Sterilization container filter system

Abstract

The invention described herein relates to a filter system for sterilization containers which secures a gas permeable filter onto a vented portion of the container. The filter system of the invention includes a locking mechanism that is comfortable and easy to use, and that requires a simple sliding movement of the users hand to lock and unlock the filter system components in place. The invention further includes a filter system structured such that the openings of the filter system plates permit transport of air across the filter while at the same time the openings are arranged to reduce or prevent undesirable physical perforation of the filter. By virtue of its structure, the need for particular rotational positioning of filter components in relation to one another is significantly reduced. The filter system of the invention also reduces or eliminates the need for perimeter gaskets. The invention is useful in a variety of medical applications wherein sterilization of medical devices and instruments is associated with a surgical treatment or procedure.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A filter system for a sterilization container having a lid, base and vented portion, said filter system comprising: 
 a first filter retention plate adapted for positioning and retaining a filter over a vented portion of said container;    a second filter protective plate adapted for positioning between said filter and said vented portion of said container;    wherein each of said first plate, second plate, and filter is adapted to align with and be positioned in relation to a central pin extending outward from said vented portion of said container; and    a locking mechanism adapted to secure said first plate, second plate and filter onto said container, said locking mechanism comprising a locking plate adapted for linear sliding movement in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of said plates.    
     
     
         2 . The filter system according to  claim 1  wherein said locking plate comprises an elongate central opening adapted to accommodate a portion of said central pin.  
     
     
         3 . The filter system according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism further comprises stabilization means.  
     
     
         4 . The filter system according to  claim 3  wherein said stabilization means comprises at least one elongate guide opening and said first plate comprises at least one guide pin attached to a first plate surface, and wherein said elongate guide opening is adapted to accommodate said guide pin inserted therethrough.  
     
     
         5 . The filter system according to  claim 4  wherein said locking plate comprises two elongate guide openings adapted to accommodate two corresponding guide pins attached to a surface of said first plate.  
     
     
         6 . The filter system according to  claim 1  wherein said locking plate further comprises a sliding tab.  
     
     
         7 . The filter system according to  claim 1  wherein both the first filter retention plate and the second filter protective plate comprise a disc configuration.  
     
     
         8 . A sterilization container comprising a filter system in accordance with  claim 1 .  
     
     
         9 . A locking mechanism for a sterilization container filter system having a vented portion, said locking mechanism comprising: 
 a first filter retention plate;    a locking plate having an elongate opening and attached to the upper surface of said first filter retention plate, and adapted for linear sliding movement in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of said plate;    wherein said locking plate is adapted to cooperate with a central pin extending outward from a vented portion of the sterilization container; and    wherein linear sliding movement of said locking plate increases the vertical compressive force between the filter system components.    
     
     
         10 . A filter system for a sterilization container having a vented portion comprising a plurality of openings, said filter system comprising: 
 a first filter retention plate comprising a plurality of openings;    a second protective plate comprising a plurality of openings;    wherein said first filter retention plate and second protective plate are adapted to accommodate and retain a gas-permeable filter therebetween; and    wherein each of said first retention plate and second protective plate are structured so that the openings thereof and said openings of said vented portion are arranged to permit substantially unobstructed movement of air across said filter while forming a barrier to transverse physical perforation of said filter, said openings maintaining such barrier irrespective of rotational positioning of said plates relative to a central axis.