Dual Sterile Pouch and Sealing Mechanisms for the Containment of a Non-Sterile Device

Abstract

A dual sterile pouch and sealing mechanism for the sterile containment and usage of a non-sterile device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 801,851 entitled “Dual Sterile Pouch and Sealing Mechanisms for the Containment of a Non-Sterile Device,” filed Mar. 15, 2013, from which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. 119, and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates to improved devices and methods used for the isolation of non-sterile product for use in a controlled environment. More specifically, this invention relates to the isolation and containment of non-sterile product, non-sterile communication devices, and / or portable electronic devices, in a double pouch with improved sealing mechanisms for use in a controlled environment (i.e., sterile and / or cleanroom environment).BACKGROUND[0003]Portable electronic devices and / or any mobile communication devices have become an integral part of people's lives. They a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]One feature of the present invention includes the realization of a need to improve the aseptic transfer of non-sterile devices into a controlled environment, by (i) reducing the number of users introduced to the contaminated device, (ii) eliminating the pre-cleaning used to bring a grossly contaminated device into the controlled environment, (iii) improving any necessary transfer techniques between users to better align with common industrial practices, and (iv) desirably provide for one-handed operation.

[0009]In another embodiment, the at least two pouches may be manufactured from various transparent polymeric materials that allows a surgical gloved sterile user to have optimal manipulation and tactile control of a non-sterile device, as well as provide resistance to scratches, tears, and / or punctures when or if a surgical and / or manufacturing tool comes into contact with the pouches.

[0010]In another embodiment, sizes of the inner pouch and outer pouch may vary. The inner pouch could be manufactured in multiple sizes to allow for a tight fit around the small non-sterile device (i.e., a small mobile phone) while a larger pouch could be manufactured for a large touchscreen tablet. If desired, alternative embodiments could allow for reducing the size of the inner and outer pouches, such as by providing adhesive tabs within the pouches to allow the pouches to be “resized” at a user's option to match a desired device and / or usage environment (i.e., tightly wrapping the device).

Problems solved by technology

However, the transfer of a non-sterile device into a controlled environment can create a significant barrier to the use of such devices, and can pose many challenges to device usage in the manufacturing and healthcare industries.

Furthermore, a completely aseptic transfer of the non-sterile device is often difficult and may lead to a contamination of the sterile field, subsequently resulting in surgical delays and significant added expense.

Images