Medical instrument sterilization container and method
The system contains a container, comprising a plurality of sides, each side having a plurality of fluid permeable openings, wherein the plurality of sides form a substantially enclosed unit. The system contains at least one lid. The system contains at least one latch unit for movably attached to a first side of the plurality of sides at a proximate end of the latch unit. The system contains a lid restraint, formed at a distal end of the latch unit whereby the lid restraint restrains the lid when engaged with the lid. Lastly, the system contains at least one locking element formed along the latch unit for engagement with the first side, wherein engagement of the locking element limits the mobility of the latch unit.
1. A container comprising:
a plurality of sides, each side having a plurality of fluid permeable openings, wherein the plurality of sides form a partially enclosed unit;
at least one lid;
at least one latch unit movably attached to a first side of the plurality of sides at a proximate end of the latch unit;
a lid restraint formed at a distal end of the latch unit whereby the lid restraint restrains the lid when engaged with the lid, wherein the lid restraint projects inwardly of an inside surface of the at least one latch unit to engage the lid; and
at least one locking element formed along the latch unit for engagement with the first side, wherein engagement of the locking element with the first side limits the mobility of the latch unit.
2. The container of claim 1 , further comprising at least one lock opening formed in the first side, sized to receive the locking element.
3. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid is removably secured to a second side.
4. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one lid is removably secured to a second side with a slidable engagement element.
5. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one latch unit is integral with the first side.
6. The container of claim 1 , wherein the proximate end of the at least one latch unit is pivotably attached to the first side, wherein the lid restraint formed at the distal end of the latch unit rotates to pivotally engage with the lid.
7. The container of claim 1 , wherein the proximate end of the at least one latch unit is slidably attached to the first side.
8. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one locking element further comprises at least one compression-tension system.
9. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one locking element further comprises two locking elements located at symmetrically opposite positions on the latch unit.
10. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one latch unit further comprises a plurality of locking elements.
11. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one locking element is movable between at least a first position and a second position and further comprising a biasing mechanism, in mechanical communication with the locking element, biasing the locking element into the first position.
12. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one latch unit further comprises a first latch unit and a second latch unit, the first latch unit movably attached to the first side and the second latch unit movable attached to a second side of the plurality of sides.
13. The container of claim 1 , wherein the at least one latch includes a carrying handle disposed within the at least one latch unit.
14. The container of claim 1 , wherein the lid further comprises a lid retainer area located on an edge of the lid, wherein the lid restraint restrains the lid when engaged with the lid by securing the lid retainer area directly between the lid restraint and at least one of the plurality of sides.
15. The container of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sides further comprises a second side positioned opposite the first side, wherein the second side has a receiving slot sized to receive a first edge of the lid therein.
16. The container of claim 15 , wherein the first edge of the lid is positioned within the receiving slot when the at least one latch unit is engaged with the lid.
17. The container of claim 1 , wherein the lid further comprises a retaining area formed proximate to an edge of the lid, wherein the retaining area at least partially extends below a planar top surface of the lid.
18. The container of claim 17 , wherein the lid restraint formed at the distal end of the latch unit engages with the retaining area of the lid, wherein when the lid restraint is in an engaged position with the retaining area of the lid, the lid restraint is positioned below the planar top surface of the lid.