Container for sterilization

Abstract

A modular container for sterilization of medical devices. In various embodiments the container includes a slidable button for releasing the lid, the button being contained within a pocket. Other embodiments include a lid and container bottom arranged so that a pair of stacked containers have a gap between the lid and bottom to facilitate drying of the container contents. Yet other embodiments include arrangement of the container sidewalls to fit within the sides of the lid.

1 - 21 . (canceled)  
     
     
         22 . A container for sterilization of devices, comprising: 
 a base including a bottom panel and a pair of endwalls, said bottom panel including a pair of sidewalls each defining a plurality of through holes;    a lid-release button slidably received within each endwall, said lid-release button actuatable between an extended position and a depressed position; and    a lid defining a plurality of through holes and being releasably coupled to said base and releasable therefrom by actuation of said lid-release button, said lid including a pair of latching members, each latching member being constructed and arranged to cooperate with a corresponding one of said lid-release buttons.    
     
     
         23 . The container of  claim 22  wherein sliding said lid-release button to the depressed position uncouples said lid from said base.  
     
     
         24 . The container of  claim 22  wherein sliding said lid-release button to the depressed position exposes a surface of said lid for lifting of said lid by a user of said container.  
     
     
         25 . The container of  claim 22  wherein one of said endwalls has an outer surface, said lid-release button has an outer surface, and in said extended position said outer surface of said lid-release button is substantially flush with the outer surface of said one endwall.  
     
     
         26 . The container of  claim 22  wherein said lid includes an edge and said lid-release button covers a portion of said edge in said extended position and uncovers said portion of said edge in said depressed position.