Medical implement distribution and collection system

Abstract

A sharps dispensing and disposal system configured for mounting within an interior of an enclosure is disclosed. The sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a dispensing chamber and a disposal chamber that are each configured to be substantially enclosed within the interior of the enclosure. The dispensing chamber and the disposal chamber are defined by separate containers that are each formed from a leak resistant material.

1 . A sharps dispensing and disposal system configured for mounting within an interior of an enclosure having a first opening for receiving soiled sharps and a second opening for dispensing sharps, said sharps dispensing and disposal system comprising:
 a dispensing chamber configured to be substantially enclosed within the interior of the enclosure and removed from the interior of the enclosure, said dispensing chamber being adapted to contain sharps and having an access opening for passage of sharps from said dispensing chamber, said access opening being positioned for alignment with the second opening of the enclosure to facilitate passage of sharps from the enclosure, and said dispensing chamber including a trough portion defining said access opening and positioned proximal a base of said dispensing chamber, wherein said trough portion comprises a door movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein said trough portion provides a passage through said access opening when said door is in said open position and said trough portion obstructs said access opening when said door is in said closed position; and   a disposal chamber configured to be substantially enclosed within the interior of the enclosure adjacent said dispensing chamber and removed from the interior of the enclosure, said disposal chamber being adapted to collect soiled sharps, said disposal chamber having an inlet opening for passage of soiled sharps into said disposal chamber and a door positioned proximal said inlet opening, said door having an open position configured to permit access to an interior of said disposal chamber and a closed position configured to inhibit access to the interior of said disposal chamber, said inlet opening being positioned for alignment with the first opening of the enclosure to facilitate passage of soiled sharps into the enclosure;   wherein said dispensing chamber and said disposal chamber are defined by separate containers that are each formed from a leak resistant material.   
   
   
       2 . The sharps dispensing and disposal system of  claim 1 , said dispensing chamber including an inlet opening and a lid movable to an open position in which sharps can be deposited into said dispensing chamber through said inlet opening of said dispensing chamber. 
   
   
       3 . The sharps dispensing and disposal system of  claim 2 , said lid being hingedly connected adjacent said inlet opening of said dispensing chamber, said lid being configured to pivot between said open position and a closed position. 
   
   
       4 . The sharps dispensing and disposal system of  claim 1  wherein said door of said dispensing chamber is pivotable between said open position and said closed position. 
   
   
       5 . The sharps dispensing and disposal system of  claim 1 , said door of said dispensing chamber having a wall at least partially forming said trough portion when in said open position. 
   
   
       6 . The sharps dispensing and disposal system of  claim 5 , said door of said dispensing chamber having side wall portions and a front wall portion extending between said side wall portions. 
   
   
       7 . The sharps dispensing and disposal system of  claim 1 , said dispensing chamber containing at least one sharp. 
   
   
       8 . The sharps dispensing and disposal system of  claim 1 , said door of said disposal chamber being rotatably coupled to the disposal chamber between the open position for permitting access to an interior of said disposal chamber and the closed position for inhibiting access to the interior of said disposal chamber. 
   
   
       9 . The sharps dispensing and disposal system of  claim 8 , said door of said disposal chamber being mounted for rotation between said open and closed positions.