AU2013101620A4

AU2013101620A4 - Materials Handling Bag, Bag System and Method of Materials Handling using a Bag or Bag System.

Info

Publication number: AU2013101620A4
Application number: AU2013101620A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Anthony Burgun
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-04
Filing date: 2013-12-11
Publication date: 2014-01-30
Anticipated expiration: 2021-12-11
Also published as: AU2019200585A1; AU2013101620B4; AU2014317808A1; WO2015031951A1

Abstract

-16 Abstract A bag for the storage and carriage of a material, the bag including a bag body which provides a receptacle in which the material is receivable and a lifting strap coupled to the body, the bag body including a topside, an underside and opposing sides, wherein the lifting straps are arranged to extend from one of the opposing sides along the underside to an opposing one of the opposing sides so to provide support to the underside of the bag body. #~ C 18 26 -2 14 ' N.t \t~k~~tA> /12 2 Figure 121

Description

-1 Materials Handling Bag, Bag System and Method of Materials Handling using a Bag or Bag System Technical Field [001] The invention relates to a materials handling bag, a bag system and a method of materials handling using a bag or bag system. In particular, the invention relates to a bag, a bag system and a method of using a bag or bag system to contain, store and transport a hazardous material such as asbestos. Background [001] When a site contains a hazardous material, such as asbestos, the hazardous material must be contained, stored and transported between the site and a disposal facility. [002] Hazardous materials such as asbestos present significant challenges as the material needs to be carefully contained and sealed from the external environment prior to being transported from the site to the disposal facility. [003] One apparatus and method to contain and transport asbestos includes delivering a bin such as a skip bin to a building site and lining the skip bin with a plastic sheet. Typically, two plastic sheets are used, with an inner of the two sheets lying over an outer of the two sheets. The two plastic sheets are typically flat rectangular sheets which are dimensioned to surround and cover the asbestos when located within the bin. [004] Asbestos is then placed or dumped into the skip bin. To contain the asbestos the ends of the inner sheet are brought together and sealed with tape. Once the inner sheet is sealed, ends of the outer of the two plastic sheets are also brought together to seal the outer plastic sheet around the inner sheet. This provides a double seal around the asbestos. [005] The sealed asbestos is then transported to the site within the double sealed plastic and tipped or otherwise removed from the skip bin at the disposal site.

-2 [006] A disadvantage with this apparatus and method is that the plastic sheets may be incorrectly fitted or sized for the skip bin and therefore not properly seal the asbestos. In particular, in use, the plastic sheets are rarely correctly aligned so as to fit with the skip bin and/or are rarely properly aligned to fit with one another. This may result in the asbestos not being properly sealed, for example, the seal may become released such that some of the asbestos may escape from the incorrectly sealed plastic sheets. [007] Another disadvantage with this method is that due to the incorrect fitted and/or sizing, the plastic sheets may become compromised such as by tearing during the dumping, sealing, transportation and unloading of the sealed asbestos material. Furthermore, the sealed sheets provide little scuff or tear resistance and the plastic sheets may become ripped or torn allowing the asbestos to escape. [008] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified disadvantages or at least provide a useful alternative. Summary [009] In accordance with a first main aspect there is provided, a bag for the storage and carriage of a material, the bag including a bag body which provides a receptacle in which the material is receivable and a lifting strap coupled to the body, the bag body including a topside, an underside and opposing sides, wherein the lifting straps are arranged to extend from one of the opposing sides along the underside to an opposing one of the opposing sides so to provide support to the underside of the bag body. [0010] In one aspect, the lifting strap includes lifting loop portions and an attached portion, wherein the lifting loop portions extend from the opposing sides and the attached portion is attached to the opposing sides and the underside of the bag body. [0011] In another aspect, the lifting strap is arranged to splay from one of the lifting loop portions so as to provide two spaced apart strap portions which extend from one -3 of the opposing sides, along the underside to an opposing one of the opposing sides, and converge at the other of the lifting loop portions. [0012] In another aspect, the bag body is substantially rectangular in shape having a first end and a second end, and wherein the bag includes two lifting straps which are respectively arranged toward the first end and the second end such that each strap provides the two spaced apart strap portions. [0013] In another aspect, the lifting strap is a unitary structure. [0014] In another aspect, the top side includes a flap which is releasably closable to seal the bag. [0015] In another aspect, the top side includes a zipper to releasably close the flap. [0016] In another aspect, the bag body is formed from polypropylene and the lifting strap is formed from at least one of nylon and polyester. [0017] In accordance with a second main aspect there is provided, a bagging system for the storage and carriage of a material, the bagging system including a bag as described above, and a liner arrangement dimensioned to fit within the bag. [0018] In one aspect, the liner arrangement includes a double wall structure. [0019] In another aspect, the liner arrangement includes liner body shaped to substantially fit with an inside of the bag body. [0020] In another aspect, the liner arrangement is configured to provide a salable opening such that the liner arrangement provides a first seal around the material and the bag provides a second seal around the material. [0021] In another aspect, the liner arrangement includes an inner liner and an outer liner, the outer being arranged to substantially occupy an inner surface of the bag -4 body and the inner being arranged to substantially occupy an inner surface of the outer liner so as to provide a receptacle to receive the asbestos. [0022] In another aspect, the inner liner and the outer liner are formed from plastic sheet. [0023] In another aspect, the plastic sheet is 200 microns in thickness. [0024] In another aspect, the inner liner is a salable inner bag and the outer liner is a salable outer bag which are each dimensioned to fit with and substantially occupy the bag body. [0025] In accordance with a third main aspect there is provided, a method of handling a hazardous material using a bagging system including a bag and a liner, the method including the steps of: arranging the liner in the bag such that a salable opening of the liner is accessible through a closable opening of the bag; inserting the material into an opening of the liner; sealing the liner by closing the salable opening; and sealing the bag by closing the closable opening of the bag. [0026] In one aspect, the closable opening of the bag is provided in the form of a flap located on a topside of the bag, the flap being releasably closable with a zipper, and wherein the step of sealing the bag including actuating the zipper to close the flap. [0027] In another aspect, the bag includes a bag body which provides a receptacle in which the material is receivable and a lifting strap coupled to the bag body, wherein the method further includes the step of attaching a lifting device to the lifting strap and lifting the bag. Brief Description of the Figures [0028] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which; [0029] Figure 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a containment or bagging system -5 including a bag; [0030] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the bagging system including the bag; [0031] Figure 3 is a top view illustrating the bagging system including the bag; [0032] Figure 4 is a detailed view illustrating a zipper of the bag; [0033] Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the bagging system including the bag; [0034] Figure 6 is a top view illustrating section D-D of the bag which is shown in Figure 7; [0035] Figure 7 is a side section view illustrating section D-D of the bag which is shown in Figure 6; [0036] Figure 8 is a detailed view of the inner and outer liners located at an end wall of the bag as indicated by detail E shown in Figure 7; [0037] Figure 9 is a top perspective view illustrating another example of the containment or bagging system including the bag; [0038] Figure 10 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the bagging system including the bag; [0039] Figure 11 is a top view illustrating section D-D of the bag which is shown in Figure 12; [0040] Figure 12 is a side section view illustrating section D-D of the bag which is shown in Figure 11; and [0041] Figure 13 is a detailed view of the inner and outer liners located at an end wall of the bag as indicated by detail E shown on Figure 12.

-6 Detailed Description [0042] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an example of a containment or bagging system 11 including bag 10 for the storage and carriage of a material (not shown). The bag 10 including a bag body 12 which provides a receptacle 14 in which the material is receivable and a lifting strap provided in the form of lifting straps 16 coupled to the bag body 12. [0043] The bag body 12 includes a topside 18, an underside 20, opposing sides 22 and opposing ends 24. In this example, the bag body 12 is shown as being generally rectangular in shape. However, the bag body 12 may be formed of other shapes. The bag body 12 may be formed of polypropylene or other suitable material. [0044] The lifting straps 16 are arranged to extend from one of the opposing sides 22 along the underside 20 to an opposing one of the opposing sides 22 so to provide support to the underside 20, as is best shown in Figure 2. [0045] The lifting straps 16 include lifting loop portions 26 and attached portions 28. The lifting loop portions 16 extend from the opposing sides 22 and the attached portions 28 are attached to the opposing sides 22 of the underside 20 of the bag body 12. [0046] In this example, the lifting straps 16 are each arranged to splay from one of the lifting loop portions 26 so as to provide two spaced apart strap portions 30 which extend from one of the opposing sides 22, extend along the underside 20 to the other one of the opposing sides 22, and converge at the other of the lifting loop portions 28. [0047] In this example, the bag 10 includes two lifting straps 16, which are each respectively arranged toward the one of the opposing ends 24 such that each strap 16 provides the two spaced apart strap portions 30. As may be best appreciated from Figure 2, the two spaced apart strap portions 30 of each of the two lifting straps 16 provides a total of four attached strap portions 30 extending across the underside 20 thereby providing support for the underside 20 and any material which may be -7 contained within or carried by the bag 12. It may be appreciated that each of the straps 16 provides an integrally fitted lifting sling. [0048] The attachment of the lifting strap 16 to the bag body 12 ensures that the lifting strap 16 is located in the correct position for safe and balanced lifting of the bag 10 when loaded with the hazardous material. For example, the two spaced apart strap portions 30 are maintained in an evenly spaced position along the underside 20 of the bag 10. [0049] The lifting straps 16 may each be formed from a single piece of material that is sewn, glued or otherwise attached the bag 12. The lifting straps 16 may be formed from nylon, polyester or other suitable material. [0050] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the top side 18 includes a flap 32 which is releasably closable by a closure device 34 to seal the bag 12. In this example, the closure device 34 is provided in the form of a zipper 36 to releasably open and close the bag 12. However, the closure device 34 may be provided in a variety of forms such as Velcro or the like. [0051] The zipper 36 includes a track 38 which extends proximate to and along three perimeter sides of the top side 32 so as to define the flap 34. The arrangement provides an opening into the receptacle 14 of the bag 12 which large and also allows the closure device to be accessed from the topside 18 of the bag 12. [0052] Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the bag 12 may also include a liner arrangement 40 dimensioned or shaped to fit within the bag 12. The liner arrangement 40 may be arranged to provide a salable opening such that the liner provides a first seal around the material and the bag 12 provides a second seal around the material. The liner arrangement 40 may itself be considered to be a bag and may be referred to as a liner bag. [0053] The liner arrangement 40 may include a double wall structure or, as is illustrated in Figure 8, the liner arrangement 40 may be provided in the form of an inner liner 42 and an outer liner 44 where the outer liner 44 is arranged to -8 substantially occupy an inner surface 46 of the bag body 12 and the inner liner 42 is arranged to substantially occupy an inner surface 48 of the outer liner 44 so as to provide a receptacle 50 within the receptacle 16 of the bag 12 to receive the material which in this example may be asbestos. [0054] Each of the inner liner 42 and an outer liner 44 are arranged to have an opening at the topside 18 of the bag 12 which is substantially equal in size of the opening provided by the flap 32. Each of the inner liner 42 and an outer liner 44 are dimensioned to extend over the opening when the bag 12 is filled with the material so as to cover or seal the opening. [0055] Accordingly, each of the inner liner 42 and an outer liner 44 provide closable bags or covers thereby providing a double seal within the bag 12. When the bag 12 is also sealed by closing the flap 32 with the zipper 34, the overall bagging system 11 provides three layers, seals or levels of containment of the hazardous material. [0056] In some examples, the inner liner 42 and the outer liner 44 may each be separate plastic bags or specifically shaped plastic sheets which are configured to fit with each other and within the main bag 10. In particular, the inner liner 42 and the outer liner 44 may be configured as inner liner bags and outer liner bags which are each shaped to fit with and substantially occupy the bag body 12. The plastic may be polyethylene and may have a thickness of 200 pm. [0057] In this example, the bag 10 has an overall length of 3100 mm, a height of 900 mm and a width of 1400 mm. However, the bag 10 may be made in a variety of sizes having similar configurations to that described above. [0058] Referring now to Figures 9 to 13, there is shown a second example of a bag system 111 including a bag 112 in which like numerals denote like parts. The parts and overall configuration of this second example are generally the same as that described above in relation to the first example with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Accordingly, the parts are not described again.

-9 [0059] However, the main difference between the first example of the bag 12 and the second example of the bag 112 is the configuration of the lifting strap 16. More particularly, in this example, a single lifting strap 16 is provided having spaced apart attached potions 117 and loop portions 113 which extend from each of the opposing sides 22 of the bag and connect the spaced apart attached potions 117. The spaced apart attached potions 117 extend down the opposing sides 22 and around the underside of the bag 110 so as to provide dual supports to the underside of the bag 110. [0060] In this configuration, the lifting strap 16 may be provided as a single piece or unitary construction which is attached, at the attached potions 117, to the bag body 12. Accordingly, it may be appreciated that the lifting strap 16 provides an integral continuous lifting sling. The attachment of the lifting strap 16 to the bag body 12 ensures that the lifting strap 16 is located in the correct position for safe and balanced lifting of the bag 110 when loaded with the hazardous material. [0061] In this example, the bag 110 has an overall length of 1500 mm, a height of 400 mm and a width of 1000 mm. In this example the bag 110 is substantially smaller than the bag 10 described in relation to the first example. This provides a bagging system 111 and a bag 110 which is of a size that can be more readily transported and is more suitable for the do-it-yourself market or applications where the hazardous material has to be hand transported out of the building such as in a unit block. [0062] It is noted that due to the reduced size of the bag 110, the number of lifting straps 16, in particular, the number of attached portions of the lifting straps 16 which proceed along the underside 20 of the bag 110 is also reduced due to the reduction in the volume of material hence associated maximum weight which may be carried within the bag 110. Whilst the configuration of the lifting strap 16 is different in this second example to that of the first example, the bag 110 may be still provided in a variety of shapes and sizes and formed of a similar material. [0063] Referring more specifically to Figures 11 to 13, this example of the bagging system 111 also includes a liner arrangement 40 in the form of an inner liner 42 and an outer liner 44. These liners 42, 44 are shaped and sized to be inserted within or fit -10 within the smaller bag 110 such that the outer liner 44 is arranged to substantially occupy an inner surface 46 of the bag body 12 and the inner liner 42 being arranged to substantially occupy an inner surface 48 of the outer liner 44 so as to provide a receptacle 50 within the receptacle 16 of the bag 12 to receive the material which in this example may be asbestos. In some examples, the inner liner 42 and the outer liner 44 may each be separate plastic bags which are shaped to fit with each other and within the main bag 110. The plastic may be polyethylene and may have a thickness of 200 pm. [0064] Turning now to the method of use, in use, the bag system 11 or 111 including the bag 10, 110 and the liner arrangement 40 as described in either of the above examples may be utilised in method of handling a hazardous material. In particular, the bag system 11 or 111 is preferably designed for the reliable and safe containment, storage and transport of asbestos. [0065] The method including the steps of: arranging the liner arrangement 40 in the bag 10,110 such that a salable opening of the liner arrangement 40 is accessible through the closable opening or flap 32 of the bag 10, 110. [0066] This may include inserting an outer liner 44 into the bag 10, 110 and then inserting the inner liner 42 into the outer liner 44 such that both the inner and outer liners 42, 44 are arranged in substantially the same shape as the bag 10, 110 with an opening which is accessible through the closable flap 32. [0067] The bag 10, 110 may then itself be inserted or fitted to a bin or skip being bin structure which provides additional support to the bag 10, 110 whilst being filled with the material. [0068] The hazardous material which in this example is asbestos is then inserted into the bag 10, 110 through the closable flap 32 and received into the void or receptacle 50 within the inner liner 42 via opening is provided by both the inner liner 42 and the outer liner 44. Once the void or receptacle 50 within the inner liner 42 is sufficiently filled, and the bag 10, 100 is in a filled condition, the liner arrangement 40 is then sealed and the closable flap 32 is closed and further sealed with the zipper 34.

-11 [0069] More specifically, to seal the bag 10, 110, ends of the inner liner 42 are brought together and folded over one another so as to encapsulate the material within the void or receptacle within the inner liner 42. The joints between the folds of the inner liner 42 are then sealed by a fastening means such as tape, in particular, duct tape. Once the inner liner 42 is sealed, ends of the outer liner 44 are brought together to encapsulates the inner liner 42. Again, joints between the folds of the outliner 44 are then sealed by a fastening means such as tape, in particular, duct tape. Once the inner liner 42 and the outer liner 44 are sealed, the flap 32 is closed and secured in a closed position by zipper 34. [0070] The bag 10, 110 may then be lifted by the lifting strap 16 into a vehicle and/or otherwise transported to a disposal site. This process may involve the attachment of a lifting device (not shown) to the lifting strap 16 to lift the bag 10, 110 into or out of the vehicle. Alternatively, the bag 10, 110 may be simply dumped from the rear of the vehicle or bin at a disposal site. The bags 10, 110 having a generally rectangular shape may also be stackable or stacked on top of or next to one another for efficient and stable transportation and/or storage. [0071] As may be appreciated from the above, the bag system and bag provide for the safe and efficient containment and transportation of a hazardous material such as asbestos. In particular, the bag system provides a pre-configured containment system with a bag having integral lifting straps or slings and a salable opening through which insertable liners may be fitted. [0072] In particular, the liners may be pre-shaped liner bags being specifically shaped and sized to fit within the bag which may be arranged to provide the closable openings so as to provide an first inner seal and an second outer seal around the material which is then further encapsulated by the bag to provide a third or tertiary seal around the liner bags. The inner and outer liners are formed of a relatively thin plastic sheet material which is configured for the safe containment of asbestos and the bag is formed of a relatively tough material so as to inhibit the damage such as piercing or tearing of the outer and inner plastic liners.

-12 [0073] Further advantageously, the integral lifting straps are arranged at spaced apart locations and extend entirely around the opposing outer sides and the underside of the bag and therefore provide support for the material which may be carried within the bag. The arrangements of the straps thereby providing a distributed load over the outer surface of the bag and hence reducing any point loads on the bag which may lead to damage to the bag and/or the liners. [0074] Accordingly, it may be appreciated that, overall, the bag, system and methods disclosed herein provide significant operational, reliability, repeatability and safety advantages over the apparatus and/or methods which have been previously proposed. [0075] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and 'comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [0076] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates. [0077] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein. [0078] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

1. A bag for the storage and carriage of a material, the bag including a bag body which provides a receptacle in which the material is receivable and a lifting strap coupled to the body, the bag body including a topside, an underside and opposing sides, wherein the lifting straps are arranged to extend from one of the opposing sides along the underside to an opposing one of the opposing sides so to provide support to the underside of the bag body.

2. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the lifting strap includes lifting loop portions and an attached portion, wherein the lifting loop portions extend from the opposing sides, and the attached portion is attached to the opposing sides and the underside of the bag body.

3. The bag according to claim 2, wherein the bag body is substantially rectangular in shape having a first end and a second end, and wherein the bag includes two lifting straps which are respectively arranged toward the first end and the second end such that each strap provides the two spaced apart strap portions.

4. The bag according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the lifting strap is a unitary structure.

5. The bag according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the top side includes a flap which is releasably closable to seal the bag.

6. The bag according to claim 5, wherein the top side includes a zipper to releasably close the flap.

7. The bag according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the bag body is formed from polypropylene and the lifting strap is formed from at least one of nylon and polyester. -14

8. The bag according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the lifting strap is arranged to splay from one of the lifting loop portions so as to provide two spaced apart strap portions which extend from one of the opposing sides, along the underside to an opposing one of the opposing sides, and converge at the other of the lifting loop portions.

9. A bagging system for the storage and carriage of a material, the bagging system including a bag as defined in any one of the previous claims, and a liner arrangement dimensioned to fit substantially within the bag.

10. The bagging system according to claim 9, wherein the liner arrangement includes a double wall structure.

11. The bagging system according to claim 10, wherein the liner arrangement includes liner body shaped to fit with an inside of the bag body.

12. The bagging system according any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein liner arrangement is configured to provide a salable opening such that the liner arrangement provides a first seal around the material and the bag provides a second seal around the material.

13. The bagging system according any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein liner arrangement includes a inner liner and an outer liner, the outer liner being arranged to substantially occupy an inner surface of the bag body and the inner being arranged to substantially occupy an inner surface of the outer liner so as to provide a receptacle within the bag body to receive the material.

14. The bagging system according to claim 13, wherein the inner liner and the outer liner are formed from plastic sheet.

15. The bagging system according to claim 14, wherein the plastic sheet is 200 microns in thickness. -15

16. The bagging system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the inner liner is a salable inner bag and the outer liner is a salable outer bag which are each dimensioned to fit with and substantially occupy the bag body.

17. A method of handling a hazardous material using a bagging system including a bag and a liner, the method including the steps of: arranging the liner in the bag such that a salable opening of the liner is accessible through a closable opening of the bag; inserting the material into an opening of the liner; sealing the liner by closing the salable opening; and sealing the bag by closing the closable opening of the bag.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the closable opening of the bag is provided in the form of a flap located on a topside of the bag, the flap being releasably closable with a zipper, and wherein the step of sealing the bag including actuating the zipper to close the flap.

19. The method according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the bag includes a bag body which provides a receptacle in which the material is receivable and a lifting strap coupled to the bag body, wherein the method further includes the step of attaching a lifting device to the lifting strap and lifting the bag.

20. A bag, bag system and method as substantially described herein with reference to the examples and/drawings.