Collapsible sterilization container
View Patent ↗A collapsible single-use sterilization container for use in the sterilization of medical instruments is provided. The sterilization container includes a lid having central portion defined by a frangible region. Upon activation of the frangible region, the central portion may be removed rendering the sterilization container inoperable for future use.
1. A single-use container for use in sterilization of medical instruments, the container comprising:
a top comprised of a rigid material;
a bottom comprised of a rigid material;
a plurality of sides attached to the top and the bottom and comprised of a non-rigid material that allows the sides of the container to be collapsed after use, wherein at least one of said sides is comprised of a gas permeable material, wherein at least one of the sides comprises a peripheral portion defined by a frangible region comprising a plurality of frangible elements, the peripheral portion further comprising a means for removal of the peripheral portion by activation of the frangible region.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the top and the bottom comprise a plastic.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein the plurality of frangible elements are scores, perforations, embossments, seams or combinations thereof.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the means for removal of the peripheral portion is a hook, handle or a tab.
5. The container of claim 1 , wherein each of the sides comprises a spunbond, meltblown, spunbond (SMS) laminate.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein the container has four sides and said four sides are attached to the top and the bottom.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of sides comprises a closable opening for insertion of a medical instruments tray therethrough.