with a bend or corner as the sloped edges taper, e.g., the point at which a sloped edge begins and ends may define a concave curve or may define two or more straight lines with different slopes, or two or more curves with different radii of curvature, or some combination thereof.

Additionally, or alternatively, side faces 110a, 110c may include beveled surfaces 142a, 142b on the rounded edges <NUM> underneath the indentations <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Beveled surface 142a defines a sloped plane with a flat surface extending in a semi-oval from the end of sloped edges 136a, 136b, adjacent edge 136c, to the end of sloped edge 136a, 136b at the back of surface 135c, where surface 135c joins surface 135b at respective ends of the indentation <NUM>. The bottom edge of the semi-oval coincides with and transitions to the portion <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> of the container. The point at which the bottom edge of beveled surfaces 142a, 142b meets and transitions to the portion <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> may vary depending on the desired angle of the sloped plane. In embodiments, the angle of the sloped plane of beveled surfaces 142a, 142b from a horizontal plane coincident with an outer edge of surface 135c (and bottom of sloped edges 136a, 136b, if included) may range from <NUM>- <NUM> degrees, or <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, or <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, or any degree of angle within and including the endpoints of such ranges. While depicted as a flat surface, the sloped plane may have a curved, e.g., concave, surface.

Although container <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> with the ends of each indentation <NUM> at the corners of the container <NUM> having sloped edges 136a, 136b, and beveled surfaces 142a, 142b, only sloped edges or only beveled surfaces may be included, and/or sloped edges and/or beveled surfaces may be included on only one end of indentation <NUM>. Sloped edges and beveled surfaces may each extend into the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> (<FIG>). The beginning and end of the sloped edges and beveled surfaces may coincide (as shown) or they may be different. Including sloped edges and/or beveled surface may facilitate loading of the container in the transportation device or cart. Additionally, softening the corners may facilitate manufacture of the containers. For example, a container configured with sloped edges and/or beveled surfaces may be easier to produce and/or may allow for portions of the container to be strengthened. Injection molding, for example, may be facilitated, as such edges and/or surfaces may allow for the container to be more easily ejected from a mold. As a further example, such edges and/or surfaces may allow for a container with stronger corners when produced by thermoforming (vacuum forming) into a female mold. Sloping the edges and/or beveling the surface may reduce the extent to which a forming material (e.g., plastic) must be stretched down into the mold. That, in turn, may mean that the material in the corners is thicker, resulting in a stronger corner compared to one with a thinner amount of material. Strength of the corner may be important to resist breaking if dropped during use. It is understood that each corner of the container <NUM> may include contoured features, although some embodiments, may include only one corner, two corners, or three corners, having altered features, and the remaining corners being unaltered.

In some embodiments, the side faces of the container may include a protrusion. Referring now to <FIG>, exemplary embodiments of indentations on containers 200a-200e are illustrated. It is understood that the indentations and protrusions described with respect to <FIG> may be included in the container <NUM> of <FIG>, and that the indentations and/or protrusions may extend wholly and/or partially around any and/or all of the side faces 110a-110d. Additionally, in some embodiments, the containers 200a-200e may have a contour on the bottom face <NUM>, as shown in container <NUM>, and include indentation <NUM>. In some embodiments, containers 200a-200e may be formed with corner, bottom and/or side handles similar to handles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described with respect to container <NUM>.

In <FIG>, an indentation 230a extends inward into the inner portion <NUM> and may have at least a first surface 255a. The first surface 255a may be positioned substantially parallel to the bottom face <NUM>, so that a profile of the side face 110a-110d may form a substantially perpendicular angle. A second surface 255b may extend from the first surface 255a, e.g., substantially perpendicular to the bottom face <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and second surfaces 255a, 255b may be similar to the surfaces 135a, 135b described above, and may form an opening "oa". The indentation 230a may be adjacent to a protrusion <NUM>, e.g., extending outward from respective side faces 110a-110d. In some embodiments, the first and/or second surfaces 255a, 255b, may transition to an angled surface <NUM>. The protrusion may further include a straight surface <NUM>, so that a profile of the protrusion <NUM> is triangular. The straight surface <NUM> may be positioned substantially parallel to the bottom face <NUM> and may form a substantially perpendicular angle with respect to the side face 110a-110d.

In some embodiments, an indentation and a protrusion may be formed a distance "d" apart from each other. As shown in <FIG>, an indentation 230b may be separate from a protrusion <NUM>. The indentation 230b may be formed substantially similar to the indentation <NUM>, e.g., having substantially perpendicular surfaces 135a-135c formed inwardly into the inner portion <NUM>, a rectangular cross-section to form an opening "ob", tapered end openings <NUM> or wrap around surface 135d. The protrusion <NUM> may have an angled surface extending outward from the respective side face 110a-110d and a straight surface <NUM> to form a substantially perpendicular angle with respect to the side face 110a-110d. The indentation 230b and the protrusion <NUM> may be separated by distance "db", e.g., a vertical, or transverse (perpendicular to the bottom face <NUM>), distance on the side face 110a-110d. In some embodiments, a protrusion <NUM> positioned closer to the bottom face <NUM> of the container 200b may increase support towards the bottom face <NUM> for balancing a medical device.

Although <FIG> illustrate embodiments of an indentation being positioned above a protrusion along a side face 110a-110d (e.g., towards the second open-end <NUM>), in some embodiments, an indentation may be positioned below a protrusion (e.g., towards the closed first end <NUM>), as shown in <FIG>. The protrusion <NUM> may be similar to the protrusions described above in <FIG>, having an angled surface <NUM> and a straight surface <NUM> so that a profile forms a triangle on the side face 110a-110d. The indentation 230c may be similar to the indentation 230b described above, e.g., having substantially perpendicular surfaces 135a-135c, a rectangular cross-section to form an opening "oc", tapered end openings <NUM> or wrap around surface 135d. The protrusion <NUM> and the indentation 230c may be any distance "dc" apart from each other along the side face 110a-110d, e.g., a vertical, or transverse (perpendicular to the bottom face <NUM>) distance.

The protrusion <NUM> may allow for the containers 200a-200c to be handled, or carried, by a medical professional. For example, the straight surface <NUM> may be gripped for handling, and may be easily and thoroughly disinfected due to the perpendicularity of the profile in the side face 110a-110d. As described below, the protrusion 230a-230c may be dimensioned so that the respective openings oa, ob, oc may receive a liner, a cover, or both.

In some embodiments, instead of a protrusion, a second indentation 235d may be included in the container 200d. As shown in <FIG>, a side face 110a-110d may include a first indentation 230d, and a second indentation 235d, each formed similarly to indentations 130a, 130b, 230a-230c, as described above, e.g., having substantially perpendicular surfaces 135a-135c, a rectangular cross-section to form respective openings "od1", "od2", tapered end openings <NUM> or wrap around surface 135d. The first and second indentations 230d, 235d may be positioned any distance "dd" apart from each other along the side face 110a-110d, e.g., a vertical, or transverse (perpendicular to the bottom face <NUM>) distance. The indentations 230d, 235d may be identically formed, or may be sized differently. For example, one of the indentations 230d, 235d may be sized (e.g., having an opening od1, od2) so a medical professional may grip the indentations 230d, 235d for handling, and the other of the indentations 230d, 235d may be sized to receive a liner, a cover, or both.

It is understood that the indentations 230a-230e may be sized as desired, e.g., having a greater, or lesser, opening "o". As shown in <FIG>, a single indentation 230e may be formed in the side face 110a-110d, having a wider opening "oe" than openings "oa", "ob", "oc", and/or "od1", "od2". The respective openings may be determined by the respective surface 135b, e.g., the surface of the indentation formed substantially perpendicular to the bottom face <NUM>. The opening oe may allow for a medical professional to grip the indentation for handling the container 200e, and may allow for receiving a cover, a liner, or both, as described below.

In some embodiments, the container <NUM>, 200a-200e may include a lid for covering the second open end <NUM> and enclosing the inner portion <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG> and 4A-4B, a lid <NUM> may be shaped to match a container <NUM>, 200a-200e, e.g., to extend over the side faces 110a-110d. The lid <NUM> may have four sides 310a-310d, e.g., to match the side faces 110a-110d and face <NUM>. Although the lid <NUM> is shown as rectangular, it is understood that the lid may be any shape to match the shape of the container.

In some embodiments, the lid <NUM> may include one or more handles. Referring to <FIG>, lid <NUM> is shown with handles 340a, 340b. Handle 340a may be disposed on side 310b of lid <NUM> and may be integrated into edge 315b. Handle 340b may be disposed on side 310d of lid <NUM> and may be integrated into edge 315d. Lid handles <NUM>, in conjunction with container handles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may facilitate holding and movement of the container <NUM> when the lid is attached. Each lid handle 340a, 340b may have a width Wh and depth Dh dimension that matches the width Wh and depth Dh dimension of a corresponding container handle. For example, each lid handle 340a, 340b, may have a width Wh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>- <NUM>), and a depth Dh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>-<NUM>). The slope of lid handle surface 345a may also match the slope of the recessed dimple 165a, such that the two parallel slopes may provide complimentary surfaces for handling. The dimensions and relative slopes may be sized to accommodate the fingers of a user's hand grasping the container palm-side upward in the container handle, while the thumb of the same hand is able to grasp surface 345a of lid handle <NUM>.

As a further example, shown in <FIG>, handles <NUM> may be disposed on the lid <NUM>, <NUM>. One or more handles <NUM> may extend as protrusions from any and/or all of the sides 310a-310d, edges 315a-315d, and/or overhang <NUM> of the lid <NUM>, <NUM>, so that a medical professional may handle the lid <NUM>, container <NUM>, 200a-200e, or both. Additionally and/or alternatively, the handles <NUM> may interface with the rails <NUM> of a transportation device 505a, 505c so that the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, <NUM> is received and retained in the transportation device.

The lid <NUM> may have a face <NUM> framed by the sides 310a-310d, and may have respective edges 315a-315d extending substantially perpendicular to the face <NUM>. The lid <NUM> may be removably attachable to the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, so that the edges 315a-315d extend over at least a portion of the respective side faces 110a-110d. When the lid <NUM> is attached to the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, the face <NUM> may extend across the second open-end <NUM> to cover the inner portion <NUM> and be positioned substantially parallel to the bottom face <NUM>. In some embodiments, the container <NUM>, 200a-200e may be an interference fit into the lid <NUM>, so that the lid may remain in an attached configuration during containment and/or transport to minimize contamination of a medical device. In some embodiments, the lid may have a tolerance so that the container is loosely receivable into the lid.

In some embodiments, a lid <NUM> may be configured to at least be partially received into the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e. As shown in <FIG>, the face <NUM> may have edges 415a-415d extending substantially perpendicular to the face <NUM> to extend at least partially into the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e. An overhang <NUM> of the face <NUM> may extend over and/or contact the edges 415a-415d, so that in an attached configuration the overhang <NUM> may contact at least a portion of the respective side faces 110a-110d so that the lid <NUM> encloses the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e. In some embodiments, handles <NUM> may extend from the overhang <NUM>. The edges 415a-415d may be an interference fit into the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, so that the lid may remain attached to the container until as desired by a medical professional.

In some embodiments, the face <NUM> may include a contour <NUM>, although in other embodiments the face <NUM> may not include a contour. The contour <NUM> may be formed as a protrusion, e.g., extending outward relative to the inner portion <NUM>. In embodiments, the contour <NUM> on the lid <NUM> may be formed to mate with the contour <NUM> on the bottom face <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e. The contour <NUM> may include a raised surface <NUM> to match the recessed portion <NUM> in the bottom face <NUM>, and a corresponding portion <NUM> to match the portion <NUM> of the bottom face. In embodiments where the recessed portion <NUM> is in a central portion <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>, the raised surface <NUM> may be positioned in a central portion <NUM> of the lid <NUM>, so that the raised surface <NUM> of the face <NUM> of the lid <NUM> may be nested into the recessed portion <NUM> of the bottom face of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e.

In this manner, the lid <NUM> may be stackable with a container <NUM>, 200a-200e. As shown in <FIG>, a first container 500a may be configured to be stacked with a second container 500b, by nesting the lid <NUM> with the bottom face <NUM>. The first and second containers 500a, 500b may include the features described above with respect to the containers <NUM>, 200a-200e, and may be removably attachable to a lid <NUM>. 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 <NUM>, <NUM> 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 further includes a liner for lining the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e. In embodiments, a liner may be included so that when a medical device is placed in the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, the liner may act as a protective barrier to the inner portion <NUM>. This may aid in minimizing potential contamination, 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.

Referring now to <FIG>, a liner <NUM> may have a lining portion <NUM> and a closure feature <NUM>. The lining portion <NUM> is sized to extend over the side faces 110a-110d of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e and line the inner portion <NUM>. The lining portion <NUM> is extendable fully over the side faces 110a-110d to an outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e. The lining portion <NUM> encloses, or substantially encloses, the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, 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 (see <FIG>). The lining portion <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material, such as a single plastic sheet, and may have an edge as a closure feature <NUM>. The flexible material allows for the liner <NUM> to be conformable to a profile of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, e.g., the liner may surround the side faces 110a-110d and may sit in the inner portion <NUM> of the container. In embodiments, the liner <NUM> may be at least partially substantially transparent or translucent, although it is also envisioned that the liner <NUM> may be colored, or opaque. The liner <NUM> may include symbols, textures, patterns and/or words to, e.g., indicate orientation of the tray within the liner, highlight the closure feature <NUM>, indicate the status of the medical device at various stages of use, reprocessing, transport and handling, or the like.

The liner <NUM> may be removably attachable to or enclosable about the container by the closure feature <NUM>, so that when the container <NUM>, 200a-200e is lined, the closure feature <NUM> maintains the liner <NUM> in position and to enclose the container <NUM>, 200a-200e. As shown in <FIG>, when the liner <NUM> encloses the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, the closure feature <NUM> may be disposed on the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>. In embodiments, indentation <NUM> may be incorporated into the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> of container <NUM>, 200a-200e, and the raised space of indentation <NUM> into the inner portion <NUM> may accommodate the gathered closure feature <NUM>, e.g., of <FIG>, while maintaining a substantially flat bottom face. By aligning the liner <NUM> so that the lining portion <NUM> is continuously extended across the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, contamination of the container may be minimized. For example, fluids or other particulates may not leak over the closure feature <NUM> edge when positioned on the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>.

In embodiments, the closure feature <NUM> may be an elastic. The liner <NUM> may be stretched over the container <NUM>, 200a-200e by the elastic, e.g., so the elastic expands to a stretched position. Once positioned to enclose the container, the elastic may revert to an unstretched position at the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elastic may be in an unstretched, gathered position in a substantially oval, or football, shaped opening. As shown in <FIG>, the football-shaped opening may leave only a small portion of the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e exposed, as indicated by reference numeral <NUM>. By substantially enclosing the container <NUM>, 200a-200e with the liner <NUM>, leaving only a portion of an underside of the container exposed, contamination of the container and/or clean medical device may be minimized. Although an elastic is illustrated in <FIG>, it is understood that the liner may be removably attachable to or enclosable about the container in any manner, including but not limited to a drawstring, adhesive, securement, or combinations thereof (see <FIG>).

In some examples, not within the scope of the claims, the liner may be extendable partially over the side faces 110a-110d, so that the closure feature <NUM> remains in a stretched position around the side faces 110a-110d. The closure feature <NUM>, or elastic, may be engageable with an indentation 230a-230e and/or protrusion <NUM>.

As described, the liner <NUM> is removably attachable to or enclosable about the container <NUM>, 200a-200e prior to placement of medical device in the inner portion <NUM> of the container. As shown in <FIG>, a medical device <NUM> may be placed in an inner portion <NUM> of a container <NUM>, 200a-200e after the liner <NUM> is attached to the container.

When the medical device is placed in the container, a cover may be extendable across the second open end <NUM>, so that the medical device is captured between the liner <NUM> and a cover. Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, a first cover <NUM> may have a cover portion <NUM> and a closure feature <NUM>, and a second cover <NUM> may have a cover portion <NUM> and a closure feature <NUM>. In embodiments, the cover portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material, such as a single plastic sheet, and may have an edge as the respective closure feature <NUM>, <NUM>. The flexible material may allow for the first and second cover <NUM>, <NUM> to extend across the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, e.g., the first and/or second cover <NUM>, <NUM> may form a barrier across the second open end <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e. In embodiments, the first and/or second cover <NUM>, <NUM> may be at least partially substantially transparent or translucent. It is also envisioned that the first and second covers <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM>, first cover <NUM> and/or second cover <NUM> 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 <NUM> hour. In embodiments, the first cover <NUM> may be different than the second cover <NUM>, so that a medical professional may have a visual indication of a condition of the medical device <NUM> in the container <NUM>, 200a-200e. For example, a green colored cover <NUM> may indicate a clean medical device. A medical professional may be able see the green cover <NUM> and transport the medical device to a patient procedure location for use. Similarly, a red colored cover <NUM> 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 <NUM> to indicate a used medical device, so that the pattern may indicate to a medical professional for proper handling and disposal.

The first and/or second covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be removably attachable to or enclosable about the container by the respective closure feature <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the covers <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially taut (e.g., the covers may not sag into the inner portion <NUM> of the container) across the second open end <NUM>. The first and/or second covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be exchangeable with each other, e.g., by the medical professional. For example, after endoscope reprocessing, a clean medical device <NUM> may be placed in a lined container (see <FIG>), and a first cover <NUM> may be extended across the second open end <NUM>, 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 <NUM> may be extended across the second open end <NUM>, 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. Alternatively, the first cover may be reversible, as opposed to having a second cover, with each side of the reversible cover for visual verification of a different condition of the medical device. For example, after endoscope reprocessing, a clean medical device <NUM> may be placed in a lined container (see <FIG>), and a reversible cover <NUM> with opposing sides that are green and red may be extended across the second open end <NUM>, with the green side facing upwards providing a visual verification of the clean condition of the endoscope. 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 reversible cover <NUM> may be extended across the second open end <NUM>, with the red side facing upwards providing a visual verification of the used condition of the endoscope. 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. Similarly, opposing sides of a reversible cover may include symbols, patterns and/or words to indicate the status of the medical device at various stages of use, reprocessing, transport and handling.

Similar to the liner <NUM>, the first and/or second cover <NUM>, <NUM> may enclose the side faces 110a-110d, as well as the already-attached liner <NUM>, and closure features <NUM> may be disposed on the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>. In embodiments, indentation <NUM> may incorporated into bottom face <NUM>, as described and the raised space into the inner portion <NUM> may accommodate the gathered closure features <NUM> of the first and/or second cover <NUM>, <NUM>, similarly to closure feature <NUM> of liner <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, while maintaining a substantially flat bottom face. By aligning the first and second covers <NUM>, <NUM> so that the cover portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be continuously extended across the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, 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 cover <NUM>, <NUM>, and the liner <NUM>. For example, fluids or other particulates may not leak over the closure feature <NUM>, <NUM> when positioned on the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>.

In embodiments, the closure feature <NUM>, <NUM> may be an elastic. The covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be stretched over the container <NUM>, 200a-200e by the elastic, e.g., so the elastic expands to a stretched position. Once positioned to enclose the container, the elastic may revert to an unstretched, gathered position at the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and/or second covers <NUM>, <NUM> may partially enclose the side faces 110a-110d so that closure features <NUM>, <NUM> may engage with indentations 230a-230e and/or protrusions <NUM>, to remain in a substantially stretched position. In some embodiments, the elastic may be in an unstretched position in a substantially oval, or football, shaped opening. Similar to the liner <NUM>, the football-shaped opening may leave only a small portion of the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e exposed (see <FIG>). By substantially enclosing the container <NUM>, 200a-200e with the covers <NUM>, <NUM>, leaving only a portion of an underside of the container exposed, contamination of the container and/or clean medical device may be minimized. Although an elastic is illustrated in <FIG>, it is understood that the first and/or second covers may be removably attachable to or enclosable about the container in any manner, including but not limited to a drawstring, adhesive, securement, or combinations thereof (see <FIG>).

In embodiments, liner <NUM>, and/or first and/or second covers <NUM>, <NUM>, may incorporate an elastic configuration for respective closure features <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, such that once liner <NUM>, and/or first and/or second covers <NUM>, <NUM>, are positioned to enclose the container the elastic configuration of the respective closure features <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> assumes a partially stretched position at the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> and leaves an exposed portion <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e that is larger compared to portion <NUM> in <FIG>. By substantially enclosing the container <NUM>, 200a-200e with the liner <NUM> and covers <NUM>, <NUM>, including a perimeter portion of the underside of the container, contamination of the container and/or clean medical device may still be minimized, and the container may still be protected against a user's fingers contacting the bottom face of the container around the perimeter of the container where the container may be typically grasped when handling it.

Referring to <FIG>, an embodiment of an elastic is illustrated, which may be employed interchangeably as the closure feature <NUM> or the liner <NUM>, and/or the respective closure features <NUM>, <NUM> of first and second covers <NUM>, <NUM>.

As a liner <NUM>, the lining portion <NUM> is sized to extend over the side faces 110a-110d of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e and line the inner portion <NUM>. The lining portion <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material, such as a single plastic sheet, and may have an elastic at an edge of the liner <NUM> as the closure feature <NUM>. The flexible material may allow for the liner <NUM> to be conformable to a profile of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, e.g., the liner may surround the side faces 110a-110d and may sit in the inner portion <NUM> of the container. As a cover <NUM>, <NUM>, cover portions <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) may be formed of a flexible material, such as a single plastic sheet, and may have an elastic at an edge of the first cover and second cover, as the respective closure feature <NUM>, <NUM>. The flexible material may allow for the first and second cover <NUM>, <NUM> to extend tautly across the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, e.g., the first and/or second cover <NUM>, <NUM> may form a barrier across the second open end <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e.

The liner <NUM> and first and/or second covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be removably enclosable about the container by the respective closure feature <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when enclosing the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, the closure features <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed on the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>. The closure feature <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be an elastic comprising a first elastic piece 610a, 630a, 645a and a second elastic piece 610b, 630b, 645b. The two elastic pieces may be connected to each other at junctions 610c, 630c, 645c, at terminal ends of the pieces to form a continuous elastic at the edge of the liner or cover. Connections at junctions 610c, 630c, 645c may formed by sewing, welding, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, and the like. While two junctions are described, it is envisioned that any number of junctions and pieces of elastic may be implemented.

The elastic and the flexible material of the liner and the covers may be gathered in a pinched position at the junctions at the ends of the two pieces of elastic, resulting in an excess of material gathered nearer to and at the junctions, compared to material farther from and midway between the junctions. The material may be pleated, such that when packaged and before being deployed about a container, the liner and covers may be folded, e.g., accordion-style, into a compact form. The number, type and/or location of the junctions, the amount of gathering of material at the junctions, and/or maintaining the elastic in a partially stretched position at the perimeter of the bottom face, may allow for control over a variety of different shapes and sizes of exposed portions <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM>. As examples, with reference to <FIG>, exposed portions <NUM> in the shape of a square opening with junctions at the corners of the container (<FIG>), a football-shaped opening (<FIG>) with junctions along the side faces of the container having the indentations <NUM>, and an oval or circular opening (<FIG>) with junctions along the side faces of the container having the handle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of the first cover <NUM> or second cover <NUM> having a two-piece elastic configuration is illustrated, enclosing the side faces 110a-110d of the container, as well as enclosing the liner <NUM> having a two-piece elastic configuration, with the closure features <NUM> and <NUM> or <NUM> disposed on the perimeter portion of the outer surface <NUM> of the bottom face <NUM>.

The covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be removably attachable to or enclosable about the container <NUM>, 200a-200e and the attached liner <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a containment and transportation system <NUM>, including a medical device <NUM> enclosable between the respective cover <NUM>, <NUM> and the liner <NUM>, thereby avoiding direct contact with the container. In embodiments, the lid <NUM>, <NUM> may be closed over the first or second cover <NUM>, <NUM>, which may provide additional protection to a clean medical device, and/or containment of contaminants of a used medical device. The respective cover portions <NUM>, <NUM> may have excess material such that when a lid <NUM>, <NUM> is closed onto the container <NUM>, 200a-200e, the first and/or second cover <NUM>, <NUM> may not be damaged or otherwise ripped or torn. Minimization or prevention of tearing may protect contamination of the container or lid from a used medical device, and/or may protect a clean medical device from outside contaminants. Similarly, the liner <NUM>, the first cover <NUM>, and/or the second cover <NUM> may have excess material for coverage in the indentations <NUM>, 230a-230e and/or protrusions <NUM>, so that when a container is inserted and/or removed from a transportation device the liner <NUM>, first cover <NUM>, and/or second cover <NUM> may not be damaged or otherwise ripped or torn, while still fitting to the container <NUM>, 200a-200e as described.

As shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>-5D, a transportation device 505a may include sides <NUM>, for receiving one or more containers <NUM>, 200a-200e therebetween. In some embodiments, the transportation device 505a may be a cart 505c. The sides <NUM> may include rails <NUM> for engaging with the indentations <NUM>, 230a-230e, and/or protrusions <NUM> of the container <NUM>, 200a-200e. The rails <NUM> may be spaced a distance apart so the transportation device 505a may receive a plurality of containers and in parallel pairs so the containers may remain substantially parallel to the ground. Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the transport device 505a, or cart 505c, may be a rolling cabinet with sides <NUM> and rails <NUM> for holding multiple containers <NUM>, 200a-200e. With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, rails <NUM> for the sides <NUM> of the transport device 505a, or cart 505c, may include a softened (e.g., rounded) top and bottom horizontal surface edge <NUM>, and/or softened (e.g., rounded) vertical surface edge <NUM>, at the end of the rails <NUM> that comprises the opening of the transport device 505a, or cart 505c. Such softened horizontal and/or vertical surface edges <NUM>, <NUM> may be incorporated into the rails <NUM> to facilitate loading of container <NUM>, 200a-200e, into the transport device or cart, e.g., edges <NUM>, <NUM> may present a surface to engage the indentations <NUM> of the containers that is softer than a straight horizontal and/or vertical edge, which may be prone to catching on the indentation or catching on a liner and/or cover that may be extended over the indentations. The cart may include handle <NUM> and casters <NUM> with individual locking tabs <NUM>. The cart is shown with four casters, but a greater or lesser number of casters may be possible, as well as other means of transporting the cart other than casters. The cart may accommodate a door (not shown), which may be hung off hinges secured to holes <NUM> on either side of the cart 505c. The choice of which side of the cart is chosen for mounting the door dictates in which direction the door will swing when opened. A latch for the door may be secured to the cart with holes <NUM>. In some embodiments, the top of the cart may be formed with an indentation or depression <NUM>, which may be used to securely hold a container <NUM> against sliding when a user is accessing the contents of the container. The indentation <NUM> may also be used for the purpose of stacking cabinets on top of one another. For example, if the casters are made to be removable and the base of each cabinet is formed with a raised surface that extends toward the floor and matches the contour of the indentation <NUM>, one cart can be stacked on top of another cart. This may be done for efficiency in storage or to increase the number of containers that may be transported at one time.

As described above, in some embodiments the liner <NUM>, first cover <NUM>, and/or the second cover <NUM> may be extendable to enclose the side faces 110a-110e, so that the indentations and/or protrusions are also enclosed. The liner <NUM>, first cover <NUM>, and/or second cover <NUM> may act as a protective barrier from the transportation device 505a, 505c to prevent contamination of a clean medical device and/or to limit transfer of contaminants of a used medical device between the container and the transportation device.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a containment system <NUM> may include a combination container and lid <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the container and lid may be a single configuration and interchangeable with each other, so that separate components are not needed for the containment system, and may be compatible with a plurality of transportation devices. The container and lid <NUM> may have side faces 810a-810d and a bottom face <NUM> to form an inner portion <NUM>. The container and lid <NUM> may have four sides to form a rectangle or square, but it is understood that any number "n" of sides may be included to form any shape for containment and transportation of a medical device.

The container and lid <NUM> may have one or more handles <NUM> formed as protrusions from the side faces 810a-810d from the container and the lid. The handles <NUM> may be disposed centrally along a side face 810a-810d, so that the container and lid <NUM> may be balanced during handling. Additionally, the handles <NUM> may engage with a transportation device, e.g., rails of transportation device 505a, 505c, to be receivable and retainable in the transportation device for transport throughout a medical facility as desired. Since the lid and container <NUM> are identical, when configured together to enclose a medical device, the handles <NUM> may align with each other on the respective side faces 810a-810d.

In embodiments, the lid and container <NUM> may include a locking feature <NUM> and a lockable feature <NUM>, disposed on one or more side faces 810a-810d. For example, a locking feature <NUM> may be disposed on a side face 810b of the lid and container <NUM>, and a lockable feature <NUM> may be disposed on opposing side face 810d of the lid and container <NUM>, so that in an attached configuration, a lid <NUM> may be flipped upside down from a position of the container <NUM> and rotated <NUM>° to engage the locking feature <NUM> on the container <NUM> and the lockable feature <NUM> on the lid <NUM>.

The lid and container may be removably attachable with each other, to engage by the locking feature <NUM> and the lockable feature <NUM>. The locking feature <NUM> and the lockable feature <NUM> may include mating tabs and/or slots for engagement. For example, the locking feature <NUM> may include be a protrusion <NUM> extending outward from and substantially perpendicular to a side face 810a-810d, and may include a slot <NUM>. The lockable feature <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM> directly extending from a side face 810a-810d, such that the protrusion <NUM> may be substantially parallel to and as an extension of the side face 810a-810d. The protrusion <NUM> may include tab <NUM>, in which the tab <NUM> is insertable into the slot <NUM> of the locking feature <NUM>. The tab <NUM> may be configured to be inserted in the slot <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is engaged with the container <NUM> (e.g., as shown by direction arrow "A"). The tab <NUM> may lock into the slot <NUM> in an interference fit, to maintain a closed configuration between the container <NUM> and the lid <NUM>.

In embodiments, a liner <NUM>, a first cover <NUM>, and/or a second cover <NUM> may be removably attachable to or enclosable about a container <NUM> as described above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG> and as shown in <FIG> for illustrative purposes only.

Referring now to <FIG>, another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure of a containment system <NUM> is shown. A container <NUM> may include side faces 910a-910d and bottom face <NUM> to form an inner portion <NUM>. The side faces 910a-910d may be substantially straight, so a securement feature <NUM> may be engageable with the side faces 910a-910d. In embodiments, the side faces 910a-910d may be angled outward from the bottom face <NUM>, e.g., as a trapezoidal prism, so that a securement <NUM> may be engaged relative to the side faces 910a-910d. As the securement <NUM> slides upward from the bottom face <NUM> in direction of arrow "B", the angled side faces 910a-910d may engage with and lock against the securement <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The securement <NUM> may secure a liner <NUM>, a first cover <NUM>, and/or a second cover <NUM> around the container <NUM>, and may be configured as a frame positionable around the container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the liner <NUM> may be similar to the liner <NUM>, and the first and/or second covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be similar to the first and second covers <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the liner <NUM>, first cover <NUM>, and/or second cover <NUM> may be extendable around the side faces 910a-910d in the direction of arrow "C". The liner <NUM>, first cover <NUM> and/or second cover <NUM> may be formed as flat sheets, although in some embodiments, they may include closure features such as elastic, drawstring, or the like, as described above (see <FIG>).

The securement <NUM> may include one or more tabs <NUM>. For example, tabs <NUM> may be disposed on opposing sides, so that in an attached configuration, the container <NUM> may be engage with rails of a transportation device, e.g., by the tabs <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> may be protrusions extending outward in a substantially perpendicular direction, e.g., so that when engaged with rails of a transportation device, the container <NUM> may be held substantially parallel to the ground.

The securement <NUM> may allow for a container <NUM> to be adaptable to fit in a plurality of transportation devices. For example, a container may not be compatible with a selected transportation device, e.g., a transportation device already acquired by a medical facility. The securement <NUM> may be removably attachable to a container that may not otherwise engage with the selected transportation device, so that the tabs <NUM> may engage with the selected transportation device. As shown in <FIG>, respective tabs 1040a, 1040b, 1040c may be sized as desired so that the container <NUM> may be receivable in a plurality of transportation devices by using a selected securement 1020a, 1020b, 1020c. Additionally, since the securement <NUM>, 1020a-1020c is removably attachable, the containers <NUM> may not be permanently altered, so that they may be otherwise compatible with other transportation devices without the securement <NUM>, 1020a-1020c. In some embodiments, the securement <NUM>, 1020a-1020c may include a cutout <NUM>, which may act as a mating feature with a transportation device. For example, the cutout <NUM> may be mated with a corresponding protrusion on a transportation device, e.g., so that only the container <NUM> and securement <NUM>, 1020a-1020c may be receivable into a selected transportation device.

Although the securement <NUM>, 1020a-1020c may be formed as a frame, e.g., having four sides to wholly surround the container <NUM>, it is understood that a securement may be formed as a horseshoe, or U-shape. Referring now to <FIG>, securement <NUM> may be removably attachable to a container <NUM>. For example, the securement <NUM> may engage with the container <NUM> by sliding the securement onto the container <NUM> in a direction indicated by arrow "D". Although one side face 910a-910d may be free of engagement with the securement <NUM>, the remaining three side faces 910a-910d may secure the liner <NUM>, the first cover <NUM>, and/or the second cover <NUM>, and may engage with the transportation device as described above. As such, the liner <NUM>, the first cover <NUM>, and/or the second cover <NUM> may include a closure feature such as an elastic, drawstring, or the like, to otherwise engage with the side faces 910a-910d of the container <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a liner <NUM>, first cover <NUM>, and/or second cover <NUM> may be removably attachable to or enclosable about the container <NUM> by a drawstring <NUM>. For example, the liner <NUM>, first cover <NUM>, and/or second cover <NUM> may be formed as a sheet, having a drawstring <NUM> around a perimeter. To engage with the container <NUM>, the drawstring <NUM> may be cinched around the side faces 910a-910d. The cinched drawstring <NUM> may maintain engagement with the container <NUM>, e.g., before engagement of the securement <NUM>, 1020a-1020c, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, alternative handle configurations are depicted for container <NUM>. In some embodiments, e.g., <FIG>, recessed portion <NUM> of bottom face <NUM> may incorporate bottom handle <NUM> to facilitate holding and movement of the container <NUM>. Respective bottom handles 170a, 170b may be integrated into opposite sides of recessed portion <NUM> adjacent to side faces 110d, 110b. Handles 170a, 170b may be located in proximity to respective side faces 110d, 110b to allow for a user's fingertips to reach the handles. Each handle 170a, 170b may have a width Wh, height Hh and depth Dh dimension that is sized to accommodate the fingers of a user's hand grasping the container palm-side upward. For example, each handle 170a, 170b, may have a width Wh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>- <NUM>), a height Hh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>-<NUM>), and a depth Dh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>-<NUM>). Handles 170a, 170b, may extend inward from recessed portion <NUM> of bottom face <NUM> into the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>, and may include sloped faces 175a, 175b that meet at a point to form a triangle shape in cross-section and a wedge-shape along the width Wh of the handles. Other shapes and dimensions for handles <NUM> may be possible, e.g., rectangular, depending on user requirements.

In some embodiments, e.g., <FIG>, side faces 110b, 110d may incorporate side handles <NUM> to facilitate holding and movement of the container <NUM>. Respective side handles 180a, 180b may be integrated into opposite side faces 110d, 110b. Each side handle 180a, 180b may have a width Wh, height Hh and depth Dh dimension that is sized to accommodate the fingers of a user's hand grasping the container palm-side upward. For example, each handle 180a, 180b, may have a width Wh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>- <NUM>), a height Hh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>-<NUM>), and a depth Dh that extends <NUM>-<NUM> in. (<NUM>-<NUM>). Handles 180a, 180b, may extend inward from side faces 110d, 110b, respectively, into the inner portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>. Handles 180a, 180b, similar to indentations <NUM>, have surfaces 185a-185c formed substantially perpendicular to each other (<NUM> degrees ± <NUM> degrees), although in some embodiments one or more of the surfaces may form an obtuse angle (≥<NUM> degrees). Other shapes and dimensions for handles <NUM> may be possible depending on user requirements.

Bottom or side handles <NUM>, <NUM>, similar to corner handles <NUM>, may provide a more secure grasping feature compared to holding a container from the bottom face <NUM> and/or side faces 110a-110d, particularly if the container is encased in a liner <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a flow chart <NUM> of an exemplary method of containing and transporting a medical device is illustrated. At step <NUM>, a medical professional may select a clean container and lid (if applicable), for containing and transporting a clean medical device. The medical professional may be in a reprocessing location at a medical facility, where containers and medical devices are processed and cleaned between patient procedures. A clean liner may be attached to the clean container, extending at least partially around the side faces and the inner portion of the container, to conform to a profile of the container at step <NUM>. A clean medical device may be placed on the liner in the inner portion of the container at step <NUM>, and a second cover may be included in the inner portion of the container in a closed configuration (e.g., folded) for later use at step <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second cover may not be included in the container, but may be separately available at the medical procedure location. A first cover may be tautly extended across the opening of the container to enclose the medical device between the liner and the cover in the container at step <NUM>. As described above, the first cover may be green, or other pattern, to visually indicate a clean medical device is enclosed in the container. At step <NUM>, a lid may be optionally attached to the container and/or first cover.

The container may be inserted into a transportation device, e.g., by indentations and/or protrusions to engage with corresponding rails, at step <NUM>. The container may be compatibly receivable into a plurality of transportation devices by the indentations, protrusions, and/or other securement features on the container. At step <NUM>, one or more containers may be transported from the reprocessing location to a medical procedure location in the medical facility by the transportation device.

When the container is delivered to the medical procedure location, a medical professional may remove the lid (if attached), and the first cover may be removed and disposed of at step <NUM>, in anticipation of use of the medical device. The second cover may be placed aside for after the procedure, and/or a second cover may be obtained for later use. The medical professional may then use the medical device in a procedure on a patient at step <NUM>. For example, when the medical device is a reusable endoscope, the endoscope may be inserted into the patient for performing the procedure as desired.

Upon completion of the procedure, the used medical device may be placed on the liner in the inner portion of the container at step <NUM>. The second cover may then be extended across the opening of the container to enclose the used medical device between the liner and the second cover. In embodiments, the second cover may be colored red, or patterned, as a visual indication that the medical device is used. At step <NUM>, the lid may optionally be attached to the container and the second cover.

The container may be inserted into the transportation device at step <NUM> in the same manner as in step <NUM>. The transportation device may transport the container from the medical procedure location back to the reprocessing location in the medical facility for cleaning. At step <NUM>, the used medical device may be removed from the container and cleaned for reuse. The second cover and the liner may be disposed of, and the container and lid (if applicable) may also be cleaned. The method may return to step <NUM> for further selection of a clean medical device and container for use.

Methods are not part of the claimed invention.

Claim 1:
A system for containing and transporting a medical device (<NUM>), the system comprising:
a container (<NUM>; 200a-200e) including a bottom face (<NUM>) and surrounding side faces (110a-110d) as a closed first end (<NUM>) and an open second end (<NUM>) to form an inner portion (<NUM>) for receiving and retaining the medical device (<NUM>), at least a portion of one or more of the side faces (110a, 110c) having an indentation (<NUM>; 230a-230e) extending along a length of the respective side face (110a, 110c); and
a liner (<NUM>) removably enclosable about the container (<NUM>; 200a-200e), the liner (<NUM>) being extendable over the side faces (100a-110d) to line the inner portion (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>; 200a-200e) to an outer surface of the bottom face (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>; 200a-200e), such that the liner (<NUM>) is conformable to a profile of the container (<NUM>; 200a-200e);
wherein the indentation (<NUM>; 230a-230e) is formed into the inner portion (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>; 200a-200e) such that the container (<NUM>; 200a-200e) is compatibly receivable in a first transportation device (505a, 505c) in a first orientation; and
wherein the bottom face (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>; 200a-200e) includes a contour (<NUM>), such that the container (<NUM>; 200a-200e) is compatibly receivable in the first transportation device (505a, 505c) in a second orientation different from the first orientation.