Alcohol Wipe Restraint

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/571,060, filed on Mar. 28, 2024 and titled, “Alcohol Wipe Restraint,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application generally relates to alcohol wipe restraints, and related systems and methods.

Alcohol wipe packages having an alcohol wipe are often included in medical device kits, such as drainage kits and dressing kits. The alcohol wipe packages including the alcohol wipes therein are supplied with these and other medical device kits to keep instruments, such as catheters, clean and sterile before and after drainage. The alcohol wipes, however, are sometimes dried out when removed from the alcohol wipe packages for use. This drying of the alcohol wipe may result from the alcohol wipe package being susceptible to permeation over time and/or a seal breaking on the alcohol wipe package. For example, the alcohol wipe packages may be sterilized under a predetermined temperature and a predetermined negative pressure (e.g., ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization). The negative pressure (e.g., vacuum) of the sterilization results in expansion (e.g., distention) of the alcohol wipe packages, which sometimes results in the seal on the alcohol wipe package being broken.

Systems, methods, and kits described herein include an alcohol wipe package restraint and an alcohol wipe package comprising a polyester film material. The alcohol wipe package may include a polyester film material that is not susceptible to permeation over time. The alcohol wipe package restraint is configured to at least partially inhibit expansion of the alcohol wipe package during sterilization, such as during a negative pressure applied to the alcohol wipe packages during sterilization. Without the alcohol wipe package restraint, the alcohol wipe packages inflate during sterilization, resulting in a large displacement in the center and high stresses along the seal of the alcohol wipe package. The alcohol wipe package restraints disclosed herein are configured to reduce stress on the seal of the alcohol wipe package during sterilization. Accordingly, the alcohol wipe package restraints disclosed herein prevent compromising of the seal on the alcohol wipe package and result in a more alcohol wipes being effective for use when applied by a user.

Alcohol wipe package restraints of this disclosure may be included with a variety of medical kits that include alcohol wipe packages. For example, a dressing kit may include alcohol wipe packages including alcohol wipes therein, an alcohol wipe package restraint holding the alcohol wipe packages, adhesive dressing, gauze pads, gloves, tape strips, and/or a sterilization wrap. A drainage bag kit may include alcohol wipe packages including alcohol wipes therein, an alcohol wipe package restraint holding the alcohol wipe packages, a drainage bag, a slide clamp, tape strips, and/or a valve cap. A drainage bottle kit may include alcohol wipe packages including alcohol wipes therein, an alcohol wipe package restraint holding the alcohol wipe packages, a drainage bottle, a slide clamp, tape strips, a valve cap, adhesive dressing, gauze pads, gloves, and sterilization wrap.

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

The phrases “communication with,” “engaged with,” “connected to,” and “coupled to” are used in their ordinary sense, and are broad enough to refer to any suitable coupling or other form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may interact with each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each other through an intermediate component. The directional terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein to refer to opposite locations on a component or device. The proximal end of a component or device is defined as the end of the device closest to the practitioner when the device is in normal use by the practitioner. The distal end is the end opposite the proximal end, along the longitudinal direction of the device, or the end farthest from the practitioner during normal use.

Turning now to the figures,illustrate various views of an alcohol wipe package restraint, according to an embodiment. The alcohol wipe package restraintmay include a baseand an arm. The alcohol wipe package restraintmay include a generally rigid material, such as plastic or metal. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay include a single, integrally formed alcohol wipe package restrainthaving a uniform material throughout the alcohol wipe package restraint. The alcohol wipe package restraintmay be molded or printed three-dimensionally.

The basemay include a first end region, a second end regionopposite to the first end region, and two opposing side regionsextending between the first end regionand the second end region. In some embodiments, the baseincludes a generally square or rectangular profile. For example, the basemay be elongated such that the two opposing side regionsinclude a length dimension greater than a width dimension of the first end regionand the second end region. In some embodiments, the basemay include other shaped profiles, such as generally circular, oval, or polygonal.

The basealso includes an upper surface. In some embodiments, the upper surface is generally planar. At least some (e.g., all) of the first end region, the second end region, and the two opposing side regionsmay include the upper surface. In some embodiments, the baseincludes a lower perimeteropposite to and spaced from the upper surface. The distance between the upper surfaceand the lower perimeterof the basemay be sufficient to position a portion of one or more (e.g., one, two, three, or more) alcohol wipe packages(shown in) therebetween for restraint by the arm. In some embodiments, the distance between the upper surfaceand the lower perimeterof the basemay be about 4 mm to about 10 mm, about 4 mm to about 7 mm, about 5 mm to about 8 mm, about 6 mm to about 9 mm, about 7 mm to about 10 mm, about 4 mm to about 6 mm, about 5 mm to about 7 mm, about 6 mm to about 8 mm, about 7 mm to about 9 mm, or about 8 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the baseincludes an upper portionincluding the upper surfaceand a lower portionincluding the lower perimeter. The upper portionmay include an outer periphery of the baseand the alcohol wipe package restraint. The lower portionmay include one or more walls extending from the upper portionto the lower perimeterof the base. In some embodiments, the one or more walls of the lower portionare spaced inward from the outer periphery of the upper portionsuch that the upper portionforms a lip extending outward from the one or more walls of the lower portion. The lower portionmay include one or more walls forming a shape generally complementary to the shape of the baseand/or the outer periphery of the upper portion, such as a generally square or rectangular shape.

The basealso defines an openingdisposed between first end region, the second end region, and the two opposing side regions. In some embodiments, the openingis defined at least partially by the upper surface. As illustrated in, the openingmay include a through hole extending entirely through the base. In alternative embodiments, the openingmay extend from the upper surfacepartially into the basetowards the lower perimeter. For example, the basemay include a recess extending into the basefrom the upper surfacetowards the lower perimeterof the base.

The armis secured to at least the first end regionand extends over the openingfrom the first end regionto the second end regionbetween the two opposing side regions. In the alcohol wipe package restraint, the armis fixedly secured to both the first end regionand the second end region. The armmay be generally perpendicular to the first end regionand the second end region, and may be generally parallel to the two opposing side regions.

The armis positioned on the baseto restrain a portion of one or more alcohol wipe packagesextending across the opening(shown in). In some embodiments, the armis positioned on the upper surfaceof the base. For example, the armmay include a lower perimeterpositioned substantially on a plane of the upper surfaceof the base. In some embodiments, the armincludes an upper surfaceand one or more sidewallsextending from the upper surfaceof the armto the upper surfaceof the base. The one or more walls sidewallsof the armmay form the lower perimeterof the arm, which lower perimeterof the armis generally aligned with or on the same plane as the upper surfaceof the base. When the armrestrains the portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesextending across the opening(shown in FIG.B), the portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesare positioned in the openingbetween the lower perimeterof the armand the lower perimeterof the base. In some embodiments, the armincludes a channelon the underside of the arm.

The armis positioned over the openingto divide the openinginto two portions,. Said another way, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay include two openings,, with the armpositioned between the two openings,, or each opening of the two openings,positioned between a side regionand the arm. The two portions,of the openingare positioned to allow the armto restrain some (e.g., a central portion) of the one or more alcohol wipe packages, while other portions of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesextend through the two portions of the opening.

As provided throughout this disclosure, the alcohol wipe package restraintis configured for use with one or more alcohol wipe packages. Accordingly, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay include dimensions to specifically accommodate one or more alcohol wipe packagesduring sterilization. Turning specifically to, in some embodiments, the armincludes a width WA that covers about 40% to about 80%, about 40% to about 60%, about 50% to about 70%, about 60% to about 80%, about 40% to about 50%, about 45% to about 55%, about 50% to about 60%, about 55% to about 65%, about 60% to about 70%, about 65% to about 75%, about 70% to about 80% of a width Wof the openingbetween the two opposing side regionsof the base.

In some embodiments, the openingincludes a width Wof about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 cm, about 2 cm to about 3 cm, about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 cm, about 2 cm to about 2.5 cm, about 2.25 cm to about 2.75 cm, about 2.5 cm to about 3 cm, about 2.75 cm to about 3.5 cm, about 2 cm to about 2.25 cm, about 2.25 cm to about 2.5 cm, about 2.5 cm to about 2.75 cm, about 2.75 cm to about 3 cm, about 3 cm to about 3.25 cm, or about 3.25 cm to about 3.5 cm between the two opposing side regionsof the base. In some embodiments, the openingincludes a length Lof about 4 cm to about 7 cm, about 4 cm to about 5.5 cm, about 5.5 cm to about 7 cm, about 4 cm to about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 4.5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5 cm, about 5 cm to about 5.5 cm, or about 5.5 cm to about 6 cm between the first end regionand the second end regionof the base.

In some embodiments, the baseincludes a length LB of about 5.5 cm to about 7.5 cm, about 5.5 cm to about 6.5 cm, about 6 cm to about 7 cm, about 6.50 cm to about 7.5 cm, about 5.5 cm to about 6 cm, about 6 cm to about 6.5 cm, about 6.5 cm to about 7 cm, or about 7 cm to about 7.5 cm. In some embodiments, the baseincludes a width Wof about 3 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 4.5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5 cm, about 5 cm to about 5.5 cm, or about 5.5 cm to about 6 cm.

In some embodiments, the armincludes a width WA of about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm, about 0.8 cm to about 2.8 cm, about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm, about 2 cm to about 3 cm, about 0.5 cm to about 1 cm, about 0.75 cm to about 1.25 cm, about 1 cm to about 1.5 cm, about 1.5 cm to about 2 cm, about 2 cm to about 2.5 cm, or about 2.5 cm to about 3 cm.

Turning ahead in the drawings,illustrates the alcohol wipe package restraintofand a plurality of alcohol wipe packagesbefore the plurality of alcohol wipe packageshave been secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint. Each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesincludes an alcohol wipe (not visible) therein.

Each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesmay include a polyester film, such as biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (e.g., Mylar®) film. The polyester film of the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesprevents the alcohol wipe housed therein from drying out, so long as the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesremain sealed. When sealed, the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesare air tight. The plurality of alcohol wipe packagesmay be sealed on one or more (e.g., all) edges with any of a number of different seals, such as heat seals, adhesives, or combinations thereof.

As noted above, the alcohol wipe package restraintis configured for use with one or more alcohol wipe packages. Accordingly, the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesare sized to specifically correspond to the dimensions of the alcohol wipe package restraintto allow the alcohol wipe package restraintto effectively restrain one or more alcohol wipe packagesduring sterilization. For example, each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesmay include a length Land/or a width Wthat is less than the length Lof the opening. In some embodiments, each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesmay include a length Lthat is about 50% to about 98%, about 75% to about 98%, or about 85% to about 98% of the length Lof the opening. In some embodiments, each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesincludes a length Lof about 4 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm to about 6 cm, about 4 cm to about 4.5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5 cm, about 5 cm to about 5.5 cm, or about 5.5 cm to about 6 cm. In some embodiments, each package of the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesincludes a width Wof about 4 cm to about 7 cm, about 4 cm to about 6 cm, about 5 cm to about 7 cm about 4 cm to about 5 cm, 5 cm to about 6 cm, or about 6 cm to about 7 cm. The plurality of alcohol wipe packages are each relatively thin, and may have a thickness of less than about 1 mm, less than about 0.75 mm, or less than about 0.5 mm.

illustrates the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesofrestrained by the alcohol wipe package restraintof. In, the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesincludes three packages. Any single alcohol wipe package restraintof this disclosure, however, may be configured to restrain a range of alcohol wipe packages, such as 1 alcohol wipe packageto 10 alcohol wipe packages, 1 alcohol wipe packageto 5 alcohol wipe packages, or 1 alcohol wipe packageto 3 alcohol wipe packages.

One or more alcohol wipe packagesmay be secured to the alcohol wipe package restraintby sliding a portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesthrough a first portionof the opening, under the arm, and then out through a second portionof the openingon the other side of the armrelative to the first portion of the opening. As illustrated in, this securement of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesto the alcohol wipe package restraintresults in a portion (e.g., a central portion) of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesbeing positioned under the arm. More particularly, a portion (e.g., a central portion) of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesmay be positioned in the openingunder the armbetween the lower perimeterof the armand the lower perimeterof the base. Side portions of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesmay extend from the central portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages through two portions,of the openingand to be at least partially positioned over the upper surfaceof the side regions. In some embodiments, the one or more alcohol wipe packagesare sized such that when the central portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesis positioned under the arm, side edges of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesare disposed at least proximate to the side regionsof the base.

With the one or more alcohol wipe packagessecured to the alcohol wipe package restraintwith a portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesextending through the openingand under the arm, the armrestrains the one or more alcohol wipe packagesand inhibits the one or more alcohol wipe packagesfrom expanding when subjected to a negative pressure during sterilization. While some minor expansion of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesmay occur during sterilization, the restraint of the armis sufficient to prevent expansion of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesto the point where the seal on the one or more alcohol wipe packagesis compromised and breaks. Accordingly, the restraint provided by the armof the alcohol wipe package restraintresults in the technical effect of ensuring the one or more alcohol wipe packagesare properly sealed after sterilization and when provided to the user for application to a patient and/or medical instruments.

illustrates multiple alcohol wipe package restraints, each restraining a plurality of alcohol wipe packagesduring sterilization in a sterilizing system. The sterilizing systemmay be configured to apply a predetermined pressure and predetermined negative pressure to the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesduring sterilization. For example, the sterilizing systemmay include an EtO sterilization system. In some embodiments, the sterilizing systemmay be configured to subject the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesto at least one vacuum cycle and a temperature increase. For example, the sterilizing systemmay be configured to subject the plurality of alcohol wipe packagesto a pressure of about 50 Torr and a temperature of about 50° C.

In some embodiments of an alcohol wipe package restraint, the arm of the restraint is not fixed to both end regions of the alcohol wipe package restraint. Turning ahead in the drawings,illustrates an alcohol wipe package restraint, according to an embodiment. Unless otherwise noted, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay include any aspect of the alcohol wipe package restraintdescribed above. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraintincludes a basedefining an openingand having a first end regionand a second region. Unless otherwise noted, the base, the opening, the first end region, and the second end regionmay include any aspect of the base, the opening, the first end region, and the second end regionof the alcohol wipe package restraint. The alcohol wipe package restraintmay be integrally formed.

The alcohol wipe package restraintalso includes an arm. Unless otherwise noted, the armmay include any aspect of the armof the alcohol wipe package restraint. The armof the alcohol wipe package restraintis fixedly secured to only the first end regionof the base. While the armmay extend at least partially over the upper surface of the second end region, the armis disconnected or separate from the second end region, according to an embodiment. Accordingly, the alcohol wipe package restraintincludes a slotbetween the armand the second end region. The armmay be biased towards the second end region. In some embodiments, the arminterfaces the upper surface of the second end regionat the slot, but the armmay be pulled slightly away from the second end regionto allow one or more alcohol wipe packages to be slid between the armand the second end region. In some embodiments, the armis spaced from the upper surface of the second end regionat the slotby about 1 mm to about 3 mm, about 1 mm to about 2 mm, about 2 mm to about 3 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2.5 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 1.5 cm, or less than about 1 mm.

The slotmay allow for easier securement of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesto the alcohol wipe package restraint. For example, rather than inserting the one or more alcohol wipes through the first portionof the opening, under the arm, and out the second portionof the opening, the slotallows one or more alcohol wipe packagesto be slid under the armto a positioning under the armsimilar to the positioning of the one or more wipe packagesshown in. Even with the slot, the armretains the restraining properties described above in relation to the arm.

illustrates an alcohol wipe package restraint, according to an embodiment. Unless otherwise noted, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay include any aspect of the alcohol wipe package restraintdescribed above. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraintincludes a basedefining an openingand having a first end regionand a second region. Unless otherwise noted, the base, the opening, the first end region, and the second end regionmay include any aspect of the base, the opening, the first end region, and the second end regionof the alcohol wipe package restraint. The alcohol wipe package restraintmay be integrally formed.

The alcohol wipe package restraintalso includes an arm. Unless otherwise noted, the armmay include any aspect of the armof the alcohol wipe package restraint. The armof the alcohol wipe package restraintis hingedly or pivotably coupled to only the first end regionof the baseat, for example, a living hinge. The arm, then, may be movable between an open position shown inand a closed position similar to the positioning of the armof the alcohol wipe package restraintshown in. The alcohol wipe package restraintalso may include a locking elementon the second end regionconfigured to selectively lock the armin the closed position. For example, the locking elementmay include a tab that fits within a complementary slot or opening on the end of armto lock the armin the closed position.

The hinged armmay allow for easier securement of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesto the alcohol wipe package restraint. For example, rather than inserting the one or more alcohol wipes through the first portionof the opening, under the arm, and out the second portionof the opening, the hinged armallows one or more alcohol wipe packagesto be positioned over the openingwhen the hinged armis in the open position. The hinged armmay then be closed and locked over the one or more alcohol wipe packagesto restrain the one or more alcohol wipe packagesunder the hinged arm(similar to the positioning of the one or more wipe packagesshown in). When locked in the closed position, the hinged armretains the restraining properties described above in relation to the arm.

illustrates an alcohol wipe package restraint, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraintcomprises a sealable pouch. The sealable pouch of the alcohol wipe package restraintmay be selectively sealable along one edge, or may be fixedly sealed along all edges of the sealable pouch. The sealable pouch of the alcohol wipe package restraintmay include any materials and seals described above in relation to the alcohol wipe packages. The sealable pouch of the alcohol wipe package restraintis sized to hold one or more alcohol wipe packagestherein. For example, the sealable pouch of the alcohol wipe package restraintmay be sized to hold 1 alcohol wipe packageto 10 alcohol wipe packages, 1 alcohol wipe packageto 5 alcohol wipe packages, or 1 alcohol wipe packageto 3 alcohol wipe packages. When sealed with one or more alcohol wipe packagestherein, the sealable pouch of the alcohol wipe package restraintis configured to restrain the one or more alcohol wipe packagesand at least partially inhibit expansion of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesduring sterilization under a predetermined temperature and predetermined negative pressure.

Turning ahead in the drawings,illustrate various views of an alcohol wipe package restraint, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraintis generally rigid. The alcohol wipe package restraintmay include any materials described above in relation to the alcohol wipe package restraint. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay include a single, integrally formed alcohol wipe package restrainthaving a uniform material throughout the alcohol wipe package restraint. The alcohol wipe package restraintmay be molded or printed three-dimensionally.

The alcohol wipe package restraintmay include a length of about 3 mm to about 6 mm and a width of about 5 mm to about 10 mm. The alcohol wipe package restraintmay include a first end region, a second end regionopposite to the first end region, and two panelsopposite one another and extending at least partially between the first end regionand the second end region. The two panelsmay at least partially define an openingat the first end regionand an interior regionextending from the openingat the first end regionat least partially towards the second end region. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., both) of the two panelsincludes a recessthat extends from the first end regionat least partially towards the second end region. The recessmay be semicircular and may be configured to allow a user to grip the alcohol wipe packagespositioned within the interior regionof the alcohol wipe package restraint.

The openingmay include a width Wof 4 cm to about 7 cm, about 4 cm to about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm to about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm to about 6 cm, about 5.5 cm to about 6.5 cm, or about 6 cm to about 7 cm. In some embodiments, a height of the openingtapers from approximately the center of the openingtowards the sides of the opening. This tapering of the openingmay assist in restraining the alcohol wipe packagesin the alcohol wipe package restraint. Accordingly, the openingmay include a maximum height Hat approximately the center of the opening. The maximum height Hmay be about 3 mm to about 10 mm, about 3 mm to about 5 mm, about 4 mm to about 6 mm, about 5 mm to about 7 mm, about 6 mm to about 8 mm, about 7 mm to about 9 mm, or about 8 mm to about 10 mm. The height Hof the openingproximate to the sides of the alcohol wipe package restraintmay be about 50% to about 75% of the maximum height Hof the opening.

In some embodiments, the two panelsangle at least partially towards one another from the first end regionto the second end region. In these and other embodiments, the height of the interior regionmay taper or decrease at least partially from the openingto the second end region. For example, at the first end region, the interior regionmay include any of the heights of the openingprovided above. The height of the interior regionproximate to the second end regionmay be less than the height of the interior regionat the first end region. For example, the height of the interior regionproximate to the second end regionmay be about 50% to about 75% of the height of the interior regionat the first end region. This tapering of the interior regionmay assist in restraining the alcohol wipe packagesin the alcohol wipe package restraint. In some embodiments, the interior regionincludes a substantially uniform height from the openingat the first end regionto the second end region.

In some embodiments, the interior regionis closed at the second end regionof the alcohol wipe package restraint. For example, the alcohol wipe package restraint may include an end wallat the second end region that closes the interior regionat the second end region. In some embodiments (not shown), the interior regionmay include an opening at the second end region. The opening at the second end regionmay be smaller than the openingat the first end region. For example, the opening at the second end regionmay be about 50% to about 75% of the heights and/or widths provided above in relation to the openingat the first end region.

In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraintincludes two sidewallsopposing one another. The two sidewallsmay extend between the two panels, and/or may extend at least partially between the first end regionand the second end region. In embodiments having the two panelsangle at least partially towards one another from the first end regionat least partially towards the second end region, the two sidewallsmay taper from the first end region at least partially towards the second end region. In some embodiments, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay include a tabextending outward away from the openingat the first end region of each sidewall of the two sidewalls.

As provided above, in some embodiments, the height of the openingand/or the interior regionmay decrease from the center of the alcohol wipe package restrainttowards the sides of the alcohol wipe package restraint. In some embodiments, the two panelsmay angle, slope, or curve from the center of the alcohol wipe package restraintto the sides of the alcohol wipe package restraintsuch that the sidewallsare substantially absent from the alcohol wipe package restraint. In embodiments where the sidewalls are substantially absent from the alcohol wipe package restraint, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay still include tabsextending from the sides of the alcohol wipe package restraintat the first end region.

The interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraintis configured to secure one or more alcohol wipe packagesat least partially therein. In some embodiments, the interior regionis sized such that substantially all of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesmay be positioned within the interior region. In some embodiments, the interior regionis sized such that at least about 50%, at least about 75%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, about 50% to about 100%, about 50% to about 70%, about 60% to about 80%, about 70% to about 90% or about 80% to about 100% of each alcohol wipe package of the one or more alcohol wipe packagesis positionable within the interior region.

Turning back in the drawings,is a flow diagram of a methodof sterilizing a plurality of alcohol wipe packages, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the method includes an actof providing an alcohol wipe package restraint. The methodmay include use of any of the alcohol wipe package restraints described herein. The methodmay include an actof securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint. The one or more alcohol wipe packages may include any of the alcohol wipe packages described herein, such as an alcohol wipe package comprising a polyester film material and including one or more alcohol wipes sealed therein. The methodmay include an actof positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint in a sterilizing apparatus. The methodmay include an actof sterilizing the one or more alcohol wipe packages while secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint in the sterilizing apparatus at a predetermined negative pressure and a predetermined temperature. During the act, the alcohol wipe package restraint at least partially inhibits the one or more alcohol wipe packages from expanding during sterilization.

In some embodiments, the methodincludes use of the alcohol wipe package restraint. In these and other embodiments, the actmay include providing an alcohol wipe package restraint comprising a base defining an opening and an arm extending across the opening. The base may include a first end region, a second end region opposite to the first end region, and two opposing side regions extending between the first end region and the second end region, and the opening being disposed between first end region, the second end region, and the two opposing side regions. The alcohol wipe package may be secured to the first end region and extend over the opening from the first end region to the second end region between the two opposing side regions.

In embodiments of the methodutilizing the alcohol wipe package restraint, the actmay include securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint with the one or more alcohol wipe packages restrained under the arm and extending at least partially across the opening. More particularly, the actmay include securing the one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint with a central portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages restrained under the arm and side portions of the one or more alcohol wipe packages positioned proximate the two opposing side regions of the base, with the one or more alcohol wipe packages extending at least partially across the opening. In some embodiments, the actincludes securing the one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe restraint with the central portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages positioned at least partially in the opening under the arm and the side portions of the one or more alcohol wipe packages positioned over the two opposing regions of the base.

In embodiments of the methodutilizing the alcohol wipe package restraint, the actmay include sterilizing the one or more alcohol wipe packages while secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint in the sterilizing apparatus at a predetermined negative pressure and a predetermined temperature with the arm of the alcohol wipe package restraint at least partially inhibiting the one or more alcohol wipe packages from expanding during sterilization.

In some embodiments of the method, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay be utilized. In these and other embodiments, the actmay include sliding a portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages under the arm and through a portion of the opening.

In some embodiments of the method, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay be utilized. In these and other embodiments, the actmay include securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint includes sliding a portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages between the second end region and the arm to position the one or more alcohol wipe packages under the arm and extending at least partially across the opening.

In some embodiments of the method, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay be utilized. In these and other embodiments, the actof securing one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint may include opening the arm such that the arm is spaced from the second end region, positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages to extend across the opening of the base, and closing the arm and securing the arm to the second end region with the one or more alcohol wipe packages under the arm.

In some embodiments of the method, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay be utilized. In these and other embodiments, the actmay include providing an alcohol wipe package restraint comprising a sealable pouch. The actmay include securing the one or more alcohol wipe packages to the alcohol wipe package restraint by positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages in the pouch and sealing the pouch.

In some embodiments of the method, the alcohol wipe package restraintmay be utilized. In these and other embodiments, the actmay include providing an alcohol wipe package restraint that is generally rigid and comprises a first end region, a second end region opposite to the first end region, and two panels opposite one another and extending at least partially between the first end region and the second end region, the two panels at least partially defining an opening at the first end region of the alcohol wipe package restraint and an interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint extending from the opening at the first end region towards the second end region. The actmay include positioning the one or more alcohol wipe packages within the interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint such that at least 50% of each alcohol wipe package of the one or more alcohol wipe packages is positioned within the interior region of the alcohol wipe package restraint.