US20150231673A1 - Medication Disposal System - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for safely neutralizing medication and venting gases produced by the neutralization process includes a container holding a quantity of disposal formula, sealed with a bottle liner, a closure with a pressure relief aperture, and an amount of hardener that may be added to the disposal formula. In some embodiments, a breathable, liquid-impermeable liner within the closure prevents liquids and solids from leaking through the pressure relief aperture. Other embodiments utilize a variable pressure relief valve within the closure to prevent leakage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/940,301 filed on Feb. 14, 2014.
FIELD OF INVENTION
• This invention relates to the field of hazardous waste containment, and more specifically to a system for the safe disposal of medications.
BACKGROUND
• Abuse of prescription medications represents the fastest-growing segment of drug abuse. Painkillers such as morphine and oxycodone, stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, and depressants such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines can be therapeutic when properly used, but can also be addictive and dangerous when abused. Unfortunately, these medications cannot simply be thrown out or washed down a drain when unused or expired, as they may cause contamination of soil and water.
• Non-prescription medications are also abused, and, like prescription medications, cannot simply be thrown out due to a risk of contamination. Additionally, over-the-counter effervescent medications such as cold and flu tablets may cause chemical reactions that damage pipes or refuse containers.
• There is a need for a system that can neutralize, store and safely dispose of any unused or expired medications.
• There is also a need for a system that can safely vent any gas produced by the medication neutralization process without leaking any liquid or solid materials from the system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIGS. 1aand1billustrate an exploded perspective view and an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.
• FIGS. 5aand5billustrate an exploded perspective view and an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.
• FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded side view of an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.
• FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.
• FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.
• FIGS. 9aand9billustrate resting and activated close-up views, respectively, of a valve from an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is a system for safely neutralizing medication and venting gases produced by the neutralization process. The system includes a container holding a quantity of disposal formula and sealed with a bottle liner, a closure with a pressure relief aperture, and an amount of hardener that may be added to the disposal formula. In some embodiments, a breathable liner within the closure prevents liquids and solids from leaking through the pressure relief aperture. Other embodiments utilize a variable pressure relief valve within the closure to prevent leakage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
• For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of a medication disposal system, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent components may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention.
• It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or nearly identical structural elements.
• Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related.
• FIGS. 1aand1billustrate an exploded perspective view and an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of amedication disposal system100.Medication disposal system100 includes acontainer10 having acontainer neck15 with a container opening17, a quantity ofdisposal formula20, a container ofhardener25, abottle liner30, abreathable liner40 having a plurality ofgas pathways45 and aclosure50 having apressure relief aperture55.
• As shown in Figure la,container10 is a liquid-impermeable container having acontainer neck15 with a container opening17.Container10 is preferably manufactured from a layer of polymer material. Whilecontainer10 has a cylindrical shape in the exemplary embodiment, numerous other shapes are contemplated. In some embodiments,container10 may be made from one or more layers of material, such as a liquid-impermeable yet gas-permeable fabric membrane liner such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex™). In various embodiments,container neck15 may form a threaded connection or a snap connection withclosure50.Container opening17 is sized to permit insertion of solid or liquid medications.
• As shown inFIG. 1b,container10 holds a quantity ofdisposal formula20.Disposal formula20 is an aqueous solution including a surfactant and neutralizer. In one embodiment, the surfactant is soap and the neutralizer is activated charcoal. The activated charcoal may be in a granular, powdered, bead, pellet or any other form.Disposal formula20 serves to safely dissolve and disperse any medications placed intocontainer10.
• As shown inFIG. 1a,medication disposal system100 also includes a quantity ofhardener25. In various embodiments,hardener25 may be a solid or liquid chemical composition which, when added todisposal formula20, causesdisposal formula20 to at least partially gel or solidify, preventing it from leaking fromcontainer10.Hardener25 may be provided in a single-dose packet or a larger multi-dose container.
• Bottle liner30, made from a liquid-impermeable material such as a polymer, seals container opening17 to prevent evaporation ofdisposal formula20 and ensure thatdisposal formula20 remains incontainer10 during shipping.Bottle liner30 also indicates any tampering withdisposal formula20. In various embodiments,bottle liner30 attaches tocontainer neck15 through heat-sealing, press-fit or adhesion.
• Breathable liner40 is a liquid-impermeable yet gas-permeable fabric membrane liner located withinclosure50.Breathable liner40 is manufactured from materials such as, but not limited to, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex™). At least onegas pathway45 inbreathable liner40 permits safe expulsion of any gases generated withincontainer10 during use ofmedication disposal system100, preventing pressure buildup within or rupture ofcontainer10. Sincebreathable liner40 only permits release of gases, any liquids or solids remain safely withincontainer10.
• In various embodiments,closure50 may be a standard closure or may have child-resistant features, such as a two-part closure50 with a threaded inner closure member and an outer overcap. Closure50 also has at least onepressure relief aperture55 that provides an outlet for any gases generated withincontainer10 during use ofmedication disposal system100. This allows safe expulsion of these gases, preventing pressure buildup within or rupture ofcontainer10. In various embodiments,closure50 may form a threaded connection or a snap connection withcontainer neck15.
• During use, a user removesbottle liner30 to unseal container opening17. The user then adds medication tocontainer10 throughcontainer opening15. Once insidecontainer10, medicationcontacts disposal formula20, which dissolves the medication and renders it inert. A user may repeat the process for additional medications orclose container10 usingclosure50. Any gases produced during the neutralization process vent through container opening17 or throughbreathable liner40 andpressure relief aperture55 after application ofclosure50. During final use, the user may also add a quantity ofhardener25 to solidifydisposal formula20 before applyingclosure50. The entiremedication disposal system100 can then be safely disposed of.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of amedication disposal system100. This view shows the layered arrangement ofcontainer10,container neck15,container opening17,bottle liner30,breathable liner40 andclosure50.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of amedication disposal system100. This view shows the layered arrangement ofcontainer10,container neck15,container opening17,bottle liner30,breathable liner40 andclosure50.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled exemplary embodiment of amedication disposal system100. This view displays the assembled arrangement ofbreathable liner40 andclosure50. The position ofbreathable liner40 during attachment ofclosure50 allows venting of any gases that may have formed during the use ofmedication disposal system100. Expelled gas is represented by arrows.
• FIGS. 5aand5billustrate an exploded perspective view and an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of amedication disposal system200.Medication disposal system200 includes acontainer210 having acontainer neck215 with acontainer opening217, a quantity ofdisposal formula220, a container ofhardener225, abottle liner230, aclosure250 having apressure relief aperture255, a variablepressure relief valve257, a valve seat258 (not shown), avalve retainer259, and an optionalremovable seal260.
• Container210,container neck215,container opening217,disposal formula220,hardener225,bottle liner230,closure250, andpressure relief aperture255 correspond to their counterparts in the previous exemplary embodiment.
• Variablepressure relief valve257 connects toclosure250 throughvalve retainer259. Variablepressure relief valve257 opens at a calibrated pressure to provide an outlet for any gases generated withincontainer210 during use ofmedication disposal system200. This allows safe expulsion of these gases, preventing pressure buildup within or rupture ofcontainer210. In various embodiments, the pressure at which variablepressure relief valve257 opens may be different to accommodate different pressurization levels forcontainer210. Variablepressure relief valve257 can be manufactured from silicone, rubber, or any other flexible polymer.
• Removable seal260 is an optional part ofmedication disposal system200. Optionally, a user appliesremovable seal260 overpressure relief aperture255 and variablepressure relief valve257 after the final use ofcontainer210, sealing them closed and preventing leakage. In various embodiments,removable seal260 attaches toclosure250 through heat-sealing or adhesion. The material making upremovable seal260 is liquid-impermeable.
• During use, a user removesbottle liner230 to unsealcontainer opening217. The user then adds medication tocontainer210 throughcontainer opening215. Once insidecontainer210, medicationcontacts disposal formula220, which dissolves the medication and renders it inert. A user may repeat the process for additional medications orclose container210 usingclosure250. Any gases produced during the neutralization process vent through container opening217 or through variablepressure relief valve257 andpressure relief aperture255 after application ofclosure250. During final use, the user may also add a quantity ofhardener225 to solidifydisposal formula220 before applyingclosure250. The user may also seal variablepressure relief valve257 andpressure relief aperture255 by applyingremovable seal260. The entiremedication disposal system200 can then be safely disposed of.
• FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded side view of an alternative embodiment of amedication disposal system200. This view shows the layered arrangement ofcontainer210,container neck215,container opening217,bottle liner230,closure250, variablepressure relief valve257,valve retainer259, andremovable seal260.
• FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of amedication disposal system200. This view shows the layered arrangement ofcontainer210,container neck215,container opening217,bottle liner230,closure250,pressure relief aperture255, variablepressure relief valve257,valve seat258,valve retainer259 andremovable seal260.
• FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled alternative embodiment of amedication disposal system200. This view displays the final assembled arrangement ofclosure250,pressure relief aperture255, variablepressure relief valve257,valve seat258,valve retainer259 andremovable seal260. As shown inFIG. 8, the combination ofvalve seat258 andvalve retainer259 holds variablepressure relief valve257 in place during use.
• FIGS. 9aand9billustrate resting and activated close-up views, respectively, of variablepressure relief valve257.FIG. 9ashows variablepressure relief valve257 at rest.FIG. 9bshows variablepressure relief valve257 opened due to gas pressure build-up incontainer210. Expelled gas is represented by arrows.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A medication disposal system comprising:

a container having a container neck, wherein said container neck includes a container opening;

a closure having at least one pressure relief aperture and at least one pressure relief regulator having at least one gas pathway therethrough;

a quantity of disposal formula, wherein said quantity of disposal formula is a solution capable of dissolving and inactivating a medication, wherein said quantity of disposal formula is contained within said container; and

a quantity of hardener, wherein said quantity of hardener is a chemical composition capable of at least partially solidifying said quantity of disposal formula.

2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein at least part of said container is manufactured from a polymer.

3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein at least part of said container is manufactured from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said system further includes a threaded closure mechanism between said container neck and said closure.

5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein said closure is a childproof closure having a threaded inner closure member and an outer overcap.

6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said system further includes a snap closure mechanism between said container neck and said closure.

7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said system further includes a liquid-impermeable bottle liner sealing said container opening.

8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein said bottle liner forms a heat seal, press-fit seal or adhesive seal to said container neck.

9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one pressure relief regulator is located between said container opening and said at least one pressure relief aperture.

10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one pressure relief regulator is a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane.

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein said gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane includes a plurality of gas pathways.

12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein said gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane is manufactured from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

13. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one pressure relief regulator is a variable pressure relief valve.

14. The system ofclaim 13, wherein said variable pressure relief valve is located within a valve seat inside of said closure.

15. The system ofclaim 13, wherein said variable pressure relief valve is located between said pressure relief aperture and a valve retainer.

16. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said disposal formula is an aqueous solution of surfactant and neutralizer.

17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein said surfactant is soap and said neutralizer is activated charcoal.

18. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said system further includes a removable seal over said pressure relief aperture on an external surface of said closure.

19. The system ofclaim 18, wherein said removable seal is liquid impermeable.

20. The system ofclaim 18, wherein said removable seal forms a heat seal or adhesive seal to said closure.

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