CA2540333A1 - Sterilization wraps and methods for sterilizing articles - Google Patents

Sterilization wraps and methods for sterilizing articles Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2540333A1
CA2540333A1 CA002540333A CA2540333A CA2540333A1 CA 2540333 A1 CA2540333 A1 CA 2540333A1 CA 002540333 A CA002540333 A CA 002540333A CA 2540333 A CA2540333 A CA 2540333A CA 2540333 A1 CA2540333 A1 CA 2540333A1
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Prior art keywords
panel
set forth
sterilization
article
additional
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
CA002540333A
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French (fr)
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CA2540333C (en
Inventor
Clay Cannady
Michael Duski
Brian G. Hoge
Greg Stecklein
James F. Whitaker
Debra Schotz
Barbara Anne Blankenship
Alejandro Puentes
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Allegiance Corp
Original Assignee
Allegiance Corporation
Clay Cannady
Michael Duski
Brian G. Hoge
Greg Stecklein
James F. Whitaker
Debra Schotz
Barbara Anne Blankenship
Alejandro Puentes
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Application filed by Allegiance Corporation, Clay Cannady, Michael Duski, Brian G. Hoge, Greg Stecklein, James F. Whitaker, Debra Schotz, Barbara Anne Blankenship, Alejandro Puentes filed Critical Allegiance Corporation
Publication of CA2540333A1 publication Critical patent/CA2540333A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2540333C publication Critical patent/CA2540333C/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/26—Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/26—Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
    • A61L2/28—Devices for testing the effectiveness or completeness of sterilisation, e.g. indicators which change colour
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
    • A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
    • A61B50/3001—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments for sharps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
    • A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
    • A61B50/31—Carrying cases or bags, e.g. doctors' bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/05—Interconnection of layers the layers not being connected over the whole surface, e.g. discontinuous connection or patterned connection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/04—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks
    • B65D75/06—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks in sheets or blanks initially folded to form tubes
    • B65D75/08—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks in sheets or blanks initially folded to form tubes with the ends of the tube closed by folding
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
    • A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
    • A61B2050/314—Flexible bags or pouches
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/04—Heat
    • A61L2/06—Hot gas
    • A61L2/07—Steam
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
    • A61L2/206—Ethylene oxide
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/18—Aseptic storing means
    • A61L2202/181—Flexible packaging means, e.g. permeable membranes, paper
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
    • A61L2202/24—Medical instruments, e.g. endoscopes, catheters, sharps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
    • B32B2250/03—3 layers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
    • B32B2250/24—All layers being polymeric
    • B32B2250/242—All polymers belonging to those covered by group B32B27/32
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
    • B32B2439/02—Open containers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/19—Sheets or webs edge spliced or joined
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24942—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including components having same physical characteristic in differing degree
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/31504—Composite [nonstructural laminate]
    • Y10T428/31855—Of addition polymer from unsaturated monomers
    • Y10T428/31909—Next to second addition polymer from unsaturated monomers
    • Y10T428/31913—Monoolefin polymer

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

Improved sterilization wraps (30, 44) and methods for using the improved sterilization wraps (30, 44) to sterilize articles (36). The wraps (30, 44) are made of at least one panel (32, 46, 60) of sterilization material and an additional panel (34. 52, 76) which in some embodiments is made of an absorbent material (34, 52). The additional panel (76) of material may be bonded to the first panel (60) at approximately at a forty-five degree angle to the first panel (60). The article to be sterilized (36) is placed on the sterilization wrap (30, 44), is wrapped, and sterilant is applied to the wrapped article (36). The absorbent material (34, 52) provides sterility protection for the article (36) in addition to the panel (32, 46, 60) of sterilization material and also wicks moisture away from the article (36) after sterilization has taken place. A chemical visual indicator (42, 56, 88) is provided to indicate whether or not the article (36) has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.

Claims (212)

1. A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising:
at least a first panel of sterilization material; and a panel of absorbent material bonded to said first panel of sterilization material; said panel of absorbent material adapted to receive the article to be sterilized thereon; said panel of absorbent material (a) providing sterility protection for the article in addition to said first panel of sterilization material, and (b) wicking moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.
2. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 1 further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel of sterilization material bonded to said first panel of sterilization material.
3. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 2 wherein each of said first and second panels of sterilization material includes four edges about their peripheries; said four edges of said first panel of sterilization material being bonded to said four edges of said second panel of sterilization material.
4. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 2, wherein said panel of absorbent material is made of cellulose.
5. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 2, wherein said panel of absorbent material is made of an absorbent synthetic.
6. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 5, wherein said absorbent synthetic is taken from the group consisting of hydrophillic spunmelt polyolefins, polyester, and nylon, and polyrayons and bicomponent fibers.
7. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 2, wherein the perimeter of said panel of absorbent material is smaller than the perimeter of said first panel of sterilization material.
8. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 7, wherein the perimeter of said panel of absorbent material is at least 25% less than the perimeter of said first panel of sterilization material.
9. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 7, wherein said first panel of sterilization material has two sides; one side of said first panel of sterilization material having a central portion; said panel of absorbent material bonded to said first panel of sterilization material at said central portion.
10. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 2, wherein said first and second panels of sterilization material are made of SMS.
11. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 2, wherein said panel of absorbent material is bonded to said first panel of sterilization material by glue.
12. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 2, wherein said panel of absorbent material is bonded to said first panel of sterilization material by heat and pressure.
13. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 2, wherein the color of said first panel of sterilization material is different from the color of said panel of absorbent material so that a sterile field may be readily identified.
14. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 2, further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
15. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 14, wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said absorbent material.
16. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 14, wherein said chemical visual indicator changes color after having been exposed to steam.
17. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 14, wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.
18. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 1, further including a chemical visual indicator; said visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said visual indicator being attached to said sterilization wrap to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
19. A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized, comprising:
at least a first panel of sterilization material; said first panel having an outer periphery and a central portion; and an additional panel of material being bonded to the central portion of said first panel; the perimeter of said additional panel being smaller than the perimeter of said first panel.
20. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 19 further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel of sterilization material bonded to said first panel of sterilization material.
21. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 20, wherein the second panel of sterilization material includes an outer periphery; said outer periphery of said first panel of sterilization material being bonded to the outer periphery of said second panel of sterilization material.
22. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 21 further including a chemical visual indicator, said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
23. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 19 further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
24. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 23 further including an absorbent panel attached to said additional panel.
25. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 22, wherein said chemical visual indicator is a color change indicator.
26. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 22, wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.
27. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 22, wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said additional panel.
28. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 21, wherein said first and second panels of sterilization material and said additional panel are made of SMS.
29. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 28, wherein the basis weight of said additional panel is equal to or greater than the basis weight of said first panel of sterilization material.
30. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 29, wherein the basis weight of said first panel is in the range from 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy (25 grams per square meter to 98 grams per square meter) and the basis weight of said absorbent panel is in the range from 1.0 osy to 3.0 osy (34 grams per square meter to 102 grams per square meter).
31. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 21, wherein said additional panel is SMS.
32. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 31 further including an absorbent panel attached to said additional panel.
33. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 32 further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
34. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 19 further including an absorbent panel attached to said additional panel.
35. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 32, wherein the perimeter of said absorbent panel is smaller than the perimeter of said additional panel.
36. A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising:
at least one panel of sterilization material: and a panel of absorbent material attached to said panel of sterilization material; said panel of absorbent material adapted to contact the article to be sterilized; said panel of absorbent material enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.
37. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 36 further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
38. A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising:
at least one panel of sterilization material having a central portion;
and a panel attached to said central portion of said panel of sterilization material; the basis weight of said panel being higher than the basis weight of said panel of sterilization material.
39. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 38 further including a panel of absorbent material attached to said panel; said panel of absorbent material enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.
40. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 39 further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
41. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 38 further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
42. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 38, wherein said panel is absorbent; said panel enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.
43. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 42 further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
44. A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising:
at least one panel of sterilization material; and a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
45. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 44 further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel of sterilization material bonded to said first panel.
46. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 45, wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said second panel.
47. A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising:
a first panel of sterilization material; said first panel of sterilization material having an outer periphery and a central portion;
an additional panel of material; said additional panel being bonded to said first panel; a substantial portion of said additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of said first panel; the perimeter of said additional panel being smaller than the perimeter of said first panel.
48. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 47 wherein said additional panel of material includes spun-bond polypropelene.
49. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 47 further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel of sterilization material being bonded to said first panel of sterilization material.
50. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 49 wherein the second panel of sterilization material includes an outer periphery; said outer periphery of said first panel of sterilization material being bonded to said outer periphery of said second panel of sterilization material.
51. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 50 wherein said first and second panels of sterilization material are made of SMS.
52. A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising:
a first panel of sterilization material; said first panel being rectangular and having an outer periphery and a central portion; said outer periphery including first, second, third and fourth edges; and an additional panel of material; said additional panel being bonded to said first panel; a substantial portion of said additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of said first panel; the perimeter of said additional panel being smaller than the perimeter of said first panel; a portion of said additional panel is bonded to said first panel along said first edge.
53. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 52 wherein said additional panel is.rectangular; said additional panel having first, second, third and fourth corners; said first corner of said additional panel bonded to said first edge of said first panel; said second corner of said additional panel bonded to said second edge of said first panel; said third corner of said additional panel bonded to said third edge of said first panel.
54. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 52, further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel adjacent to and in register with said first panel.
55. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 54 wherein said second panel is bonded to said first panel.
56. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 55 wherein said second panel has an outer periphery, including first, second, third and fourth edges; said first, second, third and fourth edges of said second panel bonded respectively to said first, second, third and fourth edges of said first panel.
57. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 54 wherein said first and second panels are formed by a single folded sheet of sterilization material.
58. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 52 wherein said additional panel is rectangular; said additional panel being oriented approximately forty-five degrees with respect to said first panel.
59. A sterilization wrap, as set forth in Claim 52 wherein said additional panel is made of spun bond polypropylene.
60. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 52 wherein said first panel is made of SMS.
61. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 54 wherein said second panel is made of SMS.
62. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 52 wherein said additional panel has a lower basis weight than said first panel.
63. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 62 wherein the basis weight of said additional panel is in the range of 0.5 osy to 3.0 osy (17 grams per square meter to 102 grams per square meter) and the basis weight of said first panel is in the range of 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy (25 grams per square meter to 98 grams per square meter).
64. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 52 wherein the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said additional panel is equal to or greater than the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said first panel.
65. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 53 wherein at least three corners of said additional panel are bonded to respective edges of said first panel approximately at the mid-point of said edges.
66. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 52, further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
67. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 66 wherein said chemical visual indicator is a color change indicator.
68. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 66 wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.
69. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 66 wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said additional panel.
70. A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising:
a first panel of sterilization material; and an additional panel material; said additional panel attached to said first panel; said first panel being multi-layered and including at least one pathogen filtration layer; said additional panel not including a pathogen filtration layer.
71. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 70 wherein said first panel has an outer periphery and a central portion; said outer periphery including first, second, third and fourth edges; a substantial portion of said additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of said first panel.
72. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 71 wherein said additional panel is rectangular; said additional panel having first, second, third and fourth corners; said first corner of said additional panel bonded to said first edge of said first panel; said second corner of said additional panel bonded to said second edge of said first panel; said third corner of said additional panel bonded to said third edge of said first panel.
73. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 70, further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel adjacent to and in register with said first panel.
74. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 73 wherein said second panel is bonded to said first panel.
75. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 74 wherein said first panel has an outer periphery and a central portion; said outer periphery including first, second, third and fourth edges; said second panel having an outer periphery, including first, second, third and fourth edges; said first, second, third and fourth edges of said second panel bonded respectively to said first, second, third and fourth edges of said first panel.
76. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 73 wherein said first and second panels are formed by a single folded sheet of sterilization material.
77. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 70 wherein said first panel is rectangular; said additional panel is rectangular; said additional panel being oriented approximately forty-five degrees with respect to said first panel.
78. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 70 wherein said additional panel is made of spun bond polypropylene.
79. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 70 wherein said first panel is made of SMS.
80. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 73 wherein said second panel is made of SMS.
81. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 70 wherein said additional panel has a lower basis weight than said first panel.
82. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 81 wherein the basis weight of said additional panel is in the range of 0.5 osy to 3.0 osy (17 grams per square meter to 102 grams per square meter) and the basis weight of said first panel is in the range of 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy (25 grams per square meter to 98 grams per square meter).
83. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 70 wherein the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said additional panel is equal to or greater than the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said first panel.
84. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 72 wherein said first panel is rectangular; at least three corners of said additional panel are bonded to respective edges of said first panel approximately at the mid-point of said edges.
85. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 70, further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
86. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 85 wherein said chemical visual indicator is a color change indicator.
87. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 85 wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.
88. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 85 wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said additional panel.
89. A sterilization wrap for wrapping an article to be sterilized comprising:

a first panel of sterilization material; said first panel being rectangular;
an additional panel; said additional panel being rectangular; said additional panel being bonded to said first panel; said additional panel being oriented on said first panel so as to form a diamond shape with respect to said first panel.
90. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 89 wherein said first panel includes first, second, third and fourth edges; said additional panel having first, second, third and fourth corners; said first corner of said additional panel bonded to said first edge of said first panel; said second corner of said additional panel bonded to said second edge of said first panel; said third corner of said additional panel bonded to said third edge of said first panel.
91. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 89, further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel adjacent to and in register with said first panel.
92. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 91 wherein said second panel of sterilization material is bonded to said first panel of sterilization material.
93. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 91 wherein said first and second panels are formed by a single folded sheet of sterilization material.
94. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 89 wherein said additional panel is oriented approximately forty-five degrees with respect to said first panel.
95. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 89 wherein said additional panel is made of spun bond polypropylene.
96. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 89 wherein said first panel is made of SMS.
97. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 91 wherein said second panel is made of SMS.
98. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 89 wherein said additional panel has a lower basis weight than said first panel.
99. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 98 wherein the basis weight of said additional panel is in the range of 0.5 osy to 3.0 osy (17 grams per square meter to 102 grams per square meter) and the basis weight of said first panel is in the range of 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy (25 grams per square meter to 98 grams per square meter).
100. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 89 wherein the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said additional panel is equal to or greater than the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said first panel.
101. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 90 wherein at least three corners of said additional panel are bonded to respective edges of said first panel approximately at the mid-point of said edges.
102. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 89, further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
103. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 102 wherein said chemical visual indicator is a color change indicator.
104. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 102 wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.
105. A sterilization wrap as set forth in Claim 102 wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said additional panel.
106. A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:
providing an article to be sterilized;
wrapping the article to be sterilized with a sterilization wrap which comprises:
at least a first panel of sterilization material; and a panel of absorbent material bonded to said first panel of sterilization material; said panel of absorbent material adapted to receive the article to be sterilized thereon; said panel of absorbent material (a) providing sterility protection for the article in addition to said panel of sterilization material, and (b) wicking moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place; and applying sterilant to the wrapped article.
107. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 106 further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel of sterilization material bonded to said first panel of sterilization material.
108. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 107, wherein each of said first and second panels of sterilization material includes four edges about their peripheries; said four edges of said first panel of sterilization material being bonded to said four edges of said second panel of sterilization material.
109. A method as set forth in Claim 107, wherein said panel of absorbent material is made of cellulose.
110. A method as set forth in Claim 107, wherein said panel of absorbent material is made of an absorbent synthetic.
111. A method as set forth in Claim 110, wherein said absorbent synthetic is taken from the group consisting of hydrophillic spunmelt polyolefins, polyester, and nylon, and polyrayons and bicomponent fibers.
112. A method as set forth in Claim 107, wherein the perimeter of said panel of absorbent material is smaller than the perimeter of said first panel of sterilization material.
113. A method as set forth in Claim 112, wherein the perimeter of said panel of absorbent material is at least 25% less than the perimeter of said first panel of sterilization material.
114. A method as set forth in Claim 112, wherein said first panel of sterilization material has two sides; one side of said first panel of sterilization material having a central portion; said panel of absorbent material bonded to said first panel of sterilization material at said central portion.
115. A method as set forth in Claim 107, wherein said first and second panels of sterilization material are made of SMS.
116. A method as set forth in Claim 107, wherein said panel of absorbent material is bonded to said first panel of sterilization material by heat and pressure.
117. A method as set forth in Claim 107, wherein the color of said first panel of sterilization material is different from the color of said first panel of absorbent material so that a sterile field may be readily identified.
118. A method as set forth in Claim 107, further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
119. A method as set forth in Claim 118 further including an additional panel attached to said first panel of sterilization material and to said panel of absorbent material.
120. A method as set forth in Claim 118, wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said panel of absorbent material.
121. A method as set forth in Claim 118, wherein said chemical visual indicator changes color after having been exposed to steam.
122. A method as set forth in Claim 118, wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.
123. A method as set forth in Claim 107, further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said sterilization wrap to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
124. A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:
providing an article to be sterilized;
wrapping the article to be sterilized with a sterilization wrap which comprises:
at least a first panel of sterilization material; said first panel having an outer periphery and a central portion; and an additional panel of material being bonded to the central portion of said first panel; the perimeter of said additional panel being smaller than the perimeter of said first panel; and applying sterilant to the wrapped article.
125. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 124 further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel of sterilization material bonded to said first panel of sterilization material.
126. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 125, wherein the second panel of sterilization material includes an outer periphery;
said outer periphery of said first panel of sterilization material being bonded to the outer periphery of said second panel of sterilization material.
127. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 126 further including a chemical visual indicator, said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
128. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 124 further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one visual state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another visual state after exposure to sterilant; said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
129. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 127, wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.
130. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 127, wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said first panel of sterilization material.
131. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 127, wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said additional panel.
132. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 126, wherein said first and second panels of sterilization material and said additional panel are made of SMS.
133. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 132, wherein the basis weight of said additional panel is equal to or greater than the basis weight of said first panel of sterilization material.
134. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 133, wherein the basis weight of said first panel is in the range from 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy (25 grams per square meter to 98 grams per square meter) and the basis weight of said absorbent panel is in the range from 1.0 osy to 3.0 osy (34 grams per square meter to 102 grams per square meter).
135. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 126, wherein said additional panel is SMS.
136. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 135 further including an absorbent panel attached to said additional panel.
137. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 124 further including an absorbent panel attached to said additional panel.
138. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 137 further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
139. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 137, wherein the perimeter of said absorbent panel is smaller than the perimeter of said additional panel.
140. A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:
providing an article to be sterilized;
wrapping the article to be sterilized with sterilization wrap which comprises:
at least one panel of sterilization material; and a panel of absorbent material attached to said panel of sterilization material; said panel of absorbent material adapted to contact the article to be sterilized; said panel of absorbent material enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place; and applying sterilant to the wrapped article.
141. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 140 further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
142. A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:
providing an article to be sterilized;
wrapping the article to be sterilized with sterilization wrap which comprises:
at least one panel of sterilization material having a central portion; and a panel attached to said central portion of said panel of sterilization material; the basis weight of said panel being higher than the basis weight of said panel of sterilization material; and applying sterilant to the wrapped article.
143. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 142 further including a panel of absorbent material attached to said panel; said panel of absorbent material enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.
144. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 143 further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
145. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 142 further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
146. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 142 wherein said panel is absorbent; said panel enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.
147. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 146 further including a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
148. A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:
providing an article to be sterilized;
wrapping the article to be sterilized in sterilization wrap which comprises:
at least one panel of sterilization material; and a chemical visual indicator responsive to the presence of sterilant so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions; and applying sterilant to the wrapped article.
149. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 148 further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel of sterilization material bonded to said first panel.
150. A method for sterilizing an article as set forth in Claim 149, wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said second panel.
151. A method as set forth in Claim 148 further including a panel of absorbent material attached to said panel of sterilization material;
said panel of absorbent material adapted to contact the article to be sterilized;
said panel of absorbent material enabled to wick moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.
152. A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:

providing an article to be sterilized;
wrapping said article to be sterilized with a sterilization wrap which comprises:
a first panel of sterilization material; said first panel of sterilization material having an outer periphery and a central portion;
an additional panel of material; said additional panel being bonded to said first panel; a substantial portion of said additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of said first panel; the perimeter of said additional panel being smaller than the perimeter of said first panel;
applying sterilant to the wrapped article.
153. A method as set forth in Claim 152 wherein said additional panel of material includes spun-bond polypropylene.
154. A method as set forth in Claim 152 further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel of sterilization material being bonded to said first panel of sterilization material.
155. A method as set forth in Claim 154 wherein the second panel of sterilization material includes an outer periphery; said outer periphery of said first panel of sterilization material being bonded to the outer periphery of said second panel of sterilization material.
156. A method as set forth in Claim 155 wherein said first and second panels of sterilization material are made of SMS.
157. A method as set forth in Claim 152 further including the step of placing said article to be sterilized on said additional panel.
158. A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:
providing an article to be sterilized;
providing sterilization wrap which comprises:

a first panel of sterilization material; said first panel being rectangular and having an outer periphery and a central portion; said outer periphery including first, second, third and fourth edges; and an additional panel of material; said additional panel being bonded to said first panel; a substantial portion of said additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of said first panel; the perimeter of said additional panel being smaller than the perimeter of said first panel; a portion of said additional panel is bonded to said first panel along said first edge;
placing said article to be sterilized on said additional panel;
wrapping said article to be sterilized with said sterilization wrap;
and applying sterilant to the wrapped article.
159. A method as set forth in Claim 158 wherein said additional panel is rectangular; said additional panel having first, second, third and fourth corners; said first corner of said additional panel bonded to said first edge of said first panel; said second corner of said additional panel bonded to said second edge of said first panel; said third corner of said additional panel bonded to said third edge of said first panel.
160. A method as set forth in Claim 158, further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel adjacent to and in register with said first panel.
161. A method as set forth in Claim 160 wherein said second panel is bonded to said first panel.
162. A method as set forth in Claim 161 wherein said second panel has an outer periphery, including first, second, third and fourth edges;
said first, second, third and fourth edges of said second panel bonded respectively to said first, second, third and fourth edges of said first panel.
163. A method as set forth in Claim 160 wherein said first and second panels are formed from a single folded sheet of sterilization material.
164. A method as set forth in Claim 158 wherein said additional panel is rectangular; said additional panel being oriented approximately forty-five degrees with respect to said first panel.
165. A method as set forth in Claim 164, further including the step of orienting said article to be sterilized approximately at a forty-five degree angle with respect to said first panel.
166. A method as set forth in Claim 158 wherein said additional panel is made of spun bond polypropylene.
167. A method as set forth in Claim 158 wherein said first panel is made of SMS.
168. A method as set forth in Claim 158 wherein said additional panel has a lower basis weight than said first panel.
169. A method as set forth in Claim 168 wherein the basis weight of said additional panel is in the range of 0.5 osy to 3.0 osy (17 grams per square meter to 102 grams per square meter) and the basis weight of said first panel is in the range of 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy (25 grams per square meter to 98 grams per square meter).
170. A method as set forth in Claim 158 wherein the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said additional panel is equal to or greater than the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said first panel.
171. A method as set forth in Claim 159 wherein at least three corners of said additional panel are bonded to respective edges of said first panel approximately at the mid-point of said edges.
172. A method as set forth in Claim 158, further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another state after exposure to sterilant;
said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
173. A method as set forth in Claim 172 wherein said chemical visual indicator is a color change indicator.
174. A method as set forth in Claim 172 wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.
175. A method as set forth in Claim 172 wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said additional panel.
176. A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:
providing an article to be sterilized;
providing sterilization wrap which comprises:
a first panel of sterilization material; and an additional panel material; said additional panel attached to said first panel; said first panel being multi-layered and including at least one pathogen filtration layer; said additional panel not including a pathogen filtration layer;
placing said article to be sterilized on said additional panel;
wrapping said article to be sterilized with said sterilization wrap;
and applying sterilant to the wrapped article.
177. A method as set forth in Claim 176 wherein said first panel has an outer periphery and a central portion; said outer periphery including first, second, third and fourth edges; a substantial portion of said additional panel being adjacent to the central portion of said first panel.
178. A method as set forth in Claim 177 wherein said additional panel is rectangular; said additional panel having first, second, third and fourth corners; said first corner of said additional panel bonded to said first edge of said first panel; said second corner of said additional panel bonded to said second edge of said first panel; said third corner of said additional panel bonded to said third edge of said first panel.
179. A method as set forth in Claim 177, further including a second panel of sterilization material; said second panel adjacent to an in register with said first panel.
180. A method as set forth in Claim 179 wherein said second panel is bonded to said first panel.
181. A method as set forth in Claim 180 wherein said second panel has an outer periphery, including first, second, third and fourth edges;
said first, second, third and fourth edges of said second panel bonded respectively to said first, second, third and fourth edges of said first panel.
182. A method as set forth in Claim 179 wherein said first and second panels are formed from a single folded sheet of sterilization material.
183. A method as set forth in Claim 177 wherein said first panel is rectangular; said additional panel is rectangular; said additional panel being oriented approximately forty-five degrees with respect to said first panel.
184. A method as set forth in Claim 183, further including the step of orienting said article to be sterilized approximately at a forty-five degree angle with respect to said first panel.
185. A method as set forth in Claim 177 wherein said additional panel is made of spun bond polypropylene.
186. A method as set forth in Claim 177 wherein said first panel is made of SMS.
187. A method as set forth in Claim 179 wherein said second panel is made of SMS.
188. A method as set forth in Claim 177 wherein said additional panel has a lower basis weight than said first panel.
189. A method as set forth in Claim 188 wherein the basis weight of said additional panel is in the range of 0.5 osy to 3.0 osy (17 grams per square meter to 102 grams per square meter) and the basis weight of said first panel is in the range of 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy (25 grams per square meter to 98 grams per square meter).
190. A method as set forth in Claim 177 wherein the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said additional panel is equal to or greater than the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said first panel.
191. A method as set forth in Claim 178 wherein said first panel is rectangular; at least three corners of said additional panel are bonded to respective edges of said first panel approximately at the mid-point of said edges.
192. A method as set forth in Claim 177, further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another state after exposure to sterilant;
said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
193. A method as set forth in Claim 192 wherein said chemical visual indicator is a color change indicator.
194. A method as set forth in Claim 192 wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.
195. A method as set forth in Claim 192 wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said additional panel.
196. A method for sterilizing an article comprising the steps of:
providing an article to be sterilized;
providing sterilization wrap which comprises:
a first panel of sterilization material; said first panel being rectangular; and an additional panel; said additional panel being rectangular; said additional panel being bonded to said first panel; said additional panel being oriented on said first panel so as to form a diamond shape with respect to said first panel;
placing said article to be sterilized on said additional panel;
wrapping said article to be sterilized with said sterilization wrap;
and applying sterilant to the wrapped article.
197. A method as set forth in Claim 196 wherein said first panel includes first, second, third and fourth edges; said additional panel having first, second, third and fourth corners; said first corner of said additional panel bonded to said first edge of said first panel; said second corner of said additional panel bonded to said second edge of said first panel; said third corner of said additional panel bonded to said third edge of said first panel.
198. A method as set forth in Claim 196, further including a second panel of sterilization material adjacent to and in register with said first panel.
199. A method as set forth in Claim 197 wherein said second panel of sterilization material is bonded to said first panel of sterilization material.
200. A method as set forth in Claim 197 wherein said first and second panels are formed from a single sheet of sterilization material.
201. A method as set forth in Claim 196 wherein said additional panel is oriented forty-five degrees with respect to said first panel.
202. A method as set forth in Claim 201, further including the step of orienting said article to be sterilized approximately at a forty-five degree angle with respect to said first panel.
203. A method as set forth in Claim 196 wherein said additional panel is made of spun bond polypropylene.
204. A method as set forth in Claim 196 wherein said first panel is made of SMS.
205. A method as set forth in Claim 196 wherein said additional panel has a lower basis weight than said first panel.
206. A method as set forth in Claim 205 wherein the basis weight of said additional panel is in the range of 0.5 osy to 3.0 osy (17 grams per square meter to 102 grams per square meter) and the basis weight of said first panel is in the range of 0.75 osy to 2.9 osy (25 grams per square meter to 98 grams per square meter).
207. A method as set forth in Claim 196 wherein the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said additional panel is equal to or greater than the grab tensile to basis weight ratio of said first panel.
208. A method as set forth in Claim 197 wherein at least three corners of said additional panel are bonded to respective edges of said first panel approximately at the mid-point of said edges.
209. A method as set forth in Claim 196, further including a chemical visual indicator; said chemical visual indicator being in one state prior to exposure to sterilant and being in another state after exposure to sterilant;
said chemical visual indicator being attached to said wrap so as to indicate whether or not the article has been exposed to adequate sterilization conditions.
210. A method as set forth in Claim 209 wherein said chemical visual indicator is a color change indicator.
211. A method as set forth in Claim 209 wherein said chemical visual indicator meets the requirements of ISO 11140-1.
212. A method as set forth in Claim 209 wherein said chemical visual indicator is attached to said additional panel.
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US10/685,545 US20050079093A1 (en) 2003-10-14 2003-10-14 Sterilization wraps and methods for sterilizing articles
US10/685,545 2003-10-14
PCT/US2004/033829 WO2005037333A1 (en) 2003-10-14 2004-10-13 Sterilization wraps and methods for sterilizing articles
US10/966,354 2004-10-13
US10/966,354 US7560082B2 (en) 2003-10-14 2004-10-13 Sterilization wraps and methods for sterilizing articles

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