Cardboard container

Abstract

A cardboard container 1 for receiving and disposing of medical sharps waste. The container comprises a base panel 2, a top panel 3 comprising an opening 6, side panels 4 extending between the base pan

Description

Technical Field The present invention relates to a cardboard container for receiving and disposing medical wastes. Background It is known to provide containers to hold potentially hazardous sharps medical waste, for example scalpel blades, trocars, hypodermic needles and syringes, and the containers are typically made of fossil-based plastics. Similar to other clinical waste, they are incinerated at the end of the container's use, generating a large amount of greenhouse gases and other toxic gases, and thus contribute to climate change and air pollution. Despite their poor environmental credentials, they are widely accepted and used in hospitals. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a cardboard container which alleviates or overcomes one or more of the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a cardboard container for receiving and disposing of medical sharps waste. The container comprises a base panel, a top panel comprising an opening for insertion of medical waste, side panels extending between the base panel and the top panel to define a compartment to receive medical sharps waste, and a lid. The lid is moveable between a closed position, in which the opening is covered, and an open position, in which the opening is uncovered. The lid comprises a primary engagement feature and the container comprises a secondary engagement feature. The primary and secondary engagement features extend outwardly from the container when the container is in the closed position and the primary and secondary engagement features are aligned when the lid is in the closed position such that the primary and secondary engagement features can be secured to each other to permanently secure the lid in the closed position. The secondary engagement feature may extend from one of the side panels. The primary and secondary engagement features may be tabs that lie parallel to each other when the lid is in the closed position. The primary engagement feature may be formed from a first cut-out in the lid and the primary engagement feature may be folded along an edge of the lid to extend outwardly from the container. The primary and secondary engagement features may extend in a plane perpendicular to the top panel when the lid is in the closed position. The primary and secondary engagement features may each comprise at least one through hole, whereby the at least one through hole of the respective engagement features are aligned when the lid is in the closed position. The primary and secondary engagement features may each comprise one or more through holes. The through holes may be configured to receive a cable tie to permanently secure the lid in the closed position. The container may comprise a plurality of primary engagement features and a plurality of secondary engagement features. The container may comprise a storage feature for retaining the cable tie. The container may comprise a hanging tab. The hanging tab may extend from the container in a plane perpendicular to the top panel. The hanging tab may comprise a through hole. The hanging tab may comprise the storage feature. The storage feature may be a through hole configured for retaining the cable tie. The lid may comprise a flap, and the side panels may comprise a slit. The flap may be configured to engage the slit when the lid is in the closed position to temporarily secure the lid in the closed position. The flap may extend from the lid in a plane perpendicular to the lid. The flap may extend from the lid in a plane parallel to the side panels when the lid is in the closed position. The lid may be foldable relative to the container to move between the open and closed positions. The lid may be foldable along a fold line located at an edge defined between the top panel and the side panel. The lid may comprise a second cut-out portion that locates under the top panel such that the second cut-out portion prevents the top panel from falling into the compartment. The container compartment may comprise an absorbent pad. The container compartment may comprise a film impermeable to liquids located between the absorbent pad and the base panel. The container may be folded from a cardboard blank. The cardboard blank may be foldable into a compact configuration suitable for storage. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the cardboard container according to an embodiment of the invention in use with the lid in an open position; Figures 2a and 2b show a perspective view of the cardboard container shown in Figure 1 with the lid in a closed position; Figures 3a and 3b show a perspective view of the carboard container of Figure 1 with the lid in the closed position and the lid being permanently closed; Figures 4a and 4b show a close-up perspective view of the hanging tab of the cardboard container according to another embodiment; Figure 5 shows a cardboard blank that is foldable to form the cardboard container as shown in the previous Figures; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the cardboard container of Figure 1 in a compact configuration suitable for storage prior to use; and Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the cardboard container interior. Detailed Description Figure 1 shows a cardboard container 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The container 1 comprises a base panel 2, a top panel 3, and side panels 4 extending between the base panel 2 and top panel 3. The base panel 2, top panel 3, and side panels define a compartment 5 (not visible in Figure 1 but visible in Figure 7) in which medical sharps waste can be received. The top panel 3 comprises an opening 6 through which medical waste can be inserted into the compartment 5. Although in the figures the opening 6 is shown as circular in shape, it is to be appreciated that any other shaped opening 6, such as square, oval or hexagon, is intended within the scope of the present invention. The container 1 further comprises a lid 7 that extends outwardly from an edge defined between the top panel 3 and one of the side panels 4a and is foldable along that edge between an open position as shown in Figure 1, and a closed position, as shown in Figures 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b. It is to be appreciated that the lid 7 may extend from one of the side panels 4 and will remain foldable along an edge defined between the side panel 4a and the top panel 3. Alternatively, the lid 7 may extend from the top panel 3 and may be foldable along an edge defined between the lid 7 and the top panel 3. In the open configuration shown in Figure 1, the opening 6 is uncovered and suitable for insertion of medical waste. The lid 7 comprises a primary engagement feature 8 in the form of a tab that extends in a plane perpendicular to the lid 7. In the Figures, the primary engagement feature 8 is formed from a first cut-out 9 in the lid 7. The first cut-out 9 is formed from cutting along three edges of the tab. The primary engagement feature 8 is folded along the remaining edge that is not cut-out, which in the Figure is aligned with an edge of the lid 7, such that the primary engagement feature 8 extends outwardly from the container 1 when the lid 7 is in the closed position (shown in Figures 2a and 2b). It is to be appreciated that embodiments whereby the tab is not formed from a first cutout and rather is just a projection from the top surface of the lid 7, or whereby the tab is a first cut-out 9 and folded along a fold line not aligned with an edge of the lid 7, are intended within the scope of the present invention. In alternative embodiments (not shown) the primary engagement feature can be provided as a separate component which can be attached to the lid 7 via means such as an adhesive. In the Figures, the side panel 4b opposite to the side panel 4a comprises a secondary engagement feature 10. The secondary engagement feature 10 is in the form of a tab that extends outwardly from the container 1 such that it extends beyond the top panel 3. In alternative embodiments intended within the scope of the present invention, the secondary engagement feature 10 may extend from elsewhere on the container 1 such as another side panel 4 or from the top panel 3. The features and operation of the primary engagement feature 8 and secondary engagement feature 10 are further discussed in relation to Figures 2a and 2b. Figure 1 further shows the lid 7 comprising a flap 11 and the side panel 4b comprises a slit 12. The slit 12 is configured to receive the flap 11 when the lid 7 is in its closed position (shown in Figures 2a and 2b). In the Figures, the flap 11 is in the form of a tab extending from the lid 7, and is adjacent to the primary engagement feature 8 such that when the primary engagement feature 8 is folded along an edge of the first cut-out 9, the flap 11 is folded such that it extends in a plane perpendicular to the lid 7 and such that the flap 11 extends inwardly into the container 1 when the lid 7 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the flap 11 and the primary engagement feature 8 are formed as a single unitary component such that folding of the primary engagement feature 8 along an edge of the first cut-out 9 also causes movement of the flap 11 to a position whereby the flap 11 extends in a plane perpendicular to the lid 7 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the primary engagement feature 8 extends. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the invention whereby the flap 11 extends from a different part of the lid 7 and the slit is located on a different part of the container 1, or whereby the flap 11 extends from the lid 7 in a plane at an angle from the plane perpendicular to the lid 7 are intended within the scope of the present invention. It is further to be appreciated that variations in both size and shape of the flap 11 are intended within the scope of the present invention. When the lid 7 is in the closed position, the flap 11 may extend parallel to the side panels 4 but may alternatively extend inwardly at an angle to the side panels 4. It is to be appreciated that the flap 11 and slit 12 are optional features, and containers without the flap 11 and slit 12 are intended within the scope of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 further comprises a hanging tab 13, comprising a through hole 14 configured to hang the container 1 by engaging with an external hook or peg. The hanging tab 13 extends from the container 1 in a plane perpendicular to the top panel 3 and outwardly of the container 1, but it is to be appreciated that the hanging tab 13 can extend at any angle to the top panel 3. The hanging tab 13 shown in the Figures extends from a side panel 4, but it is to be appreciated that the hanging tab 13 extending from any portion of the container 1 is intended within the scope of the present invention. It is to be appreciated that the hanging tab 13 is an optional feature, and containers 1 without the hanging tab 13 are intended within the scope of the present invention. The hanging tab 13 may be formed by a cut-out from one side panel 4 and may be folded out of the side panel 4 to extend beyond the top panel 3. It is to be appreciated that a hanging tab 13 comprising a through hole 14 of alternative shapes, such as square, oval or hexagon, or of an alternative size is intended within the scope of the present invention. The lid 7 shown in the Figures comprises a second cut-out 15 that defines a second cut-out portion 23 (visible in the Figures 5 and 6). The shape of the second cut-out 15 is not limited to the shape shown in the Figures and alternative shapes are intended within the scope of the present invention. The second cut-out portion 23 locates under the top panel 3 to advantageously assist in preventing the top panel 3 from falling into the compartment 5. It is to be appreciated that the second cut-out 15 and second cutout portion 23 are optional features, and containers 1 without the second cut-out 15 are intended within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be appreciated that containers 1 with multiple second cut-out portions which locate under the top panel 3, similar to the second cut-out portion 23 described above, are intended within the scope of the present invention. Figures 2a and 2b show the container 1 of Figure 1 with the lid 7 in the closed position whereby the opening 6 is covered by the lid 7 and is inaccessible for a user to insert sharps waste. In the closed position, the opening 6 is closed to prevent sharps waste from falling out of the container 1. Further, the flap 11 of the lid 7 is engaged in the slit 12 which advantageously assists in temporarily securing the lid 7 in the closed position as the flap 11 is frictionally fit into the slit 12. The flap 11 can easily be removed from the slit by a user to return the lid 7 to the open position. It can further be seen in Figure 2a and 2b that the primary engagement feature 8 and the secondary engagement feature 10 lie parallel to one another when the lid 7 is in the closed position and that they also lie in a plane perpendicular to the top panel 3. It is to be appreciated that in alternative embodiments intended within the scope of the present invention, the primary engagement feature 8 and the secondary engagement 10 may not lie parallel to one another and may extend at any angle to the top panel 3. In all embodiments, the primary engagement feature 8 and the secondary engagement feature 10 are aligned when the lid 7 is in the closed position such that they can be secured to each other to permanently secure the lid 7 in the closed position. It is to be appreciated that the engagement features being aligned can refer to the engagement features lying parallel to one another, abutting one another, being in close proximity to one another or having specific features present on the engagement features that abut one another or are in close proximity to one another. In the Figures, the primary engagement feature 8 and the secondary engagement feature 10 each comprise two through holes 16, and the through holes 16 are aligned in Figures 2a and 2b when the lid 7 is in the closed position. It is to be appreciated that the engagement features comprising any plurality of through holes 16, or no through holes 16, are intended within the scope of the present invention. Although in the Figures, the primary engagement feature 8 and secondary engagement feature 10 are tabs, it is to be appreciated that any form of protrusions that can be secured to one another to permanently secure the lid in the closed position are intended within the scope of the present invention. The tabs are advantageous as they can be easily formed from a cardboard blank (see Figure 5 - described in more detail below) and therefore don't require complex manufacturing methods to provide the container with engagement features. Also, it is to be appreciated that any plurality of primary engagement features 8 and secondary engagement features are 10 intended within the scope of the present invention. In the Figures shown, the primary engagement feature 8 and secondary engagement 10 feature are aligned when the lid 7 is in the closed position due to the respective through holes 16 of the engagement features 8, 10 being aligned (i.e. positioned adjacent one another). Figures 3a and 3b show the container of Figures 1 and 2 with the lid 7 in the closed position, whereby the lid 7 is permanently closed by a cable tie 17 received in the through holes 16 of the primary engagement feature 8 and the secondary engagement feature 10. The cable tie 17 restricts relative movement of the primary engagement feature 8 and the secondary engagement feature 10 and hence a user is not able to move the lid 7 into the open position and the sharps waste is securely retained in the container 1. The container 1 in this configuration can safely be moved and disposed of without the lid 7 opening. It is to be appreciated that use of a cable tie 17 is only exemplary, and other means of securing the primary engagement feature 8 and the secondary engagement feature 10 to restrict relative movement of the engagement features 8, 10 are intended within the scope of the present invention, such as the use of elastic bands, an adhesive, staples, or strings. It is to be appreciated that these alternative methods of securing the engagement features are suitable when the engagement features do not comprise through holes. The elastic band / string can be used to secure two engagement features whereby the elastic band / string is wrapped around the engagement features such that the tensile stress of the elastic band / string is sufficient to hold the engagement features permanently together. The adhesive can be used to adhere two engagement features such that they cannot be separated. The engagement features can be stapled which secures the engagement features together such that they cannot be separated. Figures 4a and 4b show an alternative embodiment of the invention whereby the container 1 comprises a storage feature 18 for retaining the cable tie 17 (or other means of securing the primary engagement feature 8 and the secondary engagement feature 10). The cable tie 17 is retained in the storage feature 18 before the user uses the cable tie 17 to permanently secure the primary engagement feature 8 and the secondary engagement feature 10. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the hanging tab 13 comprises the storage feature 18 but it is to be appreciated that the storage feature 18 may be provided on any other external portion of the container 1. The storage feature 18 advantageously ensures the cable tie 17 is readily accessible to a user and prevents the cable tie 17 from getting misplaced or lost when not in use. It is to be appreciated that the storage feature 18 is an optional feature, and containers 1 without the storage feature 18 are intended within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the container 1 shown in the previous Figures is formed by folding a cardboard blank 19, an example of which is shown in Figure 5, whereby dashed lines show fold lines. This is advantageous as the cardboard blank 19 is easier to manufacture and allow for simple assembly of the container 1 by a user. The cardboard blank 19 defines an axis A-A and comprises the side panels 4 located adjacent to each other along the axis A-A. The cardboard blank 19 comprises top end panels 24a-24d and base end panels 25a-25ds located at opposite sides of each of the side panels 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axis A-A. A first top end panel 24a forms the lid 7 and comprises the second cut-out portion 23 and the first cut out portion 9 which forms the flap 11 and the primary engagement feature 8. A second top end panel 24b comprises a third cut-out portion 26 which forms the hanging tab 13 and a through hole 27. The second top end panel 24b further comprises a folding tab 28. A third top end panel 24c comprises a fourth cut-out portion 29 which forms the secondary engagement feature 10 and forms the slit 12. The third top end panel 24c further comprises a foldable tab 30 and a through hole 31. A fourth top end panel 24d comprises a foldable flap 32 and a through hole 33. The second top end panel 24b, third top end panel 24c and fourth top end panel 24d together form the top panel 3 when the cardboard blank 19 is folded into the container 1, whereby the respective through holes of the second, third and fourth top end panels 27, 31, 33 together form the opening 6. A first base end panel 25a, a second base end panel 25b, a third base end panel 25c and a fourth base end panel 25d together form the base panel 2 when the cardboard blank 19 is folded into the container 1. The fourth base end panel 25d comprises a flap 34 which is configured to be engaged with a slit 35 in the second base end panel 25b. The second base end panel 24b further comprises a foldable tab 36. The side panel 4 adjacent to the fourth top end panel 24d and the fourth base end panel 25d comprises an adhesion tab 37. Another advantage is that the cardboard blank 19 may be foldable into a compact configuration 20, as shown in Figure 6, where the cardboard blank 19 has been folded so that two side panels 4 overlay the other two side panels 4 and an adhesive has been applied to the adhesion tab 37 to secure it to the side panel 4 adjacent to the first top end panel 24a and the first base end panel 25a. In the storage configuration 20, numerous containers 1 in the compact configuration 20 can be stacked atop one another and can be flat-packed, thereby occupying less space than standard plastic containers. As an additional precaution, a film can be optionally affixed to the underside of the third top end panel 24c, attached on one edge running parallel to the fold line of third top end panel 24c. The film is impermeable to water and has dimensions equal to the internal dimensions of the container 1, ensuring each edge of the film abuts against the internal surfaces of the container 1. This single point of attachment enables the film to operate as a moveable flap, which acts as a trap door, which gives way upon the insertion of solid object into the through hole 31. If the container 1 is inverted, the film sits flush against the underside of third top end panel 24c due to gravity, acting as an additional barrier to prevent leakage of liquid or particulate through the through hole 31, and hence the opening 6. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the interior of the container 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The container 1 may comprise an absorbent pad 21 located in the vicinity of the base panel 2, the absorbent pad 21 being able to absorb a volume of liquid, preferably up to 100 mL of liquid. Additionally, upon absorbing liquid, the absorbent pad 21 expands in size and abuts the internal sides of the base panel 2 and / or the side panels 4 of the container 1 which forms a seal and prevents liquid from leaking around the sides of the absorbent pad 21. This is advantageous as without the absorbent pad 21, the liquid may be absorbed into the side panels 4 or base panel 2 of the cardboard container 1 and the cardboard's mechanical strength may be compromised which is dangerous if the sharps waste is not securely contained. Also, without the absorbent pad 21, the liquid may leak out of the base panel 2 (e.g., between the base end panels 25a-25d). This is particularly important for situations when the container 1 is being transported or if the container 1 is tipped over. The container may further comprise a film 22 located between the absorbent pad 21 and the base panel 2. The film 22 is impermeable to liquids and advantageously helps overcome a problem of the absorbent pad 21, which is that the absorbent pad 21 may not retain fluid for a long period of time. The absorbent film 22 prevents any liquid from leaking into the cardboard by creating a barrier in between the absorbent pad 21 and the base panel 2, whilst also enabling the absorbent pad 21 to reabsorb the liquid. In some embodiments, an adhesive is used to affix the absorbent pad 21 to the film 22. The film 22 may be attached to the first base end panel 25a to ensure it remains securely in position to form a barrier for any liquid entering the compartment. In some embodiments, both the absorbent pad 21 and film 22 are pre-adhered to the first base end panel 25a, streamlining assembly and eliminating the need for the end user's input, thereby reducing assembly time and complexity. The adhesive can optionally take the form of a liquid adhesive which cures in situ, a solid contact adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape. The container 1 is made of cardboard which is advantageous as when the sharps waste is incinerated, biogenic carbon is emitted which is less harmful to the environment than fossil carbon being emitted in the case of incineration of conventional plastic sharps waste containers. Further, cardboard is a more sustainable material compared to fossil-based plastics and may be derived from renewable sources. In embodiments comprising an absorbent pad 21, the absorbent pad 21 may be made of cellulose. This is advantageous as cellulose is a renewable plant-based material which also ensures fossil based carbon is not released to the atmosphere during incineration. In embodiments comprising the film 22, the film 22 can optionally be made of a bioplastic derived from renewable sources, such as polylactic acid (PLA) to further ensure fossil based carbon is not released to the atmosphere during incineration. The operation of the cardboard container 1 shown in the Figures will now be described. When a user wishes to temporarily open or close the opening of the container 1, the user moves the lid 7 to the open or closed position. The user may also temporarily secure the lid 7 in the open position by engaging the flap 11 in the slit 12. This is advantageously safe as the user's hands are not near the opening during covering and uncovering of the opening 6, and so the risk of injury to the user from sharps waste already present in the container 1 is decreased. When the user wishes to permanently close the cardboard container 1, the user can remove the cable tie 17 from the storage feature 18 and insert it into the through holes 16 of the primary engagement feature 8 and the secondary engagement feature 10. The user then secures the cable tie 17 so that it is permanently retained in position. At this stage the container 1 can no longer be opened manually. This permanent closure mechanism is advantageous as it is distinguishable from the temporary closure, eliminating the chance of user's accidentally engaging the 5 permanent closure during normal use of the container 1.

Claims

19 09 251. A cardboard container for receiving and disposing of medical sharps waste, wherein the container comprises:5 a base panel;a top panel comprising an opening for insertion of medical waste;side panels extending between the base panel and the top panel to define a compartment to receive medical sharps waste;a lid that is moveable between a closed position, whereby the opening is10 covered, and an open position, whereby the opening is uncovered; andwherein the lid comprises a primary engagement feature and the container comprises a secondary engagement feature, whereby the primary and secondary engagement features extend outwardly from the container when the container is in the closed position;15 wherein the primary and secondary engagement features are aligned when thelid is in the closed position such that the primary and secondary engagement features can be secured to each other to permanently secure the lid in the closed position;and wherein the lid comprises a flap, and the side panels comprise a slit,20 whereby the flap is configured to engage the slit when the lid is in the closedposition to temporarily secure the lid in the closed position.

2. A cardboard container according to claim 1, wherein the secondary engagement feature extends from one of the side panels.

253. A cardboard container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the primary and secondary engagement features are tabs that lie parallel to each other when the lid is in the closed position.30 4. A cardboard container according to claim 3, wherein the primaryengagement feature is formed from a first cut-out in the lid and the primary engagement feature is folded along an edge of the lid to extend outwardly from the container.35 5. A cardboard container according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein theprimary and secondary engagement features extend in a plane perpendicular to the top panel when the lid is in the closed position.19 09 256. A cardboard container according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the primary and secondary engagement features each comprise at least one through hole, whereby the at least one through hole of the respective engagement features are aligned when the lid is in the closed position.

57. A cardboard container according to claim 6, wherein the primary and secondary engagement features each comprise one or more through holes.10 8. A cardboard container according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the throughholes are configured to receive a cable tie to permanently secure the lid in the closed position.

9. A cardboard container according to any preceding claim, wherein the 15 container comprises a plurality of primary engagement features and aplurality of secondary engagement features.

10. A cardboard container according to claim 8, wherein the container comprises a storage feature for retaining the cable tie.2011. A cardboard container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a hanging tab.

12. A cardboard container according to claim 11, wherein the hanging tab 25 extends from the container in a plane perpendicular to the top panel.

13. A cardboard container according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the hanging tab comprises a through hole.30 14. A cardboard container according to any of claims 11 to 13 when dependenton claim 10, whereby the hanging tab comprises the storage feature.

15. A cardboard container according to claim 10 or claim 14, wherein the storage feature is a through hole configured for retaining the cable tie.3516. A cardboard container according to any preceding claim, wherein the flap extends from the lid in a plane perpendicular to the lid.

17. A cardboard container according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid comprises a second cut-out portion that locates under the top panel such that the second cut-out portion prevents the top panel from falling into thecompartment.

18. A cardboard container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container compartment comprises an absorbent pad.19.A cardboard container according to claim 18, wherein the absorbent pad isconfigured to absorb up to 100 ml of liquid.

20. A cardboard container according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the absorbent pad is configured to expand in size upon absorbing liquid.19 09 252021. A cardboard container according to claim 20, wherein the absorbent pad is configured to form a seal upon absorbing liquid.

22. A cardboard container according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein theabsorbent pad is formed from cellulose.

23. A cardboard container according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the container compartment comprises a film impermeable to liquids located between the absorbent pad and the base panel.2524. A cardboard container according to claim 23, wherein the film is formed of a bioplastic.3025.A cardboard container according to any preceding claim, wherein the flapand the primary engagement feature are formed as a single component.35

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