STERILISING APPARATUS
The present invention relates to sterilising apparatus. In particular, the present
invention relates to portable sterilisers for sterilising items using sterilising fluids.
Sterilisers for sterilising items using sterilising fluids are known. Generally they
comprise a container or receptacle (for example a bucket) into which are place
items to be sterilised (for example baby feeding bottles, teats and other baby
feeding paraphernalia) and a sterilising fluid (for example Milton (RTM)
solution). The items are left in the receptacle until the items are sterilised.
A disadvantage of the known sterilising apparatus is that, once filled with the
sterilising fluid, the receptacle is generally not portable, as fluid may leak out as
it sloshes around the receptacle during transportation. This is not convenient for
the user, as it may be required to move the receptacle from one area of a
household to another (or even from one property to another) once filled with
sterilising fluid.
We have therefore appreciated the need for a portable steriliser.
The present invention provides a portable steriliser for sterilising an item using
sterilising fluids, comprising: a container for receiving an item to be sterilised
and for receiving a sterilising fluid a removable insert comprising an absorbent
material for absorbing a sterilising fluid; and a removable lid engageable with
the container, wherein the removable insert is shaped to receive an item to be
sterilised.
By using a removable absorbent material, the container does not need to be
filled with a sterilising fluid to sterilise the items. Instead, only an amount of
sterilising fluid sufficient to saturate the absorbent material is required to enable
sterilising of the item placed in the container. As such, this reduces this risk of
excess fluid spilling out of the container during opening of the container to
remove a sterilised item. Furthermore, the shape of the removable insert allows
the item to be sterilised to be held firmly within the container, and to ensure that
a maximum surface area of the item is in contact with the absorbent insert,
allowing sterilisation of the item.
In preferred embodiments, the removable insert has an exterior shape that
corresponds with an interior shape of the container. In other preferred
embodiments, the removable insert is shaped to receive a child's dummy. In
further preferred embodiments, the absorbent material comprises an absorbent
sponge or foam material.
In embodiments, the removable insert comprises two or more separable
portions. Preferably, at least one of the separable portions is shaped to receive
an item to be sterilised.
Advantageously, by providing the insert having two separable layers enables
easier cleaning of the insert after use. It has been found that after repeated use,
debris removed from the item to be sterilised congregates in the recess in the
insert. The debris is removed from the insert by separating the upper and lower
layers, and either washing or wiping the two portions before re-assembling
them.
Furthermore, the two separable layers also reduce the risk of the sterilising
solution splashing out of the container onto the user during insertion of the
insert, since less volume of fluid is displaced for each separable portion when
compared to inserting a single piece having the same volume as the two layers
combined.
In embodiments, the removable lid provides a substantially waterproof seal
when engaged with the container. In some embodiments, the removable lid is in
a press-fit or threaded engagement with the container when engaged.
In some embodiments, the removable lid is a removable inner lid. Additionally,
the steriliser may comprise a removable outer lid engageable with the container
via a press-fit or threaded engagement.
In alternative embodiments, the removable lid is a removable outer lid.
In some embodiments, the removable outer lid comprises an O-ring around an
inner circumferential edge. In other embodiments, the container comprises an
O-ring around an outer circumferential edge.
In some embodiments, the removable outer lid comprises a handle or
attachment means for attaching the steriliser to other items.
In some embodiments, the removable lid comprises one or more protrusions
extending from a surface, the protrusions being arranged to contact an item to
be sterilised when the removable lid is engaged with the container.
Advantageously, the protrusion ensures that as much of the item to be sterilised
as possible is in contact with the insert, and therefore the sterilising solution.
The present invention also provides a portable steriliser for sterilising items
using sterilising fluids, comprising: a container for receiving items to be
sterilised and for receiving a sterilising fluid; and a removable outer lid
engageable with the container to provide a substantially waterproof seal when
engaged with the container, wherein the removable outer lid comprises a
pressure valve configured to close to provide a substantially waterproof seal
when an internal pressure of the container is below a pressure threshold, and
configured to open when an internal pressure of the container is above the
pressure threshold.
The valve in the lid opens when a pressure in the container (due to a build up of
steam when use for example as a steam steriliser) increases above a desired
threshold to prevent a dangerous build up of steam. In practice, the valve allows
the pressure to increase up to 1 bar, although the skilled reader would
understand that if the components (for example the container and the lid) were
designed to withstand greater pressures, other values may be possible.
Advantageously, an increased pressure during the sterilisation process actually
aids the degree to which the items are sterilised.
In some embodiments, the portable steriliser further comprises a float
engageable with the removable outer lid, wherein, when the float is engaged
with the removable outer lid and the removable outer lid is engaged with the
container, the float extends from the removable outer lid and is arranged to
contact items to be sterilised in the container.
Advantageously, the float ensures that all the items to be sterilised are
submerged in the sterilising fluid.
In embodiments, the outer lid, when engaged with the container, is in threaded
engagement. In some embodiments, the outer lid comprises an O-ring around
an inner circumferential edge.
In preferred embodiments, the outer lid comprises a handle for carrying the
steriliser. In some embodiments, the container comprises a recess for
containing a measured portion of fluid.
In some embodiments, the portable steriliser comprises an outer flange
extending from the container or removable lid, the outer flange being arranged
to permit the container to be placed on its side.
The present invention also provides a portable steriliser for sterilising items
using sterilising fluids, comprising: a container for receiving items to be
sterilised and for receiving a sterilising fluid; a first interior collar disposed at a
first level of an interior surface of the container; a removable inner lid
engageable with the first interior collar; and a removable outer lid engageable
with the container, wherein the removable inner lid is configured to provide a
substantially waterproof seal when engaged with the first inner collar, and
wherein the removable inner lid comprises a pressure valve configured to close
to provide a substantially waterproof seal when an internal pressure of the
container is below a pressure threshold, and configured to open when an
internal pressure of the container is above the pressure threshold.
Since the inner lid engages with the inner collar and is configured to provide a
substantially waterproof seal when engaged with the inner collar, this allows the
container to be transported during use without the risk of the contents of the
container spilling out.
The valve in the lid opens when a pressure in the container (due to a build up of
steam when use for example as a steam steriliser) increases above a desired
threshold to prevent a dangerous build up of steam. In practice, the valve allows
the pressure to increase up to 1 bar, although the skilled reader would
understand that if the components (for example the container and the lid) were
designed to withstand greater pressures, other values may be possible.
Advantageously, an increased pressure during the sterilisation process actually
aids the degree to which the items are sterilised.
In embodiments, the portable steriliser comprises a second inner collar
disposed at a second level, different from the first level, of an interior surface of
the container, and wherein the inner lid is engageable with the second inner
collar to provide a substantially waterproof seal.
The provision of a second inner collar at a different level or position within the
container means that the inner lid can be placed at different levels and still
provide a waterproof seal. This means that the inner lid can be placed at a level
that is appropriate for the amount of sterilising fluid required for the number of
items to be sterilised.
In embodiments, the inner lid is in threaded engagement with the inner collar
when engaged. In some embodiments, the outer lid, when engaged with the
container, is in threaded engagement.
In some embodiments, the inner lid comprises an O-ring around an outer
circumferential surface. In other embodiments, the inner collar comprises an Oring
around an inner circumferential edge.
In some embodiments, the inner lid is flexible, in other embodiments the inner
lid is rigid. Furthermore the outer lid may comprise a handle for carrying the
steriliser.
In some embodiments, the outer lid comprises an O-ring around an inner
circumferential edge.
In preferred embodiments, the outer lid comprises one or more vent apertures.
In some embodiments, the container comprises a recess for containing a
measured portion of fluid.
In some embodiments, the portable steriliser comprises an outer flange
extending from the container or removable lid, the outer flange being arranged
to permit the container to be placed on its side.
The present invention also provides a portable steriliser for sterilising items
using sterilising fluids, comprising: a container for receiving items to be
sterilised and for receiving a sterilising fluid; a first interior collar disposed at a
first level of an interior surface of the container; a removable inner lid
engageable with the first interior collar; and a removable outer lid engageable
with the container, wherein the removable inner lid is configured to provide a
substantially waterproof seal when engaged with the first inner collar.
Since the inner lid engages with the inner collar and is configured to provide a
substantially waterproof seal when engaged with the inner collar, this allows the
container to be transported during use without the risk of the contents of the
container spilling out.
The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with
reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Figures 1a-1 d show a first embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the
present invention;
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the
present invention;
Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the
present invention;
Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the
present invention;
Figure 5 shows a close-up of the lid area of a portable steriliser according to the
present invention;
Figures 6a-6d show a fifth embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the
present invention;
Figures 7a-7g show a sixth embodiment of a portable steriliser according to the
present invention; and
Figures 8a-8b show a seventh embodiment of a portable steriliser according to
the present invention.
It should be appreciated that when we describe a sterilising fluid, this fluid may
be a pre-mixed sterilising solution. Alternatively, the sterilising fluid may refer to
a non-sterilised fluid (for example water) to which a sterilising agent is added, in
liquid or tablet form (for example Milton (RTM) Sterilising Tablets), to create a
sterilising fluid.
Furthermore, the terms "sterilising", "sterilised" or "sterile" are intended to cover
situations where a high level of sterilisation has occurred, as well as situations
where a satisfactory level of disinfection (preferably a high level) has occurred
(i.e. the item is not sterilised, but disinfected to a satisfactory level).
Figures 1 to 1d show a portable steriliser according to a first aspect of the
present invention.
The steriliser comprises a container 100 for receiving items to be sterilised and
the sterilising fluid. First 102 and second 104 inner collars are provided along an
internal surface of the container 100 at respective first and second levels. Each
of the first and second inner collars has a thread on an inner circumferential
edge. The inner collars 102 and 104 are glued or plastic welded in position
during manufacture.
The steriliser also comprises a flexible, removable inner lid 106 that has a
thread along an outer circumferential edge and an O-ring along the same
circumferential edge. A removable outer lid 108 is also provided, and that has a
thread along an inner circumferential edge for engaging with a corresponding
threaded on an outer circumferential edge of the container 100. The removable
inner lid also comprises a valve (not shown), which is designed to provide a
waterproof seal when closed.
During use, the items to be sterilised are placed in the container 100 with the
sterilising fluid (not shown). Assuming a full amount of the fluid is required, the
flexible inner lid 106 is screwed into the second, higher, inner collar 106. The
combination of the thread and the O-ring provides a substantially waterproof
seal to seal off the container and to prevent fluids from leaking or sloshing from
the container during transportation.
The outer lid 108 is then screwed to the container 100 and the items to be are
left to be sterilised. The steriliser may then be transported using the handle 110
on the outer lid 108.
Alternatively, if fewer or smaller items or less fluid is requires, the inner lid 106
may be screwed to the first, lower inner collar 102.
The advantage of the removable inner lid 106 and inner collars are that they
provide a substantially waterproof seal, such that the portable steriliser may be
moved during use without the sterilising fluid leaking out.
In an alternative use of the portable steriliser, a small amount of water is placed
in a recess (not shown) in the base of the container 100 along with the items to
be sterilised. In this alternative use, the inner lid 106 is again screwed to the
inner collars 102 or 104 to give the desired volume in which items may be
sterilised. The outer lid 108 may be screwed to the container 100 and the unit is
placed in a microwave for sterilisation using steam. For this use, the valve in the
removable lid opens when a pressure in the container (due to a build up of
steam) increases above a desired threshold to prevent a dangerous build up of
steam. Furthermore, vents 112 are also located in the outer lid 108 to prevent a
dangerous build up of steam. In practice, the valve allows the pressure to
increase up to 1 bar, although the skilled reader would understand that if the
components (for example the container and the lid) were designed to withstand
greater pressures, other values may be possible.
Advantageously, an increased pressure during the sterilisation process actually
aids the degree to which the items are sterilised.
Figure 2 show an exploded view of a second embodiment of the portable
steriliser.
The steriliser again comprises a container 200 for receiving items to be
sterilised and the sterilising fluid. No internal collars are provided in this
embodiment. Instead, the volume comprises the whole of the container.
The steriliser also comprises a removable float 242, which can be attached to
the outer lid 208. When attached to the outer lid, the float 242 extends from the
outer lid in the direction of the container 200. A sealing element 240, which may
comprise an O-ring shaped to rest on a circumferential edge of the container, is
provided between the the container and outer lid to provide a waterproof seal.
Alternatively, the sealing element 240 is affixed to the outer lid 208.
The outer lid 208 is provided with a valve 250, which comprises an O-ring seal
252. The valve is designed to provide a waterproof seal when closed. The outer
lid 208 is also provided with a handle 2 10.
During use, the items to be sterilised are placed in the container 200 with the
sterilising fluid (not shown). The outer lid 208 is then screwed to the container
200 and the items to be sterilised are left to sterilise. The steriliser may then be
transported using the handle 2 10 on the outer lid 208. The sealing element 240
provides a substantially waterproof seal to seal off the container and to prevent
fluids from leaking or sloshing from the container during transportation when the
outer lid 208 is engaged with the container 200.
In an alternative use of the portable steriliser, a small amount of water is placed
in a recess (not shown) in the base of the container 200 along with the items to
be sterilised. The outer lid 208 is screwed to the container 200 and the unit is
placed in a microwave for sterilisation using steam. For this use, the valve in the
outer lid opens when a pressure in the container (due to a build up of steam)
increases above a desired threshold to prevent a dangerous build up of steam.
Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, which is a smaller
version of the first embodiment. In this third embodiment, the container 300 is
smaller in capacity for added portability. For example, the container 300 may
only be large enough to receive a single set of baby's bottle, teat and lid. The
principle of operation is similar to that given for figures 1 to 1d , except that
there are no inner collars, and the inner removable lid 106 (also comprising a
valve - not shown) only attaches at one location of the container (i.e. the top).
Features the same as the first embodiment have been given like numbers. As
with the first embodiment of the invention, the aspect shown in figure 3 may be
used with a sterilising fluid, or be placed in a microwave for sterilising using
steam.
Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is a smaller
version of the second embodiment. In this fourth embodiment, the container 400
is smaller in capacity for added portability. For example, the container 400 may
only be large enough to receive a single set of baby's bottle, teat and lid. The
principle of operation is similar to that given to the second embodiment and with
reference to figure 2. Features the same as the second embodiment have been
given like numbers. As with the second embodiment of the invention, the
embodiment shown in figure 4 may be used with a sterilising fluid, or be placed
in a microwave for sterilising using steam. In such a use, the valve 250 in the
outer lid 208 prevents a dangerous build up of steam occurring in the container
400 by opening when the pressure within the container reaches a pressure
threshold value.
Figure 5 shows the portable steriliser having an outer flange 560, which enables
the steriliser to be placed on its side on a surface without it rolling around on the
surface. This feature is particularly useful with smaller microwave ovens, where
the ovens are not tall enough to receive an upright steriliser.
Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the container 600 is smaller still. For example, the container 600
may only be large enough to receive a child's dummy 624.
In operation, a removable insert 620, which comprises an absorbent material, is
placed in the container 600. The insert 600 has an external shape that
substantially corresponds with the internal shape of the container 600 for a
snug-fit. The insert 620 also has an internal shape that is suitable for snugly
receiving an item to be sterilised, for example such as a child's dummy 624.
The insert 620 is made from an absorbent material such as a foam or sponge,
for example a PVA type material.
A sterilising fluid 622 is then introduced into the container 600 until the insert
620 is sufficiently saturated with the fluid 622. The item 624 is then placed into
the internal-shaped portion of the insert 620 and the outer lid 608 is screwed to
the container 600. As well as a thread on an inner circumferential edge of the
outer lid 608, an O-ring is provided along that same edge. Alternatively, the Oring
may be along the outer circumferential edge of the container 600.
The O-ring and threaded engagement between the container 600 and the outer
lid 608 provide a substantially waterproof seal to allow the container 600 to be
moved during sterilising of the item 624. Furthermore, the shape of the insert
maximises the contact surface area of the item to be sterilised 624, ensuring
proper sterilisation of the item.
Figure 7 shows an alternative (sixth) embodiment of the steriliser shown in
figure 6. In this embodiment, the container 700 is similarly sized to container
600 in figure 6. That is, the container 700 may only be large enough to receive a
child's dummy 724.
In operation, a sterilising fluid is poured into the container 700 up to a fill level,
preferably marked on the container. Alternatively, a non-sterilised fluid (for
example water) is poured to the correct level, and a sterilising tablet 722 is
added to the fluid to create a sterilising fluid. Alternatively, a concentrated
sterilising solution is added to the non-sterile fluid to create a sterilising fluid of
the desired concentration.
A removable insert 720, which comprises an absorbent material, is placed in the
container 700. The insert 720 has an external diameter that substantially
corresponds with the internal diameter of the container 700. The insert 720 also
has an internal shape that is suitable for snugly receiving an item to be
sterilised, for example such as a child's dummy 724. The insert 720 is made
from an absorbent material such as a foam or sponge. The insert 720 is
additionally retained in the container 700 by a retaining lip 730.
The external surface of the insert 720 is provided with ridges extending from an
upper portion to a lower portion about its circumference. This external shape of
the insert 720 allows the sponge to be inserted into the base without
substantially displacing the sterilising fluid already in the container 700.
Once placed into the sterilising solution, the insert 720 absorbs a portion of the
solution, and is saturated by the solution. The item 724 is then placed into the
internal-shaped portion of the insert 720. A removable inner lid, or sealing cap
706, which is preferably made from a soft, flexible material, is placed over and
pressed into the open end of the container 700. The sealing cap 706 is
dimensioned to create a water-tight seal to prevent the sterilising solution
escaping. Furthermore, the sealing cap is also dimensioned to press down on
the item to be sterilised and the insert such that excess sterilising fluid comes
into contact with upper parts of the item to be sterilised. An outer lid 708 is
screwed to the container 700 to close the container.
In some embodiments, the sealing cap 706 is integral with the outer lid 708.
In other embodiments, the out lid 708 has as an O-ring provided on the thread
on the inner circumferential edge. Alternatively, the O-ring may be along the
outer circumferential edge of the container 700. Such an O-ring provides an
additional water-tight seal between the lid and the container.
With such substantially waterproof seals, this allows the container 700 to be
moved during sterilising of the item 724. Furthermore, the shape of the insert
maximises the contact surface area of the item to be sterilised 724, ensuring
proper sterilisation of the item.
Figure 8 shows a seventh embodiment of the steriliser, similar to that shown in
figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the container 800 is similarly sized to
container 600 in figure 6. That is, the container 800 may only be large enough
to receive a child's dummy.
In operation, a sterilising fluid is poured into the container 800 up to a fill level,
preferably marked on the container. Alternatively, a non-sterilised fluid (for
example water) is poured to the correct level, and a sterilising tablet is added to
the fluid to create a sterilising fluid. Alternatively, a concentrated sterilising
solution is added to the non-sterile fluid to create a sterilising fluid of the desired
concentration.
A removable insert 820, which comprises an absorbent material, is placed in the
container 800. The insert 820 has an external diameter that substantially
corresponds with the internal diameter of the container 800. The insert 820 also
has an internal shape that is suitable for snugly receiving an item to be
sterilised, for example such as a child's dummy. The insert 820 is made from an
absorbent material such as a foam or sponge. The insert 820 is additionally
retained in the container 800 by a retaining lip 830.
In this embodiment, the insert 820 comprises two separable portions 820a and
820b, shown as upper and lower layers in the figures. A recess is provided in
the upper layer 820a for receiving snugly the item to be sterilised.
Advantageously, by providing the insert having two separable layers enables
easier cleaning of the insert after use. It has been found that after repeated use,
debris removed from the item to be sterilised congregates in the recess in the
insert 820. The debris is removed from the insert by separating the upper 820a
and lower 820b layers, and either washing or wiping the two portions before re
assembling them.
Furthermore, the two separable layers also reduce the risk of the sterilising
solution splashing out of the container onto the user during insertion of the
insert, since less volume of fluid is displaced for each separable portion when
compared to inserting a single piece having the same volume as the two layers
combined.
The two separable layers 820a and 820b are coloured differently to aid insertion
of the layers of the insert in the correct order. Preferably, lower layer 820b is a
darker colour than the upper layer 820a. In one embodiment, lower layer 820b
is blue and the upper layer 820a is a white or cream colour. The skilled reader
of course would have many colours to choose from, and would understand that
a difference in contrast between the two layers is sufficient to help aid the layers
into the container in the correct order. Furthermore, the lower layer 820b is
coloured with a dye that fades over time, for example over a period of one to
two months (whatever is desired by the manufacturer). Advantageously, this
provides the user with a visual indicator that the insert 820 has been used for a
length of time and should now be replaced with a new insert. This ensures that
ageing inserts are replaced regularly so that the sterilisation of items can be
effective.
Once placed into the sterilising solution, the insert 820 absorbs a portion of the
solution, and is saturated by the solution. The item to be sterilised is then
placed into the internal-shaped portion of the insert 820 and pressed down to
ensure that the sterilising solution covers the item. The item may be partially
rotated in the insert; the friction between the item and the snug-fitting insert 820
enable debris to be removed.
An outer lid 808 is screwed to the container 800 to close the container. A
sealing element, or O-ring, 840 is located between the lid 808 and the container
800 and is designed to provide a substantially waterproof seal between the lid
and container to prevent the sterilising solution escaping.
Furthermore, a portion 842 of the outer lid 808 protrudes from the outer lid so
that it presses down on the item to be sterilised when the lid is in engaged with
the container such that excess sterilising fluid comes into contact with upper
parts of the item to be sterilised.
In some embodiments, the sealing element 840 is coupled to the outer lid 808.
Alternatively, the sealing element is coupled to a circumferential edge of the
container 800.
With such substantially waterproof seals, this allows the container 800 to be
moved during sterilising of the item. Furthermore, the shape of the insert
maximises the contact surface area of the item to be sterilised, ensuring proper
sterilisation of the item.
No doubt many other effective alternatives will occur to the skilled person. It will
be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments
and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art lying within
the scope of the claims appended hereto.

CLAIMS:
1. A portable steriliser for sterilising an item using sterilising fluids,
comprising:
a container (600, 700, 800) for receiving an item to be sterilised and for
receiving a sterilising fluid
a removable insert (620, 720, 820) comprising an absorbent material for
absorbing a sterilising fluid; and
a removable lid (608, 706, 708, 808) engageable with the container,
wherein the removable insert is shaped to receive an item (624, 724) to be
sterilised.
2. A portable steriliser according to claim 1, wherein the removable insert
(624) has an exterior shape that corresponds with an interior shape of the
container.
3. A portable steriliser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the removable
insert (720, 820) comprises two or more separable portions.
4. A portable steriliser according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the
separable portions is shaped to receive an item to be sterilised.
5. A portable steriliser according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 , wherein the
removable insert is shaped to receive a child's dummy (624, 724).
6. A portable steriliser according to any preceding claims, wherein the
absorbent material comprises an absorbent sponge or foam material.
7. A portable steriliser according to any preceding claims, wherein the
removable lid provides a substantially waterproof seal when engaged with the
container.
8. A portable steriliser according to any preceding claims, wherein, when
engaged, the removable lid is in a press-fit or threaded engagement with the
container.
9. A portable steriliser according to any preceding claims, wherein the
removable lid is a removable inner lid (706).
10. A portable steriliser according to claim 9, further comprising a removable
outer lid (708) engageable with the container via a press-fit or threaded
engagement.
11. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the
removable lid is a removable outer lid (608, 808).
12 A portable steriliser according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the removable
outer lid comprises an O-ring around an inner circumferential edge.
13. A portable steriliser according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the container
comprises an O-ring around an outer circumferential edge.
14. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the
removable outer lid comprises a handle or attachment means for attaching the
steriliser to other items.
15. A portable steriliser according to any preceding claims, wherein the
removable lid comprises one or more protrusions extending from a surface, the
protrusions being arranged to contact an item to be sterilised when the
removable lid is engaged with the container.
16. A portable steriliser for sterilising items using sterilising fluids,
comprising:
a container (200, 400, 500) for receiving items to be sterilised and for
receiving a sterilising fluid; and
a removable outer lid (208, 508) engageable with the container to
provide a substantially waterproof seal when engaged with the container,
wherein the removable outer lid comprises a pressure valve configured to close
to provide a substantially waterproof seal when an internal pressure of the
container is below a pressure threshold, and configured to open when an
internal pressure of the container is above the pressure threshold.
17. A portable steriliser according to claim 16, further comprising a
float (242) engageable with the removable outer lid, wherein, when the float is
engaged with the removable outer lid (208, 508) and the removable outer lid is
engaged with the container, the float extends from the removable outer lid and
is arranged to contact items to be sterilised in the container.
18. A portable steriliser according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the outer lid
(208, 508), when engaged with the container, is in threaded engagement.
19. A portable steriliser according to claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein the outer lid
comprises an O-ring around an inner circumferential edge.
20. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the
outer lid comprises a handle (21 0, 5 10) for carrying the steriliser.
2 1 . A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the
container comprises a recess for containing a measured portion of fluid.
22. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 16 to 2 1, comprising
an outer flange (560) extending from the container or removable lid, the outer
flange being arranged to permit the container to be placed on its side.
23. A portable steriliser for sterilising items using sterilising fluids,
comprising:
a container ( 1 00, 300) for receiving items to be sterilised and for
receiving a sterilising fluid;
a first interior collar ( 1 02) disposed at a first level of an interior surface of
the container;
a removable inner lid ( 1 06) engageable with the first interior collar; and
a removable outer lid ( 1 08) engageable with the container,
wherein the removable inner lid ( 1 06) is configured to provide a substantially
waterproof seal when engaged with the first inner collar, and wherein the
removable inner lid comprises a pressure valve configured to close to provide a
substantially waterproof seal when an internal pressure of the container is
below a pressure threshold, and configured to open when an internal pressure
of the container is above the pressure threshold.
24. A portable steriliser according to claim 23, comprising a second inner
collar ( 104) disposed at a second level, different from the first level, of an
interior surface of the container, and wherein the inner lid is engageable with
the second inner collar to provide a substantially waterproof seal.
25. A portable steriliser according to claim 23 or 34, wherein, when engaged,
the inner lid ( 106) is in threaded engagement with the inner collar ( 104).
26. A portable steriliser according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the inner lid
comprises an O-ring around an outer circumferential surface.
27. A portable steriliser according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the inner
collar comprises an O-ring around an inner circumferential edge.
28. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the
inner lid is flexible.
29. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the
outer lid ( 1 08), when engaged with the container, is in threaded engagement.
30. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the
outer lid comprises an O-ring around an inner circumferential edge.
3 1 . A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the
outer lid comprises one or more vent apertures ( 1 12).
32. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 23 to 3 1 , wherein the
outer lid comprises a handle ( 1 10) for carrying the steriliser.
33. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein the
container comprises a recess for containing a measured portion of fluid.
34. A portable steriliser according to any one of claims 23 to 33, comprising
an outer flange extending from the container or removable lid, the outer flange
being arranged to permit the container to be placed on its side.
35. A portable steriliser for sterilising items using sterilising fluids,
comprising:
a container ( 1 00, 300) for receiving items to be sterilised and for
receiving a sterilising fluid;
a first interior collar ( 1 02) disposed at a first level of an interior surface of
the container;
a removable inner lid ( 1 06) engageable with the first interior collar; and
a removable outer lid ( 1 08) engageable with the container,
wherein the removable inner lid ( 1 06) is configured to provide a substantially
waterproof seal when engaged with the first inner collar.