Device for storing instruments or implants on an instrument tray

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for storing one or more medical instruments, in particular surgical instruments and / or implants, on an instrument tray for supplying sterile items in the medical field, the device having a tray support structure comprising a tray opening, wherein the device comprises: an instrument storage component having a base portion and at least one wall portion rising from the base portion; and a fastening element for releasably fixing the instrument storage component to the tray support structure. It is proposed that the fastening element has at least one resilient tongue extending towards the tray support structure and being lockable thereto, and at least one support arm supportable against the base portion, and that a cut extending through the base portion is formed in the base portion, such that the fastening element and its resilient tongue together are insertable into the cut, such that the resilient tongue is lockable to the tray support structure, and the fastening element is then supported by its support arm against a side of the base portion, thereby being fixed to the instrument tray.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for storing and preferably holding one or more medical devices, particularly surgical instruments and / or implants, in a intended arrangement on an instrument tray for the supply of sterile articles in the medical field. The apparatus has a tray support structure with a plurality of tray openings. The apparatus includes an instrument storage component (particularly metal) and a fastening element. The instrument storage component has a base portion that rests against the tray support structure and at least one wall portion rising from the base portion for receiving the instruments and / or implants. The fastening element is used to releasably secure the instrument storage component to the tray support structure of the instrument tray. Furthermore, this invention relates to an instrument tray for the supply of sterile articles in the medical field. Background Technology

[0002] Instrument trays, typically designed as tray inserts or tray baskets for sterile articles, and the aforementioned devices for storing and holding instruments and / or implants in such trays, play a crucial role in the so-called sterile article circulation of medical devices, and especially surgical instruments, and in some cases implants. They receive instruments to be sterilized during sterilization and subsequently during transport of instruments to and from sterile article storage facilities to the place of use (particularly the operating room). To this end, numerous so-called tissue systems have been proposed for instrument trays of the aforementioned types to hold instruments in a predetermined position and arrangement on the tray until they are removed by medical personnel immediately prior to use. Previously known devices for storing one or more instruments on an instrument tray can be fastened to the tray or its tray support structure by screws, which is considered complex, or inserted through the tray support structure from below via a tray opening or other specially designed opening, such that they protrude upwards on the top side of the tray to allow the instruments to be stored there. Both imply that the holding device is assembled to some extent on both sides of the instrument tray. Therefore, storage or holding devices can only be configured on the tray support structure before the actual loading of instruments, as the instrument tray must be tilted and rotated for this purpose. Mounting elements arranged on the underside of the instrument tray have also proven destructive; in particular, they can cause abrasion, damage to the support surface, or, if not evenly distributed, cause the instrument tray to wobble on the support surface.

[0003] For example, there are metal instrument storage components manufactured by bending / stamping strips of metal sheet. They have a generally flat strip-shaped base portion and a wall portion rising from its end, which, in particular, is V-shaped or otherwise has storage points for receiving instruments or implants. These instrument storage components are typically screwed onto the tray support structure of an instrument tray using screws and nuts, which is considered a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. First, assembly requires auxiliary tools. Second, the instrument tray must be approached from both above and below. The screws must be inserted from below through the tray opening and held in place, and furthermore, the strip-shaped base portion of the instrument storage component must remain non-rotating when the nuts are tightened simultaneously with tools. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention aims to make the releasable arrangement of the type of device for storing one or more instruments or implants on an instrument tray more user-friendly, wherein releasable fastening of the device to the tray support structure should be possible without tools.

[0005] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a device of the type mentioned in the opening section, wherein the fastening element has: at least one resilient tongue extending toward and lockable to the tray support structure of the instrument tray; and at least one support arm that can be supported against a base portion of the instrument storage member, wherein a cutout adapted to the outer contour of the fastening element and extending through the base portion is formed in the base portion of the instrument storage member, such that the fastening element, together with its resilient tongue, can be inserted into the cutout, such that the resilient tongue of the fastening element can be locked to the tray support structure, and then the fastening element is supported by its support arm against the side of the base portion of the instrument storage member opposite to the tray support structure, thereby securing the instrument storage member to the instrument tray.

[0006] Therefore, according to the present invention, the fastening element for the actual instrument storage component can itself be locked to the tray support structure of the instrument tray by means of at least one resilient tongue, and in this way, can be fixed to the tray support structure together with the actual instrument storage component. For this purpose, the aforementioned cutout is provided in the base portion of the instrument storage component, into which the fastening element, together with its resilient tongue, can be inserted, such that the resilient tongue can engage with the underlying tray support structure through the cutout. Thus, the base portion of the instrument storage component is arranged between the tray support structure and the fastening element, wherein the fastening element is supported by at least one of its support arms abutting against the base portion, thereby applying a clamping force to the base portion. This ensures that the instrument storage component is held on the tray support structure of the instrument tray without play. It is considered preferable that the fastening element has two opposing support arms, as this allows uniform clamping pressure to be applied to the base portion of the instrument storage component at two locations. It is also conceivable and advantageous if the base portion of the instrument storage component has multiple cutouts for corresponding multiple fastening elements for one instrument storage component. This even allows for the secure and releasable attachment of elongated, protruding instrument storage components to the instrument tray. The fastening element itself, via its resilient tongue, can be releasably attached to the tray support structure as described in DE 10 2023 103 493 A1. The disclosure in this respect is incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] It has been further demonstrated that it is particularly advantageous if the support arm of the fastening element is designed to be flexible, allowing it to accommodate different thicknesses of the base portion of the instrument storage component without play. In this way, a single, identical fastening element can be used for different instrument storage components with base portions of varying thicknesses.

[0008] Furthermore, the cutout in the base portion of the instrument storage component is provided with additional, particularly slotted, cutouts or recesses, and formed in the base portion, into which the support arm of the fastening element can engage via its free end. Allowing the support arm to engage in these additional, particularly slotted, cutouts or recesses in the base portion of the instrument storage component facilitates the intended arrangement and assembly of the fastening element and the instrument storage component on the tray support structure, and prevents unintentional rotation of the fastening element relative to the base portion. Preferably, each cutout is provided with two such slotted cutouts or recesses on opposite sides for receiving the support arm of the fastening element on both sides.

[0009] It has been further demonstrated that it is advantageous if the support arm begins from the lower region of the fastening element facing the instrument tray, extends obliquely upward through a cutout in the base portion of the instrument storage component (in which the lower region can be inserted), beyond the base portion, and then returns at an angle toward the base portion. As the resilient tongue extends downward to lock into the tray support structure, the support arm extends in the opposite direction, first obliquely upward, with one arm portion extending obliquely upward, and then downward again, with one arm portion obliquely downward to abut against the base portion of the instrument storage component. This allows downward (i.e., toward the instrument tray) clamping forces, particularly those generated by spring preload, to be applied to the base portion of the instrument storage component.

[0010] It is conceivable that the wall portion of the device storage component is designed to receive devices and / or implants directly or indirectly. For this purpose, it may be widened in a generally V-shape at the upper end, or designed to attach to or slide onto an additional retainer or molded component.

[0011] It is more advantageous if the fastening element is a bent metal sheet, and the elastic tongue and support arm are cut out from the bent metal sheet, that is, each is formed from the material of the bent metal sheet itself.

[0012] Furthermore, the fastening element has multiple resilient tongues, preferably arranged opposite to each other, i.e., deflectable in opposite directions, particularly one or two resilient tongues on each side, and / or the fastening element has multiple support arms, preferably arranged opposite to each other. One embodiment of the fastening element, which has proven to be preferred, has two resilient tongues that are opposite to each other and can deflect in opposite directions, and two support arms arranged opposite to each other; in addition, one embodiment has two resilient tongues on each side, i.e., two times two resilient tongues opposite to each other, and still has two support arms opposite to each other.

[0013] In particular, when the fastening element is designed as a bent sheet metal component, it has proven advantageous if the fastening element has a main arm positioned on the top side against the tray support structure and two opposing side arms laterally adjacent to the main arm.

[0014] In particular, it has been shown that it is advantageous if the opposing side arms of the fastening element define an upwardly opening U-shape, and by means of the side arms tilting toward each other and, in particular, having a folding structure at the upper end, such that the U-shape narrows slightly toward the top.

[0015] Advantageously, at least one resilient tongue is formed to start from one or both side arms of the fastening element and extend downward from the side arms of the fastening element toward the tray support structure.

[0016] In this case, the elastic tongue in the initial state of the fastening element can be pre-installed in such a way that it forms an acute angle with the side arm and bends outward relative to the side arm, particularly bending 5° to 25°.

[0017] It has further proven advantageous that the fastening element can be inserted into a cutout in the base portion of the instrument storage component, allowing the fastening element to be positioned on the top side of the tray support structure via its main arm. Then, by applying pressure to the fastening element only in the direction of the top side of the tray support structure, the resilient tongue deflects, thereby automatically penetrating the tray opening and locking with the edge region of the tray support structure defining the tray opening. This allows the fastening element, and thus the instrument storage component, to be attached to the tray support structure without tools and captured for its intended use. When the fastening element inserted into the cutout in the base portion is pressed down or pushed in, one or more resilient tongues travel against the edge region of the tray support structure defining the tray opening; thus, the resilient tongues deflect outward relative to the fastening element, and then achieve a rear engagement lock as the resilient tongues spring back after engaging in the tray opening, thereby engaging the edge region of the tray support structure defining the tray opening.

[0018] In a further development of this concept, it has proven advantageous that the free end of the resilient tongue is designed or shaped to form a rear engagement region or a rear engagement flange, and the free end of the resilient tongue forms an angle greater than 90°, preferably at least 100°, and preferably at least 110° with the longitudinal extension direction of the resilient tongue, thereby forming a rear engagement with the edge region of the tray support structure that defines the tray opening.

[0019] In this regard, it has also proven advantageous that the free end of the elastic tongue forms a traveling ramp that travels against the edge region defining the tray opening of the tray support structure when the fastening element is pressed in the direction of the top side of the tray support structure, thereby deflecting so as to lock with the edge region at the rear engagement position.

[0020] It has been shown that combining a three-dimensional corrugated tray support structure or a tray support structure with egg-box-shaped protrusions and recesses can achieve further positional stability of the fastener on the tray support structure, especially if a recess is formed in the fastening element, particularly in the main arm of the fastening element, where the tray support structure allows the protrusion to engage from below into the recess.

[0021] The present invention also relates to an instrument tray having the features of claim 14.

[0022] Furthermore, the instrument tray has a tray support structure with tray openings that are particularly rectangular and preferably square, defined by connectors that are narrower than the side length of the rectangular shape or the maximum dimension of the tray opening.

[0023] It has also proven advantageous that the instrument tray is rectangular in the top view, having corresponding longitudinal and transverse directions, and that the connector defining the tray opening extends at a 45° angle relative to the longitudinal or transverse direction.

[0024] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous that the instrument tray includes a three-dimensional, particularly corrugated, tray support structure, and in particular, fastening elements can be arranged and fastened at the high points, protrusions, or raised areas of the tray support structure.

[0025] It has also been proven advantageous that the distance between two adjacent resilient tongues of the fastening element corresponds to the distance between two intersections of the connectors defining the tray opening of the tray support structure, or twice or an integer multiple thereof, so that the resilient tongues can be automatically positioned in the corresponding corner area of ​​the tray opening.

[0026] In the instrument tray according to the invention, which has a retaining device for an instrument according to the invention, it has proven advantageous to provide a release device that can be applied from the inside against one or more resilient tongues of the fastening element, thereby deflecting the resilient tongues away from their rear engagement position, so that the fastening element can be released from its rear engagement position in the instrument tray.

[0027] Instrument trays can be advantageously used as instrument tray baskets or as inserts for instrument tray baskets or instrument containers. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention can be found in the appended claims, drawings, and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an instrument tray according to the invention is shown, the instrument tray having a tray support structure and having two devices according to the invention for storing instruments (not shown), each device including an instrument storage component and a fastening element for releasably securing the instrument storage component to the instrument tray;

[0030] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the instrument storage components depicted in the image;

[0031] Figure 3a It shows Figure 1A perspective view of a first embodiment of a fastening element for releasably securing an instrument storage component to an instrument tray;

[0032] Figure 3b It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a second embodiment of a fastening element for releasably securing an instrument storage component to an instrument tray;

[0033] Figure 4a It shows a method for receiving according to Figure 3a A top view of the planar base portion of the instrument storage component with cutouts for fastening elements;

[0034] Figure 4b It shows a method for receiving according to Figure 3b A top view of the planar base portion of the instrument storage component with cutouts for fastening elements;

[0035] Figure 5a It shows the corresponding Figure 4a The diagram shows that, according to Figure 3a The fastening element is inserted into the cut;

[0036] Figure 5b It shows the corresponding Figure 4b The diagram shows that, according to Figure 3b The fastening element is inserted into the cut;

[0037] Figures 6a-6f Different views are shown to illustrate the releasable fastening of the fastening elements to the tray support structure, wherein, for ease of understanding, the intermediate arrangement of the instrument storage components is not shown and the fastening elements do not have the support arms according to the invention;

[0038] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view is shown through a pallet support structure having a device according to the invention releasably lockable thereto, the device being... Figure 1 The device shown on the left is for storing instruments (not shown). (This device has a...) Figure 1 The left side shows the instrument storage components and in Figure 3b (The fastening element shown in the figure); and

[0039] Figure 8 A perspective view of a release device for fastening elements is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The accompanying drawings illustrate an instrument tray 2 according to the invention for the supply of sterile articles in the medical field, particularly for medical devices, surgical instruments, and / or implants. The instrument tray 2 includes a tray support structure 4 having a plurality of tray openings 6, and, for example, two devices 10 (depicted as floating on top) according to the invention for storing and preferably holding instruments (not shown) during the circulation of sterile articles. Each device 10 includes an instrument storage component 12 having a base portion 14 that rests against the tray support structure 4 and two wall portions 16 rising from the base portion 14 for receiving instruments and / or implants (not shown). Furthermore, each device 10 includes a fastening element 18 for releasably securing the instrument storage component 12 to the instrument tray 2 or the tray support structure 4, as will be described below.

[0041] Figure 1 The instrument storage component 12 and fastening element 16 depicted in the image are in Figure 2 and Figure 3a , 3b Enlarged depiction. Each instrument storage component 12 includes a base portion 14, which is planar in the depicted example, and at both longitudinal ends, the aforementioned wall portions 16 projecting vertically upward from the base portion 14 for receiving instruments. In the base portion 14, cutouts 20 are formed to conform to the outer contour of the fastening element 18, allowing the fastening element 18 to be... Figure 1 Insert the component 18 into the cut 20 in the direction of arrow 22, and it can be engaged in a positive locking connection with the tray support structure 4 of the instrument tray 2 in a manner described below. During this process, the fastening element 18 simultaneously applies a clamping force to the base portion 14 of the instrument storage component 12 via, for example, two opposing support arms 32, and thus simultaneously secures the instrument storage component 12 against the tray support structure 4.

[0042] exist Figure 3a and 3b The fastening element 18 depicted in two embodiments is formed, for example, from a bent sheet metal member. In an exemplary embodiment, it includes a main arm 24 and two opposing side arms 26 laterally adjacent to the main arm, such that the fastening element 18 forms an approximately U-shape. Starting from the upper region of the side arms 26, according to Figure 3a Two resilient tongues 28 are formed on each side arm and extend from the top to the bottom, i.e., in the direction of the tray support structure 4. They have angled rear engagement regions 30 at their free ends, allowing them to lock with the tray support structure 4 and its tray opening 6, and thus enabling the fastening element 18 to be held and secured to the tray support structure 4 with the base portion 14 having the instrument storage component 12 arranged in the middle, as will be referred to below. Figures 6a-6fDetailed explanation. Furthermore, in the example depicted, each fastening element 18 has a support arm 32 on its opposing longitudinal side, and the fastening element 18 is then supported by means of the support arm 32 against the upper side 34 of the base portion 14 of the instrument storage component 12 facing away from the tray support structure 4. Each support arm 32 is designed to be flexible and therefore can be used with instrument storage components 12 whose base portions 14 have different thicknesses.

[0043] Each support arm 32 extends obliquely upward from the lower region of the fastening element 18, which engages in the cutout 20, and then the support arm 32 tilts downward. Thus, the support arm 32 includes an arm portion 36 extending obliquely upward from the U-shaped main arm 24 and subsequently a downwardly tilting arm portion 38. The support arm 32 presses against the base portion 14 of the instrument storage component 12 through the free end 40 of the downwardly tilting arm portion 38, applying the aforementioned clamping force to the base portion 14 of the instrument storage component 12. This allows the instrument storage component 12 to be releasably secured to the tray support structure 4.

[0044] In addition to the relevant cutout 20, in the exemplary instance, an additional slotted cutout or recess 42 is provided in the base portion 14 (see [link]). Figure 1 and Figure 4a , 4b ), which forms a positioning aid for the support arm 32 or more precisely the free end 40 of the support arm 32.

[0045] The fastening element 18 can be releasably fastened to the tray support structure 4 in the manner described below. For clarity and ease of understanding, the instrument storage component 12 arranged between the fastening element 18 and the tray support structure 4 is not described in detail. Figures 6a-6f It is not shown, but omitted. Similarly, the support arm 32 according to the invention is omitted. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the instrument storage component 12 and support arm 32 inserted according to the present invention is shown. Figures 6a-6f The tray support structure 4 has a top side 44 facing the device 10 and the instrument (not shown) and a lower side 46 facing away from the top side 44. In the example depicted here, the tray support structure 4 is corrugated in both directions and thus has protrusions 48 and recesses 50. The tray support structure 4 is formed, for example, by two sets, each set consisting of a plurality of connectors 52, 54, the connectors 52, 54 of each set being projected onto a plane ( Figure 6e , 6fThe connectors 52 and 54 extend parallel to each other, with one set of connectors 52 extending at right angles to the other set of connectors 54, thus defining the tray opening 6. Starting from the initial plane of the tray support structure 4 formed by the connectors 52 and 54, a structure with protrusions 48 and recesses 50 is then imprinted in an alternating manner in the directions of the connectors 52 and 54. Despite the presence of a three-dimensional structure, the tray opening 6 can be described, for example in the present example, as substantially square, i.e., when projected perpendicularly onto the base surface of the tray support structure 4, the tray opening 6 has a square shape (see...). Figure 6e , 6f ).

[0046] Figures 6a-6f An exemplary three-dimensional corrugated tray support structure 4 and fastening element 18 and its resilient tongue 28 are shown. Figure 6a , 6b As can be seen, the fastening element 18 is initially slightly inclined relative to the plane of the tray support structure 4, so that in Figure 6a , 6b The elastic tongue 28 of the side arm 26 depicted on the left side engages in the region of a protrusion 48 or crest of the pallet support structure 4 in each instance, and hooks with the connectors 52, 54 at the intersection region by means of the associated rear engagement region 30. From this assembly configuration, it is now only necessary to apply pressure on the fastening element 18 or the other side arm 26 in the direction of the pallet support structure 4. Figure 6b The pressure in the direction of arrow 56 depicted causes the opposing elastic tongue 28 to travel against the connectors 53 and 54 using its rear engaging end region 30, thereby deflecting outward and eventually reaching... Figure 6c-6f The rear engagement configuration depicted in the diagram shows the resilient tongue 28 springing inward after engaging with the two tray openings 6, thus achieving a captured assembly position on the tray support structure 4. The rear engagement end region 30 of the resilient tongue 28... Figure 6f The arrow 57 points in the center and self-centers at the intersection of the connectors 52 and 54 abutting against the tray opening 6. In this assembled position, the fastening element 18 rests to some extent on the area of ​​the protrusion 48 of the tray support structure 4 and is again arranged parallel to the plane of the tray support structure 4. However, in the embodiment depicted by way of example, the fastening element 18 does not rest entirely on the top of the high point of the protrusion 48 of the tray support structure 4, but rather the high point or peak of the protrusion 48 is slightly embedded from below into the recess 58 in the area of ​​the main arm 24 of the fastening element 18, the recess 58 being caused here by the separation of these elastic tongues 28.

[0047] Figure 7A cross-sectional view shows the releasable assembly of the device 10 according to the invention, now having an instrument storage component 12 and a fastening element 18 on the corrugated tray support structure 4. As described initially, the instrument storage component 12 is placed on the tray support structure 4 via its base portion 14. The associated fastening element 18 is then inserted from above into the associated cutout 20, such that its main arm 24 rests on the corrugated tray support structure 4. The fastening element 18 is then releasably locked to the tray support structure 4 as described above (based on...). Figures 6a-6f (No intermediate arrangement for storing instrument component 12). Figure 7 It is also shown that after the fastening element 18 has been pressed against the tray support structure 4 in the direction of arrow 56, the relevant rear engagement region 30 at the free end of the relevant resilient tongue 28 engages below the tray support structure 4 in the region of the protrusion 48 and hooks there in the intersection region of the connectors 52, 54. In this state, the two opposing support arms 32 are subjected to a slight upward load, thereby applying a clamping force on the base portion 14 of the instrument storage component 12 via the downwardly angled arms 38. They are positioned by engaging the relevant slotted cutouts 42 in the base portion 14 through their free ends 40. The clamping force introduced onto the base portion 14 via the support arms 32 ensures that the instrument storage component 12 is releasably secured to the tray support structure 4 in a non-rotatable and non-capsulating manner.

[0048] To release the retaining device 10 from the tray support structure 4, it can be done by means of Figure 8 The release device 60 depicted in the figure approaches the elastic tongue 28 so that the elastic tongue 28 deflects outward against its spring tension, thereby releasing it from its rear engagement with the connectors 52, 54 of the tray support structure 4, and the fastening element 18 can first pivot upward from the tray support structure 4 and then move to the other side so that the elastic tongues 28 on the opposite side arm 26 are also released from their rear engagement, and the fastening element 18 can then be lifted upward from the tray support structure 4 and from the cutout 20 in the base portion 14 of the device storage component 12.

[0049] Alternatively, by means of the appropriate design of the length of the elastic tongue 26 and the preload, it is also conceivable in principle that the fastening element 18 can be released from its rear engagement position with the connectors 52, 54 without tools and then lifted upwards.

Claims

1. A device (10) for storing one or more medical devices, particularly surgical instruments and / or implants, in a intended arrangement on an instrument tray (2) for the supply of sterile articles in the medical field, said device having a tray support structure (4) having a plurality of tray openings (6), wherein said device (10) includes an instrument storage component (12) and a fastening element (18), said instrument storage component (12) having a base portion (14) capable of resting against said tray support structure (4) and having at least one wall portion (16) rising from said base portion (14) for receiving said instruments and / or implants, said fastening element (18) for releasably securing said instrument storage component (12) to said tray support structure (4) of said instrument tray (2), Its features The fastening element (18) has at least one resilient tongue (28) that extends toward the tray support structure (4) of the instrument tray (2) and can be locked onto the tray support structure (4); and at least one support arm (32) that is supported against the base portion (14) of the instrument storage component (12), Furthermore, a cutout (20) adapted to the outer contour of the fastening element (18) and extending through the base portion (14) is formed in the base portion (14) of the instrument storage component (12), such that the fastening element (18) and its elastic tongue (28) can be inserted into the cutout (20), such that the elastic tongue (28) of the fastening element (18) can be locked to the tray support structure (4), and then the fastening element (18) is supported by its support arm (32) against the side (34) of the base portion (14) of the instrument storage component (12) away from the tray support structure (4), thereby fixing the instrument storage component (12) to the instrument tray (2).

2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support arm (32) of the fastening element (18) is designed to be elastic, so as to adapt to different thicknesses of the base portion (14) of the instrument storage component (12) without play.

3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cut (20) in the base portion (14) of the instrument storage component (12) is provided with an additional cut (42) or recess, and is formed in the base portion (14) in which the support arm (32) of the fastening element (18) can engage with the cut or recess through its free end (40).

4. The device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The additional cut (42) is groove-shaped.

5. The apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support arm (32) extends obliquely upward from the lower region of the fastening element through the cutout (20) in the base portion (14) of the instrument storage component (12), beyond the base portion (14), and then returns at an angle toward the base portion, the lower region facing the instrument tray (2) and being able to be inserted into the cutout.

6. The apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The wall portion (16) of the device storage component (12) is designed to receive the device and / or implant directly or indirectly.

7. The apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fastening element (18) is a bent metal sheet component, and the elastic tongue (28) and the support arm (32) are cut out from the bent metal sheet component.

8. The apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fastening element (18) has a plurality of resilient tongues (28) that are opposite to each other, i.e., can deflect in opposite directions, and / or has a plurality of support arms (32).

9. The apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fastening element (18) has a main arm (24) that can be placed against the tray support structure (4) and two opposing side arms (26) that are laterally adjacent to the main arm (24).

10. The apparatus (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least one elastic tongue (28) is formed to start from one or both side arms (26) of the fastening element (18) and extend downward toward the tray support structure (4) from the side arm (26) of the fastening element (18), and to form an acute angle with the side arm (26), and to bend outward relative to the side arm (26).

11. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that, The fastening element (18) can be inserted into a cutout (20) in the base portion (14) of the instrument storage component (12), such that the fastening element (18) can be positioned on the top side (44) of the tray support structure (4) by its main arm (24), and then, by applying pressure to the fastening element (18) only in the direction of the top side (44) of the tray support structure (4), the resilient tongue (28) deflects and thereby automatically penetrates the tray opening (6) and locks with the edge region of the tray support structure (4) that defines the tray opening (6), such that the fastening element (18) and therefore the instrument storage component (12) can be attached to the tray support structure (4) without tools and captured for intended use.

12. The apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The free end of the elastic tongue (28) is designed or shaped to form a rear engagement region (30) or a rear engagement flange.

13. The apparatus (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The free end of the elastic tongue (28) forms an angle greater than 90°, preferably at least 100°, and preferably at least 110° with respect to the longitudinal extension direction of the elastic tongue (28), thereby forming a rear engagement with the edge region of the tray opening (6) defined by the tray support structure (4).

14. The apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The free end of the elastic tongue (28) forms a traveling ramp, which travels against and deflects the edge region of the tray opening (6) of the tray support structure (4) to lock into the rear engagement position with the edge region when the fastening element (18) is pressed in the direction of the top side (44) of the tray support structure (4).

15. The apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A recess (58) is formed in the fastening element (18), and the tray support structure (4) allows the protrusion (48) to engage with the recess from below, thereby enabling further positional stability of the fastening element (18) on the tray support structure (4).

16. An instrument tray (2) for supplying sterile articles in the medical field, particularly in the operating room, for medical devices, especially surgical instruments and / or implants, said instrument tray having a tray support structure (4) having a plurality of tray openings (6), characterized in that The apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims.

17. The instrument tray (2) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The instrument tray (2) includes a three-dimensional structured tray support structure (4), and the fastening element (18) can be arranged and fastened to the high point, protrusion (48) or raised area of ​​the tray support structure (4).

18. The instrument tray (2) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The instrument tray (2) includes a three-dimensional structured corrugated tray support structure (4).

Images