Spherical canister

Abstract

A canister for collecting and storing a fluid under vacuum comprising a spherical container having a first hemispherical component and a second hemispherical component, the first and second components being connected by a canister belt line comprised of a plurality of flanges to provide an air-tight and liquid-tight seal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Reference to Related Application) This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 744,288, filed July 28, 2020.

[0002] (Technical field) The present invention relates to vacuum technology, and more particularly to an apparatus for storing fluids under vacuum. More specifically, the present invention relates to a canister having two hemispherical shaped components, but with a seal joint or interface located within the available collection volume. When the two sides are tightly mated, the canister assembly is used to store fluids under vacuum. [Background technology]

[0003] The use of vacuum technology in hospital settings has become very common over the past 100 years. The technology has advanced significantly over time and is utilized for patient care during surgery and the post-operative recovery process as well as for managing respiratory secretions. Medical suction is used not only to clear airways and remove fluids, but also to resuscitate critically ill patients, collect waste products, recirculate blood from surgical fields, assist in difficult newborn deliveries, promote wound healing, and remove exhaust gases and smoke from operating rooms. Over time, such technology has become much more portable and has expanded its use beyond hospitals to long-term care locations such as chronic care facilities, outpatient clinics, physician offices, ambulances, and patient homes.

[0004] In most applications of vacuum technology, excess fluid is deposited in a surgical suction canister. The prior art for surgical suction canisters offers them to be reusable, semi-reusable, and disposable. Reusable canisters are composed of a hard plastic base and a plastic lid. They were developed to reduce the cost per procedure associated with waste fluid management. Semi-reusable canisters feature a disposable liner and lid combined with a reusable outer canister that is not intended to come into contact with the waste fluid. Disposable suction canisters are composed of a base canister and a lid. These are the most common solutions used today for the collection and temporary storage of waste fluid.

[0005] Reusable fluid collection systems require complete disposal of waste from the canister after each use. The canister must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after disposal of the waste. This disposal process carries the risk of employee exposure to droplets or aerosols.

[0006] Semi-reusable fluid collection systems require clinicians to remove and discard the waste liner and lid assembly from the rigid outer canister, which must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before reuse to avoid the risk of cross-contamination to the next procedure. This disposal process carries the risk of employee exposure to droplets or aerosols.

[0007] Disposable canisters offer the benefit of reducing the risk of exposure and cross-contamination because they are discarded after each use, however, disposable canisters present challenges in minimizing the amount of plastic used to reduce cost and plastic material waste, but they need to be strong enough to withstand the required pressures.

[0008] While suction canisters have a long history of successful use in healthcare settings, there are opportunities for improvement in cost and safety.

[0009] Prior art disposable suction canister systems have had the same basic shape and structure for decades. A traditional disposable canister is made with a lidded canister. The canister shape is mostly cylindrical and is typically injection molded from a high stiffness plastic resin such as crystal polystyrene or polycarbonate. The lid is generally flat or slightly domed and includes ports for plumbing connections. The lid is typically made from a general purpose plastic such as ABS, polystyrene, polyethylene or polypropylene. The collected fluid resides within the canister and the lid seals the top of the canister to maintain the vacuum level from the suction source.

[0010] In prior art canister systems, a sealing rib is placed on the lid and contacts the canister when the lid is assembled onto the canister. The lid-to-canister seal interface is always located above the fluid volume to be collected, and therefore it is not designed to be, and does not need to be, a liquid seal. The sealing rib is typically dimensionally larger than the inside diameter of the canister, creating an interference between the canister and the sealing rib on the lid. This interference creates a localized surface pressure between the sealing rib and the canister. The amount of interference is not arbitrary. Too much dimensional interference can make it difficult to attach the lid to the canister, because as the amount of dimensional interference increases, the force required to attach the lid increases. Too little interference can cause leakage and prevent proper system functionality. Additionally, any change in the lid or canister structure, such as a latch notch in the lid, locally changes the lid structure creating a discontinuity in the sealing pressure. A latch is typically used to secure the lid to the canister and is designed to lock the lid to the base. The discontinuity in pressure around the canister created by the latch is the source of localized deformations that cause canister air leaks. In addition, the high level of lid deformation in prior art canisters also creates changes in the pressure distribution as the lid deforms under vacuum.

[0011] In the prior art, aspiration canisters are under constant vacuum during use in high vacuum settings. One of the primary structural functions of a canister is to withstand high levels of vacuum without deforming, leaking, or breaking. With regard to structural integrity, there is the issue of lid deformation on existing cylindrical canisters. The lids on existing cylindrical canisters are nearly flat or slightly domed to increase lid rigidity. Under high vacuum, conventional lids often deform significantly, effectively storing mechanical energy while the vacuum is applied. If the vacuum is released too quickly when the canister is nearly full, or released without following a specified procedure, the lid may rebound to its original position, causing a rapid release of mechanical energy. This rapid lid movement causes a condition often referred to as canister reflux. During a reflux event, waste liquid may spray out of the canister or canister port, putting clinicians and equipment at risk of exposure to potentially hazardous liquids.

[0012] The inherent risks and costs associated with reusable and semi-reusable canisters provide a need for disposable rigid suction canisters because the potential for cross-contamination is eliminated compared to reusable and semi-reusable solutions. Disposable canisters also minimize the clinician's contact with waste fluids. However, with the amount of plastic waste generated, disposable canisters create cost issues. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] Thus, a need exists for a disposable canister that addresses the shortcomings of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention is a canister for vacuum storage and dispensing of fluids. The canister includes a first hemispherical component and a second hemispherical component that fit together in a sealable manner around a beltline to provide a fluid-retaining volume for fluid storage.

[0015] The canister design addresses the challenges faced by conventional disposable canisters by providing a liquid-tight seal within the usable fluid collection volume.

[0016] The first and second hemispherical components are sealably connected at a beltline to form a spherical shape of a canister having a cavity for storing liquid. The beltline is located within the collection volume of the canister cavity below a maximum fluid collection height within the cavity. The collection volume is the volume of the cavity that may store fluid. As a result, fluid within the canister cavity may come into contact with the beltline. Thus, a liquid-tight and gas-tight seal is established and maintained under typical operating conditions, with liquid contacting the beltline or sealing locations of the canister. Applicant defines the term "beltline" for purposes of this invention to be an equatorial seal around the periphery of the canister located at least substantially close to halfway between the poles of the hemispherical components of the canister. If there is any doubt between the terms "collection volume," "fluid holding volume," "collection height," or "belt line" and the common definitions of these terms, it is understood that both definitions apply.

[0017] Locating the sealing locations between the hemispherical components within the collected volume is essential because it uniquely offers the opportunity to create the most efficient design possible, which achieves the required strength requirements while minimizing the amount of plastic used, all in a design that can be economically produced, shipped and stored.

[0018] The spherical canister of the present invention has at least one contoured, polished surface at the beltline sealing location.

[0019] In yet another aspect of the invention, the canister may be constructed with a polymer seal, for example a thermoplastic polymer, that provides a sealable contact for the canister.

[0020] The spherical canister may include indicia for measurement of the volume of fluid within the cavity.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first hemispherical component of the canister has a dome-like shape to resist mechanical stress during vacuum storage.

[0022] The canister may include latches or adhesives that contribute to the sealable arrangement between the hemispherical components of the present invention.

[0023] Alternatively, the canister may have an elliptical shape made up of hemispherical components, which may further have a third cylindrical component separating the hemispherical components.

[0024] These and other configurations are described in further detail below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a canister of the present invention with a hemispherical component of the canister separated. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 with the hemispherical components of the canister connected along the belt line of the canister. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing the hemispherical components of the canister separated along the beltline of the canister. [Figure 3A] 3 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view taken through line A-3A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 4-4 of FIG. 2 showing the hemispherical components of the canister connected along the beltline of the canister. [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken through line 5-5 of FIG. 2 showing the hemispherical components of the canister connected along the beltline of the canister. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, focused perspective view of the hemispherical component of FIG. 1 taken along the beltline of the canister, showing the beltline latch of the first hemispherical component of the canister. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view through line 7-7 of FIG. 6 showing the hemispherical components of the canister separated by the beltline latch. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 8-8 of FIG. 6 showing the hemispherical component of the canister in close proximity to the connection at the beltline latch. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, focused cross-sectional view taken through line 9-9 of FIG. 6, showing the hemispherical components of the canister connected with the beltline latch. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a canister of the present invention, showing the hemispherical components of the canister separated along the beltline of the canister. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of a first hemispherical component of a second embodiment of the canister of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a canister of the present invention, showing the hemispherical components of the canister separated along the beltline of the canister. [Figure 11A] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 showing the hemispherical components of the canister connected with the beltline latch. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a canister of the present invention, showing the hemispherical components of the canister separated along the beltline of the canister. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 showing the hemispherical components of the canister connected with a beltline latch. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a hemispherical component of the canister shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 13A] FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 showing a second embodiment of the beltline latch of the first hemispherical component of the canister in a connected position. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a first hemispherical component of the fifth embodiment of the canister. [Figure 14A] FIG. 15 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the canister of FIG. 14 showing the connecting ledge. [Figure 14B] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the canister of FIG. 14 showing the hemispherical components of the canister connected with a beltline latch. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a further cross-sectional view of the canister of FIG. 14, showing the hemispherical components of the canister separated along the beltline of the canister. [Figure 15A] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the canister of the present invention showing the hemispherical component of the canister connected with a beltline latch. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 16-16 of FIG. 2 showing the interior volume of the canister filled with liquid to a first position above the beltline. [Figure 17] 17 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 17-17 of FIG. 2 showing the interior volume of the canister filled with liquid to a second position closely adjacent the top of the canister. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a second hemispherical component of the canister showing a second embodiment of an indicator. [Figure 19A] FIG. 13 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of the canister. [Figure 19B] FIG. 13 is a side view of an eighth embodiment of the canister. [Figure 19C] FIG. 13 is a side view of a ninth embodiment of the canister. [Figure 19D] FIG. 23 is a side view of a tenth embodiment of the canister. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Although the disclosure herein is detailed and precise to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments disclosed herein, which may be embodied in other specific structures, are merely illustrative of the invention. Although preferred embodiments have been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention as defined by the claims.

[0027] Attention is directed to Figures 1 and 2, where a first embodiment of a canister 2 of the present invention is shown. The canister 2 comprises a first hemispherical component 4 and a second hemispherical component 6. As described below, the hemispherical components are essentially symmetrical to each other and form a sphere when joined together. Alternatively, the canister may have an elliptical shape made of the hemispherical components (4, 6). See Figures 19A-19C. This shape may further have a third cylindrical component separating the hemispherical components (4, 6). See Figure 19D.

[0028] The first hemispherical component 4 and the second hemispherical component 6 are sealably connected by a beltline 36 to form a canister having a cavity 40 for storing liquid. This beltline 36 may be located below the height of the fluid in the cavity 40, i.e., the collection height 106 (see Figs. 16 and 17), and within the collection volume 108 (see Figs. 16 and 17), i.e., the fluid holding volume, of the canister cavity 40. The collection volume 108 (see Figs. 16 and 17) is the volume of the cavity 40 provided for storing the fluid. As a result, the fluid in the canister cavity 40 (see Fig. 4) may come into contact with the beltline 36. Thus, a liquid-tight and gas-tight seal is maintained under typical operating conditions, even if a negative pressure is applied in the cavity 40 and the liquid comes into contact with the sealing location of the canister 2. The first hemispherical component 4 is defined by a first hemispherical component shell 8 defined by a first hemispherical component outer surface 16. The first hemispherical component 4 is defined by a first hemispherical component shell 8 defined by a first hemispherical component outer surface 16. The first hemispherical component 4 has a first hemispherical component pole 22, and the shell 8 extends from the pole 22 in a parabolic shape 24 to a first hemispherical component base 20, thereby defining the first hemispherical component 4. The first hemispherical component base 20 has a first hemispherical component base perimeter 19. The base 20 has a first hemispherical component base opening 12. The first hemispherical component opening 12 extends toward a pole 22 to form a first hemispherical component cavity 23. A rim 25 is disposed on the base 20 about the first hemispherical component base perimeter 19. The rim 25 defines a first hemispherical component beltline 27.Positioned along the first hemispherical component beltline 27 are a plurality of latches 29, e.g., six, to help securely attach the hemispherical components 4 and 6 to one another. Preferably, the latches 29 are positioned equidistant from one another.

[0029] 1 and 2, the second hemispherical component 6 is defined by a second hemispherical component shell 10, which further includes a second hemispherical component outer surface 18. Similar to the shape of the first hemispherical component 4, the second hemispherical component 6 has a second hemispherical component pole 26, and the shell 10 extends from the pole 26 in a parabolic shape 24 to a second hemispherical component base 28, thereby defining the second hemispherical component 6. The second hemispherical component base 28 has a second hemispherical component base perimeter 30. The base 28 has a second hemispherical component opening 32 that extends toward the pole 26 to form the second hemispherical component cavity 14. A rim 33 is disposed on the base 28 around the second hemispherical component base perimeter 30. The rim 33 further has a lip 34.

[0030] The second hemispherical component base 28 is aligned with and positioned opposite the first hemispherical component base 20. Alignment of the bases (20, 28) is provided by the alignment of the first hemispherical component shell 8 with the first hemispherical component base 20 and the second hemispherical component shell 10 with the second hemispherical component base 28.

[0031] 1 and 2, the hemispherical components 4 and 6 are connected along a canister beltline 36. The canister beltline includes a rim 25 and a lip 34 that communicate with each other about a canister perimeter 38. The canister perimeter 38 is substantially equal to one or both of the first hemispherical component base perimeter 19 and the second hemispherical component base perimeter 30. The latch 29 also includes a portion of the canister beltline 36. Thus, the first hemispherical component cavity 23 and the second hemispherical component cavity 14 join along the beltline 36 to provide a canister cavity 40 defined by a canister shell 42.

[0032] 1 and 2, canister shell 42 has an exterior surface 44 with indicia 45 that extends essentially from pole 22 to pole 26. Indicia 45 provide a volumetric measurement of the amount of fluid within canister 40 and are discussed further below with respect to FIG.

[0033] The canister 2 also includes one or more ports 46, e.g., four ports, located in close proximity to the first hemispherical component pole 22. The ports 46 extend upwardly from the first hemispherical component shell 8 and are preferably molded with the shell 8 as an integral piece.

[0034] The opposing shell 10 has a number of support members 47 located near the second hemispherical component pole 26. The support members 47 provide a means for supporting the canister 2 on a surface. As illustrated, three support members 47 are shown, although more or fewer support members may be used. It will be understood that this arrangement falls within the scope of the present invention, provided the support means 47 allows the canister 2 to rest on the surface. Alternatively, the support members 47 can be eliminated and the canister can rest on a separate ring-shaped or elliptical-shaped base structure.

[0035] As can be seen, the canister 2 preferably includes a spherical shape 48. Thus, the canister provides a pressure vessel that is different from the prior art. When performing stress calculations on the canister 2, it is observed that the stress in the shells (8, 10) of the components of the canister 2 is half that of a comparable cylindrical pressure vessel of the prior art. Thus, the canister 2 of the present invention will withstand at least the same vacuum pressure as a cylindrical canister of the prior art, while requiring the canister shell 42 to be at least half the thickness of a comparable sized cylindrical canister of the prior art, if not thinner. Thus, the design of the canister 2 provides reduced manufacturing and material costs and reduces environmental impacts as compared to the prior art canisters.

[0036] Another advantage of the canister 2 of the present invention over the spherical, elliptical, or nearly spherical shape is a more efficient shape when comparing the volume of the shape to the surface area of ​​the shape. For example, for a 2000 cubic centimeter suction canister, comparing the canister 2 of the present invention to a cylindrical canister of the prior art, the canister 2 of the present invention occupies 15% less surface floor or surface area during use or storage compared to the cylindrical canister of the prior art. In addition, the canister 2 has a reduced space occupation during operation and storage compared to a cylindrical canister of the prior art having a fluid holding volume substantially equivalent to the fluid holding volume of the canister 2. Space occupation is defined as the volume of space that an object occupies. As with the previous definition, in case of doubt between the definition provided in this application for "space occupation" and the general definition of the term, it will be understood that both definitions apply. The design of the canister 2 reduces the area that the canister occupies for such use.

[0037] With regard to structural integrity, the problem of lid deformation causing reflux on prior art cylindrical canisters is addressed in the present invention. As previously mentioned, the lids on prior art cylindrical canisters are nearly flat or have a very small amount of domed section to increase lid stiffness. Under high vacuum, prior art lids often deform significantly, effectively storing mechanical energy while the vacuum is applied. If the vacuum is released too quickly when the canister is nearly full, the lid may rebound to its original position causing a rapid release of mechanical energy. This rapid lid movement may cause a condition often referred to as canister reflux. In contrast, the hemispherical shape of the first hemispherical component 4 provides a substantially more rigid lid compared to prior art cylindrical canisters. The additional stiffness of the present invention makes the design of the present invention less prone to reflux. This is because the deformation of the canister 2 is minimal, and therefore the stored energy due to deformation is minimized, ultimately increasing the canister's ability to safely store fluid under vacuum (see Figure 17).

[0038] The canister beltline 26 will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 3, 3A, 4 and 5. As shown in Figure 3, the hemispherical components (4, 6) are separated. The rim 25 includes two substantially parallel annular ribs, a first hemispherical component outer rib 50, a first hemispherical component inner rib 52, and a rib shelf 110 connecting the outer rib 50 and the inner rib 52. It is observed that the rib shelf 110 contributes to providing a continuous band of positive surface pressure around the entire canister beltline 36 (see Figure 4) of the canister 2. The rib shelf 110, the outer rib 50 and the inner rib 52 are provided around the first hemispherical component base perimeter 19. The rim 25 has a first hemispherical component channel 54 defined by the positioning of the outer rib 50 and the inner rib 52 relative to the rib shelf 110. The outer rib 50 preferably extends a length L1 (58) and the inner rib preferably extends a length L2 (60). Preferably, length L1 (58) is greater than length L2 (60). The outer rib 50 and the inner rib 52 terminate to provide a channel opening 56 in the direction of the second hemispherical component 6.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3A, the inner rib 52 further provides an inner rib outer surface 72 (shown in FIG. 4) facing the outer rib 52 and facing the first hemispherical component cavity 23 and the final canister cavity 40. During the molding process, the outer surface 72 is molded with a polished finish 70, thereby removing or minimizing manufacturing blemishes and imperfections. The polished surface 72 contacts the inner surface 69 of the outer rib 52 of the second hemispherical component 6 to provide increased sealing characteristics of the canister 2, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The first hemispherical component inner rib 52 has an outer diameter (D1) 98 defined by the polished outer surface 72 (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0040] 3, the rim 33 includes an outer second hemispherical component annular rib 62 and an inner second hemispherical component annular rib 64 that extends around the second rib base perimeter 30. The ribs 62 and 64 are substantially parallel to one another and thereby separated by a length L3 (65), thereby defining an annular second hemispherical component channel 67 that extends around the second hemispherical component base perimeter 30.

[0041] The outer rib 33 further provides an inner surface 69 that faces the inner rib 64 and the second hemispherical component cavity 14 and faces the final canister cavity 40 (shown in FIG. 4). As mentioned above, the inner surface 69 also includes a polished surface 70 to minimize or eliminate manufacturing blemishes and imperfections. The polished surfaces (69, 70) contact the outer surface 72 of the first hemispherical component inner rib to provide improved sealing characteristics of the canister 2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the second hemispherical component outer rib 33 has an inner diameter (D2) 99 defined by the polished outer surfaces (69, 70).

[0042] With further reference to Figures 4 and 5, this provides an annular lip extension surface 68 that extends around the second hemispherical component base periphery 30 in a direction away from the second hemispherical component cavity 14 and the final canister cavity 40.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the first hemispherical component 4 is mated with the second hemispherical component 6, the outer second hemispherical component annular rib 62 is positioned within the first hemispherical component channel 54. Additionally, the first hemispherical component internal rib 52 is positioned within or substantially adjacent to the second hemispherical component channel 67. The communication between the first hemispherical component 4 and the second hemispherical component 6 is along the canister belt line 36 about the canister perimeter 38. In so doing, the ribs (50, 52, 62, 64) are layered in the following orientations from the canister cavity 40: second hemispherical component inner rib 64, first hemispherical component inner rib 52, second hemispherical component outer rib 62, and first hemispherical component outer rib 50. In this layered orientation, the polished inner surface (69,70) of the outer second hemispherical component annular rib 62 is in substantial contact with the polished outer surface (70,72) of the first hemispherical component inner rib 52 to provide a liquid-tight and gas-tight seal of the canister 2. The liquid-tight and gas-tight seal is provided because the outer diameter (D1) 98 of the first hemispherical component inner rib 52 is greater than the inner diameter (D2) 99 of the second hemispherical component outer rib 62. This relationship causes the inner rib 52 to press against the outer rib 62, providing a continuous band of positive surface pressure around the entire canister beltline 36 of the canister 2, achieved between the polished inner surface (69,70) of the outer second hemispherical component annular rib 62 and the polished outer surface (70,72) of the first hemispherical component inner rib 52. Additionally, this shape results in minimal distortion, thus allowing a continuous band of positive surface pressure to be achieved and maintained around the beltline 36. As previously mentioned, the beltline 36, connection location 95 (see 16 and 17) may be located within the collection height 106 (see Figures 16 and 17) of the canister volume 40. As a result, fluid within the canister contacts the beltline 36 while maintaining a liquid-tight and air-tight seal.

[0044] 6, 7, 8 and 9, the communication and connection of the hemispherical components (4, 6) at the beltline latch 29 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 6, latch openings 73 along the canister beltline 36 are provided for the beltline latch 29. It will be observed that the rib shelf 110 continues through the area of ​​the beltline 36 and defines the upper dimension of the latch openings 73. Specifically, each opening 73 includes a through hole through the first hemispherical component outer rib 50 of the canister beltline 36. The latch 29 is connected to the outer flange at a latch first end 75 at a first location 74 of the opening 73. The latch 29 extends opposite the first location 74 toward the first hemispherical component pole 22 and terminates in a handle 76 within the opening 73. The handle 76 has an outer lip 79 positioned opposite the first hemispherical component channel 54 and the canister cavity 40. When the hemispherical components (4, 6) of the canister 2 are assembled and connected, the lip 34 rests on and communicates with the handle 76.

[0045] As shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the interrelationship of the latch 29 and the outer surface 77 of the outer rib 50 provides a visual indication of whether the first hemispherical component 4 and the second hemispherical component 6 are correctly and completely assembled to create a canister having an air-tight and liquid-tight configuration. The outer surface 77 of the outer rib 50 is opposite the channel 54 and is a component of the canister shell outer surface 44 (see Figure 1). When the hemispherical components (4, 6) are separated, the handle outer surface or surface 80 is substantially planar relative to the outer surface 77. As shown in Figure 8, the first hemispherical component 4 and the second hemispherical component 6 are brought into contact with each other. However, an air-tight and liquid-tight seal is not achieved, as indicated by the position of the handle outer surface or surface 80 relative to the outer surface 77. Although the lip 34 of the second hemispherical component outer rib 62 contacts the handle 76, they are not in a planar relationship and the user can see that an air-tight relationship has not been achieved.

[0046] In contrast, FIG. 9 illustrates an airtight configuration. The handle outer surface 80 is substantially planar relative to the outer surface 77. The lip extension surface 68 contacts and rests on the handle 76. The polished inner surfaces (69, 70) of the second hemispherical component outer rib 62 and the polished outer surfaces (70, 72) of the first hemispherical component inner rib 52 are in direct contact with one another. Unlike the prior art, each latch 29 is designed as described to provide rigidity to resist excessive deformation under high vacuum loads. Additionally, the latch 29 further supports maintaining a continuous band of positive surface pressure around the entire sealing canister beltline 36 of the canister 2 because the rib shelf 110 contributes to providing a continuous band of positive surface pressure at the location of the latch 29. Thus, the latch 29 supports maintaining the first hemispherical component 4 in sealed connection with the second hemispherical component 6.

[0047] 10 and 10A, a second embodiment of a canister 102 of the present invention is shown. The canister 102 is similar to the canister 2, except that a plastic sealing layer is included in the canister 102. The second hemispherical component 6 includes a second hemispherical component outer rib 162. The second hemispherical component polymer section seal 82 is positioned in communication with the rib 162 to provide an inner surface 169. The polymer section 82 is an annular ring that contacts the outer rib 162 along the entire second hemispherical component base perimeter 30. It will be appreciated that the inner surface 169 has a polished surface 70.

[0048] The first hemispherical component 4 of the canister 102 includes an inner rib 152. A first hemispherical component polymer section seal 83 is positioned in communication with the inner rib 152 to provide an inner rib outer surface 172. The first hemispherical component polymer section 83 is an annular ring that contacts the inner rib 152 along the entire first hemispherical component base perimeter 19, the canister perimeter 38. The outer surface 172 provides a polished surface 70. The contact between the polished inner surfaces (169, 70) and the polished outer surfaces (70, 172) provides the same sealing and structural properties as described for the contact between the inner surfaces (69, 70) and the outer surfaces (70, 72).

[0049] The polymer sections (82, 83) are preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The polymer section 82 is co-molded with the second hemispherical component 6 and the polymer 83 is co-molded with the first hemispherical component 4.

[0050] 11 and 11A, a third embodiment of the canister 202 is described. The canister 202 is similar to the canisters 2 and 102, but has a second hemispherical component channel polymer section seal 84 positioned in the channel 67 of the second hemispherical component 6. The polymer section 84 is an annular ring that contacts the surface of the channel 67 along the entire second hemispherical component base perimeter 30. The polymer sections (82, 83) are preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The polymer section 82 is co-molded with the second hemispherical component 6. As shown in FIG. 11A, when the first hemispherical component 4 and the second hemispherical component 6 are in contact as described above, the ribs 52 compress the polymer section 84 along the entire second hemispherical component base perimeter 30 to provide an additional mode of sealing the canister 202 in addition to the modes described above.

[0051] 12 and 12A describe a fourth embodiment of a canister 302. The canister 302 incorporates a first hemispherical component 4 having a polymer section 83 as described with respect to the canister 102 above. Additionally, the canister 302 combines the polished outer rib inner surface (169, 70) of the canister 102 and the second hemispherical component channel polymer section 84 of the canister 202 to provide a second hemispherical component polymer section 85. The polymer section 85 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The polymer section 85 is co-molded with the second hemispherical component 6. As shown in FIG. 12A, it will be understood that the canister 302 provides the same sealing and structural support properties as described in the previous embodiment.

[0052] 13 and 13A, a further beltline latch 129 is shown that may be incorporated into any of the above-described embodiments. The hemispherical components 4 and 6 of the canister 2 are mated to achieve a seal as previously described. Along the canister beltline 36, latch openings 173 are provided for the beltline latches 129. Specifically, each opening 173 provides a through hole through a first hemispherical component outer rib 50 of the canister beltline 36. The latch 129 is connected to an outer flange at a first end 75 of the latch at a first location 74 of the opening 173. The latch 129 provides a manual tab 86 extending from the latch first end 75 and a substantially vertical section 87 extending substantially perpendicular to the manual tab 86. The vertical section 87 terminates at a colored vertical section top surface 88. When the canister hemispherical components (4,6) are in the process of being assembled, the lip 34 pivotally advances the vertical section 87 about the first end 75 of the latch. In doing so, the vertical section top surface 88 is exposed to reveal a colored shading. The colored shading indicates that the canister 2 is not sealed. As shown in FIG. 13A, when the hemispherical components (4,6) of the canister 2 are assembled and connected to provide a sealed canister 2, the lip 34 rests on and communicates with the vertical section top surface 88. Thus, the colored shading on the vertical section top surface 88 is not visible, thereby indicating that the hemispherical components (4,6) are assembled and connected to provide a properly sealed canister 2 around the entire beltline. Each latch is designed to provide rigidity to resist excessive deformation under high vacuum loads.

[0053] 14, 14A and 14B, a fifth embodiment of the canister 402 is shown. The canister 502 incorporates the second hemispherical component 6 as previously described, but incorporates a first hemispherical component 104. The first hemispherical component 104 differs from the first hemispherical component 4 previously described in that an internal latching mechanism 89 replaces the latches (29, 129) on the first hemispherical component 4 as previously described. The latching mechanism 89 is molded and positioned on an inner wall 90 of the outer rib 50 of the first hemispherical component. The internal latching mechanism 89 includes a wedge configuration, where an angled surface 93 of the wedge provides a tapered section 91 in close proximity to the first hemispherical component base 20 and a substantially horizontal surface 92, the tapered section 91 and the substantially horizontal surface 92 being separated by the angled surface 93. The canister 402 has at least one internal latch mechanism 89, but preferably has multiple latch mechanisms 89, for example, six latch mechanisms 89. As shown in FIG. 14B, the sealing and structural characteristics are as described for the first embodiment of the canister 2. When the hemispherical components (104, 6) of the canister 402 are assembled to provide a sealed, structurally sound canister as described above, the lip extension surface 68 of the lip 34 of the second hemispherical component outer rib 62 lies on a horizontal plane 92. The internal latches 89 provide a mechanism for holding the hemispherical components in place. Each latch is designed to provide rigidity to resist excessive deformation under high vacuum loads.

[0054] 15 and 15A, a sixth embodiment of a canister 502 is shown. In the second hemispherical component 6, a second hemispherical component channel adhesive seal 94 is positioned within the channel 67 of the second hemispherical component 6. The adhesive 94 is an annular ring that contacts the surface of the channel 67 along the entire second hemispherical component base perimeter 30. As shown in FIG. 15A, when the first hemispherical component 4 and the second hemispherical component 6 contact as described above, the ribs 52 compress the adhesive 94 along the entire second hemispherical component base perimeter 30 resulting in the hemispherical components forming an integral one-piece molded structure. This provides additional structure and sealing for the canister 502.

[0055] As discussed, the layered orientation of the ribs (50, 52, 62, 64, 152, 162) structurally provides the first hemispherical component inner rib (52, 152) for sealable contact with the second hemispherical component outer annular rib (62, 162) as well as the polymer section 84 or adhesive 94 in the channel 67. Additionally, the latch (29, 129, 89) structure provides rigidity to resist excessive deformation under high vacuum loads. The combination of the rib orientation and the latch structure provides a continuous positive sealing pressure around the belt line 36 (see FIG. 16). With respect to the latches (29, 129, 89), sealed contact between the canisters is ensured by the audible click of the latches (29, 129), color indications as seen on the latch 129 (see FIG. 13), and tactile indications as seen by comparison of surfaces 77 and 80 on the latches (see FIG. 9). In the tactile indication, the canister belt line 36 has a smooth contour.

[0056] As mentioned above, Figures 16 and 17 show the sealing features of the present invention. The connection location, line, 95 of the hemispherical component (4, 104, 6) is shown. Unlike prior art canisters where the connection location between the canister lid and the liquid well is located above the fluid level line of the liquid, the connection location 95 is located along the canister belt line 36, which is the connection location for the hemispherical component (4, 104, 6). The canister belt line 36 is located approximately equidistant between the first hemispherical component pole 22 and the second hemispherical component pole 26. Thus, unlike the prior art, the canister belt line 36 is not located in close proximity to the first hemispherical component pole 22. As a result, the fluid 97 can fill the cavity 40 such that the fluid level line 96 is above the belt line 36 and the connection location 95. It is observed that the belt line 36 is located within the collection height 106 of the collection volume 108 of the canister volume 40. The sealing properties of the canister between the hemispherical components (4, 104, 6) provide an air-tight and liquid-tight seal allowing the fluid level line 96 to be above the connection location 95 between the first hemispherical component (4, 104) and the second hemispherical component 6. The spherical, elliptical, or near-spherical design of the present invention maintains a nearly uniform pressure distribution in excess of the pressure differential caused by the vacuum, in combination with the static pressure caused by the effluent height to maintain a leak-tight or air-tight seal without allowing visible air bubbles to enter at the seal.

[0057] Unlike the prior art, where the fluid level reaches near the lid when pressure is released from the canister, as shown in FIG. 17, with the design of the canister 2, the fluid level line 96 of the fluid 97 can be very close to the top of the canister 2 without risking a backflow event. As previously mentioned, the canister 2 structurally resists deformation during the vacuum process. Thus, when a vacuum is applied to the canister 2, the canister 2 does not store enough mechanical energy from deformation of the canister, thereby preventing a backflow event when the vacuum is released.

[0058] Turning to FIG. 18, a second embodiment of the indicator 145 is shown on the second hemispherical component 6. This indicator provides smaller increments at lower volumes. Thus, the second embodiment of the indicator 145 provides an accurate measurement of small amounts of fluid (97, see FIGS. 16 and 17) such that the fluid level line (96, see FIGS. 16 and 17) is in close proximity to the second hemispherical component pole 26. This second embodiment of the indicator 145 provides an accurate measurement of low, reduced volumes where such accuracy is required, for example, volumes below 300 milliliters. The dome shape of the sphere, alternatively the elliptical shape, provides an increased distance between the low volume indicators 145 compared to the low volume indicators of cylindrical prior art canisters having the same or similar fluid retention volume as the fluid retention volume of the canister 2. This increased distance provides a more accurate measurement of low fluid volumes in the canister 2, a more accurate fluid collection reading, as compared to the fluid collection readings of the prior art, where the prior art has a substantially similar fluid holding volume as compared to the canister 2. Alternatively, depending on the orientation of the hemispherical component, the indicator may extend parallel to the beltline.

[0059] Turning to Figures 19A-19C, the canister (602, 702, 802) may have an elliptical shape made up of hemispherical components (4, 104, 6) connected by a beltline 36 as previously described. As shown in Figure 19D, the canister 902 may have an elongated elliptical shape made up of hemispherical components (4, 104, 6) with a cylindrical component 112 separating the hemispherical components (4, 104, 6). The first hemispherical component (4, 104) is connected to a cylinder section along a first beltline (36, 114). Opposite the first beltline, the section cylinder is connected to a second hemispherical component 6 along a second beltline (36, 116). The first and second beltlines include the characteristics of the beltline 36 as previously described.

[0060] As discussed above, the present invention provides an improved device for storing fluids. The present invention provides a durable, fluid-tight container that minimizes the possibility of fluid leakage in a cost-effective and efficient manner. As a result, whether there is no vacuum, low vacuum, or high vacuum, the canister 2 provides a continuous seal around the canister belt line 36 to ensure safe and efficient storage and disposal of fluids. It should be noted that the various configurations of the various embodiments can be combined and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] The foregoing is considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Moreover, since various modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation as shown and described. Although preferred embodiments have been described, changes in detail may be made without departing from the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A spherical canister for vacuum collection and storage of fluids, comprising: a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere; the first hemisphere having one or more ports and a first hemisphere rib forming a periphery of the first hemisphere, the first hemisphere rib including at least a first hemisphere first annular rib; the second hemisphere having a second hemisphere rib forming a periphery of the second hemisphere, the second hemisphere rib including at least a second hemisphere first annular rib; the first hemispherical rib in sealable contact with the second hemispherical rib about a canister beltline, thereby forming a fluid-retaining volume, the sealable contact being located about the fluid-retaining volume, and the one or more ports providing fluid communication with the fluid-retaining volume. Spherical canister.

2. 2. The spherical canister of claim 1, wherein said first hemispherical first annular rib has an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of said second hemispherical first annular rib.

3. A spherical canister as described in claim 1, wherein the first hemispherical first annular rib is continuous around the canister belt line and the second hemispherical first annular rib is continuous around the canister belt line.

4. 2. The spherical canister of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of said first hemispherical first annular rib is in pressurized communication with an inner surface of said second hemispherical first annular rib to provide said sealable contact.

5. 5. The spherical canister of claim 4, wherein at least one of the exterior surface and the interior surface is a polished surface.

6. A spherical canister as described in claim 1, wherein the second hemispherical first annular rib includes a lip on a side opposite the fluid retaining volume, and the first hemispherical rib further includes a first hemispherical second annular rib at least partially surrounding the lip.

7. A spherical canister as described in claim 6, wherein the first hemispherical second annular rib includes at least one opening, and at least one latch is connected to a flange outside the at least one opening.

8. The spherical canister of claim 1, further comprising an indicator on an outer surface of the spherical canister, the indicator providing a measurement of the volume of the fluid within the fluid holding volume.

9. The spherical canister of claim 8, further comprising at least two indicators that are in close proximity to each other for said measurement of reduced volume, providing a more accurate fluid collection reading within the spherical canister as compared to fluid collection readings in a cylindrical canister having a substantially equal fluid holding volume.

10. A spherical canister as described in claim 9, wherein the spherical canister has a reduced space occupation compared to a cylindrical canister having a fluid retention volume substantially equivalent compared to the fluid retention volume of the spherical canister, and wherein the spherical canister has said reduced space occupation when in at least one of an operational mode and a storage mode.

11. 7. The spherical canister of claim 6, wherein said first hemisphere has at least one manual tab extending from said first hemisphere second annular rib.

12. A spherical canister as described in claim 7, further including an indicator on the latch for verification of sealable contact between the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere around the canister beltline.

13. The spherical canister of claim 1, wherein an adhesive provides a sealable contact between the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere.

14. The first hemispherical rib further includes a first hemispherical second annular rib surrounded by the first hemispherical first annular rib, and the second hemispherical rib further includes a second hemispherical second annular rib surrounded by the second hemispherical first annular rib; the second hemispherical first annular rib sealingly contacts the first hemispherical first annular rib to provide a continuous seal about the canister beltline.

2. The spherical canister according to claim 1.

15. A spherical canister as described in claim 14, wherein the second hemispherical first annular rib includes a lip on a side opposite the fluid retaining volume, the outer surface of the lip being adjacent to the inner surface of the first hemispherical second annular rib.

16. A spherical canister as described in claim 15, wherein the first hemispherical second annular rib includes a series of openings and a series of tabs corresponding to the series of openings, the series of tabs extending from an outer surface of the first hemispherical second annular rib.

17. The spherical canister of claim 15, wherein an upper surface of the first hemisphere rib disposed between the first hemisphere first annular rib and the first hemisphere second annular rib includes indicators for verification of sealable contact between the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere around the canister beltline.

18. A spherical canister as described in claim 1, wherein the canister beltline is located below a maximum fluid collection height within the fluid holding volume.

19. 1. A spherical canister for vacuum storage and dispensing of fluids, comprising: a first hemisphere having one or more ports; a second hemisphere; the first hemisphere has a first base with a first base perimeter; the second hemisphere has a second base with a second base perimeter; the first base is in sealable contact with the second base, thereby defining a fluid-retaining volume, the sealable contact being located about the fluid-retaining volume, and the one or more ports providing fluid communication with the fluid-retaining volume. Spherical canister.

20. 20. The spherical canister of claim 19, wherein at least one of the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere has a seal therein, thereby defining the sealable contact.

21. 21. The spherical canister of claim 20, wherein the seal is at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer and an adhesive.

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