Endoscopy tray

Abstract

A fluid retaining tray including a tray body having a tray surface panel bounded by an upstanding perimeter sidewall ending in a top rim, the sidewall forming a fluid retaining space. A tray retainer is removably secured to the tray body. The tray retainer has an attachment surface adapted to secure the tray body to a mounting surface. The sidewall has a tube holder adapted to secure tubing to the tray body above the tray surface panel.

Description

ENDOSCOPY TRAYFIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure relates to a device for retaining spilled or dripped liquids and in particular, a tray for use in an endoscopy procedure for retaining fluids that drip from tubing and fluid ports associated with the procedure.BACKGROUND

[0002] In an endoscopy procedure, an endoscope is inserted inside a patient’s body to take images and examine organs and other structures. There are many types of endoscopy that view different organs. The most common types of endoscopy include colonoscopy, upper endoscopy and cystoscopy.

[0003] For a colonoscopy, the endoscope’s distal end is inserted into a patient and the proximal end of the endoscope is connected to an endoscopy processor or control center. The processor receives signals from the endoscope's camera and converts them into video images that can be displayed on a monitor. It also controls various functions of the endoscope, such as air and water insufflation, suction, and image enhancement features. Tubes for suction and fluid supply are also connected to the proximal end of the endoscope.

[0004] When the procedure is completed, the endoscope is disconnected from the processor and the tubes are disconnected from the endoscope. The current standard of practice is to have a turn over of the equipment, i.e., the used / soiled scope is removed as the room goes from dirty to clean, and a new clean scope is attached. During this turn over process the procedure area will become dirty with dripped fluids and then wiped down afterwards. Specifically, when the tubes are disconnected, fluid tends to drip out of them, which can contaminate surrounding surfaces such as the processor, processor cart or floor. This requires the area to be cleaned before the next procedure is performed. This is time consuming and also not ideal as it requires more bendingand many times getting under the cart to clean. All the while, making it more taxing on the person performing this task. This cleaning can be time consuming and difficult to fully complete since the procedure apparatus may need to be moved and relocated. Pads held by technicians while removing the tubes can catch some of the fluid. However, this is not a reliable way to retain the fluid and some still can fell on the floor and surrounding surfaces.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a device for reliably capturing and retaining fluids generated during an endoscopy procedure help keep the area from getting dirty / wet, in order to reduce the time and effort to “turn over” the endoscopy procedure room.SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure provides a fluid retaining tray including a tray body having a tray surface panel bounded by an upstanding perimeter sidewall ending in a top rim, the sidewall forming a fluid retaining space. A tray retainer is removably secured to the tray body. The tray retainer has an attachment surface adapted to secure the tray body to a mounting surface. The sidewall has a tube holder adapted to secure tubing to the tray body above the tray surface panel.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides an endoscopy tray including a tray body having a tray surface panel having an upstanding wall extending therefrom, the wall including a plurality of wall segments joined at their ends to form an enclosed perimeter. The wall segments and tray surface panel define a fluid retaining space. A tray retainer is removably secured to the tray body. The tray retainer has a first portion including an attachment surface adapted to secure the tray body to a mounting surface and has a second portion including a first connecting element and the sidewall has a second connecting element. The first connecting element is moveable relative to the sidewall and into engagement with the second connecting element to secure the tray body to the tray retainer. The sidewall has a tube holder adapted to secure tubing to the tray body above the tray surface panel.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a fluid retaining tray including a tray surface panel having a fluid retaining space. Aa first side panel extends outwardly from a first side edge of thetray surface panel and is rotatable relative thereto between a storage position and an operative position. The first side panel has a first flap rotatably secured thereto. The flap has an engagement element selectively securable to the tray surface panel for securing the first side panel in an operative position. The first side panel has a distal end including a first recess adapted to retain a first tube end above the fluid retaining space.

[0009] The present disclosure further provides an endoscopy tray including a tray surface panel having an upstanding wall extending therefrom. The wall includes a plurality of wall elements joined at their ends to form an enclosed perimeter. The wall elements and tray surface panel define a fluid retaining space. A first side panel extends from a first side edge of the tray surface panel and rotatable relative thereto between a storage position and an operative position. The first side panel has a first flap rotatably secured thereto. The flap has an engagement element selectively securable to a first wall element of the plurality of wall elements for securing the first side panel in an operative position. The first side panel has a distal end including a first recess adapted to retain a tube end above the fluid retaining space.

[0010] The present disclosure still further provides a foldable endoscopy tray including a tray surface panel having a fluid retaining space defined between a first and side edge of the tray surface panel. A first side panel extends outwardly from the first side edge of the tray surface panel and a second side panel extends from the second side edge of the tray surface panel. The first and second side panels each are rotatable relative to the tray surface panel between a storage position and an operative position. The first side panel has a first flap rotatably secured thereto and the first flap has an engagement element. The first flap is foldable relative to the first side panel into a position wherein the engagement element engages the tray surface panel to secure the first side panel in an operative position. The first side panel has a distal end including a first recess adapted to retain a first tube end above the fluid retaining space. The tray surface panel has a third side edge disposed between the first and second side edges and a tray retainer extends from the third side edge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tray of the present disclosure positioned adjacent an endoscope processor.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the tray of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the tray.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a back elevational view of the tray in the operational position.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a back elevational view of the tray in the operational position.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a detail view of a tube holding element.

[0017] FIG. 7 is detail view a securement arrangement.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the tray.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the tray of FIG. 9 with an adsorbent pad.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 9.

[0021] FIGS. 11 and 12 are detailed views of an alternative embodiment of a securement arrangement.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the tray showing the tray being inserted into a tray receptacle disposed between the endoscopy processor and a support surface.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the tray of FIG. 13.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the tray receptacle.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a front view of the tray receptacle.

[0026] FIG.17 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the endoscopy tray having a molded tray body removably attached to a tray retainer secured to a workstation cart.

[0027] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 17.

[0028] FIG. 18B is a cross sectional view taken along line 18B-18B of FIG. 18 A.

[0029] FIG. 19. is an exploded perspective view of the tray thereof.

[0030] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a tray body thereof.

[0031] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the tray body thereof.

[0032] FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the tray body of thereof.

[0033] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a tray retainer thereof.

[0034] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a tray retainer thereof.

[0035] FIGS. 25 is another embodiment of the endoscopy tray having a molded tray body removably attached to a tray retainer secured to a workstation cart with the tray body including tube retainer clips.

[0036] FIG. 26 A is a perspective view thereof.

[0037] FIG. 26B is a cross sectional view taken along line 26B-26B of FIG. 26A.

[0038] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the tray thereof.

[0039] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the tray body thereof.

[0040] FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the tray secured to a workstation cart.

[0041] FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 27.

[0042] FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of still a further embodiment of the endoscopy tray having a molded tray body removably attached to a tray retainer secured to a workstation cart and the tray body having portions of the rim recessed from other portions of the rim.

[0043] FIG. 32 is perspective view of a tray body thereof.

[0044] FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of the tray body.

[0045] FIG. 34 is a side view of the tray body.

[0046] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the tray retainer.

[0047] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of yet a further embodiment of the endoscopy tray having a molded tray body removably attached to a tray retainer secured to a workstation cart and the tray body having an accessory holder.

[0048] FIG. 37 is side elevational view of the tray of FIG. 34 secured to a workstation cart.

[0049] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the tray.

[0050] FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the tray.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] With reference to FIG. 1, a tray 10 for collecting and retaining fluid is shown. The tray 10 may be used during an endoscopy procedure to prevent fluid from inadvertently spilling on the floor or surrounding surfaces. An endoscope 12 has a proximal end 14, which is connected to a processing device 16, or controller placed on a support surface such as a cart 18. The endoscope proximal end 14 has connections for tubing such as suction tube 20 and a water tube 22. When these tubes are disconnected from the endoscope, fluid can drip out from the tubesand corresponding fluid connection ports and fall on the floor or cart. The tray 10 is used to contain such fluids 24 and keep them from contaminating surrounding surfaces.

[0052] With additional reference to FIGS. 2-4, the tray 10 includes a tray surface panel 26 having a fluid retaining space 27 that is adapted to be positioned below the endoscope proximal end 14 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the tray surface panel 26 has an upstanding wall 28 extending therefrom. The wall 28 includes a plurality of wall elements 30 joined at their ends to form an enclosed perimeter. The wall elements 30 and tray surface panel 26 defining the fluid retaining space 27. The wall may be formed separately from the surface panel and be seemed thereto. Alternatively, no wall is used and the fluid can be retained by way of an absorbent pad as will be described below.

[0053] The tray 10 may be formed of paperboard or cardboard material that has a water resistant coating. Alternatively, the tray 10 may be formed of plastic or metal sheeting or similar planar and foldable material. The tray 10 can thus be formed from foldable blanks. It is also contemplated that the tray could be formed by molding or otherwise methods of forming material as is known in the art.

[0054] The tray surface panel 26 has opposed first and second sides, 32 and 34 respectively. A first side panel 36 extends from the first side 32 and terminates in a distal end 37. A second side panel 38 extends from the tray surface panel second side 34 and terminates in a distal end 39. The first and second side panels are each rotatable relative to the surface panel 26 along a fold line between a storage position and an operative position. In the storage position, shown in FIG. 5, the first and second side panels 36 and 38 lie in the same plane as the tray surface panel 26 such that the tray 10 is essentially flat. This position is beneficial for transportation and storage since the trays can be stacked on top of each other. In the operative position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first and second side panels 36 and 38 are folded along a respective fold line relative to the tray surface panel such that side panels distal ends 37 and 39 are positioned above the plane P in which the tray panel surface lies. In one embodiment, the first and second side panels 36 and 38 form an angle 0 with the surface panel generally in the range of between 90 and 150 degreesrelative to the tray surface panel 26. A range of 110 to 130 degrees is preferable. These ranges are intended to be exemplary and not limiting.

[0055] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, the first and second side panel distal ends 37 and 39 each include one or more tube holding structures 40. This holding structure 40 is configured to support and hold a tube 20, 22 used in an endoscopy procedure, such that the tube end lies above and preferably over the tray surface panel 26. The tube holding structure 40 may be in the form of one or more recesses 42 formed in the distal end of the side panels. The recesses 42 may have a reduced width portion or neck 44 in a medial portion of the recess. A tube is inserted into the recess and pressed past the neck into the bottom of the recess. The flexibility of the tubing 20, 22 allows it to deform to pass through the neck and be retained on the panel. The tubing 20, 22 can be slid relative to the side panel such that the end of the tube is positioned over the tray panel surface 26. The retained position of the tubing 20, 22 also positions the tubing end above the fluid level in the tube which helps prevent fluid from dripping out of the tube.

[0056] With additional reference to FIG. 7, the first and second side panels 36 and 38 are retained in the operative position by a securement arrangement 50. The securement arrangement 50 includes one or more flaps 52 rotatably secured to a main body portion 54 of the first and second side panels. The first and second side panels, 36 and 38, and the flaps 52 may be formed from the same single piece of material. Cut lines 56 formed in the first and second side panels define the edges of the flaps 52 and the flaps are foldable along a fold line 58 relative to the main body portion of the side panels. The flaps 52 each have an engagement element 60 selectively securable to the tray surface panel 26 for securing the side panels in an operative position. In one embodiment shown in FIG.7, the engagement element 60 includes a notch 62 configured to receive therein a portion of the perimeter wall 28a to selectively secure the side panel in the operative position. A user rotates the flaps 52 away from the side panel main body portion 54, and manipulates the flaps until a portion of wall 28 enters the notches 62. The inherent flexibility of the relatively thin material from which the flaps are made helps the flaps 52 to be manipulated such that they are secured to the wall 28. In this embodiment, the flaps 52 hook onto the wall 28 and retain the first and second side panel 36 and 38 in the operative position. Inorder to return the side panels to the storage position, the flaps can be rotated such that the wall moves out of the notch 62.

[0057] An alterative embodiment of the tray is shown in FIGS. 8-12, tray 10’ is similar to the tray 10” described above but tray 10’ includes a tray surface panel 26’ that is a flat surface having no upstanding wall. In order to accommodate the wall-less design, the engagement element 60’ is modified to include a tab 70 extending from the distal end of the flaps 52’. The tabs 70 each includes a notch 72 (FIG. 12) therein. In order to secure the first and second side panels 36’ and 38’ in the operative position, the flaps 52’ are rotated such that they are generally perpendicular to the side panel central portion. The side panel is rotated toward the operable position and the tab is inserted in a corresponding slot 74 formed in the tray surface panel 26’. The slots are defined by edges. Each flap 52’ may include a tab 70 and the tray surface panel includes a corresponding number of slots 74 to accommodate each of the tabs. The side panels 36’ and 38’ have a tendency to return to the initial position and this causes the tab notch 72 to receive the edge of the slot therein, thus retaining the side panels 36’ and 38’ in the operative position.

[0058] In either of the above-described embodiments, a pad of absorbent material 80 may be secured to the tray surface panel 26, 26’ to help retain dripped fluid. As shown in FIG. 9, the pad 80 may extend up onto the side panels to receive any fluid which falls from the tubing 20, 22. The pad 80 may be one continuous piece of material or could be formed of separate pieces. For example, in the embodiment with the perimeter wall 28, one piece of pad material may cover the surface within the perimeter and other pieces may be used to cover the two side panels 36 and 38. In the embodiment without a wall, one continuous piece of material may be used. The pad, or pads, may be removable from the tray to permit the soiled pads to be removed and discarded but the tray reused. Alternatively, the pad(s) 80 could be fixedly secured to the tray and, when soiled, the entire tray is discarded.

[0059] During an endoscopy procedure, the tray 10 is preferably retained below the endoscope connection location. In order to affect this placement, the tray 10 has a tray retainer 90 extending outwardly from a third side of the tray surface panel disposed between the first andsecond side. The tray retainer 90 is configured to sit between a space 92 formed between the processor 16 and the support surface 18 on which it sits. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the retainer 90 has first and second opposed surfaces separated by support ribs, and may have a generally rectangular box-like cross-section. The retainer may be formed from the same piece of material used to form the tray surface panel 26. Alternatively, the retainer could be formed separately therefrom and secured to it by an adhesive or other fastening-type element. In one embodiment, the retainer extends above the tray surface panel 26, as shown in FIG. 8. and in an alternative embodiment is resends below the tray surface panel 26, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0060] A further alternative embodiment of the tray is shown in FIGS. 13-16, Tray 10”’ is similar to tray 10” described above, but the tray retainer 90’ is a two-element component. One element is a tray receptacle 94 configured to be inserted between the processor 16 and the support surface 18. The tray receptacle 94 is separate from the tray surface panel. The second component of the tray retainer 90’ is in a flat tongue-like element 106 extending from the tray surface panel. The tray receptacle 94 includes a planar panel 96 having a top surface 97 bounded along opposed side edges by in-tumed portions 98 forming longitudinally extending slots 100. A stop 102 extends from the bottom surface of the planar panel 104. The stop 102 prevents the receptacle from being inserted too far between the controller and support surface. The bottom surface 104 may include an attachment device (not shown) such as an adhesive or hook and loop material to fix the position of the receptacle relative to the processor 16 and support surfrice 18. The second component of the tray retainer is in a flat tongue-like element 106 extending outwardly from the tray surface panel 26. This is a relatively thin element formed integrally with the tray surface panel, and is an extension thereof. The tongue 106 is adapted to be slid into the opposed slots 100. Accordingly, when a user wants to replace the tray 10, they can slide the existing tray out of the receptacle 94 and slide in a new tray 10. The tray receptacle 94 may be formed of the same type of material as the tray or may be formed of a different material. For example, the tray could be formed of a paperboard material and the tray receptacle 94 could be formed of plastic. While the two piece tray retainer 90’ is shown with the tray having a wall-less tray surface panel, it is contemplated that this two piece design tray retainer 90’ could also be incorporated into the tray 10 having the perimeter wall.

[0061] With reference to FIGS. 17- 24 a further embodiment of the endoscopy tray is shown. An endoscopy processor 18 sits on a on a support surface 18 such has a cart, table, or workstation and is connected to an endoscope 12. The tray 200 is disposed on the support surface 18 below the connection point of the endoscope proximal end 14 to the processing device 16.

[0062] With specific reference to FIGS. 18A-21, the tray 200 has a tray body 201 including a tray surface panel 202 perimetrically bounded by an upstanding sidewall 204. The tray body 201, including the surface panel 202 and sidewall 204, may be molded as one integral piece from a plastic material. However, it is contemplated the at the tray body 201 could be formed by other processes, e.g., forming / stamping press, or of other material such as metal or paperboard as is known in the art. The sidewall 204 terminates at an upper rim 205 with an outwardly turned lip 206.

[0063] A first and second sidewall segment 208 and 210, include a plurality of tube holders 212 formed therein. Each holder 212 is configured to support and hold a tube 20,22 used in an endoscopy procedure so that the tube ends lie above and over the tray surface panel 202. In this way, liquid draining from the tubing is retained in the tray. Each tube holder 212 may include one or more recesses 214 formed in the upper end of the side wall segments 208 and 210. The recesses 214 may have a reduced width portion or neck 216 in a medial portion of the recess and a wider bottom portion 217 having a diameter similar to the diameter of the tubing. Tubing 20,22 is inserted by a user into the recess and pressed past the neck 216 into the bottom of the recess 217. The flexibility of the tubing 20,22 allows it to temporarily deform to pass through the neck 216 and then expand to be retained on the tray body. The tubing 20,22 can be slid relative to the sidewall segment such that the end of the tubing is positioned over a desired section of the tray panel surface 202. When the tubing is disconnected fluid exiting therefrom will be caught in the tray. An absorbent pad (not shown), similar to that described above, may be disposed on the surface panel to help absorb liquid.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 17-19, and 23-24, in order to affect this placement of the tray200 below the endoscope and tube connections thereto, the tray 200 includes a tray retainer 220extending outwardly from a third sidewall segment 222 of the tray body. This sidewall segment 222 is positioned adjacent the table or cart 18. The tray retainer 220 is configured to sit between a space 92 formed between the processor 16 and the support surface 18 on which it sits. The retainer 220 may be formed separately from the tray body 201 and attachable thereto. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24, the retainer 220 has a Z-shaped configuration having a first 224 and second 225 spaced elements extending in opposite directions from a third central element 226. The first element 224 fits below the surface panel 202 into a depression 228 formed in the bottom side 230 of the surface panel. In one exemplary embodiment, the first element 224 has a semicircular configuration which corresponded to the shape of the depression 228. The second element 225 has a flat surface that can be secured to the cart or workstation by way of an adhesive 231 such as a double-sided tape (FIG. 19).

[0065] The central element 226 includes a pair of spaced round lugs 232 projection outwardly therefrom in the direction of the first element 224. The lugs having radially extending slots 234 formed therein. The tray third sidewall segment 222 includes a pair of spaced through holes 236 configured to receive the lugs 232 there through. The holes 236 are larger than the lugs such that the lugs 232 can move in the radial direction of the holes when inserted therein. The tray retainer 220 is secured to the side wall 222 by inserting the lugs 232 into the through holes 236 and shifting the tray retainer upwardly so that the permitter of the through hole enters the slot 234 in the lugs. The slot 234 may have a width slightly less than the thickness of the wall so that the lug deflects to clamp onto the sidewall thereby securing the tray body to the tray retainer 220.

[0066] The tray body 201 can be removed from the retainer by lifting up on the tray body 210 so that the sidewall lifts out of the lug slots 234. The tray body 201 can then by moved away from the tray retainer 220. This allows a user to remove a soiled tray body 201 from the tray retainer attached to the table 18 and replace the tray body 201 with a clean one onto the retainer 220.

[0067] It is further contemplated that the lugs could be formed on the sidewall and the through holes formed on the retainer. In addition, other types of connecting structure could be used in order to permit the tray body 201 to be removably secured to the retainer. Furthermore, the lugsand through holes are not limited to being round in shape. They could be formed as oval, square, rectangular, or other shapes.

[0068] A further alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 25 to 30B. A tray 300 includes a tray body 302 and a retainer 304 that is removably attachable to the tray body 302. The tray body 302 has a tray surface panel 306 bounded by an upstanding permitter sidewall 308. The sidewall wall 308 terminates at an upper end with an outwardly turned lip 310. A first and second sidewall segments 312 and 314 are opposed from each other and include a plurality of tube holders 316 formed thereon. Each holder 316 is configured to support and hold a tube 20,22 used in an endoscopy procedure, such that the tube end lies above and preferably over the tray surface panel 302.

[0069] With specific reference to FIG. 29, the tube holder 316 may be in the form of one or more hook-shaped clips formed on the top end of the side segment 312 and 314. The clips have a clip arm 317 that formed a reduced width portion or neck 318 with the lip 310 and forming an entrance which leads to a larger tube retaining section 319 having as diameter similar to that of the tube. A tube 20,22 is inserted into the entrance and pressed past the neck into the tube retaining section 319. The flexibility of the tubing 20,22 and clip arm 317 allows the tubing and clip arm to flex and resiliently deform such that the tubing passes through the neck and is retained be retained on the sidewall. The tubing 20, 22 can be slid relative to the side wall segment and over the tray panel surface such that the end of the tube is positioned over the tray panel surface 306.

[0070] With reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the tray retainer 304 includes an L-shaped element having a first and a second members 320 and 322 joined at a right angle. The first member 320 has a flat mounting surface which is secured to a table or cart with an adhesive material 324. The second member 322 includes a connector 326 for removably securing the tray retainer to a third sidewall segment 328 the tray. This sidewall segment 328 is positioned adjacent the table or cart 18. The connector 326 includes a pair of tapered semi-frustoconical projections 330 that narrow as they extend upwardly from a second member bottom edge 331. The third wall segment 308 may include a pair of spaced tapered depressions or slots 332 complementary inshape to the semi-frustoconical projections 330 for receiving same. The tray body 302 is secured to the tray retainer 304 by aligning the slots 332 with the semi-frustoconical projections 330 and sliding the tray body 302 downwardly such that the projections slide within the slots 332. The engagement between the projections 330 and slots 332 prevents the tray body 302 from moving downwardly or being pulled away from the cart 18. The tray body 302 may be removed from the tray retainer 304 by lifting the tray body 302 upwardly and clear of the retainer 304.

[0071] It is further contemplated that the slots 332 could be formed on the retainer and the projections 330 on the sidewall in order to achieve the same removable connection feature. In addition, the semi-frustoconical shape of the projections is exemplary, and it is within the contemplation of the present disclosure that the shape of the projections and slots could be modified to achieve the removable connection feature.

[0072] With reference to FIGS. 31 to 35, a further alternative embodiment is shown. The tray 400 is similar to the tray 300 described above. Tray 400 includes a tray body 402 and retainer 404. The tray body includes tray surface panel 405 bounded by an upstanding permitter sidewall 406 ending in a lip 407. Sidewall 406 includes a first 408 and second 410 opposed wall segments and a third 412 and fourth 414 opposed sidewall segments. The tray retainer 404 is secured to the tray body 402 through the interaction of frustoconical protrusions 420 in the tray retainer and depressions 422 in the tray body side wall 412 in the manner described above with regard to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-30. One distinction between tray body 302 and 402 is in the first and second sidewall segments. The lip 407 of these sidewall segments has a medial region 416 that dips down and is lower than the ends 418 of the wall segments. Thus, these sidewall segments have two levels, and upper and lower relative the tray surface panel 405. The tube holders 420 are located on the rim at the lower medial region 416 such that the top of the tube holders 416 are generally at the same level as the ends of the wall segments as shown in FIG. 33. This results in a more compact design.

[0073] With reference to FIGS. 36 to 39, a further alternative embodiment is shown. The tray 500 is formed similar to tray 400 described above and shown in FIGS. 31-33. Tray 500 includes a tray body 502 securable to a tray retainer 504. The tray body has a tray surface panel 505bounded by an upstanding permitter sidewall 506. Sidewall 506 includes a first 508 and second 510 opposed wall segment and a third 512 and fourth 514 opposed sidewall segments. The four segments are joined to form the uninterrupted sidewall 506. The first and second sidewall segments include the tube holders 316. The third sidewall segment 512 is removably securable to the tray retainer 504 in the manner set forth above with regard to trays 300 and 400 described above. The fourth wall segment 514 and a portion of the second wall segment 510 include a storage device 520 extending therefrom for storing and holding accessories 521 used during an endoscopy procedure. The storage device 520 has a planar surface extending from the top edge of the wall segments and is an extension of the lip 522 bounding the sidewall 506. It is contemplated that the storage device 520 could be added to the other above-described embodiments of the tray bodies. The storage device 520 may include a plurality of receptacles formed by through holes 524 of varying diameters configured to accept endoscopy accessories, such as a biopsy holding container or polyp trap 526, used during an endoscopy procedure.

[0074] It is contemplated that the storage device 520 could be formed on other portions of the tray body. In addition, the storage device could be separately formed from the tray body and then clipped on or otherwise attached to the tray body.

[0075] Although specific example embodiments have been described, it will be evident that various modifications and changes are made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, show by way of illustration, and without limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter are practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings herein. Other embodiments are utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes are made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid retaining tray comprising: a tray body having a tray surfrice panel bounded by an upstanding perimeter sidewall ending in a rim, the sidewall forming a fluid retaining space; and a tray retainer removably secured to the tray body, the tray retainer having an attachment surface adapted to secure the tray body to a mounting surface; the sidewall having a tube holder adapted to secure tubing to the tray body above the tray surface panel.

2. The tray as defined in claim 1, wherein the tube holder is disposed on the rim.

3. The tray as defined in claims 1 or 2, wherein the permitter wall is formed of a plurality of wall segments, the tray retainer is removably secured to first wall segment, the first wall segment having a first mounting element and the retainer having a second mounting element, the first and second mounting elements being brought into cooperative engagement upon movement of the tray retainer relative to the tray body wherein the tray retainer is secured to the tray body.

4. The tray as defined in claim 3, wherein the tray retainer has first portion including the second mounting element and a second portion extending outwardly from the first member, the second portion including the attachment surface.

5. The tray as defined in claim 4, wherein the first mounting element includes a pair of spaced openings and the second mounting element includes a pair of spaced lugs having a slot therein, the lugs being insertable into the openings wherein upon the tray retainer being translated relative to the tray body a portion of the first wall segment fits into the slots thereby securing the tray retainer to the tray body.

6. The tray as defined in claim 3, wherein the first mounting element includes a tapered protrusion and the second mounting element include a tapered recess, the protrusion being insertable into the protrusion for removably securing the tray retainer to the tray body.

7. The tray as defined in claim 6, wherein the protrusion has a semi frustoconical shape and the depression semi frustoconical shape wherein when the first mounting element is slid into the second mounting element, the tray retainer is secured to the tray body.

8. The tray as defined in claim 3, wherein the tray retainer has a Z-shaped configuration, having a central portion connecting and disposed between a first portion and a second portion, the central portion including the second mounting element and the first portion having the attachment surface and the second portion having a support surface that abuts a bottom surface of the tray body9. The tray as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tube holder is configured to support and hold a tube used in an endoscopy procedure, wherein the tube end lies above and over the tray surface panel.

10. The tray as defined in claim 9, wherein the tube holder includes a recess formed in the rim of the tray body, the recess having a reduced width portion in a medial portion of the recess and a wider bottom portion for securing a tube therein.

11. The tray as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tube holder includes a hookshaped clip having a clip arm, the clip arm forms with the edge a tube holding recess and a reduced width portion forming an entrance into the recess.

12. The tray as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the tray body includes an accessory storage device adapted to hold accessories used during an endoscopy procedure.

13. The tray as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein accessory storage device extends from the sidewall and has a planar surface extending therefrom including a plurality of through holes adapted to hold therein the accessories.

14. The tray as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sidewall rim has a first level and a second level closer to the surface panel than the first level, and the tube holder is disposed on the second level.

15. An endoscopy tray comprising: a tray surface panel having an upstanding wall extending therefrom, the wall including a plurality of wall segments joined at their ends to form an enclosed perimeter, the wall segments and tray surface panel defining a fluid retaining space; a tray retainer removably secured to the tray body, the tray retainer having a first portion including an attachment surface adapted to secure the tray body to a mounting surface and having a second portion including a first connecting element moveable and the sidewall has a second connecting element, wherein the first connecting element is moveable relative to the sidewall and into engagement with the second connecting element to secure the tray body to the tray retainer; the sidewall having a tube holder adapted to secure tubing to the tray body above the tray surface panel.

16. The tray as defined in claim 15, wherein the first connecting element is translatable into the second connecting element along a first direction and securement of the tray body on the tray retainer occurred when the tray body is move a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

17. A fluid retaining tray comprising: a tray surface panel having a fluid retaining space; and a first side panel extending outwardly from a first side edge of the tray surface panel and rotatable relative thereto between a storage position and an operative position, the first side panel having a first flap rotatably secured thereto, the flap having an engagement element selectively securable to the tray surface panel for securing the first side panel in an operative position, the first side panel having a distal end including a first recess adapted to retain a first tube end above the fluid retaining space.

18. The tray as defined in claim 17, including a second side panel extending from a second side edge of the tray surface panel, the second side panel being rotatable relative to the tray surface panel between a storage position and an operative position, the second side panel having a first flap rotatably secured thereto, the flap having an engagement element selectively securable to the tray surface panel for securing the second side panel in an operative position, the second side panel having a distal end including a first recess adapted to retain a second tube end above the fluid retaining space.

19. The tray as defined in any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the first flap includes a tab insertable in a first slot formed in the tray surface panel, wherein the first tab cooperates with the first slot to retain the first side panel in the operable position.

20. The tray as defined in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the tray surface panel includes an upstanding wall extending therefrom, the wall including a plurality of wall elements joined at their ends to form an enclosed perimeter, the wall elements and tray surface panel defining the fluid retaining space.

21. The tray as defined in any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the flap has an engagement element that is selectively securable to the wall.

22. The tray as defined in any one of claims 17 to 21 , wherein the flap engagement element defines a notch and the notch is configured to receive a portion of the wall to retain the first flap in the operating position.

23. The tray as defined in any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the first side panel forms an angle with the tray surface panel in the range of 90 to 150 degrees.

24. The tray as defined in any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein an absorbent pad is disposed on the tray surface panel.

25. The tray as defined in any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the tray surface panel has a third side edge disposed between the first and second side edges and the tray retainer extends from the third side edge.

26. The tray as defined in any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the tray retainer includes a first element extending from the tray surface panel.

27. The tray as defined in any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the tray retainer includes a tray receptacle for receiving therein the first element.

28. The tray as defined in any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the first element is a tonguelike element having a planar surface and the receptacle having a pair of opposed side edges each defining a slot, the first element being slidably received in the slots.

29. The tray as defined in in any one of claims 17 to 28, wherein the tray surface panel, the first side panel and the first flap are all formed from the same integral piece of material.

30. An endoscopy tray comprising: a tray surface panel having an upstanding wall extending therefrom, the wall including a plurality of wall elements joined at their ends to form an enclosed perimeter, the wall elements and tray surface panel defining a fluid retaining space; a first side panel extending from a first side edge of the tray surface panel and rotatable relative thereto between a storage position and an operative position, the first side panel having a first flap rotatably secured thereto, the flap having an engagement element selectively securable to a first wall element of the plurality of wall elements for securing the first side panel in an operative position, the first side panel having a distal end including a first recess adapted to retain a tube end above the fluid retaining space.

31. The tray as defined in claim 30, wherein the tray surface panel has a second side edge opposed from the first side edge and a second side panel extends from the second side edge of the tray surface panel and rotatable relative thereto between a storage position and an operative position, the second side panel having a flap rotatably secured thereto, the flap having an engagement element selectively securable to a second wall element of the plurality of wall elements for securing the second side panel in an operative position.

32. The tray as defined in claim 31, wherein the second side panel has a distal end including a first recess adapted to retain a tube end above the fluid retaining space.

33. The tray as defined in any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the tray surface panel has a tray retainer extending from a third side edge disposed between the first and second side edges.

34. The tray as defined in any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the first flap engagement element includes a notch formed therein, the notch being configured to receive therein a portion of the first wall element.

35. The tray as defined in any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the tray surface panel, the first side panel and the first flap are formed from one integral component.

36. The tray as defined in any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the first side panel has a second flap rotatably secured thereto, the second flap having a retaining element formed therein and being engagable with the first wall element.

37. A foldable endoscopy tray comprising: a tray surface panel having a fluid retaining space defined between a first and side edge of the tray surface panel; a first side panel extending outwardly from the first side edge of the tray surface panel and a second side panel extending from the second side edge of the tray surface panel, the first and second side panels each being rotatable relative to the tray surface panel between a storage position and an operative position; the first side panel having a first flap rotatably secured thereto and the first flap having an engagement element, wherein the first flap is foldable relative to the first side panel into a position wherein the engagement element engages the tray surface panel to secure the first side panel in an operative position, and the first side panel having a distal end including a first recess adapted to retain a first tube end above the fluid retaining space; and the tray surface panel has a third side edge disposed between the first and second side edges and a tray retainer extends from the third side edge.

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