Clear medical packaging

Abstract

A medical package has a tub and a lid. The tub has a four-sided base with walls extending upwards therefrom; the walls terminate at a first flange with extends outwardly. From the first flange, four top walls extend upward and terminate at a second flange which extends outwardly. The tub is formed of a clear, ultraviolet light transmitting plastic. The lid has a gas permeable, microfiber central portion surrounded by a clear, ultraviolet light transmitting plastic film. The film has a high shear resistance and does not produce particulate matter during an opening procedure.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A medical device package comprising: 
 a tub having a four-side base; and    four walls intersecting the base at approximately ninety degrees and extending therefrom and terminating at a first outwardly extending flange which extends from the four walls at approximately ninety degrees; the first outwardly extending flange terminating at four top walls that extend from the first outwardly extending flange at approximately ninety degrees and terminating at a second outwardly extending flange that extends from the four top walls at approximately ninety degrees; and    said tub being formed of a clear and ideally ultraviolet light transmitting plastic that is capable of withstanding exposure to steam and ethylene oxide sterilization environments without degradation of the tub.    
     
     
         2 . The medical device package of  claim 1 , wherein the second outwardly extending flange extends outward a greater distance than the first outwardly extending flange.  
     
     
         3 . The medical device package of  claim 1 , wherein a vertical distance from the first outwardly extending flange and the second outwardly extending flange defines a gap for use of an interior holding apparatus.  
     
     
         4 . The medical device package of  claim 1 , where in a horizontal distance from the first outwardly extending flange and the second outwardly extending flange defining a second gap to provide a buffer zone when utilizing an automated opening procedure.  
     
     
         5 . The medical device package of  claim 1 , wherein the tub comprises high melt flow polycarbonate.  
     
     
         6 . The medical device package of  claim 1 , wherein the tub comprises high melt flow copolyester.  
     
     
         7 . The medical device package of  claim 1 , wherein the tub comprises methylpentene copolymer.  
     
     
         8 . The medical device package of  claim 1 , wherein the tub further includes radiused corners to facilitate removal of the tub from a mold, and prevent the formation of sharp edges.  
     
     
         9 . The medical device package of  claim 1 , wherein the tub further includes contoured portions to facilitate removal of the tub from a mold.  
     
     
         10 . The medical device package of  claim 1 , wherein the tub is integrally formed.  
     
     
         11 . The medical device package of  claim 1 , wherein the tub comprises a plastic which transmits light at 254 nanometers for killing microorganisms.  
     
     
         12 . A medical device package comprising: 
 a tub having a four-side base; and    four walls intersecting the base at approximately ninety degrees and extending therefrom and terminating at a first outwardly extending flange which extends from the four walls at approximately ninety degrees; the first outwardly extending flange terminating at four top walls that extend from the first outwardly extending flange at approximately ninety degrees and terminating at a second outwardly extending flange that extends from the four top walls at approximately ninety degrees; and    said tub being formed of a clear plastic that is capable of withstanding exposure to steam and ethylene oxide sterilization environments without degradation of the tub.    
     
     
         13 . The medical device package of  claim 11 , wherein the tub comprises a plastic which transmits visible light at from 400 to 700 nanometers.  
     
     
         14 . A medical device package comprising: 
 a tub having a four-side base; and    four walls intersecting the base at approximately ninety degrees and extending therefrom and terminating at a first outwardly extending flange which extends from the four walls at approximately ninety degrees; the first outwardly extending flange terminating at four top walls that extend from the first outwardly extending flange at approximately ninety degrees and terminating at a second outwardly extending flange that extends from the four top walls at approximately ninety degrees; and    radiused intersections and corners for removing sharp corners and facilitating removal of the tub from a mold; and    said tub being formed of a clear, ultraviolet light transmitting plastic that is capable of withstanding exposure to steam and ethylene oxide sterilization environments without degradation of the tub.