A releaseable enclosure

Abstract

A system for opening a medical waste bin, comprises a bin 2 and a bin opening device 26. The bin comprises a main body 4 including an outwardly extending peripheral flange and having a recess located

Description

The present invention relates to a releasable enclosure. More especially, the invention relates to a closure for a sharps bin used to capture, for example, medical waste. The invention also relates to a device which enables the opening of the locked enclosure. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Traditionally, once closures for sharps bins, such as the one described in the patent GB2369109B, are locked it is not possible to unlock the closure or remove the lid in order to prevent access to the contents. The sharps bin is transported to a medical incinerator where the entire bin and its contents are incinerated. Sharp bins have therefore been designed specifically for single use. Whilst the sharps bin of the patent GB2369109B has proven to be commercially successful, recent changes in attitudes caused by worldwide environmental issues have led to a need for the bin of this type to be reusable in order to reduce the environmental impact on the planet. Furthermore, sharps bins that are transported to medical incinerators are rarely full, often they are only half full. The transport costs for the medical waste placed in the bins can be greatly decreased if only the contents of the bins, and not the bins themselves, are required to be transported to the medical waste disposal facility. The applicant's previously filed patent application, GB2621620, sought to provide a sharps bin with a lid and closure that is lockable during use, but which can released from the main body of the bin using a specific method and closure release tool to allow the main body to be reused. It also sought to provide a system for providing a reusable sharps bin to the medical industry with means to open the bin in a secure environment and to treat and provide at least part of the bin back to the industry for re-use. The previous invention also provided apparatus and a method for opening the bin in the secure environment to allow for its re-use. The present application seeks to provide an alternative sharps bin which solves the same problem as the previously filed application, but focuses on a different locking mechanism between the main body and lid. It also seeks to provide an apparatus and method for opening the bin in a secure environment with no human intervention to allow for its re-use. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for opening a bin containing, inter alia, medical waste, the system comprising a bin and a bin opening device, wherein the bin comprises: a main body including an outwardly extending peripheral flange and having a recess located between the outer edge of the body and the flange; a lid including a downwardly extending internal first flange and an outer rim, the rim having an inwardly extending second flange; wherein, when in use, the flange of the main body is engageable with the second flange of the lid via a snap-fit type mechanism and the internal first flange is locatable within said recess; and wherein the bin opening device comprises: a frame, including; a plurality of vertically orientated sections; a base including a first securing means for releasably securing the main body of the bin to the base; a securing plate including a second securing means for releasably securing the lid of the bin to the securing plate; and lifting apparatus; wherein the lifting apparatus and the securing plate are movable along the frame. Preferably, the bin is comprised of a rigid polymeric material. Preferably, the outer rim has a filleted edge. Preferably, the base of the bin opening device has at least two support legs. Preferably, the first securing means is a vacuum suction device. Alternatively, the first securing means is magnetic. Alternatively, the first securing means is mechanical. Preferably, the base of the bin further includes fixings which correspond to the first securing means of the base. Preferably, the lifting apparatus is a plate which includes a centrally located aperture. Preferably, the centrally located aperture includes a sloped internally extending flange. Preferably, the lifting apparatus includes a plurality of projections. Preferably, each projection is located at different heights along the vertically orientated sections. Preferably, the second securing means is a vacuum suction device. Alternatively, the second securing means is magnetic. Alternatively, the second securing means is mechanical. Preferably, the lid further includes fixings which correspond to the second securing means of the securing plate. Preferably, the bin opening device further includes guide plates. Preferably, the bin opening device further includes a first mechanical actuating means to move the lifting apparatus along the frame of the device. Preferably, the bin opening device further includes a second mechanical actuating means to move the securing plate along the frame of the device. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provides a method of opening a locked bin utilising the system according to the first aspect, comprising the steps of: placing the bin opening device into its starting position, wherein the lifting apparatus is located proximally to the base of the device and the securing plate is located distally to the base of said device; locating the bin within the bin opening device and securing the bin to the securing plate using the second securing means; locating the base of the bin to the base of the bin opening device and engaging the first securing means; and separating the lid of the bin from the main body of the bin. Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of removing the contents of the unlocked bin for further processing; and removing the lid and main body of the bin for further processing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bin in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-section view of the bin shown in Figure 1, showing the locking mechanism between the main body and lid of said bin; Figure 3 is a further cross-section view of the bin shown in the previous Figures, in the process of being opened by a release device; Figure 4A and 4B are perspective views of the release device shown in the previous Figures, in its starting and end positions; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bin and release device shown in previous Figures, showing the bin secured to the base of the release device; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bin shown in the previous Figures being opened by the release device; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the release device, showing the profile of a lifting plate; Figure 8 perspective view of the release device shown in the previous Figures, after the lid of the bin is removed; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bin and the release device shown in the previous Figures, prior to removal of the lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of releasing a locked lid and closure from a sharps bin. Figure 1 shows a sharps bin 2. It comprises a main body 4 with a lid 6, adapted to be removably connected to the main body 4. The bin 2 is comprised of a polymeric material with high rigidity to prevent a user from flexing the polymer to open the bin. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 4 is rectilinear in shape and hollow to provide a space for the contents of the bin. Distal to the base of the body 4 is an opening 8. In the embodiment shown in the figures 2 and 3, the edge of the opening 8 is chamfered. In use, the lid 6 seals the opening 8 from being accessed when filled with waste via a 'snap-fit' type locking mechanism. The locking mechanism between the lid 6 and the main body 4 will be explained in further detail below. Located proximally to the opening 8 is a flange 10, which forms one part of the locking mechanism for the bin. The flange 10 radially extends from the main body 4, and is comprised of a plurality of sections. A first section 10A, extends outwardly from, and perpendicularly to the main body 4. The first section 10A subsequently extends into a second section 10B which extends upwardly and parallel to the main body 4. The flange 10 terminates in a third section 10C, which extends at a generally downward angle forming a return or lip. The distal end of the section 10C terminates to a generally flat edge. In the embodiment shown in the figures, section 10B extends beyond the edge of the opening 8. A recess 12 is formed between the outer surface of the opening 8 and the inner surfaces of the flange sections 10A and 10B, due to the orientation of the flange sections 10A and 10B. The main body 4 may further include at least one handle 14 extending downwardly and outwardly from the flange section 10C. The lid 6 provides an opening for a user to put medical waste into the bin. It generally follows the same operation as that described in the Applicant's previous patent application GB2621620, in that it provides an access aperture 16 located in the base of a closure member 18, located on the top surface of the lid 6. The aperture 16 allows access into the opening 8 of the main body 4 and the closure member 18 can then be irreversibly locked and closed to prevent access to the contents of the bin once full. The lid 6 has a generally rectilinear profile which corresponds to the profile of the main body 4. The lid 6 includes an outer rim 20 which extends generally downwardly from the bottom surface of the lid 6. The differences between the lid 6 and the Applicant's previous patent application will now be described. The outer rim 20 has an inwardly facing stepped profile, wherein each 'step' has a filleted edge. Located on the internal periphery of the outer rim 20 and proximally to the flat bottom edge of the rim 20 is a flange 22. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the flange 22 has a curved profile. Located adjacent to the rim 20 is an inner rim 24. The inner rim 24 has a generally straight profile and extends downwardly and perpendicularly to the surface of the lid. The perimeter of the inner rim 24 is less than the perimeter of the outer rim 20. In alternative embodiments (not shown), a non-rectilinear profile for the main body 4 and the lid 6 may be used, this for example may include, but is not limited to a circular or an octagonal profile. In use, to lock the lid 6 to the main body 4, the user would locate the lid 6 over the opening 8 of the main body 4. Once located over the main body 4, the lid is pressed into place. The motion of pressing the lid downwardly forces the flange 22 of the outer rim 20 to flex over the flange 10, such that the flange 22 is located under the bottom or flat edge of the flange section 10C. Due to the rigidity of the material used for the bin 2, the outer rim 20 cannot be flexed by hand to remove the bin 2. In the use the inner rim 24 prevents access to the contents of the main body 4, should the lid 6 be partially deformed. Figures 3 to 9 illustrate the apparatus and method for releasing the lid 6 from the main body 4. As with the applicant’s previous application, in order to meet the requirements for the bin to be recyclable and reusable, the applicant has developed a method of releasing the lid 6 from the main body 4 using a release device 26 (also known as a ‘bin opening device’). The release device 26 is designed and manufactured for industrial use only. As such, the release device 26 and its method of operation are not appropriate for use by individuals who lack the appropriate training. This ensures that the contents of the bin 2 remains inaccessible in the environment of their use and during transport to the release premises. Examples of the environment for their use may be, but is not limited to a hospital or a laboratory. The release device 26 is shown in Figures 4A and 4B. For the purposes of clarity and understanding the invention, only the key features of the device will be described. The device 26 includes a frame 27 and a base 28, which in use ensures that the main body 4 remains in place and level during operation. The base 28 is comprised of a centrally located securing means 30 which provides a suitable removable fastening device for releasably securing the base of the bin 2 to the release device 26 in use, and at least two support legs 32, located adjacent to the securing means 30 and proximally to the periphery of the base 28. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the securing means 30 is a vacuum suction device, which uses a single suction cup 34 made from a flexible material to create a tight seal between the base of the bin 2 and vacuum suction device 30. In alternative embodiments (not shown), there may be more than one suction cup 34 used to secure the bin 2 to the device 26. Further alternative embodiments of the invention may include an alternative suitable securing means 30, this for example may be, but is not limited to magnetic or mechanical fixings. In these alternative embodiments, it can be appreciated that the design of the base of the bin 2 would need to incorporate corresponding fixings to ensure the bin 2 is secured to the base 28. The support legs 32 extend upwardly and perpendicularly to the base 28. In the embodiment shown in the figures, there are five support legs located on the base 28. In use, the support legs 32 prevent or minimise lateral movement of the bin 2 or the main body 4. The distance between each support leg 32 is equivalent to the dimensions of the base of the main body. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the base 28 may not include any support legs 32. Located vertically adjacent to the base 28 is a lifting apparatus 36. The lifting apparatus 36 is attached to the frame 27 through the peripheral apertures 38, each vertical section of the frame 27 is located through each aperture 38. In use, the lifting apparatus 36 moves vertically along the frame 27 via a mechanical actuating means (not shown). This for example may be, but is not limited to a pneumatic piston. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the lifting apparatus 36 includes a plate (hereinafter referred to as a ‘lifting plate 36’). The lifting plate 36 further includes a centrally located aperture 40, shaped to the profile of the lid 6. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the aperture 40 has a generally rectilinear profile. The aperture 40 may also be shaped to accommodate peripheral features of the bin 2, such as for example, but not limited to, the handle 14. It can be appreciated that in alternative embodiments (not shown), alternative geometric profiles may be used to correspond with the shape and profile of the bin. The aperture 40 extends through the height of the lifting plate 36. As seen in the Figures 7 and 8, the aperture 40 is comprised of a first portion 42 which extends into a second portion 44. As seen in Figures 7 and 8, the width of the first portion 42 is larger than the second portion 44, such that a flange 46 is formed at the interface of the first and second portions of the aperture 40. In particular, the width of the second portion 44 is equivalent to the width of the main body 6 including flange section 10C. The flange 46 has an angled profile as seen in Figures 7 and 8, such that one end of the flange 46 is greater in height to the directly opposing end of the flange 46. In use, the flange 46 lifts the lid 6 in the opening mechanism as the lifting plate 36 interacts with the lid 6. In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the lifting apparatus 36 includes at least two projections, extending inwardly and generally perpendicularly from an attachment means located on the vertical section of the frame 27. Most preferably, there are four projections located on each vertical section of the frame 27. Each projection is located at varying heights along the vertical sections of the frame 27 such that it emulates the angled profile of the flange 46. Located at the top of the release device 26 is a securing plate 48. In use, the bin 2 is attached to the plate 48 via a securing means 50 and lowered down into the base 28 to begin the opening procedure. The movement of the securing plate 48 is enabled via a mechanical actuating means (not shown). This for example may be, but is not limited to a pneumatic piston. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the securing means 50 is a removable fastening device, which attaches to the surface of the lid 6. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the securing means 50 is a vacuum suction device, which uses a suction cup (not shown) made from a flexible material to create a tight seal between the lid 6 and the vacuum suction device 50. In alternative embodiments of the securing means 50, a plurality of suction cups may be used. Alternative suitable securing means 50 (not shown) may include, but is not limited to magnetic or mechanical fixings. In these alternative embodiments, it can be appreciated that the design of lid 6 would need to incorporate corresponding fixings to ensure a secure hold between the bin 2 and the securing plate 48. As can be seen in Figures 4A and 4B, the release device 26 may include guide plates 52, located below the securing plate 48. The guiding plates 52 ensure that the bin 2 is located centrally within the release device 26 prior to opening the bin 2. The plates 52 have a straight profile and correspond to the shape of the lid 6. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the device may not include guiding plates 52. The general method for opening the bin 2 using the release device 26 will now be described. Firstly, the release device 26 is placed into its starting position, as seen in Figure 4A, where the lifting apparatus 36 is located proximally to the base 28 and the securing plate 48 is located distally to the base 28, at the top of the device 26. Secondly, the bin 2 is located within the device 26 and secured to the securing plate 48. To minimise / prevent human intervention during the process, a robotic device (not shown) may be used to handle the bin 2 and aid in locating the bin 2 within the device 26. Next, the securing plate 48 and the bin 2 are lowered into the base 28 (the dotted arrow on Figure 4A depicts the direction in which the securing plate 48 moves). Once located centrally on the base 28, the securing means 50 is released and the securing plate 48 is raised to its starting position. At the same time, the securing means 30 of the base 28 is engaged, securing the base of the bin 2 to the base 28 (as seen in Figure 5). Once secured, the lifting apparatus 36 begins to move vertically upwards at a set speed towards the lid 6 (the direction in which the lifting apparatus 36 moves is depicted by dotted lines in Figures 4B, 6 and 9). As seen in Figure 9, due to the angled profile of the aperture 40, only one side of the lid 6 will engage with the flange 46. Due to the speed at which the apparatus 36 is moving, once the apparatus 36 is engaged with the lid 6, the force exerted on the lid 6, flexes one side of the outer rim 20 of the lid 6 away from the flange 10 (as seen in Figure 6). As the lifting apparatus 36 continues driving upwards, the force required to flex the other sides of the lid 6 becomes less, eventually leading to the lid of the bin 2 being completely separated from the main body 4. Once the lid 6 is separated from the main body 4 (as seen in Figure 4B), the contents of the bin is removed for further processing. As with the applicant’s previous application, the lid 6 and the main body 4 are also removed for further processing and subsequent recycling and re-use respectively. It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of releasable closures and methods of opening said closures in accordance with the invention and that modifications can be readily made without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for opening a bin containing, inter alia, medical waste, the system comprising a bin and a bin opening device, whereinthe bin comprises:a main body including an outwardly extending peripheral flange and having a recess located between the outer edge of the body and the flange;a lid including a downwardly extending internal first flange and an outer rim, the rim having an inwardly extending second flange;wherein, when in use, the flange of the main body is engageable with the second flange of the lid via a snap-fit type mechanism and the internal first flange is locatable within said recess;and wherein the bin opening device comprises:a frame, including;a plurality of vertically orientated sections;a base including a first securing means for releasably securing the main body of the bin to the base;a securing plate including a second securing means for releasably securing the lid of the bin to the securing plate, andlifting apparatus;wherein the lifting apparatus and the securing plate are movable along the frame.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the bin is comprised of a rigid polymeric material.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer rim has a filleted edge.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base of the bin opening device has at least two support legs.

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first securing means is a vacuum suction device.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first securing means is magnetic.

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first securing means is mechanical.

8. A system according to claim 6 and 7, wherein the base of the bin further includes fixings which correspond to the first securing means of the base.

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lifting apparatus is a plate which includes a centrally located aperture.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the centrally located aperture includes a sloped internally extending flange.

11. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein lifting apparatus includes a plurality of projections.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein each projection is located at different heights along the vertically orientated sections.

13. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second securing means is a vacuum suction device.

14. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second securing means is magnetic.

15. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second securing means is mechanical.

16. A system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the lid further includes fixings which correspond to the second securing means of the securing plate.

17. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the bin opening device further includes guide plates.

18. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the bin opening device further includes a first mechanical actuating means to move the lifting apparatus along the frame of the device.

19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the bin opening device further includes a second mechanical actuating means to move the securing plate along the frame of the device.

20. A method of opening a locked bin utilising the system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising the steps of:placing the bin opening device into its starting position, wherein the lifting apparatus is located proximally to the base of the device and the securing plate is located distally to the base of said device;locating the bin within the bin opening device and securing the bin to the securing plate using the second securing means;locating the base of the bin to the base of the bin opening device and engaging the first securing means; andseparating the lid of the bin from the main body of the bin.

21. A method according to claim 20, further comprising the steps of:5 removing the contents of the unlocked bin for further processing; andremoving the lid and main body of the bin for further processing.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEENFILED AS FOLLOWS:                     1628 03 25CLAIMS1. A system for opening a bin containing medical waste, the system comprising a bin and a bin opening device, whereinthe bin comprises:a main body including an outwardly extending peripheral flange and having a recess located between the outer edge of the body and the flange;a lid including a downwardly extending internal first flange and an outer rim, the rim having an inwardly extending second flange;wherein, when in use, the flange of the main body is engageable with the second flange of the lid via a snap-fit type mechanism and the internal first flange is locatable within said recess;and wherein the bin opening device comprises:a frame, including;a plurality of vertically orientated sections;a base including a first securing means for releasably securing the main body of the bin to the base;a securing plate including a second securing means for releasably securing the lid of the bin to the securing plate, andlifting apparatus;wherein the lifting apparatus and the securing plate are movable along the vertically orientated sections of the frame.28 03 252. A system according to claim 1, wherein the bin is comprised of a rigid polymeric material.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer rim has a filleted edge.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base of the bin opening 5 device has at least two support legs.

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first securing means is a vacuum suction device.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first securing means is magnetic.10 7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first securing means ismechanical.

8. A system according to claim 6 and 7, wherein the base of the bin further includes fixings which correspond to the first securing means of the base.

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lifting apparatus is a plate 15 which includes a centrally located aperture.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the centrally located aperture includes a sloped internally extending flange.

11. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein lifting apparatus includes a plurality of projections.20 12. A system according to claim 11, wherein each projection is located at different heightsalong the vertically orientated sections.28 03 2513. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second securing means is a vacuum suction device.

14. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second securing means is magnetic.5 15. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second securing meansis mechanical.

16. A system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the lid further includes fixings which correspond to the second securing means of the securing plate.

17. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the bin opening device further 10 includes guide plates.

18. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the bin opening device further includes a first mechanical actuating means to move the lifting apparatus along the frame of the device.

19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the bin opening device further includes a 15 second mechanical actuating means to move the securing plate along the frame of thedevice.

20. A method of opening a locked bin utilising the system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising the steps of:placing the bin opening device into its starting position, wherein the lifting20 apparatus is located proximally to the base of the device and the securing plateis located distally to the base of said device;locating the bin within the bin opening device and securing the bin to the securing plate using the second securing means;locating the base of the bin to the base of the bin opening device and engaging the first securing means; andseparating the lid of the bin from the main body of the bin.

21. A method according to claim 20, further comprising the steps of:5 removing the contents of the unlocked bin for further processing; andremoving the lid and main body of the bin for further processing.28 03 25

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