Funnel facilitating smooth entering of traumatic medical waste into edge tool box

CN224090897UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-07SUZHOU LIXIANG OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-17
Publication Date
2026-04-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing sharps containers present problems such as difficulty in placement, easy slippage, and inconvenience in operation when collecting sharps medical waste, increasing operation time and infection risk.

Method used

A funnel was designed to facilitate the entry of sharps waste into the sharps container. It features an inclined conical collection hopper, adjustable support legs, snap-fit ​​connectors, and a fixing device to ensure that the waste enters smoothly and is securely connected.

Benefits of technology

It improves the efficiency and safety of waste collection, reduces the risk of injury from slipping waste, simplifies the operation process, and enhances work convenience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The funnel facilitating smooth entering of the traumatic medical waste into the edge tool box comprises a collecting funnel, a connecting piece and at least three supporting legs, the connecting piece is fixed to the middle of the bottom face of the collecting funnel, and the supporting legs are evenly supported below the outer side wall of the collecting funnel; a body of the collecting hopper is of an oblique conical structure, a leakage opening is formed in the bottom of the collecting hopper and deviates to one side of the lower portion of the collecting hopper, the connecting piece comprises a fixing ring, an elastic conical barrel, an elastic fixing clamping ring and two buckles, the fixing ring is fixedly connected to the top of the elastic conical barrel and is in sealed connection with the collecting hopper at the leakage opening, and the elastic conical barrel is connected with the elastic fixing clamping ring. The elastic cone cylinder is downwards connected with an elastic fixing clamping ring, the two sides of the outer side wall of the elastic cone cylinder are each provided with a buckle, and the two buckles are both arranged above the elastic fixing clamping ring. The medical waste collection box is matched with an edge tool box, so that the medical waste collection box is smooth in throwing, easy to slip and convenient to operate when collecting the medical waste, the medical waste collection efficiency and safety are improved, and the infection risk of medical staff and other staff in the process of treating the medical waste is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to a funnel that facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container. Background Technology

[0002] In medical settings such as hospitals and clinics, a large amount of sharps waste is generated daily, including syringe needles, scalpels, and glass ampoules. Improper handling of this waste can easily pose risks of needlestick injuries and infections to medical staff and other personnel. Currently, sharps containers are commonly used to collect this type of waste. However, several problems exist in practice. Because the opening of the sharps container is relatively small, and some sharps waste has irregular shapes, such as bent needles or long scalpels, medical staff must be extremely careful when placing them into the container to avoid slipping and causing injury. Furthermore, existing sharps containers lack effective guiding mechanisms, resulting in uneven waste flow, which increases operation time and reduces efficiency. Additionally, uneven waste disposal can lead to waste accumulation at the opening of the container, further increasing the difficulty of handling and the risk of infection.

[0003] In view of this, the inventor conducted in-depth research on the aforementioned deficiencies in the prior art, which led to the creation of this case. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical issues, we propose a funnel that facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into the sharps container. This solution addresses problems such as uneven dispensing, easy slippage, and inconvenient operation associated with existing sharps containers when collecting sharps waste, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of medical waste collection and reducing the risk of infection for medical staff and other personnel during the handling of sharps waste.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A funnel facilitating the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container includes a collection hopper, a connector, and at least three supporting legs. The connector is fixed to the center of the bottom surface of the collection hopper, and the supporting legs are evenly supported below the outer side wall of the collection hopper. The body of the collection hopper has an oblique conical structure and a leakage port at the bottom of the collection hopper, with the leakage port offset to the lower side of the collection hopper. The connector includes a fixing ring, an elastic cone, an elastic fixing ring, and two buckles. The fixing ring is fixedly connected to the top of the elastic cone and is sealed to the collection hopper at the leakage port. The elastic cone is connected downward to the elastic fixing ring, and a buckle is provided on each side of the outer side wall of the elastic cone, with both buckles located above the elastic fixing ring.

[0007] Preferably, the support leg is formed by sequentially inserting multiple telescopic rods and can be adjusted in height according to the height of the sharps box.

[0008] Preferably, the collecting hopper is further connected to a fixing device on the upper outer side away from the leak. The fixing device includes a fixing bracket, a hinge, and a suction cup. The inner end of the fixing bracket is connected to the side of the funnel body through the hinge, and the outer end of the fixing bracket is connected to the suction cup.

[0009] Preferably, the cross-sectional shape and size of the elastic cone are adapted to the shape and size of the sharps box inlet.

[0010] Preferably, the collecting hopper is made of plastic, and the upper surface of the collecting hopper is a smooth surface that gradually narrows from the top opening to the bottom opening.

[0011] Preferably, an elastic rubber pad is provided on the outer wall of the elastic cone below the buckle.

[0012] Through the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0013] Improved disposal efficiency: The large-diameter design of the funnel allows for easy disposal of various types of sharps waste, eliminating the need for medical staff to carefully aim at the small opening of the sharps container, greatly reducing disposal time and improving the efficiency of medical waste collection.

[0014] Enhanced safety: The design incorporates connectors and securing devices to ensure a tight and stable connection between the funnel and the sharps container, preventing the risk of waste slipping and injuring personnel during disposal. Simultaneously, the high-strength plastic material and smooth surface of the collection hopper effectively prevent accidental ejection of sharps waste, further ensuring the safety of medical personnel.

[0015] Easy to operate: The snap-fit ​​connection and foldable fixing device make the funnel very easy to install and remove, allowing medical staff to complete the operation with ease. Even in busy medical work, the funnel can be quickly installed and used, improving work convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of a funnel that facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container, as disclosed in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 A side view of a funnel that facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container, as disclosed in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a front view of a funnel disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention to facilitate the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container;

[0020] Figure 4 A top view of a funnel that facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container, as disclosed in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the usage state of a funnel that facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container, as disclosed in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] The numbers in the diagram represent the names of the corresponding components:

[0023] 1. Collection hopper 2. Connector 21. Fixing ring 22. Elastic cone 23. Elastic fixing shackle 24. Buckle 3. Support leg 4. Leakage outlet 5. Sharps container 6. Fixing device 61. Fixing bracket 62. Hinge 63. Suction cup 7. Elastic rubber pad Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments and specific implementation methods.

[0026] Example

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, a funnel that facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container includes a collection hopper 1, a connector 2, and four support legs 3. The connector 2 is fixed to the middle of the bottom surface of the collection hopper 1, and the support legs 3 are evenly supported below the outer side wall of the collection hopper 1. The body of the collection hopper 1 has an oblique conical structure, and a leakage port 4 is opened at the bottom of the collection hopper 1, with the leakage port 4 biased towards the lower side of the collection hopper 1. The connector 2 includes a fixing ring 21, an elastic cone 22, an elastic fixing ring 23, and two buckles 24. The fixing ring 21 is fixedly connected to the top of the elastic cone 22 and is sealed to the collection hopper 1 at the leakage port 4. The elastic cone 22 is connected downward to the elastic fixing ring 23, and a buckle 24 is provided on each side of the outer side wall of the elastic cone 22, with both buckles 24 located above the elastic fixing ring 23.

[0028] The support leg 3 is formed by sequentially inserting multiple telescopic rods 31, and can be adjusted in height according to the height of the sharps container 5. This allows it to be used with sharps containers of different heights.

[0029] Meanwhile, in order to fix the funnel from the side for easy use, the collecting hopper 1 is also connected to a fixing device 6 on the upper outer side away from the leakage port 4. The fixing device 6 includes a fixing bracket 61, a hinge 62 and a suction cup 63. The inner end of the fixing bracket 61 is connected to the side of the funnel body 1 through the hinge 62, and the outer end of the fixing bracket 61 is connected to the suction cup 63.

[0030] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the elastic cone 22 are adapted to the shape and dimensions of the inlet of the sharps box 5, thereby enabling a better connection between it and the sharps box 5.

[0031] The outer wall of the elastic cone 22 below the buckle 24 is provided with an elastic rubber pad 7 to increase the stability and sealing of the connection. When installing this funnel onto the sharps container 5, simply align the buckle 24 with the edge of the opening of the sharps container and press gently to make the buckle 24 tightly lock the sharps container. At the same time, the rubber pad 7 can effectively prevent waste from slipping from the connection between the funnel and the sharps container 5.

[0032] The collection hopper 1 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) or polycarbonate (PC), ensuring it will not break under impact from sharp waste during use and is resistant to corrosion from common disinfectants. Furthermore, the upper surface of the collection hopper 1 is a smooth surface that gradually narrows from the top opening to the bottom opening. The diameter of the collection hopper 1 also gradually narrows from the top opening to the bottom opening, with a larger top opening to facilitate the disposal of sharp waste of various shapes and sizes, while the bottom opening matches the opening size of a common sharps container 5, allowing for a tight connection. This facilitates the entry of medical waste into the sharps container 5.

[0033] Connector 2 is located at the bottom of collection hopper 1 and is used to connect collection hopper 1 to sharps container 5. It adopts an adjustable snap-fit ​​design, with two snaps 24 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the elastic cone 22. Each snap 24 has an elastic rubber pad 7 to increase the stability and sealing of the connection. When installing the funnel onto the sharps container 5, simply align the snap with the edge of the opening of the sharps container 5 and press gently to make the snap 24 firmly lock the sharps container 5. At the same time, the rubber pad 7 effectively prevents waste from slipping from the connection between the funnel and the sharps container 5.

[0034] A fixing device 6 is located on the side of the collection hopper 1 to fix the funnel in position during use. It includes a foldable fixing bracket 61, one end of which is connected to the upper side of the collection hopper 1 via a hinge 62, and the other end has a suction cup 63. In use, the fixing bracket 61 is unfolded, allowing the suction cup 63 to adhere to a flat surface next to the sharps container 5, such as a table or wall, thus stably fixing the funnel in a suitable position, facilitating the disposal of sharps waste by medical personnel. When the funnel is not in use, the fixing bracket 61 can be folded up and stored on the side of the funnel body, without taking up extra space.

[0035] The installation steps are as follows:

[0036] First, align the connector 2 at the bottom of the collecting hopper 1 with the opening of the sharps box 5, and position the elastic retaining ring 23 above the edge of the opening of the sharps box 5. Then, gently press down on the upper surface of the elastic cone 22 so that its bottom end, along with the elastic retaining ring 23, passes through the opening of the sharps box 5 and enters the sharps box 5. During the entry process, the circumferential edge of the elastic retaining ring 23 will flip up. After entering, the circumferential edge of the elastic retaining ring 23 will pop outward, ensuring that the elastic retaining ring 23 is located outside the lower edge of the opening of the sharps box 5. Simultaneously, position the buckle 24 outside the upper edge of the opening of the sharps box 5, ensuring that the buckle 24 tightly locks against the edge above the opening of the sharps box. At the same time, the elastic rubber pad 7 on the outer wall of the elastic cone 22 fits tightly against the inner wall of the opening of the sharps box 5, forming a good seal and connection. Next, unfold the fixing bracket 61 of the fixing device 6 from the side of the collecting hopper 1, and adjust the angle of the fixing bracket 61 so that the suction cup 63 at the end can adhere to a stable flat surface next to the sharps box 5, such as a table or wall. During the adsorption process, the suction cup 63 can be pressed appropriately to expel the air inside, enhance the adsorption force, and ensure that the funnel will not shake or shift during use.

[0037] The usage process is as follows:

[0038] When healthcare workers need to dispose of sharps waste, they simply drop the waste into the top opening of the collection hopper 1. Due to the design of the collection hopper 1, the waste will naturally slide down the inner wall of the collection hopper 1 into the elastic cone 22, and then smoothly enter the sharps container 5. During the disposal process, healthcare workers do not need to worry about the waste slipping or injuring themselves, and can quickly and safely complete the waste disposal.

[0039] The disassembly steps are as follows:

[0040] After use, first remove the fixing bracket 61 from the flat surface and fold it away to store it on the side of the collecting hopper 1. Then, lift and press the elastic cone 22 upwards, causing the elastic fixing ring 23 to be squeezed downwards by the edge of the sharps box 5 opening. Further lift to retract the elastic fixing ring 23 towards the center, pulling it out from the opening of the sharps box 5. This will loosen the elastic rubber pad 7 from the edge of the sharps box opening, allowing the funnel to be removed from the sharps box 5. Finally, clean and disinfect the funnel for future use. For cleaning, rinse the inner and outer walls of the funnel body with clean water, then soak it in disinfectant, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and let it air dry.

[0041] Through the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0042] Improved disposal efficiency: The funnel's wide-mouth design allows for easy disposal of various sharps wastes, eliminating the need for medical staff to carefully aim at the narrow opening of the sharps container. This significantly reduces disposal time and improves the efficiency of medical waste collection. Especially when handling large quantities of syringe needles, which previously required careful placement one by one into the sharps container, this funnel allows multiple needles to be poured into the funnel at once, quickly entering the sharps container.

[0043] Enhanced safety: The design incorporates connectors and securing devices to ensure a tight and stable connection between the funnel and the sharps container, preventing the risk of waste slipping and injuring personnel during disposal. Simultaneously, the high-strength plastic material and smooth surface of the collection hopper effectively prevent accidental ejection of sharps waste, further ensuring the safety of medical personnel.

[0044] Easy to operate: The snap-fit ​​connection and foldable fixing device make the funnel very easy to install and remove, allowing medical staff to complete the operation with ease. Even in busy medical work, the funnel can be quickly installed and used, improving work convenience. It achieves the goals of novel design, reasonable structure, and good application effect.

[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the funnel of this utility model that facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into the sharps container. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A funnel that facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container, characterized in that, The device includes a collection hopper, a connector, and at least three support legs. The connector is fixed to the center of the bottom surface of the collection hopper, and the support legs are evenly supported below the outer side wall of the collection hopper. The body of the collection hopper is a slanted conical structure with a leakage port at the bottom, which is biased towards the lower side of the collection hopper. The connector includes a fixing ring, an elastic cone, an elastic fixing ring, and two buckles. The fixing ring is fixedly connected to the top of the elastic cone and is sealed to the collection hopper at the leakage port. The elastic cone is connected downward to the elastic fixing ring, and there is a buckle on each side of the outer side wall of the elastic cone, with both buckles located above the elastic fixing ring.

2. The funnel according to claim 1, which facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container, is characterized in that, The support leg is formed by inserting multiple telescopic rods in sequence, and can be raised and lowered according to the height of the sharps box.

3. The funnel according to claim 2, which facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container, is characterized in that... The collection hopper is also connected to a fixing device on the upper outer side away from the leak. The fixing device includes a fixing bracket, a hinge, and a suction cup. The inner end of the fixing bracket is connected to the side of the funnel body through the hinge, and the outer end of the fixing bracket is connected to the suction cup.

4. The funnel according to claim 3, which facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container, is characterized in that... The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the elastic cone are adapted to the shape and dimensions of the sharps box inlet.

5. The funnel according to claim 4, which facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container, is characterized in that... The collecting hopper is made of plastic, and the upper surface of the collecting hopper is a smooth surface that gradually narrows from the top opening to the bottom opening.

6. The funnel according to claim 5, which facilitates the smooth entry of sharps waste into a sharps container, is characterized in that... An elastic rubber pad is provided on the outer wall of the elastic cone below the buckle.