Safe device transfer apparatus

Abstract

A safe device transfer apparatus is provided that includes a tray configured to contain one or more instruments to be transferred from a first user to a second user, and a lid coupled to the tray and configured to move between a first position in which the lid partially closes the tray access on one side, and a second position in which the lid partially closes the tray access on the opposite side. When the lid is in the first position, the tray is accessible to the first user but not the second user. When the lid is in the second position, the tray is accessible to the second user but not the first user. The lid may be pivotally coupled to side walls of the tray at a pivotal point and configured to pivot about the pivotal point between the first position and the second position.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOSAFE DEVICE TRANSFER APPARATUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 761,322 filed on February 21, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to safe device transfer apparatus, and more particularly, to surgical instrument transfer between users in an operating room.BACKGROUND

[0003] Various surgical tools and medical instruments, such as syringes with needles, scalpels, scissors, osteotomes, dissectors, suture holders with needles etc. are used in surgical procedures. These instruments have traditionally been handed back and forth between surgeons and assistants in the operating room. Transferring instruments hand to hand creates a risk of accidental cuts, punctures, or stabbing injuries because many of these instruments have very sharp edges or pointed tips. If an accidental cut or stabbing occurs, there is a potential risk of pathogen transmission because the instruments often carry the patient’s blood after use. Consequently, accidental cuts or stabs create a risk of infection with blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV and hepatitis, to scrubbed health care personnel. Tissue injury to the receiving individual has also been reported, with associated necessary evaluation, treatment, and lost work time, occasionally with career ending or altering consequences.

[0004] Traditional hand-to-hand transfer of sharps (e.g., medical devices with sharp points and edges capable of cutting or puncturing gloves and skin) is prone to sharps- related injuries because the movements of the parties are not fully choreographed, particularly when one party, such as the surgeon, may be distracted with other concerns or duties. This issue is frequently addressed by identifying a “neutral zone,” which is an informally marked area of the scrubbed field or a tray, or by using a tray modification. AAttorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOneutral zone is a method for reducing the incidence of these injuries when personnel pass sharp instruments to one another. Neutral zones often take the form of a flat tray, typically brightly colored, onto which sharp instruments are placed by one party and from which they are subsequently picked up by the other party.

[0005] The inventors have acknowledged and appreciated that, in these traditional techniques for instrument transfer, there is no control to limit simultaneous access to the neutral zone, such that both parties may reach into the neutral zone at the same time, thereby risking injury to one or both parties from handling the sharps. Today, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that healthcare professionals are injured by over 385,000 sharp s-related incidents each year.

[0006] In some improved device transfer apparatuses, for example, U.S. Pat. No.9,179,975; U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,655; U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,596; U.S. Pat. No. 20110017621; U.S. Pat. No. 3,013,656; and U.S. Pat. No. 2006 / 0042977 disclose a neutral zone tray designed to hold one sharp instrument at a time. While each of the designs vary slightly in terms of claimed ergonomics and ease of use, none of these designs, however, could prevent two parties from simultaneously touching or reaching for the instrument.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,807 discloses a similar holder with a lid. The lid either fully contains or fully reveals the tools, where full containment’s primary purpose for later disposal of the sharp. However, the lid does not provide protection for two opposing parties because they can simultaneously access the sharps when the lid is open.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,977 discloses a system by which a neutral zone tray may be suspended from a mayo stand, a commonly used small table. The tray is suspended over the patient beside the tray. While proximity to the operating field might encourage compliance, the device does not prevent simultaneous access by two parties. It also places the underlying patient at risk if the passing party misses the suspended tray when placing the tool into the device.

[0009] Protection of both parties during the transfer of sharps in an operating room or other high-risk environment is of paramount importance and remains a critically unaddressed common problem. Various embodiments in the present disclosure address the above issues and / or other issues.Attorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOSUMMARY

[0010] In some aspects, an apparatus comprising: a tray configured to contain one or more instruments to be transferred between a first user and a second user; and a lid coupled to the tray and configured to move between a first position in which the lid closes access to the tray on a first side, and a second position in which the lid closes access to the tray on a second side opposite the first side. When the lid is in the first position, the tray is accessible to the first user but not the second user. When the lid is in the second position, the tray is accessible to the second user but not the first user.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Additional embodiments of the disclosure, as well as features and advantages thereof, will become more apparent by reference to the description herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale. Moreover, in the figures, like-referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views, although the same component may be configured differently in different embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example safe device transfer apparatus, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the example apparatus shown in FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an inner view of a lid of an example safe device transfer apparatus, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of an example apparatus showing the side profile of the device with the lid in a closed position with respect to the right side of the device and an open position with respect to the left side of the device, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the example apparatus in FIG. 4, showing the side profile of the device with the lid in an open position with respect to the right side of the device and a closed position with respect to the left side of the device, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 6 is section view of an example apparatus illustrating the curve of the ribs and a pivotal pin, according to some embodiments.Attorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWO

[0018] FIG. 7 is a variation of an example apparatus showing side extensions and fastening devices, according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the variation shown in FIG. 7, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The inventors have developed improved methods and apparatuses for handling and transferring surgical instruments between operating room personnel, or workers in other environments where sharp items are passed between individuals.

[0021] In some embodiments, a novel, lidded tray system is provided that protects users from sharp s-related injury. Its protective lid can be easily and quickly moved (e.g., flipped) so that only one party at a time can place or retrieve sharp instruments from the tray, thereby protecting the other party while allowing all participants to maintain full visualization, regardless of which party has access. The lid is configured to be opened with the contents of the tray readily accessible from one side, while the opposite side is physically blocked, preventing intentional or unintentional simultaneous access.

[0022] In some embodiments, concave transverse ribs are provided inside the tray.Assisted by gravity, instruments are forced into a central position inside the tray. These ribs are spaced to allow fingers to easily access the space between the ribs. The ribs are raised above the base of the tray serving to suspend the instruments to promote easy grasping from the open side of the device, even with slippery, gloved hands. Any two or more ribs may support the instrument and create grasping openings, therefore not requiring, limiting or prohibiting any size or shape instrument. The device does not discriminate nor require any adaptation to instantly switch from any type, size, or shape sharp (such as syringes with needles, scalpels, scissors, osteotomes, dissectors, suture holders with needles, etc.) and may safely hold more than one sharp to be independently sorted by the recipient without fear of interference or inadvertent shifting of the object by another team member.

[0023] This device is the only known variation of a neutral zone that not only allows for full visualization of sharps devices by both parties but also mechanically blocks both intentional and unintentional simultaneous access, thereby eliminating the threat of glove,Attorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOskin and soft tissue violation and disease transmission by sharps related mechanisms during the transfer process.

[0024] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example safe device transfer apparatus, according to some embodiments. A safe device transfer apparatus 100 may include a tray 1 configured to contain one or more instruments 2 (e.g., scalpel) to be transferred from a first user (e.g., user A) to a second user (e.g., user B), or vice versa. In some embodiments, tray 1 may be symmetric about a longitudinal centerline (CC in FIG. 2). In some examples, the first and second users may be positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline CC (e.g., shown as user A and user B). Apparatus 100 may further include a lid 5 coupled to the tray and configured to move between a first position and a second position.

[0025] In FIG. 1, lid 5 may partially close the tray access on one side of the tray (e.g., side A), leaving the opposite side (e.g., side B) accessible, at a first position. Lid 5 may be movable to a second position, where lid 5 may leave side A open and partially close the tray access on the opposite side (e.g., side B). When the lid is in the first position (as shown in FIG. 1), the tray is accessible to a first user (e.g., user B standing by side B) but not a second user (e.g., user A standing by side A). Conversely, when the lid is in the second position, the tray is accessible to the second user (e.g., user A) but not the first user (e.g., user B).

[0026] In some embodiments, tray 1 may include multiple ribs 3 spanning the width of the tray in a lateral direction W. Ribs 3 may be spaced across the tray’s length in a longitudinal direction L. In some embodiments, ribs 3 are spaced evenly across the tray’s length. In some embodiments, ribs 3 may be spaced sufficiently close to hold a variety of instruments with at least two points of contact, yet spaced far enough to allow even a large finger to reach below the top level of the rib to retrieve the instrument. In nonlimiting examples, the spacing between the ribs may be in a range of 2 cm to 5 cm. It is appreciated that any other suitable spacing may be possible depending on the application.

[0027] In some embodiments, each of the multiple ribs 3 may have a concave top. With the assistance of gravity, the curved top of the ribs may cause instrument 2 to be positioned near the center when placed in the tray, as shown in the figure, even if it was not originally positioned there by the user. This allows a user to quickly grasp theAttorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOinstrument with better assurance of its position, regardless of how it was originally placed. Multiple ribs 3 may each have a height H near the center so that the ribs can function to elevate the instrument 2 above the base 9 of the tray 1. This elevation allows the user’s fmger(s) to reach beneath the instrument for easy grasping, even when wearing slippery gloves. In non-limiting examples, the center height H of a rib may be in a range of 0.25 cm to 1.0 cm. It is appreciated that any other suitable height may be possible.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the example apparatus shown in FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, when lid 5 and tray 1 are assembled, lid 5 may be pivotally coupled to side walls 10 of the tray at pivotal points 16 and configured to pivot about the pivotal point between the first position and the second position. As shown, lid 5 may pivot on two pivot points 16 to swing between the first position and the second position.

[0029] In some embodiments, two pivots 14 (one is exposed and shown) may be provided on side walls 10 of the tray 1 to receive side walls of lid 5 and enable lid 5 to pivot about the pivots 14. In non-limiting examples, pivots 14 each extends out from a respective side of the tray to engage with lid 5. In some examples, pivot 14 may each include a pivotal pin installed on the side wall 10 (e.g., lateral side wall) of the tray 1. Pivotal pin 14 may be configured to engage with a pivotal point 16 (e.g., a pivot hole) on the side wall 20 of lid 5. It is appreciated that the pivot point may include any other suitable pivotal devices. For example, the pivotal points and pivotal pins may alternatively be disposed on either the side walls of the lid or the side walls of the tray.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, lid 5 may include a top panel 22 and two side walls 20 each extending from the top panel 22. In some embodiments, top panel 22 may be of a rectangular shape having two elongated sides and two short sides. The two side walls 20 may each extend, e.g., perpendicularly, from a respective short side of the top panel 22. In some embodiments, the top panel 22 may include an opening 12, and a top cover 18 disposed on the top panel to cover the opening 12, thereby preventing a user’s hand from reaching inside the tray. In some embodiments, top cover 18 may be made of transparent materials or suitable semi-transparent mesh or screen to form a window on the top panel 22, allowing instruments placed in the tray to be visualized by a user whose access to the tray is blocked. This enables a user waiting toAttorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOretrieve an instrument from another user to quickly determine when the instrument is ready for grasping.

[0031] In non-limiting examples, the top cover 18 may be made of clear plastic (e.g., Plexiglass). In some variations, cover 18 may be made of meshed metal or other suitable material to allow the user to see through. In some embodiments, top panel 22 or top cover 18 may include a flat surface. In some variations, they may have a curved surface, for example, to coincide aesthetically with the arc of curvature that the rotating top creates. In some variations, the top panel 22 and clear cover 18 may be an integrated unit (e.g., a single-piece lid). In some variations, top panel 22, clear cover 18, and side walls 20 may be an integrated single-piece unit.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, reinforcement structure 8 may be provided between top panel 22 and side walls 20 of the lid 5 to increase the rigidity of the lid and to ensure smooth operation. This may enable lid 5 to be easily installed (e.g., by engaging with pivots 14 on side walls 10 of tray 1) and removed (e.g., by disengaging from pivots 14) without risk of breakage. In these configurations, lid 5 may be movable by a user between a first position and a second position, each of which blocks access to the tray for one user while allowing access for another user. This is described further in detail with reference to FIGS. 4-5.

[0033] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-2, in some embodiments, lid 5 may include one or more handles 6 provided, e.g., extended from top panel 22 of lid 5 to facilitate user interaction for changing the lid between the first and second positions. In some embodiments, two handles 6 each being an extension may extend, e.g., perpendicularly, from a respective longitudinal edge of the top panel 22. Each extension 6 may have a protrusion 7 (e.g., a bump) extending outwardly therefrom. In some examples, the protrusion 7 may be positioned near a center of the handle to indicate the center of the tray. In such a configuration, a user may use the bump 7 on the handle 6, or the handle itself, to easily flip lid 5 in the open direction to gain access to the tray, while preventing a user at the opposite side from reaching into the tray.

[0034] FIGS. 4-5 show side views of an example apparatus in which the lid is in a first position and a second position, respectively. In some embodiments, example apparatus 40 may have a structure similar to the configurations described in the embodiments of FIGS.Attorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWO1-3. FIG. 4 is a side view of an example apparatus 40 showing the side profile of the device 40 with the lid 45 in a first position, such as a closed position with respect to the right side of the device (A) and an open position with respect to the left side of the device (B), according to some embodiments. In this position, arrow A demonstrates the side of the apparatus where it would be difficult for a user to reach for an instrument, in contrast to side B, from which a user can easily access an instrument contained in the tray 41.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a similar configuration of the apparatus 40, where lid 45 is in a second position, such as a closed position with respect to the left side of the device (B) and an open position with respect to the right side of the device (A). In this position, arrow B demonstrates the side of the apparatus where it would be difficult for a user to reach for an instrument, in contrast to side A, from which a user can easily access an instrument contained in the tray 41. In the configuration shown, lid 45 may be moved between the first and second positions to reverse the ease of access to the tray’s instruments for users at sides A and B. In some embodiments, the movement between the first and second positions are described above in FIGS. 1-3. For example, when lid 45 pivots about a pivot (e.g., pivot 14 shown in FIG. 2), it swings between the first and second positions.

[0036] Returning to FIGS. 4-5, in some embodiments, grooves 52 are provided along elongated edges of tray 41. These grooves are mated with a corresponding elongated edge 54 of lid 45 when lid 45 is in the first or second positions. For example, when the lid 45 is in the first position (e.g., closed off to side A, in FIG. 4), the elongated edge 54-1 of lid 45 is mated with the groove 52-1 in the elongated edge of tray 41. This forms a fit to stabilize the edges to prevent warping when engaged. In some embodiments, the edge fitting may provide audible feedback, e.g., sound of a click generated by the lid closing (resting) on the elongated side wall of the tray, signaling that the lid has reached its resting position.

[0037] In FIGS. 4-5, a single pivoting lid 45 can rotate between a first position (FIG. 4) and a second position (FIG. 5). At each position, an angle is defined by the top edge of side wall of tray 56 and an edge 58 of a side wall of lid 45. In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 4, edge 58 of a side wall of the two side walls of the lid 45 and a top edge of a side wall of tray 56 defines a first closing angle (e.g., angle d) at the first side (side A) of the tray and a first opening angle (e.g., angle 180-a) at the second side (sideAttorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOB) of the tray, where the first opening angle is supplementary to the first closing angle. With reference to FIG. 5, the edge of the side wall of the two side walls of the lid and the top edge of the side wall of the tray defines a second closing angle (e.g., angle d) at the second side (side B) of the tray and a second opening angle (e.g., angle 180—?) at the first side (side A) of the tray, where the second opening angle is supplementary to the second closing angle.

[0038] In some embodiments, lid 45 may be configured to have a suitable size to form a desirable angle, depending on the applications. For example, a closing angle a may be approximately 60 degrees on the closing side, leaving an opening angle (180- ?) on the opening side about twice that of the closing angle (e.g., 120 degrees). This effectively grants about 2 / 3 access from one side (e.g., side B or side A) and blocks about 1 / 3 from the other side (e.g., side A or side B). It is appreciated that angle a may have other suitable values. Furthermore, although angle a is shown to be similar for the closing and opening positions in FIGS. 4-5, it is appreciated they may differ.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a sectional view that illustrates the concave top of the ribs 3 of the tray in an example configuration. In some embodiments, apparatus 60 may be configured in a similar manner as described in embodiments of FIGS. 1-5. Ribs 63 may be transversely disposed in tray 61 and have a concave top 67. For example, the concave top 67 of rib 63 may have a height h from a bottom of the tray, wherein the height is the lowest in the center of the rib. In such a configuration, instruments placed in the tray may move towards the center of the tray by force of gravity. As shown, a hole 68 is provided on lid 65 through which a pivot (e.g., a pivot pin) on the tray 61 extends through. Although it is shown that the hole is configured in a shape of a keyhole to engage with the pivot, it is appreciated that other suitable configurations may be possible, including a circle hole engaging with a rounded mushroom headed pin, with the diameter of the mushroom slightly exceeding the diameter of the circle hole.

[0040] FIGS. 7-8 show variations of an example apparatus showing side extensions and fastening devices, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a safe device transfer apparatus 70 may include a tray 71 and a lid 75 similarly configured as shown in FIGS. 1-6. Additionally, and / or alternatively, tray 71 may be provided with one or two side extensions (e.g., handles) 72 respectively extending from a side wall of the tray, suchAttorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOas long side wall 80 or short wall 81. As shown, a first user, e.g., a nurse, an assistant, or a technician, may hold the tray by handle 72 while a second user, e.g., a surgeon retrieves instruments from the tray. In some embodiments, handle 72 may each include a fin extending from a side wall 80 of the tray (e.g., elongated side wall). The fin may extend from the side wall 80 of the tray to protect a user’s fingers when holding the tray. In such configuration, a user may carry the tray while their fingers are protected from potential injury.

[0041] Alternatively, and / or additionally, with reference to FIG. 8, an indentation 74 may be provided on side wall (e.g., long side wall 80) of tray 71. This may facilitate a user in holding the tray, for example, with a single hand. Indentation 74 may include a longitudinal groove that runs the length of the tray. In some embodiments, the fins 74 may extend from side wall of the tray to coincide with the indentation. This enables a user to pinch the fin and / or indentation to hold the tray with a single hand.

[0042] With further reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, one or more fasteners 82 may be provided, for example, on side wall 80 of the tray 71. The fasteners may be used to secure or stabilize the safe device transfer apparatus on a table or platform. As shown, a short side of the tray may be provided with two fasteners, such as anchor hooks. It is appreciated that any other suitable fasteners may be possible depending on the application.

[0043] In non-limiting examples, the one or more fasteners 82 may each include a peelable adhesive tape on its underside to stabilize the apparatus on a surface.Alternatively, an Allis clamp may be used to secure the apparatus to a drape beneath it. For example, one jaw of the clamp can go through a hole of an anchor hook (see 82 in FIG. 8) and the other jaw can engage the drape thereby securing the device to its position on the drape.

[0044] The safe device transfer apparatus as described in various embodiments in FIGS.1-8 may be configured variably or made of different materials to achieve practicality and durability. For example, the tray may be of a rectangular shape (e.g., having four side walls). In some examples, the ribs may span the width of the tray to suspend the contents of the tray in the air. The tray may have rounded outside corners for ease of use.Adhesive, magnets, or other suitable materials may be used on the bottom of the tray toAttorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOprevent it from moving during the surgical operation. For example, magnetic strips or low profile adhesive may be attached directly to the bottom surface of the device so it can be fastened to a metal or other surface respectively. In some embodiments, other suitable mounting devices may be used to secure the device transfer apparatus to a platform.

[0045] In some embodiments, the safe device transfer apparatus described in the present disclosure may be made of any suitable materials, such as metal, plastic, fiber, nylon, or other suitable materials capable of being sterilized. The safe device transfer apparatus may be intended for either single use (disposable) or multiple uses. In the case of multiple-use embodiments, the apparatus may be constructed from materials suitable for repetitive sterile processing.

[0046] The various embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8 above overcome the drawbacks in conventional systems by which injuries occur due to limited communication or miscommunication between passers and recipients, sudden angular or vector changes during the act of passing or receiving, or overzealous forces while passing instruments. The embodiments in the present disclosure provide visualization of instruments to all parties but access and control of sharps to only one participant at a time, thereby protecting the other participant. The lid of the apparatus may be configured in that access to the tray can be reversed by either participant without additional communication and without fear of both reaching for the sharp simultaneously. As apparent from the various embodiments in the present disclosure, there can be minimal communication error.Access to a user is either physically blocked or granted. The balance of the swinging lid results in a quick transition of access between one participant and another that can be initiated by either participant.

[0047] When the apparatus is in use, it is not necessary for a user to actively monitor a sharp instrument once it is placed in the container or to coordinate with the other user before accessing the sharp, because only one user is granted access at a time. This fully protects other participants while the user handles the sharp instrument. In other words, no two users on opposite sides of the apparatus can simultaneously access the tray.Switching access to the sharp instrument provides visual, tactile, and audible feedback.

[0048] Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which examples have been provided. The acts performed as part of a method may be ordered inAttorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOany suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

[0049] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This allows elements to optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0050] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0051] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, theAttorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOterm “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0052] Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Such terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term).

[0053] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing”, “involving”, and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and additional items.

[0054] Having described several embodiments of the invention in detail, various modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended as limiting.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising:a tray configured to contain one or more instruments to be transferred between a first user and a second user; anda lid coupled to the tray and configured to move between a first position in which the lid closes access to the tray on a first side, and a second position in which the lid closes access to the tray on a second side opposite the first side;wherein:when the lid is in the first position, the tray is accessible to the first user but not the second user; andwhen the lid is in the second position, the tray is accessible to the second user but not the first user.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a top panel and two side walls extending from the top panel, each side wall having a respective pivot point to facilitate pivot movement of the lid between the first position and the second position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein two side walls of the tray each have a respective pivot configured to engage with a corresponding pivot point on the lid to support the pivot movement thereof.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the top panel of the lid comprises a transparent window to provide visualization of inside the tray from the first side when the lid is in the first position or to provide visualization of inside the tray from the second side when the lid is in the second position.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the transparent window comprises a clear plastic.Attorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWO6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the top panel and the side walls of the lid are integrated in a single-piece unit.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the transparent window comprises a metal mesh.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lid further includes one or more handles extending from the top panel to facilitate a user interaction for moving the lid between the first position and the second position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more handles comprise two extensions respectively extending from opposite longitudinal edges of the top panel of the lid.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each of the two extensions includes a protrusion to facilitate the user interaction.

11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lid is sized so that, when the lid is in the first position, an edge of a side wall of the two side walls of the lid and a top edge of a side wall of the tray defines a first closing angle at the first side of the tray and a first opening angle at the second side of the tray, wherein the first opening angle is supplementary to and greater than the first closing angle.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, when the lid is in the second position, the edge of the side wall of the two side walls of the lid and the top edge of the side wall of the tray defines a second closing angle at the second side of the tray and a second opening angle at the first side of the tray, wherein the second opening angle is supplementary to and greater than the second closing angle.

13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lid further comprises one or more reinforcement structures respectively disposed between the top panel and the two side walls of the lid.Attorney Docket No.: ORI-POOIWO14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, when the lid is moved from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, a longitudinal edge of the top panel of the lid is mated with a longitudinal edge of a side wall of the tray.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the longitudinal edge of the side wall of the tray includes a groove configured to mate with the longitudinal edge of the top panel of the lid.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 further includes a plurality of ribs transversely disposed on the tray, each of the plurality of ribs having a concave top.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the concave top of a rib of the plurality of ribs has a height from a bottom of the tray, wherein the height is the lowest in the center of the rib.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one or more fins extending from side walls of the tray and configured to facilitate carrying the apparatus by the first user and retrieval of the one or more instruments from the tray by the second user.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein a side wall of the tray, from which a fin of the one or more fins extends, is provided with a groove coinciding with the fin to facilitate carrying the apparatus with a single hand.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one or more fasteners extending from side walls of the tray and configured to secure the tray to a surface.

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