Patent Description:
The present invention generally relates to a unique container for receiving and storing used or contaminated biosensors within the container. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention concerns a unique container that can be sized and configured for mounting to a distinct container such as a vial.

People who analyze their bodily fluid, such as blood or interstitial fluid, for any number of characteristics, such as triglycerides, ketones, or more likely blood glucose levels for diabetics, must dispose of the used testing devices, such as biosensors. Disposal devices have been developed to store both used lancets (used, e.g., for pricking the person's skin for obtaining a sample of bodily fluid) and/or used biosensors. Lancets or biosensors may be said to be "used" after having been exposed to bodily fluid. Such disposal devices must have an opening configured to receive various shapes to accommodate for disposal of both lancets and biosensors. However, it would be useful to have a container specifically configured for the unique challenge of receiving and retaining small, flat-shaped articles such as biosensors.

Patients who test their own blood glucose levels often encounter the situation in which they must safely dispose of their used biosensor in a hygienic way. In a public setting, these patients often cannot find a disposal device in which used biosensors will be disposed in a sanitary manner. Often these patients must carry their used biosensors with them until the patient can dispose of them in a sanitary manner. Typically, in a private setting, such as a home of a patient, a patient must expend time and energy to find the proper disposal device in their home in which the used biosensors can be sanitarily disposed and contained within. Patients faced with these obstacles typically skip testing their blood glucose levels at the required time interval thereby risking an increased likelihood of an inappropriate blood glucose level, and even death, or they dispose of the devices in an inappropriate manner or in a manner in which used biosensors may be found lying freely around, such as on countertops, in furniture, on the floor, in testing kit packs, or in other items such as drawers or shoes. Indeed, many patients complain that used biosensors can often be found 'everywhere' as a reminder of an incurable chronic illness.

Another potential difficulty with a biosensor disposal container is that typically the container is provided separate from and in addition to the testing devices, such as a blood glucose meter, and supply containers, such as a vial of biosensors, already required by the user. These additional items detract from the discretion for their disease that many diabetics prefer, and the person must spend time and energy searching for the separate devices and containers as well as keep track of them all.

Another obstacle often associated with a biosensor is safe and hygienic disposal of a used biosensor. For example, the user or medical practitioner using the biosensor would not want to accidentally touch another person or themselves with a contaminated biosensor, thereby potentially exposing this person or themselves to disease.

Another area for improvement of biosensor disposal practices is that separate self-contained and disposable (i.e. single-use) disposal containers may add to the volume of discarded articles for trash or landfill collection. Once a single-use disposal container has no further capacity for receiving used biosensors, typically the entire container is then disposed, wherein the container itself typically has an external profile that defines a greater volume than the aggregated volume of biosensors contained in it. Having a container that retains biosensors while in use but can be emptied for further use not only saves waste from the container itself but also reduces the resources that would otherwise be required for manufacture of single-use containers that are always discarded when filled.

Additional problems that have been identified which may be solved by the present invention include (i) patients with diabetes typically carry around an additional container or bag, which stores used test strips that would be considered bio-hazardous material; (ii) some patients simply discard used test strips in standard trash receptacles, store them in pockets, purses, or other convenient places until a later time upon which proper disposal is available; (iii) current disposal systems are cumbersome to carry or prone to expose unused test elements to the risk of contamination or damage from excessive exposure to air, light, or moisture; (iv) current disposal systems are typically not reusable and not easy to sanitize; and (v) the constant reminder of used test strips in and around personal articles can be an additional burden to the psychological wellness of patients with diabetes.

Thus, there remains a need for further improvement in this field.

<CIT> discloses a used test strip storage container.

These objects and others that will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art have been achieved according to the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein. Among the solutions provided by the present invention are (i) a detachable, isolated compartment and opening to minimize risk of contamination or compromise (e.g. biological fluid, oxidation, humidity, etc.) of unused test elements when disposing of used test elements; (ii) keeping used test strips separate from unused test strips, minimizing the risk of accidental strip reuse; (iii) a design that supports proper disposal of bio-hazardous blood glucose test strips and may also be easily emptied, sanitized, and re-used; (iv) an aid to psychological wellness of people with diabetes by keeping used test strips out of sight for easy and proper disposal; (v) a snap-on vial strip disposal container with a "V" slot design which provides users a convenient storage system that allows for contaminated (used) blood glucose test strips (biosensors) to be inserted into the container easily with no concern associated with strips falling out of the storage container until time of disposal; and (vi) effortless "snap on, snap-off" industrial design which ensures that the used blood glucose test strips can be disposed at a time that is convenient and appropriate for the user.

According to the present invention, there is disclosed a container configured for mountable engagement with a vial comprising: a receptacle portion and an engagement portion, the receptacle portion comprising a generally upstanding cylinder having a base, an upstanding wall, and a top wall; the top wall including an insertion portion comprising a slit configured to receive a single flat strip-shaped article into the receptacle portion; the insertion portion further comprising a pair of generally planar and rigid opposing surfaces tapered inwardly from an exterior to the slit, the slit being generally defined in the area where the tapered opposing surfaces converge, the tapered opposing surfaces being configured to facilitate alignment of a flat strip-shaped article for insertion through the slit into the receptacle portion, the interior surface at the insertion portion being contoured in accordance with the inwardly tapered opposing surfaces to define an interior deflector configured to deflect any loose flat strip-shaped articles contained within the receptacle portion from accidental alignment with the slit which would cause free extraction of said article; the engagement portion comprising: an opening at one side of the receptacle portion configured to receive at least a portion of a vertically oriented vial, the opening comprising a concave portion that matches at least a portion of the exterior contour of said vial, a retention structure configured for receiving the vial either laterally or vertically, and a support platform extending laterally from the base of the receptacle portion, the support platform being configured for supporting the vial within the retention structure.

The container may be configured to receive a plurality of flat, strip-shaped articles (e.g. blood glucose biosensors) which have been used or otherwise contaminated. In one aspect, the container includes a generally planar base having a periphery, a sidewall extending upwardly from the periphery of the base to a top opening, the base and sidewall defining an interior space having a receptacle portion and an engagement portion. The receptacle portion is located proximal to the base and configured for receiving and retaining a plurality of flat strip-shaped articles, such as blood glucose biosensors. The engagement portion is located distally to the base and is configured to detachably receive and retain a lower portion of a vial via a fitted engagement proximate to the top opening. In another aspect, the engagement portion engages the bottom of a biosensor supply vial in a bottom cap configuration, in a similar fashion as a pen and pen cap. The sidewall of the container has an insertion portion comprising a slit configured to receive a single flat strip-shaped article into the receptacle portion. In one aspect of this embodiment, the slit is oriented orthogonally to the base. The spacial arrangement of the slit may be inset from the sidewall. The interior surface may further comprise at least one internally extending ledge located downwardly spaced from the top opening. The ledge may be provided to delineate a transition from the engagement portion to the receptacle portion, and comprises a stop configured to prevent the portion of a supply vial received in the engagement portion from extending into the receptacle portion.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the fitted engagement proximate the top opening comprises a snap-fit system provided on the interior surface of the sidewall in the engagement portion.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the snap-fit system comprises a plurality of inwardly extending tabs on the interior surface of the sidewall in the engagement portion, the tabs being spaced apart downwardly from the top opening at or slightly above the ledge, and configured to frictionally engage a corresponding ridge provided on a lower portion of a vial inserted into the engagement portion.

In an alternative aspect of this embodiment, rather than a snap-fit system, the fitted engagement comprises a frictional retention arrangement wherein the top opening and an interior surface of the engagement portion are shaped according to the exterior dimensions of a lower portion of a vial to be inserted therein.

In an arrangement useful for understanding the present invention, the slit has a generally vertical orientation and the insertion portion is located in the sidewall at a location spaced upwardly from the base.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the slit has a length and width dimensioned to just accommodate the length and width of a flat strip-shaped article intended for insertion therethrough.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the length and width dimensions of the slit are no more than <NUM>% to <NUM>% larger than the cross-sectional length and width of a flat strip-shaped article intended for insertion therethrough, whereby the likelihood of accidental alignment of a loose article within the receptacle portion is minimized.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the base has a non-round shape.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the base comprises a generally oval shape and the sidewall in coordination with the base comprises a generally oval-shaped cylinder having opposing first and second rounded short ends, the insertion portion being located in the sidewall at one of the first and second short ends.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the sidewall extends upwardly from the base non-vertically such that interior angle between the base and the sidewall at the first short end is between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees less than <NUM> degrees, and the interior angle between the base and the sidewall at the second short end is a corresponding amount of degrees more than <NUM> degrees relative to the interior angle at the first short end.

In aspects of this embodiment in which the ledge does not extend entirely within the interior space to completely divide the receptacle portion from the engagement portion, the container may engage a correspondingly shaped vial, wherein the vial provides the divider and closes the receptacle portion from the environment other than as provided by the slit in the insertion portion of the sidewall. In that way, the container, when a user desires to discard any articles contained in the receptacle portion, can be removed from the engagement with the vial and thus expose the receptacle portion, wherein any articles may be appropriately discarded through the top opening.

In an arrangement useful for understanding the present invention, there is disclosed a disposal container removably mountable to a supply container, having a used-biosensor insertion portion provided in a wall of the container with a contour configured externally to guide deposit of a biosensor through a narrow slit and configured internally to deflect any loose biosensors from any accidental alignment with the slit which would cause free extraction of the biosensor. The insertion portion further comprises a pair of generally planar and rigid opposing surfaces tapered inwardly from an exterior of the sidewall to the slit, the slit being generally defined in the area where the tapered opposing surfaces converge, such that the spatial arrangement of the slit is inset from the sidewall. The tapered opposing surfaces are generally configured to facilitate alignment of a flat strip-shaped article for insertion through the slit into the receptacle portion. The wall further comprises an interior surface. The interior surface at the insertion portion is contoured in accordance with the inwardly tapered opposing surfaces to define an interior deflector configured to deflect any loose flat strip-shaped articles contained within the receptacle portion from accidental alignment with the slit which would cause free extraction of said article.

The wall may comprise an exterior surface portion configured for engagement with a vial. In one example, the exterior surface portion includes a concave side configured to receive a portion of a sidewall of a corresponding vial. In another example, the vial comprises an upstanding cylindrical shape, and the exterior surface portion of the disposal container receives a portion of the cylindrical sidewall from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees of the circumference of the vial.

In an embodiment, the exterior surface portion of the disposal container comprises at least one pair of clip arms configured for deflectable frictional engagement with a vial.

In yet another aspect, the disposal container comprises a bottom platform extending from a base of the disposal container for supporting a vial or other supply container to which the disposal container is mounted.

In yet another aspect of such embodiment, the disposal container comprises a hatch having a living hinge securing the hatch to the disposal container, wherein any contents of the disposal container deposited therein through the narrow slit may be emptied from the disposal container by opening the hatch. The hatch is then returned to a closed position in order to close the receptacle portion of the disposal container from the environment, other than through the narrow slit, for further use in receiving more articles such as used biosensors.

In yet another aspect of such embodiment, the insertion portion provided in a top wall of the disposal container further comprises brackets for aligning the disposal container with the hinge of a lid provided on a supply container (e.g. flip top vial), wherein the container is maintained in a generally fixed position relative to the disposal container. In addition, by aligning the hinge of a flip top vial between brackets which flank the insertion portion in the top wall of the disposal container, the vial lid obstructs the use of the insertion portion, leading to the advantage that the insertion portion is isolated from unused biosensors that are provided in the vial, when the lid of the vial is in an open position.

In other embodiments, the disposal container may include means for seeing inside the receptacle portion. In one aspect, at least a portion of the upstanding wall or upwardly extending sidewall comprises a transparent or translucent window enabling visualization of the interior space of the receptacle portion. In another aspect, the wall or sidewall, at least about the receptacle portion, is comprised of a transparent or translucent material, such as a transparent plastic, so that the majority if not entirety, as desired, of the interior space of the receptacle portion can be seen by a user through the material. In such aspects of a window or use of a transparent or translucent material, a user is able to monitor the fill-level of the receptacle portion, and/determine when the receptacle portion of the container has reached a capacity that should be emptied for further use.

In yet other embodiments, the interior surface at the narrow slit of the insertion portion includes a protrusion that cooperates with the interior deflector formed by the contour of the interior surface at the insertion portion to further prevent accidental extraction of biosensors out of the container through the slit.

In yet other embodiments, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the disposal container is configured for enhanced gripping by a user. For example, in one aspect, the exterior surface may be formed integrally with portions providing surface features or contours that provide a tactile grip when handled by a user's fingertips. Alternatively, a separate material, such as non-slip rubber, may be added to at least a portion of the exterior surface, such as a plurality of raised 'dots' or similar surface features that provide a natural tactile grip for users. Such enhanced gripping is conducive to providing a user better handling of the disposal container when, e.g., attaching it to or detaching it from a corresponding supply vial.

The invention is to be explained in more detail by the following figures and examples.

The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference is made to the following detailed descriptions and examples, which are intended to illustrate the present invention.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail; although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

The present invention generally concerns a disposal container <NUM> for used or contaminated articles <NUM> having a generally flat, strip-shaped configuration, such as biological fluid sample biosensors like blood glucose test strips, wherein the container is releasably mountable to a vial <NUM> or other container supplying unused articles, and has a unique insertion portion <NUM> designed to facilitate insertion of the articles into a receptacle portion <NUM> of the container and prevent removal or extraction (accidental or purposeful) of the articles from the receptacle portion. As a general principle, the disposal container of the present invention is adaptable in its external profile configuration for use with a variety of different vials.

The present invention comprises a disposal container <NUM> removably mountable to a supply container <NUM>, having a used-biosensor insertion portion <NUM> provided in a wall <NUM> of the container with a contour configured externally to guide deposit of a biosensor <NUM> through a narrow slit <NUM> and configured internally to deflect any loose biosensors <NUM>' from any accidental alignment with the slit which would cause free extraction of the biosensor.

The insertion portion <NUM> of the present invention generally comprises the slit <NUM> and the contoured portion <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The insertion portion <NUM> exteriorly defines a pair of generally planar opposing surfaces <NUM> tapered inwardly in a 'V' configuration toward the slit <NUM> which is defined by the convergence <NUM> of the tapered surfaces <NUM>. The tapered surfaces <NUM> generally serve to funnel flat, strip-shaped articles <NUM> toward and into alignment with the slit <NUM> for easy insertion through the slit. Interiorly, the wall <NUM> of the container at the insertion portion <NUM> defines a deflector <NUM> which serves to deflect loose articles <NUM>' away from the slit <NUM>, generally preventing articles from extraction back through the slit.

The position of the insertion portion <NUM> on the disposal container <NUM> may be determined according to the overall configuration of the container and the shape of the vial <NUM> or other supply container to which the disposal container may be mounted. In general, the location is selected to optimize the effectiveness of the deflector <NUM> to prevent any loose articles <NUM>' from becoming perfectly aligned with the slit <NUM> in a way that allows such article to pass back through the slit and out of the container. In an arrangement useful for understanding the invention, the insertion portion <NUM> is located on a sidewall <NUM> of the disposal container and in an orientation orthogonal to the bottom <NUM> of the container. In other arrangements useful for understanding the invention, the insertion portion <NUM> is located on a sidewall <NUM> of the disposal container <NUM> and spaced upwardly from the bottom <NUM> of the container. In accordance with the present invention, the insertion portion <NUM> is provided in a top wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The articles <NUM>' may generally settle at the bottom of the container and require the container to be shaken or otherwise turned upside down in order to even attempt to align a loose article <NUM>' for extraction through the slit <NUM>, but wherein the deflector <NUM> effectively deflects articles away from the slit. Other useful selections for the location of the insertion portion <NUM> in the container <NUM> may become apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the description of the present invention herein.

According to the arrangement, useful for understanding the invention, shown in <FIG>, the disposal container <NUM> is configured to be releasably mounted to a non-round vial <NUM>', and is mounted to such vial in a bottom cap configuration <NUM> wherein the container <NUM> may be snap-fit or friction-fit to the bottom <NUM> of the vial <NUM>'. It will be appreciated that the external configuration of the container may, for ornamental purposes, be matched to the external configuration of the vial, such that the container may appear as merely an extension to the vial. Thus, for example, where an oval vial such as the vial used for holding ACCU-CHEK Guide test strips has a 'forward lean' as viewed from a side profile perspective (wherein the front wall of the vial defines an obtuse angle with the base of the vial whereas the rear wall of the vial defines an acute angle with the base of the vial), the disposal container in some embodiments of the present invention may similarly be configured with a complementary 'forward lean' as may be seen in <FIG>, wherein the angle α of the bottom <NUM> and the front wall <NUM> is generally obtuse, whereas the angle β between the bottom <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> is generally acute. In one aspect, angle α is greater than <NUM> degrees and no more than <NUM> degrees, and angle β is less than <NUM> degrees and more than <NUM> degrees. In other aspects, the angles α and β are generally equivalently greater than and less than, respectively, <NUM> degrees so as to configure the front <NUM> and rear <NUM> walls essentially parallel to each other.

The container <NUM> as shown comprises a generally planar base <NUM> having a periphery <NUM> and a sidewall <NUM> extending upwardly from the periphery to a top opening <NUM>. The base <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> define an interior space <NUM> comprising a receptacle portion <NUM>, where loose articles <NUM>' are retained after insertion into the container, and an engagement portion <NUM> configured to retainably receive a portion of the exterior of a corresponding vial. In this embodiment, the engagement portion <NUM> is configured to receive a portion of the bottom end <NUM> of a non-round vial <NUM>' as shown in <FIG>.

The receptacle portion <NUM> in this embodiment is located proximal to the base <NUM> and and is sized and configured for receiving and retaining a plurality of flat, strip-shaped articles <NUM> such as biosensors, and further such as blood glucose test strips. The engagement portion <NUM> is located distally to the base <NUM> and configured to detachably receive and retain a portion of a vial. The engagement is generally a fitted engagement in which a portion of the vial is received through the top opening <NUM>. In one aspect, the fitted engagement comprises a snap-fit engagement, structural aspects of which are described further hereinbelow. In another aspect, the fitted engagement comprises a frictional engagement, such as engagement of a pen cap with either the writing-end or the bottom end of a pen.

Selectively located in the sidewall <NUM> adjacent the receptacle portion <NUM> is an insertion portion <NUM> comprising a slit <NUM> or other narrowed opening configured to receive a single flat, strip-shaped article <NUM> for passage from the external environment to the interior space <NUM> of the receptacle portion <NUM>. The insertion portion <NUM> generally comprises a pair of generally planar opposing surfaces <NUM> tapered inwardly from an exterior <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM> to the slit <NUM>. The slit <NUM> is generally defined at the convergence <NUM> of the opposing surfaces <NUM>. In one aspect, the opposing surfaces <NUM> have a 'V' configuration in order to funnel and orient a flat, strip-shaped article <NUM> for passage through the slit <NUM> into the receptacle portion <NUM>. As such, the configuration of opposing surfaces <NUM> facilitate alignment of the article <NUM> with the slit <NUM>.

Within the interior space <NUM>, the sidewall <NUM> comprises an interior surface <NUM> having various elements as herein described with regard to particular embodiments. In one such embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the interior surface <NUM> is contoured or otherwise provided with at least one ledge <NUM> spaced downwardly from the top opening <NUM>, which delineates a transition from the engagement portion <NUM> to the receptacle portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> or in <FIG>, at least one ledge <NUM> comprising a shoulder <NUM> may be provided where the engagement portion <NUM> abuts the receptacle portion <NUM> such that a vial <NUM> received through the top opening <NUM> may only proceed to engage the engagement portion <NUM> up to the shoulder <NUM>, which serves as a stop element when the bottom of the vial reaches the shoulder. Alternatively or in addition, at least one ledge <NUM> comprises an inwardly extending rib or tab <NUM>. In one aspect, the rib or tab <NUM> comprises one feature of a snap-fit system for providing a snap-fit engagement with a vial <NUM> having a corresponding feature provided partially or fully about the bottom periphery of the vial. A person of ordinary skill will come to understand the typical nature of such snap-fit engagement systems, including opposing resiliently deflectable ribs or tabs which are engaged to releasably retain one structure being received within a cavity of another structure.

The interior surface <NUM> of the sidewall at the insertion portion <NUM> follows the contour defined by the inwardly tapered opposing surfaces <NUM>, and the result defines an interior deflector <NUM> that deflects loose articles away from the slit <NUM>. That is, the deflector acts essentially as the opposite of the funnelling action resulting from the inwardly tapered opposing surfaces <NUM> when a flat, strip-shaped article is presented to be deposited into the receptacle portion <NUM> through the slit <NUM>, and significantly decreases the likelihood of an accidental alignment of a loose article <NUM>' with the slit which might permit free extraction or removal of the article from the receptacle portion.

As shown more clearly in <FIG>, the insertion portion <NUM> is selectively located in the sidewall <NUM>, spaced upwardly from the base <NUM>, to enable more secure retention of an article <NUM>' within the receptacle portion <NUM>. Further, as may be more clearly shown in <FIG>, the slit <NUM> is oriented orthogonally to the base <NUM>. In this orientation, it is even more difficult or unlikely for a loose article <NUM>' such as a flat, strip-shaped biosensor, which most likely will lay in the receptacle portion <NUM> in a generally horizontal orientation, from re-orienting to a vertical position which would be required for perfect alignment with the slit <NUM>.

In one aspect, the slit <NUM> is dimensioned in order to receive a narrow end <NUM> of a long, flat, strip-shaped article <NUM>. This dimension not only requires a very specific alignment of the article for passage of the article through the slit, it also minimizes the area of the opening between the external environment and the interior space <NUM> of the receptacle portion <NUM>. In other aspects, the dimension of the slit <NUM> has a length and width corresponding to the length and width of the end <NUM> of an article intended for deposit into the receptacle portion plus a minimal percentage overage at each of the length and width to sufficiently enable the passage of the article <NUM>. In further aspects, the dimension of the length and width of the slit is no more than <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than each of the respective length and width dimensions of the article.

As shown in the arrangement of <FIG>, which is useful for understanding the invention, the insertion portion <NUM> is located at a front wall <NUM> of the disposal container <NUM>, wherein 'front' is relative to the particular vial shown in the drawings for purposes of context for such embodiment. It will be understood upon having this disclosure that the insertion portion might also be located in either of the long sides <NUM> of the non-round container <NUM>', or in a back wall <NUM> of non-round container <NUM>'. Further, the orientation of the 'front' of the vial is not limiting as to the scope of any claims relating to this embodiment, and indeed a non-round vial <NUM>' may have a lid <NUM> that hinges either at a long side or on a short side of the non-round vial.

Referring now to <FIG>, in accordance with the present invention, the disposal container <NUM> the insertion portion <NUM>' is located in a top wall <NUM> of the disposal container, and the container is configured for mountable engagement with a round flip top vial <NUM>". The manner of engagement by an engagement portion in such embodiments can be varied by design preference.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the engagement portion <NUM>' and the receptacle portion <NUM>' are side by side, in contrast to the top-to-bottom relation of the embodiment of <FIG>. In the side by side relation, the engagement portion <NUM>' receives at least a portion of a vertically oriented round flip top vial <NUM>", and is configured accordingly with a concave portion <NUM> that matches the exterior contour <NUM> of the round vial <NUM>". As shown in this embodiment, the manner of engagement for achieving the releasable mounting of the container <NUM> to the vial <NUM>" comprises at least one retention structure <NUM> for partially or fully encompassing at least a portion of the circumference of the vial <NUM>". In one aspect, the retention structure <NUM> comprises at least one pair of opposing resiliently deflectable clip arms <NUM> wherein the vial <NUM>" may engage the container <NUM> either by laterally forcing the vial between the clip arms <NUM> or by sliding the vial downwardly into the grip of the clip arms. In another aspect, the retention structure <NUM> comprises a ring <NUM> through which the vial <NUM>" is slid. In a typical round flip top vial <NUM>", such as is used to contain, e.g., ACCU-CHEK Aviva blood glucose test strips, a flange <NUM> located about the top opening <NUM> of the vial serves as a stop so that the vial <NUM>"does not slide entirely through the ring <NUM>. In yet another aspect, the engagement portion <NUM>' comprises a support platform <NUM> extending laterally from the base <NUM>' of the receptacle portion <NUM>' for supporting a vial engaged in the retention structure <NUM> of the engagement portion50'. In either aspect of clip arms <NUM> or ring <NUM> or support platform <NUM>, the radius should be configured to engage a sufficiently tight fit of the vial <NUM>" within the retention structure <NUM> such that the vial is frictionally secured to achieve robust and stable engagement of the vial with the engagement portion <NUM>'.

In contrast to the arrangement shown in <FIG> in which the opening is provided at the top of the container, in one aspect of the embodiment of <FIG> and more clearly seen in <FIG>, the walls <NUM>' of the container <NUM> define a side opening <NUM>' wherein the interior space <NUM>' of the receptacle portion <NUM>' is open laterally, adjacent the engagement portion <NUM>', such that the receptacle portion <NUM>' is closed to the environment (other than through the slit <NUM>' of the insertion portion <NUM>') only when a vial <NUM>" is engaged with the engagement portion <NUM>'. In this way, as can be seen in <FIG>, the receptacle portion <NUM>' may be emptied of any contents by disengaging the vial <NUM>" and releasing the contents <NUM>' through the side opening <NUM>'. In this aspect, the concave portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> at the engagement portion <NUM>' is closely contoured to match an exterior surface <NUM> of the vial in order to close off the side opening <NUM>' while in use for storage of used or contaminated articles <NUM>'. Also in this aspect, the arms <NUM> of retention structure <NUM> are similarly configured to secure the vial against the side opening.

In other aspects of the embodiment of <FIG>, the walls <NUM>' of the container fully encompass the interior space <NUM>' of the container except for the access enabled by the presence of the slit <NUM>' in the insertion portion. As such, the container of this aspect is not generally able to be emptied of its contents <NUM>', resulting in disposal of the entire container <NUM> when full or no longer in use.

<FIG> show alternative aspects (<FIG> and <FIG>) wherein the retention structure <NUM> of the engagement portion <NUM>' of the container <NUM> comprises a cupped support platform <NUM> that receives a vial <NUM>" and releasably retains it adjacent the receptacle portion <NUM>' in a frictional engagement. The cupped support platform <NUM> may comprise, for example, an upwardly extending peripheral wall <NUM> rising from the periphery of a cup bottom. In one aspect, as shown in <FIG>, the retention structure <NUM> is a static element of the container <NUM> and integrally manufactured adjacent the receptacle portion <NUM>'. Similar to the embodiment of <FIG>, in one aspect the receptacle portion <NUM>' may define a side opening <NUM>' which is closed by engagement of the container <NUM> with a vial <NUM>" whereby the interior space <NUM>' of the receptacle portion <NUM>' may be emptied when the container is not engaged with a vial, or in another aspect there is no side opening and the walls <NUM>' of the container <NUM> fully encompass the interior space <NUM>'of the container except for the access enabled by the presence of the slit <NUM>' in the insertion portion <NUM>'. Whether the side opening <NUM>' is provided or not is a design choice depending on the desire to make the container emptiable (for further use) or not (i.e. as a single-use disposable).

In an alternative aspect more clearly shown in <FIG>, the retention structure <NUM> further comprises a hatch <NUM> operable to close off the interior space <NUM>' of the receptacle portion <NUM>' or to open up a portion of the receptacle portion to enable emptying the contents thereof. In one aspect, the hatch <NUM> comprises a planar closing surface <NUM> having a rim <NUM>, wherein the closing surface <NUM> and the rim <NUM> cooperate as a cap <NUM> that frictionally engages a periphery <NUM> of an opening <NUM>" defined by sidewalls <NUM>' at a lower end <NUM> of the receptacle portion <NUM>' when the hatch <NUM> is in a closed position. In another aspect, the hatch <NUM> also comprises the cupped support platform <NUM> for the retaining structure <NUM>, wherein the retaining structure further comprises an annular ring <NUM> configured to receive the lower portion <NUM>' of a vial <NUM>" and the closing surface <NUM> and rim <NUM> engage the annular ring <NUM> when the hatch is in the closed position. The hatch <NUM> may be hingedly mounted to the annular ring <NUM>, wherein the hatch pivots at a living hinge <NUM> in order to reposition from the open position to the closed position and vice versa.

As may be more clearly illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, embodiments of the container <NUM> having the insertion portion <NUM>' on the top wall <NUM>, the container <NUM> may include brackets <NUM> flanking the insertion portion <NUM>' for aligning the container with the hinge of the lid <NUM>, in order to obstruct the insertion portion when the vial lid is in an open position. As previously described, positioning the hinge between brackets <NUM> maintains the vial <NUM>" in a generally fixed position relative to the container <NUM>. In addition, by aligning the hinge of the vial <NUM>" between the brackets, thereby obstructing the use of the insertion portion <NUM>', the insertion portion becomes relatively isolated from unused biosensors that are provided in the vial, during the time the lid <NUM> is in an open position.

It will be appreciated in view of this disclosure that the embodiment of <FIG> may alternatively be configured for a lateral (side-by-side) engagement of a non-round vial, such as an oval vial. An exemplary oval vial is one which is used to contain, e.g., ACCU-CHEK Guide blood glucose test strips. Whether the disposal container is configured to engage a round or non-round vial is essentially a design choice as to which vial configuration the container is intended to be paired for use. Otherwise, the structural elements should largely remain the same albeit with the possibility of minor and straightforward orientation or contour alterations.

The embodiments of the disposal container of the present invention can be manufactured with any appropriate material for achieving the benefits and advantages of the invention as claimed. In some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the container is made of a semi-pliable plastic, such as a polycarbonate plastic. In other aspects of the disclosed embodiment, the container is made of a high density flexible plastic. In yet other embodiments, the container is made of a biocidal material such as a semi-pliable biocidal plastic material which provides a risk mitigation in connection with used or otherwise contaminated biosensors deposited into the receptacle portion to prevent or reduce any hygienic concerns with having a receptacle filled with potentially biohazardous biosensors used to analyze bodily fluids such as blood.

For those aspects of the embodiments wherein the container is made of a plastic material, the method of forming the container may be any suitable formation method relating to plastics, such as blow molding, injection molding, and the like. A person of ordinary skill will come to understand, based on the disclosure herein, appropriate methods of manufacture for containers made of plastic materials as well as other methods of manufacture that may be appropriate for embodiments of the container which may be made of, for example, metal or rubber, which may also provide a sufficiently durable material for the container of the present invention to ensure a durable, robust and resilient container.

It will be appreciated upon review of this disclosure that the arrangement of <FIG> may alternatively be configured for a bottom cap engagement of a round vial <NUM>", such as a flip top vial. Exemplary arrangements of such alternative may be better understood by reference to <FIG>, wherein like elements are numerically referenced using a single-prime (') or double-prime (") designation, such as <NUM>", <NUM>", <NUM>", etc. An exemplary round flip top vial is one which is used to contain, e.g., ACCU-CHEK Aviva blood glucose test strips. Whether the disposal container <NUM> is configured to engage a round <NUM>" or non-round <NUM>' vial is essentially a design choice as to which vial configuration the container is intended to be paired for use. Otherwise, the structural elements should largely remain the same albeit with the possibility of minor and straightforward orientation or contour alterations.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a non-slip or other grip enhancing coating or surface feature may be provided as desired on the exterior <NUM> of sidewall <NUM> or portions thereof. <FIG> illustrates exemplary arrangements (a) through (d) wherein the exterior surface <NUM>, <NUM>' is either integrally formed with areas having surface features or contours <NUM> that provide a tactile grip when handled manually by a user; or alternatively coated in one or more areas with a separate material <NUM>, such as non-slip rubber. Features/contours <NUM> and material <NUM> may be in the form of raised dots, depressed dimples, raised or depressed waves, raised or depressed scales, cross-hatching, or any other form which provides a natural tactile grip for users.

One advantage of the present invention previously noted as an area for improvement regarding biosensor disposal practices is that the reusable nature of the disclosed container avoids separate self-contained and disposable (i.e. single-use) disposal containers from adding to the volume of discarded articles for trash or landfill collection, wherein having a container that retains biosensors while in use but can be emptied for further use not only saves waste from the container itself but also reduces the resources that would otherwise be required for manufacture of single-use containers that are always discarded when filled. However, whereas previous embodiments have been designed with the ability for a user to dispose of used test strips and "reuse" the container, according to an alternative embodiment a boundary wall divides the receptacle portion from the engagement portion of the container in order to provide a completely closed receptacle portion. In such embodiments, the engagement portion is still configured to detachably receive a vial, but once the receptacle portion is filled with used biosensors, the container is discarded. However, in order to achieve a similar advantage, a usage protocol is provided wherein the container may be sent by the user to a medical waste management and/or recycling center. For purposes of further clarification, the receptacle portion is completely closed on all sides except for the slit where the used biosensor insertion is possible. Alternatively, the boundary wall may be configured for closure of the receptacle portion after one or more times of filling the receptacle with used biosensors. In such embodiments, shipping of "contaminated" (or used) biosensors to a medical waste management and/or recycling center can be arranged, such as according to a protocol in which, e.g., a vendor supplies specially detailed mail pouches for shipping of used strips through a mail carrier system.

The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawings may be important both individually and in any combination with one another for implementing the invention in its various embodiments.

It is noted that terms like "preferably", "commonly", and "typically" are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the term "substantially" is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term "substantially" is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

There is disclosed, in an arrangement useful for understanding the invention, a container comprising a generally planar base having a periphery; a sidewall extending upwardly from the periphery of the base to a top opening, the base and sidewall defining an interior space having a receptacle portion and an engagement portion, the receptacle portion located proximal to the base and configured for receiving and retaining a plurality of flat strip-shaped articles, and the engagement portion located distally to the base and configured to detachably receive and retain a lower portion of a vial via a fitted engagement proximate to the top opening; the sidewall having an insertion portion comprising a slit configured to receive a single flat strip-shaped article into the receptacle portion, the insertion portion further comprising a pair of generally planar and rigid opposing surfaces tapered inwardly from an exterior of the sidewall to the slit, the slit being generally defined in the area where the tapered opposing surfaces converge, the tapered opposing surfaces being configured to facilitate alignment of a flat strip-shaped article for insertion through the slit into the receptacle portion; the sidewall further comprising an interior surface, wherein the interior surface in the engagement portion is contoured to define at least one ledge spaced downwardly from the top opening and delineating a transition from the engagement portion to the receptacle portion, wherein the at least one ledge comprises a stop configured to prevent the portion of a vial received in the engagement portion from extending into the receptacle portion; and wherein the interior surface at the insertion portion is contoured in accordance with the inwardly tapered opposing surfaces to define an interior deflector configured to deflect any loose flat strip-shaped articles contained within the receptacle portion from accidental alignment with the slit which would cause free extraction of said article.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a container configured for mountable engagement with a round vial, comprising a receptacle portion and an engagement portion, the receptacle portion comprising a generally upstanding cylinder having a base, an upstanding wall, and a top wall having an insertion portion comprising a slit configured to receive a single flat strip-shaped article into the receptacle portion, the insertion portion further comprising a pair of generally planar and rigid opposing surfaces tapered inwardly from an exterior of the sidewall to the slit, the slit being generally defined in the area where the tapered opposing surfaces converge, the tapered opposing surfaces being configured to facilitate alignment of a flat strip-shaped article for insertion through the slit into the receptacle portion, the interior surface at the insertion portion being contoured in accordance with the inwardly tapered opposing surfaces to define an interior deflector configured to deflect any loose flat strip-shaped articles contained within the receptacle portion from accidental alignment with the slit which would cause free extraction of said article, the engagement portion comprising an opening at one side of the receptacle portion configured to receive at least a portion of a vertically oriented round vial, the opening comprising a concave portion that matches the exterior contour of said round vial, the engagement portion further comprising a retention structure having at least one pair of opposing resiliently deflectable clip arms configured for receiving the round vial either laterally or vertically, and a support platform extending laterally from a base of the receptacle portion configured for supporting a vial engaged in the retention structure.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a container configured for mountable engagement with a round vial, comprising a receptacle portion and an engagement portion, the receptacle portion comprising a generally upstanding cylinder having a base, an upstanding wall, and a top wall having an insertion portion comprising a slit configured to receive a single flat strip-shaped article into the receptacle portion, the insertion portion further comprising a pair of generally planar and rigid opposing surfaces tapered inwardly from an exterior of the sidewall to the slit, the slit being generally defined in the area where the tapered opposing surfaces converge, the tapered opposing surfaces being configured to facilitate alignment of a flat strip-shaped article for insertion through the slit into the receptacle portion, the interior surface at the insertion portion being contoured in accordance with the inwardly tapered opposing surfaces to define an interior deflector configured to deflect any loose flat strip-shaped articles contained within the receptacle portion from accidental alignment with the slit which would cause free extraction of said article, the engagement portion comprising an opening at one side of the receptacle portion configured to receive at least a portion of a vertically oriented round vial, the opening comprising a concave portion that matches the exterior contour of said round vial, the engagement portion further comprising a retention structure comprising a cupped support platform extending laterally from a base of the receptacle portion configured for supporting and retaining a vial engaged in the retention structure, the base and the cupped support platform including a hatch hingedly connected at one side of the periphery of the base which operates to open or close the receptacle portion at the base, and to provide the cup bottom to support the vial when in a closed position.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a container configured for mountable engagement with a round vial, comprising a receptacle portion and an engagement portion, the receptacle portion comprising a generally upstanding cylinder having a base, an upstanding wall, and a top wall having an insertion portion comprising a slit configured to receive a single flat strip-shaped article into the receptacle portion, the insertion portion further comprising a pair of generally planar and rigid opposing surfaces tapered inwardly from an exterior of the sidewall to the slit, the slit being generally defined in the area where the tapered opposing surfaces converge, the tapered opposing surfaces being configured to facilitate alignment of a flat strip-shaped article for insertion through the slit into the receptacle portion, the interior surface at the insertion portion being contoured in accordance with the inwardly tapered opposing surfaces to define an interior deflector configured to deflect any loose flat strip-shaped articles contained within the receptacle portion from accidental alignment with the slit which would cause free extraction of said article, , the engagement portion comprising an opening at one side of the receptacle portion configured to receive at least a portion of a vertically oriented round vial, the opening comprising a concave portion that matches the exterior contour of said round vial, the engagement portion further comprising a retention structure comprising a cupped support platform extending laterally from a base of the receptacle portion configured for supporting and retaining a vial engaged in the retention structure.

In an arrangement useful for understanding the invention, t the container is configured for mountable attachment to a vial having a non-round configuration such as is shown in <FIG>, or to a vial having a round configuration such as is shown in <FIG>.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the exterior of the sidewall comprises a non-slip surface feature configured to provide a tactile grip for a user. The surface feature may comprise integrally formed surface features in the exterior sidewall, and/or may comprise features formed by a surface material applied to the exterior of the sidewall.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, t at least a portion of the upstanding wall or upwardly extending sidewall comprises a transparent or translucent window enabling visualization of the interior space of the receptacle portion. Alternatively, the container at least about the receptacle portion, is comprised of a transparent or translucent material such that the majority if not entirety of the interior space of the receptacle portion can be seen by a user. In such embodiments, a user of the container is able to visually inspect and discern the level of fill of the receptacle portion with used biosensors in order to determine whether a need exists to empty the receptacle portion for further use.

Claim 1:
A container (<NUM>) configured for mountable engagement with a vial (<NUM>") comprising:
a receptacle portion (<NUM>') and an engagement portion (<NUM>'), the receptacle portion comprising
a generally upstanding cylinder having a base, an upstanding wall (<NUM>'), and a top wall (<NUM>);
the top wall including an insertion portion comprising a slit (<NUM>') configured to receive a single flat strip-shaped article (<NUM>) into the receptacle portion;
the insertion portion further comprising a pair of generally planar and rigid opposing surfaces (<NUM>') tapered inwardly from an exterior to the slit, the slit being generally defined in the area where the tapered opposing surfaces converge, the tapered opposing surfaces being configured to facilitate alignment of a flat strip-shaped article for insertion through the slit into the receptacle portion, the interior surface at the insertion portion being contoured in accordance with the inwardly tapered opposing surfaces to define an interior deflector configured to deflect any loose flat strip-shaped articles contained within the receptacle portion from accidental alignment with the slit which would cause free extraction of said article;
the engagement portion comprising:
an opening (<NUM>') at one side of the receptacle portion configured to receive at least a portion of a vertically oriented vial, the opening comprising a concave portion (<NUM>) that matches at least a portion of the exterior contour (<NUM>) of said vial,
a retention structure (<NUM>) configured for receiving the vial either laterally or vertically, and
a support platform (<NUM>) extending laterally from the base of the receptacle portion, the support platform being configured for supporting the vial within the retention structure.