Patent ID: 12251244

The figures are schematic and are intended to serve only for the comprehension of the invention. The same elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The features of the different embodiments can be interchanged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1to3illustrate a mesh sterilizing tray system2according to the invention as set forth in a preferred embodiment comprising a mesh sterilizing tray4and comprising an already placed mesh tray lid1according to the invention as set forth in a preferred embodiment at the two opposite rim/edge portions6,8of which a respective detent and/or snap-in device10(as closure unit) is disposed, the latter being positioned or positionable at the mesh tray lid1so that a mesh tray handle402,404hinged to the mesh sterilizing tray4can engage, when the handle is pivoted, in the detent and/or snap-in device10like a rod-shaped bar and, thus, can secure the mesh tray lid1on the mesh sterilizing tray4. The mesh tray lid1placed on the mesh sterilizing tray4defines an outer surface12that faces away from the mesh sterilizing tray4.

The detent and/or snap-in device10is configured so that it can receive the bail-type mesh tray handles402,404of the mesh sterilizing tray4, shaped in the form of a curved rod each from a direction substantially perpendicular to the outer side12of the mesh tray lid1, in a force-fit manner and positively and couple or clip them by clamping. For this purpose, each of the two detent and/or snap-in devices10includes an elastically configured clip-type detent and snap-in portion or a clip portion14, the receiving opening16of which is oriented, for receiving the mesh tray handles402,404, to project perpendicularly from the outer side12. The clip portion14includes two opposite spring tabs18so as to receive and press-fit the mesh tray handle402,404or a rod-shaped bar or rod-shaped bar portion20of the mesh tray handles402,404therebetween, and, in this way, to receive it in a force-fit manner and positively and to couple it by clamping.

The function of securing the mesh sterilizing tray system2and the interaction between the mesh tray lid1according to the invention and the mesh sterilizing tray4shall be explained hereinafter with a detailed description of the detent and/or snap-in device10and the mesh sterilizing tray4comprising the mesh tray handles402,404.

The clip portion14of the detent and/or snap-in device10includes, situated between the two spring tabs18, a respective receiving channel22in which the respective received rod-shaped bar portion20of the mesh tray handles402,404can be positively received. Accordingly, a direction of the longitudinal axis L of the receiving channel22is both parallel to the edge portions6,8and, with the mesh tray lid1being placed, parallel to the rod-shaped bar portions20of the mesh tray handles402,404. When the mesh tray handles402,404are pivoted to a folding position and engage in the detent and/or snap-in device10, the rod-shaped bar portion20of the mesh tray handles402,404is finally coaxial to the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the receiving channel22. The receiving opening16of the receiving channel22is in the form of a receiving slit and, along its extension, has a constant opening width24that is (slightly) smaller than both a diameter of the receiving channel22and a diameter25of the rod-shaped bar20of the mesh tray handles402,404. The constriction causes two opposite detent lugs or detent projections26to be formed in the clip portion14of the detent and snap-in device10.

The two detent and snap-in devices10are identically configured and are made in one piece/integrally from a material of defined inherent elasticity. In particular, the material of the detent and snap-in device10is a sterilizable and heat-resistant elastomer. The detent and snap-in device10and, thus, also the clip portion14is rendered elastic by the elastomer so that the two opposite detent projections26of the clip portion14can be pushed apart against their pretension caused by an elastic deformation. The term ‘elastic’ in this context means that the material has such an elasticity that the detent projections26of the clip portion14can be manually pushed apart so that the opening width24may temporarily adopt the diameter of the receiving channel22or, resp., the diameter25of the rod-shaped bar20and the constriction is temporarily cancelled. In order to allow the mesh tray handles402,404to couple and uncouple or, resp., to engage and disengage even better in and from the detent and snap-in device10, the detent projections26include a respective ramp/ramp structure28on both their side facing away from the outer side12and their side facing the outer side12.

However, each of the bail-type mesh tray handles402,404is hinged, rotatably or pivotally about an axis of rotation D1, D2, at the inside or at the tray inside to two opposite short side faces410of a circumferential wall408of the mesh sterilizing tray4that extends perpendicularly to a bottom surface406. Each of the axes of rotation D1, D2is in parallel to the short side face410. The bail-type mesh tray handles402,404may be pivoted about their axes of rotation D1, D2, starting from a grasping/unfolding position pointing substantially vertically upwards, inwards into the mesh sterilizing tray4or vice versa. The bail-type mesh tray handles402,404are articulated to an upper portion, when viewed inFIG.1, of the short side faces410that faces away from the bottom surface406.

When the two mesh tray handles402,404are positioned in a grasping position, the mesh tray lid1can be placed onto the mesh sterilizing tray4, wherein the two mesh tray handles402,404can further be (manually) reached from outside, even after the lid has been placed. For this purpose, the mesh tray lid1includes, at each of the two opposite edge portions6,8, a recess/groove30that extends along the edge portions6,8. The recesses30of the mesh tray lid1are configured such that they recess the mesh tray handles402,404. In this way, the mesh tray lid1can be inserted between the mesh tray handles402,404in the grasping position.

At each of its four edges, the mesh tray lid1has an (inverted) collar/attaching channel32that projects from the outer side12and, resp., from the edges of the mesh tray lid1toward the mesh sterilizing tray4. The collars32are made by means of a bending process as a re-forming process. At two long edges34of the mesh tray lid1having a substantially rectangular basic form, the collar32extends almost entirely along the edge34. At two short edges36of the mesh tray lid1which also constitute the edge portion6,8, the collar32is formed outside the area of the mesh tray handles402,404. All of the collars32are located at the same height and, resp., in a common plane.

When the mesh tray lid1is placed onto the mesh sterilizing tray4, the collar32encompasses an upper peripheral rim414of the circumferential wall408. Thus, the mesh tray lid1is positively fixed and merely has a degree of freedom perpendicularly to the outer side12and, resp., in the vertical direction in order to lift the mesh tray lid1off the mesh sterilizing tray4again.

When the two mesh tray handles402,404are pivoted, starting from the grasping position, about their axes of rotation D1, D2inwards into the sterilizing tray4, they rest exactly on the receiving opening16symmetrically between the two detent projections26, due to the detent and snap-in device10adapted to the mesh tray handles402,404and a fitting arrangement/positioning relative to each other. A central handle portion416of the mesh tray handles402,404which extends in parallel to the axis of rotation D1, D2and is rod-shaped constitutes the rod-shaped bar portion20of the mesh tray handles402,404. When the two mesh tray handles402,404are pivoted further inwards, or when compressive force is applied to the mesh tray handles402,404perpendicularly onto the outer side12of the mesh tray lid1, the mesh tray handles402,404engage in the clip portion14. Hence, compressive force on the mesh tray handles402,404is continued to be increased in the direction perpendicular to the outer side12, until the rod-shaped bar portion20has pushed the two detent projections26of the receiving opening16elastically apart by means of the ramp structure28so that the opening width24temporarily corresponds to the diameter25of the rod-shaped bar20and thereafter engages and snaps in the receiving channel22positively and in a force-fit manner.

When the mesh tray handles402,404are finally received positively and in a force-fit manner in the respective detent and snap-in device10as a closure unit, the mesh tray handles402,404together with the detent and snap-in devices10realize a closure of the mesh tray lid1with the mesh sterilizing tray4and, resp., a closure of the mesh sterilizing tray system2. The mesh tray handles402,404are in a folding position and the mesh tray lid1can no longer be removed from the mesh sterilizing tray4.

Analogously to the foregoing procedure, the mesh tray handles402,404can be disengaged or uncoupled again. To this end, the mesh tray handles402,404are forced or pressed substantially perpendicularly (upward) away from the outer side12, wherein the two detent projections26are forced apart by means of the ramp structure28again.

When the mesh sterilizing tray4is to be carried by hand, the two mesh tray handles402,404can be manually disengaged, and the mesh sterilizing tray4can be carried together with the mesh tray lid1by means of the mesh tray handles402,404. In so doing, the mesh tray handles402,404act directly upon the mesh sterilizing tray4so that, in contrast to the state of the art, inadvertent release of the mesh tray lid1will not result in the entire content of the mesh sterilizing tray4falling out.

In the mesh sterilizing tray system2, closing of the mesh tray lid1on the mesh sterilizing tray4is performed by engaging the mesh tray handles402,404in the detent and snap-in device10and enables easy and safe closing, wherein the closure concept enables the mesh sterilizing tray4to be carried at the mesh tray handles402,404, and carrying at the mesh tray lid1is not required.

For manually placing and removing the mesh tray lid1, the detent and snap-in device10includes two grip surfaces38facing away from each other which are preferably configured in parallel to each other and thus project substantially perpendicularly from the outer side12. Said grip surfaces38serve for manual gripping and handling of the detent and snap-in device10and thus for gripping and handling of the mesh tray lid1. In order to further assist manual gripping at the detent and snap-in device10, (rounded) projections40are provided at upper edges of the grip surfaces38so that the mesh tray lid1can be handled not only by means of force closure or frictional connection but also by means of form closure.

In the area of the edge portions6,8, the mesh tray lid1further includes an indentation or a trough42in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface12. The surface of the indentation42is parallel to the remaining non-indented surface of the mesh tray lid1so that a kind of step or stepping forms in the mesh tray lid1. The entire mesh lid1as well as the two opposite indentations42are formed to be symmetrical to a first plane of symmetry E1. Also, the entire mesh lid1and thus also the two indentations42are formed to be symmetrical to a second plane of symmetry E2. The two planes of symmetry E1and E2are orthogonal to each other. The indentation42has an isosceles trapezoidal contour/shape, with a long base side44of the trapezoidal contour forming the respective opposite edge portions6,8. At the remaining three sides of the trapezoidal contour of the indentation42, the latter includes a transition46to the non-indented area of the mesh tray lid1. Said transition46from the trapezoidal indentation42to the (remaining) outer side12has a planar closed surface to stiffen the transition46. Both the transition46and the indentation42were reshaped by means of deep-drawing.

Analogously, also the mesh tray handles402,404show a corresponding trapezoidal shape so that, in the folding position, they are received in the corresponding trapezoidal indentation42. Then they are substantially in parallel to the bottom surface406of the mesh sterilizing tray4. The indentation42allows to properly stack several sterile container systems2on top of each other.

The mesh tray lid1has a substantially rectangular grid-like basic form as a sheet metal lid48made from aluminum or stainless steel which, when placed on the mesh sterilizing tray4, defines the outer side12which in this embodiment is substantially planar or uncurved, apart from the transition46, and which faces away from the mesh sterilizing tray4. In the sheet metal lid48a plurality of square openings50is punched out to provide a fluid communication between an inner side and the outer side12and thus to render the outer side12especially penetrable by steam. A central lid area52of the mesh tray lid1or of the sheet metal lid48is closed in plate shape, on the other hand, and merely in the center thereof includes a number of, preferably five, square punched-out openings50. The structure of the mesh tray lid1is stiffened by the plate-shaped central area12. Alternatively, the central lid area52may have a perforation, especially a plurality of punched-out openings50.

The mesh sterilizing tray4of the mesh sterilizing tray system2also includes the substantially rectangular mesh-like or grid-like bottom surface406as well as the mesh-like circumferential wall408of equal height that extends around the circumference of the bottom surface406and is perpendicular to the bottom surface406. The bottom surface406and the circumferential wall408together form the shell- or trough-shaped configuration. Both the bottom surface406and the circumferential wall408include a plurality of openings418in the form of longitudinal slits so as to be (fluid) permeable to especially hot steam and, resp., to moist hot air. The material of the bottom surface406and the circumferential wall408is aluminum or stainless steel.

Furthermore, the mesh sterilizing tray4includes, at its long side faces412, webs420from the bottom surface406to the peripheral edge414to reinforce and stiffen the long side faces412. Moreover, in a central sidewall area422of the long side face412a closed sheet metal surface is provided for stiffening. As an alternative, the central sidewall area422may also be designed perforated with punched-out slotted openings418so that an even better fluid communication is achieved.

FIGS.4to6illustrate a mesh tray lid101according to the invention of another second preferred embodiment comprising a fastened detent and snap-in device110. The mesh tray lid101is identical to the mesh tray lid1of the first embodiment, apart from the differently designed detent and snap-in device110; therefore, in the following merely the detent and snap-in device110will be described and, regarding the further features of the mesh tray lid101, it is referred to the foregoing description.

The detent and snap-in device110illustrated inFIGS.4to6in this embodiment in a top view (view onto the detent and snap-in device110and, resp., onto the mesh tray lid101) has a (contour) shape of an isosceles symmetrical trapezoid with a parallel short base side112and a long base side114. The long base side114faces the respective edge portion6,8of the mesh tray lid. In the same way, in a side view (seeFIG.6), the detent and snap-in device110has a (contour) shape of an isosceles and symmetrical trapezoid whose lower base side116rests on and, resp., faces the mesh tray lid101, and whose upper base side118includes the receiving opening16with the opening width24and faces away from the short base side12. In a front view of the detent and snap-in device110, too, the same has a (contour) shape of an isosceles symmetrical trapezoid whose short base side faces the short base side12, thereby on the whole a segment/portion of a pyramid of trapezoidal base area being formed whose imaginary tip is located on the opposite side of the short base side12and in (the direction of) the mesh sterilizing tray4, when the mesh tray lid101is placed. By the geometrical shape of the detent and snap-in device110, grip projections140for improved manual gripping and handling of the detent and snap-in device110are formed on all four sides.

Arranged in parallel to as well as between the short and long base sides112,114, there extends the receiving channel22which can receive the mesh tray handles402,404. The detent and snap-in device110further includes, for connecting the mesh tray handles402,404, three opposite (rounded) tensioning projections/tensioning tongues120arranged along the longitudinal axis L of the receiving channel22and in the area of the receiving opening16. The tensioning projections120protrude, as is also evident fromFIG.6, into the receiving channel22formed to be (semi)circular when viewed in cross-section at the open or upper side thereof and thus narrow the semi-circularly configured receiving channel22on the side of the receiving opening16. The semi-circular contour of the receiving channel22is dented by the tensioning projections120so that a mushroom-shaped or bollard-shaped cross-sectional contour is resulting. In the same way, in the center of the receiving channel22an elevation122is provided in the direction of the receiving opening16so that, when viewed in the side view inFIG.6, a shape of a locking plate having three projections toward the longitudinal axis L is formed. When the mesh tray handles402,404are grasped, the tensioning projections120appropriately pretension the mesh tray handles while interacting with the elevation122so that the mesh tray handles402,404are safely held in the receiving channel and do not wobble or rattle.

The detent and snap-in device110includes four feet124and a locking projection126for being fastened to the mesh tray lid101. Two out of the four feet124at a time are located on a parallel to the short and, resp., long base sides112,114. All of the four feet124(see especiallyFIG.6. Are L-shaped and extend away from a lower side of the detent and snap-in device110. A tip or an end125of each of the L-shaped feet124points to the same direction, namely to the long base side114of the detent and snap-in device110(and, consequently, transversely to the longitudinal axis L). A lower portion128of the L shape that is located in parallel to the lower base side116and to a bearing surface130of the detent and snap-in device110on the mesh tray lid101is plate-shaped and includes foot projections132in the direction of the longitudinal axis L so that, in a front view, the foot124has a T-profile and an undercut is formed to both sides in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The tip125of the L-shaped feet124is rounded toward the two foot projections132. The feet124are adapted to the openings50of the mesh tray lid101so that all of the four feet can be inserted initially perpendicularly into the openings50of the mesh tray lid1so that the bearing surface130rests directly on the outer face12. Hereafter, the detent and snap-in device110is displaced in the direction of the long base side114so that the L shape of the feet124with an undercut positively moves beneath braces of the grid structure of the openings50. A distance between the bearing surface130and the plate-shaped lower portion128corresponds to the thickness of the grid structure of the openings50. Hereafter, the detent and snap-in device110is locked at the mesh tray lid101in the direction perpendicular to the outer side12and can be removed from the grid structure again only when the L-shaped feet124are pushed back. The locking projection126is used when interacting with one of the openings50into which it projects and on the sides of the grid structure of which it abuts by form closure, for the fact that the detent and snap-in device110and, resp., the feet124thereof can no longer be displaced in the plane of the bearing surface130, and, thus, the detent and snap-in device110is safely fastened to the mesh tray lid101. Apart from the locking portion126, moreover a grasped mesh tray handle402,404prevents the detent and snap-in device101from moving toward the short base side112and an undercut of the plate-shaped portion128and, resp., of the L-shaped feet124with the mesh tray lid101from being cancelled.

The detent and snap-in device110is formed in one part from an elastic material so that with manual force, on the one hand, the mesh tray handles402,404can be engaged and disengaged and, on the other hand, the locking projection126can be hooked in and unhooked by elastic deformation. In this way, the detent and snap-in device110, corresponding to the mesh tray handles402,404, can be arranged, positioned, replaced in the openings50and can also be removed from the same again without the use of tools.