Patent Application
20070119737
1. Field of the Invention.
The present invention relates to a surgical case, and, more particularly, to a surgical case having a hinged lid.
2. Description of the Related Art.
Surgical instruments are frequently stored in cases. For example, surgical drill bits are conventionally stored in cases that lie flat and have a bit-holding member. Surgical instruments are placed in the cases for autoclaving, the cases often being stackable. The cases incorporate functions for storing, transporting, and presenting of reusable surgical instruments to the surgeon during surgery. A preparatory step to any surgical procedure is to have the surgical instruments and related components and accessories sterilized. This procedure involves subjecting the case and the instruments contained therein to an autoclaving operation wherein these objects are subjected to an elevated temperature of approximately 270° F. and an elevated pressure.
One requirement for any autoclaving tray or instrument holder for these instruments and components is that it is able to withstand the elevated temperatures and pressure, and to do so for many cycles. Efficient use of the autoclave dictates a close placement of the surgical instruments in the case to maximize the capacity of the case. Outer surfaces of the cases are typically parallel to a plane in which the instruments lie so as to minimize wasted space. Even though it may be desirable to place the instruments as close together as possible, a competing requirement is related to ergonomic factors, in that the instruments must be spaced apart so as to be easily grasped and removed from the case.
A problem with surgical cases is that the instruments stored therein are not presented in a fashion that is easy for surgical personnel to see and access.
What is needed in the art is a simple, cost effective device and method for the presentation of surgical instruments to surgical personnel.
The present invention relates to a surgical case having a hinged lid that elevates the rear of the case.
The present invention comprises, in one embodiment thereof, a surgical case including a housing having a first portion and a second portion having a front and a back. There is at least one hinge coupling the first portion and the second portion. The first portion is rotatable to a position that elevates the back relative to the front.
An advantage of the present invention is that the lid serves to elevate the base in order to present the tools contained within the surgical case so that they can be more easily seen and grasped by the user.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it elevates the back of the base by way of the position of the lid.
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
Tray 12 includes holes 16 therethrough, which can accommodate grommets 18 and holders 20. Grommets 18 and holders 20 assist in the holding of dental and/or surgical instruments placed therein.
Housing 14 includes a lower portion 22, an upper portion 24 and hinges 26. Lower portion 22 includes a front 28 and a back 30. When upper portion 24, also known as a lid 24 is in a closed position as shown in
A height 32 from the bottom of base 22 to hinge 26 is less than height 34 between hinge 26 and the top of lid 22. The difference between height 32 and height 34 contributes directly to the amount of elevation 38 which back 30 is lifted above a supporting surface. As lid 24 is rotated about a pivot axis 36, a portion of lid 24 contacts the supporting surface and a portion of lid 24 rotates beneath back 30 of base 22. Additional aspects such as the geometries of the lid and base are also contemplated, such as the shape of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
Alternatively, a distance 38, from hinge 26 to the back of lid 24 may be greater than height 40 from the bottom of base 22 to hinge 26. The difference between distance 38 and height 40 contributes directly to the amount of elevation 42, which back 30 is lifted above a supporting surface. As lid 24 is rotated about pivot axis 36, a portion of lid 24 contacts the supporting surface and a portion of lid 24 rotates beneath back 30 of base 22.
If lid 24 is interior to base 22 as shown in
The present invention advantageously angles the plane in which the surgical instruments are presented when the lid is open so that the instruments themselves are more easily seen and accessed by surgical personnel. The stadium-like presentation of the instruments improves the ergonomics of the surgical case so that individual instruments can be more easily grasped and removed from the case.
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
