Interface for attaching components to sterile containers

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container or sterile container to which an attachment can be attached, and to a container system comprising such a container.

[0002] Such containers or sterile containers are used, for example, in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, or similar facilities for the sterilization of corresponding goods. To sterilize the goods, they are placed in the container and then placed together with the container in the sterilizer / autoclave. After the sterilization process, the sterile container can be removed from the sterilizer together with the now sterile goods contained therein, providing a sterile barrier for them until the sterile container is opened. It is often necessary to provide interfaces for attaching add-on parts to such sterile containers, for example to detachably attach labels to the outer wall of the container. It is particularly advantageous if such attachment / detachment can be carried out without tools and requires few handling steps on the part of the user, without the integrity of the sterile barrier being damaged or compromised during the process.

[0003] Various solutions are known from the prior art for attaching attachments to sterile containers of the type described above. For example, attachments are usually riveted to the container body, as disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2009 006 427 A1, in which a frame part is riveted to a part of the container body.

[0004] Such a solution has the serious disadvantage that the container shell is damaged / perforated during riveting. Any damage to the container shell must be permanently sealed to ensure a secure sterile barrier. Furthermore, riveting involves several production steps. First, holes for the rivets must be created, and then the rivets must be inserted and pressed.

[0005] Also known from the prior art are solutions in which brackets are first attached to the container body, onto which the attachments, e.g., plastic panels, are then placed. DE 10 2012 215 121 A1 discloses such a fastening device with a bracket for attaching a centering aid for centering the container lid. Also known is the attachment of attachments by creating undercuts in container sheet metal parts, to which the attachments are then held by means of levers, latches, spring mechanisms, etc.

[0006] Furthermore, US 2006 / 162210 A1 discloses a card holder device that can be attached, for example, to the exterior of a sterilization container for medical devices and holds a card. The card holder device has a generally flat surface portion that can receive and secure a card and has two fastening legs that extend in a clamp-like manner from ends of the surface portion. Each of the fastening legs comprises coupling elements that engage coupling elements of the sterile container. The coupling elements of the sterile container are formed by hooks that are cut out of a wall of the container and bent outward.

[0007] A sterile container disclosed in DE 197 03 823 C1 has a carrier with openings on opposite edges for inserting and removing a spring clip or other holder on the other side of the container. Alternatively, the carrier has an opening for passing a holder through. The container has a spring clip with spring legs on the front and back that form a spring and a label. The label is provided with an electronic data carrier and a carrier that holds it in place. The front spring leg has a flat area with an insertion opening or holder for receiving the label carrier in a release device. The clip assembly is made of stainless spring steel, and the carrier is made of a heat-, acid-, and pressure-resistant plastic.

[0008] US 2014 / 091089 A1 discloses a medical document fastening device for a medical sterilization container. The document fastening device comprises a sterilization container lid having a top side and at least one document holder comprising a first fastening section and a second fastening section spaced therefrom, as well as a clamping section arranged between the first fastening section and the second fastening section. When the document holder is connected to the sterilization container lid, the first fastening section and the second fastening section are fixed to the sterilization container lid. A document receptacle is arranged between the clamping section and the top side of the sterilization container lid, in which document receptacle a document can be clamped onto the top side by means of the clamping section.

[0009] US 2013 0 175 276A1 also discloses a sterile container with a tray and a lid that can be secured to the tray in a closed position by means of buckles. A protruding attachment element is provided on the tray, which interacts with the buckle.

[0010] The aforementioned solutions all have the disadvantage of requiring more components in production and additional steps from the user during assembly or when securing the attachment (moving / pushing forward the lever / latch). Fastening solutions consisting of multiple components are also suboptimal in terms of sterilizability, as contaminants can accumulate at the interface between the components (e.g., the bearing bushing of a fastening lever).

[0011] There are also state-of-the-art solutions in which attachments are welded to the sterile container or otherwise bonded together, but removing or replacing the components with such a solution is very complex or even impossible.

[0012] In view of the aforementioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a generic container system comprising a container, in particular a sterile container, and an attachment that can be attached thereto. A preferred objective of the present invention is to provide a container system or an interface that enables a detachable connection between the container and the attachment, in particular without the need for tools, without perforating the container wall.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention makes it a preferred object to completely dispense with additional components for a locking mechanism, such as latches, levers and the like, in order to simplify production.

[0014] A further preferred aim of the invention is to reduce as much as possible the handling steps required by the user to attach and detach the attachment to / from the container.

[0015] The aforementioned objects and aims are achieved by a container system and a container having the features specified in patent claim 1 and the subordinate claim. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the invention, a container in the form of a sterile container and an associated container system are therefore proposed, which comprises the sterile container and an attachment that can be releasably attached to the container. According to the invention, the container has at least one attachment section or undercut section on its container wall defining a container interior, to which the attachment section can be positively attached or resiliently locked. According to the invention, the attachment section is formed integrally with a closed, perforation-free section of the container wall. In other words, the attachment section is manufactured integrally with the container wall, or the geometry of the container wall itself forms the attachment section, so that the container wall is not perforated to create the attachment section.

[0017] The above-described integral and continuous production of the fastening section with the container wall offers the advantages of a reliable sterile barrier and the greatest possible reduction in the number of components required to provide a fastening interface on the part of the container.

[0018] Furthermore, the wall thickness of the closed section in the container wall, through which the fastening section is formed, is essentially constant and equal to the wall thickness of the container wall adjacent to this section. Preferably, the container wall can be formed at least in sections from a sheet metal, preferably from a sheet metal suitable for medical applications, particularly preferably aluminum, and at least one fastening section can be formed by sheet metal forming of such a sheet metal section.

[0019] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the attachment can have at least one corresponding fastening element for fastening to the fastening section, which can be transferred from a fastening position, in which it is designed to exert a securing engagement with the corresponding fastening section, into a deflection position or transfer position, in which the fastening element is deflected and / or deformed for transfer into or out of the securing engagement with the fastening section. Preferably, the attachment can have two fastening elements, i.e., a first and a second fastening element, which can be deflected / deformed in substantially opposite directions in order to be able to assume the deflection position.

[0020] Because the fastening element(s) can be moved into a deflected position, the attachment can be brought into complete positive engagement with the fastening section and released again without the need for additional movable elements, such as latches or levers. Such a design can therefore ensure secure fixation with a small number of required components.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one fastening member or the attachment as a whole can be designed to be resilient, at least in sections, and adapted to return the fastening members from the deflected position to the fastening position through the internal spring action of the at least one resilient section. An elastic design of the attachment or fastening member enables transition between the fastening position and the deflected position without the need for additional joints, adjusting devices, or the like, and also ensures that the fastening members are preloaded in the fastening position when the attachment is attached to the container.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening section and / or the attachment can have guide surfaces that are beveled or rounded such that, by pressing the attachment onto the container in a fastening direction, preferably in a fastening direction substantially perpendicular to a container wall, the fastening member(s) are transferred into the deflected position, sliding off the guide surfaces and overcoming the internal spring action. Preferably, the guide surfaces can additionally be configured to automatically center the attachment relative to the fastening section upon pressing on, through a symmetrical arrangement.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one resilient section can be adapted to position the fastening member(s) against the fastening section in the fastening position such that it / they exert a clamping effect with the fastening section. In other words, the attachment part or the fastening member(s) can be designed to create a force-locking / frictional connection with the fastening section.

[0024] Preferably, two fastening members can be brought into positive engagement with the fastening section in such a way that the attachment, in the fastening position, has only a single degree of freedom relative to the container, or the positive connection can only be released in one preferred direction. This has the advantage that such an undercut, which can be released in a preferred direction, is easier to produce than a complete positive connection, particularly in manufacturing processes such as deep drawing or injection molding. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, release in the preferred direction can be prevented by a force-locking connection according to the above-mentioned aspect.

[0025] The design of the container trough of sterile containers as a deep-drawn part made of sheet metal, particularly aluminum sheet, is widespread in the prior art. Based on this, according to a preferred embodiment, in existing trough concepts, the fastening section according to the invention can be incorporated into the container wall using sheet metal forming processes, such as deep-drawing or stamping, or the container wall can be reshaped during the deep-drawing process and / or subsequently to form the fastening section. This offers the additional advantage that the fastening section can create additional rigidity / stability in the container wall through a beading effect.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, in a metal container, the fastening section can be introduced into the container as a cold-formed bulge (projection) or recess (indentation) without breaking through the container.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening section can be formed on a single container wall (side wall, base, or lid), e.g., by forming a sheet metal part of a container wall or by integral injection molding with it. In other words, the fastening section can be located / formed exclusively in a surface plane of a container wall section. This has the advantage that smaller attachments, such as label holders, can be attached to the surface of a single container wall (in contrast to solutions in which the fastening section lies, e.g., on two opposing container walls).

[0028] According to a further preferred embodiment, the fastening section can have at least one, in particular two, common planes of symmetry with the fastening member(s). This can, particularly in combination with the feature of the guide surfaces, support automatic centering of the attachment and, in the case of a force-locking connection, also ensures uniform force application. Furthermore, attachments whose exact orientation is irrelevant can be clipped on regardless of their (e.g., vertical) orientation in such an embodiment.

[0029] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the at least one fastening member can be formed integrally with the base body of the attachment, or the attachment can also be manufactured entirely in one piece, preferably from an elastic material. This also ensures that the number of connecting elements for the attachment is reduced to the greatest possible extent and simplifies handling for the user, since both the container and the attachment, thanks to their own geometry and material properties, form a click system for tool-free and detachable assembly. The attachment is preferably made from medical-grade materials, in particular materials that are resistant to sterilization, e.g. suitable metals or plastics. In particular, a heat-resistant material can be used for the attachment. With particular preference, the fastening part can be adapted and designed to comply with the standard processes of the reprocessing unit for medical devices (RUMD) orin the central sterile supply department (CSSD), to be thermally cleaned, chemically cleaned, cleaned in a washer-disinfector (RDG) and sterilized with steam, ethylene oxide or H2O2 in sterilization processes.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the fastening section can form a type of pocket or rail or a guide slot in a closed wall section, into which the attachment can be directly or indirectly inserted or pushed. Preferably, in such an embodiment, the attachment can be locked in the pocket or guide slot by means of an internal clamping action of the attachment or a nub that must be overcome during insertion.

[0031] According to a further aspect, the attachment part can have a number of support ribs on its rear side instead of a support surface for supporting contact with the container wall.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the attachment part can form a cleaning gap to the container when attached.

[0033] According to a further preferred aspect, the attachment part may comprise a clip, preferably a wire clip for attaching a label.

[0034] According to a further aspect, the attachment part can have holes / recesses for attaching identification plates.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the outermost end portions of the attachment may be curved in the direction away from the container wall to facilitate gripping underneath.

[0036] The following description of preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the figures, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The figures are merely schematic in nature and are intended solely for comprehension purposes. The same elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Unless otherwise stated, the different embodiments are fundamentally constructed and function in the same way, which allows the different features of the embodiments to be freely combined with one another.

[0037] They show: Fig. 1 shows a container / sterile container with an attachment part fixed thereto in a first embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a detail of a fastening section and a fastening member of the first embodiment in a separated state; Fig. 3 shows a detail of the fastening section and the fastening member of the first embodiment in a connected state; Fig. 4 shows a detail of the fastening section of the first embodiment; Fig. 5 shows a container / sterile container with an attachment part fixed thereto in a second embodiment; Fig. 6 shows a detail of the fastening section and the fastening member of the second embodiment in a connected state; Fig. 7 shows a container / sterile container with an attachment part fixed thereto in a third embodiment; Fig. 8 shows a detail of the fastening section and the fastening member of the third embodiment in a connected state; Fig.Fig. 9 shows a perspective section through a container / sterile container with an attachment part fixed thereto in a fourth embodiment; Fig. 10 shows the attachment part according to the fourth embodiment; Fig. 11 shows the attachment part of the fourth embodiment in the state fastened to the container / sterile container; Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of the container / sterile container with the attachment part of the fourth embodiment fixed thereto; and Fig. 13 shows a view of the rear of the attachment part of the fourth embodiment.

[0038] In Fig. 1is a partial view of a container 10 according to the invention, or rather a tub-shaped lower part of a container 10 according to the invention, in a first exemplary embodiment. The container 10 is designed as a sterilization container, which is intended in particular for receiving, i.e. for storing and transporting medical utensils, such as surgical tools / cutlery or other reusable medical items. After the sterilization process of the tool / utensils contained in the container 10, the sterilization container also serves as a sterile container, for storage and transport between the sterilization site and the operating area provided in the hospital, such as the operating room.

[0039] Since the container 10 cannot be opened without risking contamination of the contents, it is important to clearly label the contents of the container 10, its destination (e.g., the operating room), the time of sterilization, etc., on the outside of the container. For this purpose, a clip-shaped attachment 20 designed as a type of curved plate according to the first embodiment is attached to the container 10 shown. This attachment is intended for marking the container 10 or as a holder for labels / indicator plates 21.

[0040] According to the invention, said attachment 20 can be manually "clipped" onto and removed from a container (outer) wall 11 via a container system or interface / fastening device designed as a type of click system. The container system shown is fundamentally based on the interaction of (here) two fastening elements 22 (first fastening element 22.1 and second fastening element 22.2) provided on the attachment 20, which can be engaged with a fastening section 12 provided in / on the container wall 11 (in the example shown, in a single container wall 13) to thereby secure the attachment 20 to the container 10. In the example shown, the fastening section consists of two subsections / undercut points 12.1, 12.2; however, the number of subsections / undercut points can be varied according to the invention.The interaction of the fastening sections 12 with the fastening members 22 is shown in the . Figures 2 to 4shown in detail. The fastening sections 12 are designed here as outwardly projecting projections / protrusions or bulges in the container wall 13, which form profiles with an undercut that extend in sections in the vertical direction of the container wall 13 (orthogonal to the container base). The profiles of the fastening sections 12 are approximately hook-shaped, with the openings of their hook shapes pointing in opposite directions (away from each other), since the two fastening sections 12 are essentially symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry that also extends in the vertical direction of the container wall 13. In the example shown, the fastening sections 12 are formed by deforming the container wall 13, which is why they have essentially the same wall thickness in cross-section across the length of the hook profile.

[0041] In the example shown, the fastening members 22 provided on the attachment part 20 are arranged on opposite edge sections of the approximately plate-shaped attachment part 20 and also have a hook shape on their outer edge, the hook opening 23 of which is designed as a groove / trough-shaped depression / recess complementary to the fastening sections 12.

[0042] The interface / fastening device according to the invention between container 10 and attachment 20 is therefore fundamentally designed similarly to a tongue and groove connection, in which, however, the attachment 20 in the embodiment shown is not pushed on in the longitudinal direction of the tongue and groove geometry, but instead can be clipped on in a direction perpendicular to the container wall 13. To enable such a click system, a certain inherent elasticity of the attachment 20 or the fastening elements 22 is required so that the fastening elements 22 can be deflected to overcome the hook-shaped undercut of the fastening sections 12, in this case outwards, or can deform in such a way (can assume a deflection state) that the opening of their hook shape enlarges in order to be able to pass through the undercut.For this purpose, the attachment part 20 is made, preferably in one piece, from a material with the required elasticity and the necessary fatigue strength against the stresses of the sterilization cycles (pressure, humidity, temperature), e.g. a suitable plastic or a suitable metal (alloy).

[0043] Furthermore, in the example shown, both the fastening sections 12 and the fastening members 22 are provided with guide surfaces 24, which are designed to assist clipping in that, when the attachment 20 is pressed onto the container wall 13 in a direction perpendicular to the surface plane, they slide on one another in such a way that the fastening members 22 are deflected or deformed into the deflected state, and the attachment is also automatically centered. For the purpose of automatic centering, the fastening sections 12 and the fastening members 22 in the example shown also have common planes of symmetry in the vertical and horizontal directions (relative to the container 10).

[0044] The fastening elements 22 of the attachment 20 shown as an example are connected to the container by sections 25 that are concavely bent / curved toward the outside of the container. These sections serve to facilitate deflection of the fastening elements 22 in the direction of curvature and thus also to facilitate removal from the fastening position. The surface of the container wall 13, to which the attachment 20 is attached, is adapted to the curved geometry of the attachment 20, resulting in the formation of a central support surface 26 that can serve as a supporting counterbearing when the end sections of the attachment 20 are deflected in a direction away from the container wall, in order to assist in the release of the fastening elements 22 from the fastening sections 12.

[0045] In Fig. 5 a container 10 with attached attachment 20 according to a second embodiment is shown, Fig. 6shows a detailed view of the fastening member 22 which is in engagement with the fastening portion 12 of the container 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0046] The second embodiment is designed largely in accordance with the first embodiment, with the difference that the fastening sections 12 formed in the container wall 13 are designed as groove-shaped recesses, and the fastening members 22 are designed as mutually aligned, approximately hook-shaped projections on opposite end sections of the attachment 20. The tongue / groove relationship is thus inverted in this case compared to the first embodiment.

[0047] In Fig. 7 a container 10 with an attachment attached thereto according to a third embodiment is shown, Fig. 8shows a detailed view of the fastening member 22 which is in engagement with the fastening section 12 of the container 10 according to the third embodiment.

[0048] In the third embodiment shown, the fastening members 22, here again groove-like or convex, are not arranged on opposite end sections of the attachment 20, but are offset inward (spaced from the end sections). In the example shown, the fastening members 22 are arranged on the convex side of the curved sections 25, whereby the attachment 20 can be easily detached from the container by grasping the end sections and, utilizing their lever arm toward the curved sections 25 and the supporting contact of the bearing surface 26 with the container wall 13, deflecting them in such a way that the curvature of the curved sections 25 is increased and the fastening members 22 are released from their engagement with the fastening sections 12.

[0049] In the Figs. 9 to 131 shows an attachment 20 according to the invention in a fourth embodiment. The attachment 20 of the fourth embodiment is similar in principle to the second embodiment and is also secured to the container 10 by means of approximately hook-shaped fastening elements 22 positioned against one another in groove-like fastening sections. In contrast to the second embodiment, however, the fastening elements 22 are not arranged at the outermost end sections of the attachment 20, but rather are each offset slightly inward from the edge. For this purpose, the outermost end sections of the attachment 20 curve away from the container wall 13, thereby making it easier for the user to grasp underneath and thus remove the attachment 20 from the container 10.

[0050] The fourth embodiment also discloses an alternative concept for attaching a label / indicator plate 21 to the attachment 20. This includes a wire clamp 27, which, in conjunction with a surface on the front of the attachment 20, can exert a clamping effect on a label 21. In the example shown, the clamp 27 is locked into the rear of the attachment 20 and is guided through a recess in the attachment to the front. For additional securing and aligning of an attached label 21, the example shown also has a lower stop 28 on the surface provided for attaching the label 21.

[0051] In contrast to the other embodiments, the fourth embodiment does not have a support surface 26. Instead, several support ribs 29 are provided. These define a cleaning gap 30 with a predetermined gap width sufficient to clean or sterilize the space between the attachment 20 and the container 10. In addition, the gap 30 creates space for the wire clamp 27 guided behind the attachment. Figures 9 to 13 The attachment part 20 shown also has recesses or holes 31 which are designed for fastening identification plates with corresponding complementary (locking) projections.

[0052] Based on the embodiments shown, a multitude of variants of the present invention are conceivable.

[0053] Thus, the number of subsections of the fastening section 12 or its design can be varied almost arbitrarily (e.g. a fastening section 12 designed as a single round knob to which the attachment 20 can be locked). Furthermore, it is not necessary for the attachment 20 to have fastening members 22. According to the invention, other devices are also conceivable for securing the attachment 20 to the fastening section 12. For example, the fastening section could form a type of pocket into which the attachment 20 can be placed or pushed and locked, for example, by means of an internal clamping effect of the attachment 20. The fastening section 12 could also form rails or a slotted guide into which a section of the attachment 20 can be pushed. In such a case, the locking could be achieved, for example, by means of a knob provided on the container 10 or on the attachment 20.

[0054] Also, the container wall 11 and the fastening section 12 formed therein do not have to be formed from a sheet metal, but could also be made in one piece from plastic by injection molding, for example.

[0055] In principle, it is also conceivable to design the fastening section instead of the fastening members 22 in such a way that it can be transferred from the fastening position into the deflection position, but it is advantageous, at least when used in the field of sterile containers, if the container wall deforms as little as possible in order not to endanger the sterile barrier between the lid and the container tub.

[0056] In principle, the attachment part 20 can also be fixed to the container in a purely form-fitting or purely force-fitting manner. Reference symbol

[0057] 10Container / sterile container; 11Container wall; 12Fastening section; 13Container wall; 20Attachment; 21Label / indicator plate; 22Fastening link; 23Hook opening / groove; 24Guide surface; 25Curved section; 26Support surface; 27Wire clamp; 28Stop; 29Support ribs; 30Cleaning gap; and 31Fastening recess.

Claims

1. A sterile container (10) for the storage and transport of medical utensils, having a fastening portion (12) which is formed in one piece of material with a closed portion free of apertures of a container wall (11) of the sterile container (10) and to which an attachment part (20), which is manufactured from a sterilization-resistant material, can be fastened in a positive-locking manner or can be locked in place in a spring-elastic manner, wherein a wall thickness of the closed portion in the container wall (11) is formed by the fastening portion (12) and is substantially constant and equal to the wall thickness of the container wall (11) bordering said portion.

2. The sterile container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sterile container (10) is a deep-drawn container with substantially uniform wall thickness.

3. A container system which comprises a sterile container (10) according to claim 1 or 2 for storing and transporting medical utensils and includes the attachment part (20) which can be detachably fastened to the sterile container (10), in particular without using any tools, and which is made of the sterilization-resistant material, characterized in that the attachment part (20) can be positively fastened or resiliently locked in place on the container wall (11) on the fastening portion (12) formed in one piece of material with the closed portion free of apertures of the container wall (11) of the sterile container (10).

4. The container system according to claim 3, characterized in that the attachment part (20) has at least one fastening element (22) which is formed on the attachment part (20) and can be moved from a fastening position, in which it is designed for exerting the securing engagement with the corresponding fastening portion (12), to a deflected position, in which the fastening element (22) is deflected and / or deformed for moving it into or out of the securing engagement with the fastening portion (12).

5. The container system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the at least one fastening element (22) or the attachment part (20) as a whole is formed to be resilient at least in sections and is adapted to return the fastening element (22) from the deflected position to the fastening position by the internal spring action of the at least one resilient portion.

6. The container system according to claim 5, characterized in that the fastening portion (12) and / or the attachment part (20) have guide surfaces (24) which are beveled or rounded in such a way that, by pressing the attachment part (20) onto the sterile container (10) in a fastening direction the at least one fastening element (22) is moved to the deflected position by sliding along the guide surfaces (24) and overcoming the internal spring action.

7. The container system according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the attachment part (20) has at least two fastening elements (22) and the at least one resilient portion is adapted to set the fastening elements (22) relative to one another in the fastening position in such a way that they exert a clamping action with the fastening portion (12).

8. The container system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container wall (11) is formed at least in sections from a sheet metal of medical grade metal and the fastening portion (12) is formed by sheet metal working of such a sheet metal section.

9. The container system according to claim 8, characterized in that the fastening portion (12) is worked into the container (10) as at least bulge or recess produced by work hardening.

10. The container system according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the fastening portion (12) is formed on or in a single container wall (13) or the lid.

11. The container system according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the fastening portion (12) has at least one, in particular two planes of symmetry in common with the fastening element(s) (22).

12. The container system according to one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that the at least one fastening element (22) is formed integrally with the attachment part (20).

13. The container system according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the attachment part (20) has a clamp (27), in particular a wire clamp, for clamping an identification plate.

14. The container system according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the attachment part (20) has holes or recesses for fastening an identification plate.