CH714766B1 - Safety packaging for the transport of samples or samples. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible packaging for transporting products in the form of harmful or dangerous specimens or samples, the packaging comprising a first bag (1) with a first closure means (2), and at least a second bag (3) with a second closure means (5), the first bag being attached inside the second bag, the first bag being intended to receive products to be transported. The bags are made of plastic.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of packaging for the transport of samples or samples, in particular harmful and/or dangerous materials, such as, for example, and without limitation, asbestos samples. Of course, other materials can also be transported by means of the present invention and the notion of sampling or sample, used in an equivalent manner in the present description should not be seen as limiting.

[0002] Bags for transporting material are known in principle in the state of the art. They can transport all types of material, including food and generally have a square or rectangular shape with one side including a closure system, preferably which allows several openings and closures.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2010 051 579 which describes a gusseted paper bag, formed of two tubular layers, the opening ends of which are offset. The bags are intended to enter production areas where very strict sanitary conditions prevail and the bag must not introduce impurities: the outer layer is therefore designed to be separated easily. Such paper bags, which allow air to pass through, are not suitable for the collection of dangerous goods. When transporting samples or samples of particular materials, namely materials that are harmful or dangerous to health, it is necessary to implement additional safety means to protect the environment of the bag and avoid involuntary contamination, for example if the bag is torn.

The application of such bags is for example for the transport of samples intended for analysis. A particular application is in the field of asbestos removal: samples are taken at the intended place (for example a building) and the samples taken are taken to a laboratory for analysis and determination of the contamination. Other applications are of course possible, the one mentioned being only an example.

[0005] An a priori simple solution is to combine the use of two independent sachets. The sample taken is placed in a first bag which is closed, for example in a sealed manner, by closing means. Then this first sachet is introduced into a second sachet which is also then closed, for example in a sealed manner by other closing means.

[0006] The two sachets are then transported to the laboratory provided for the analysis and opened on site, for example in a protected environment.

[0007] Thus, in the event of degradation of the second bag (external), the first bag (internal) maintains a barrier with the outside and prevents the degradation and/or the dissemination of the sample.

An example of such a bag is illustrated in application FR 2 022 831. The object of the invention described in this publication is to produce a vacuum packaging whose resistance to mechanical stresses, even violent and prolonged, is so large that practically unlimited storage is made possible.

[0009] The vacuum packaging according to FR 2 022 831 is characterized by an inner packaging-filled with the material to be packaged, evacuated and closed in a gas-tight manner, in a suitable flexible material, impermeable to gases or having a gas-tight layer, as well as by an outer packaging receiving this inner packaging evacuated and closed in a gas-tight manner, this outer packaging also being evacuated, closed in a gas-tight manner and made of a flexible material, gas-impermeable or having a gas-impermeable layer.

[0010] According to FR 2 022 831, the inner packaging or the outer packaging, or else both packagings, are made of a material which can be heat-sealed in order to thus obtain the gas-tight closure by means of known devices and methods and in a particularly simple way.

[0011] In the method according to this publication, the inner packaging is filled, evacuated, optionally charged with a gas through the closure seal which is already partly formed, and then closed in a gas-tight manner.

[0012] The inner packaging thus finished is then placed in the outer envelope, which in this case has the shape of a bag and which is closed by a seal at the upper end after conventional vacuuming, which is possibly followed by the introduction of a protective gas.

As is easily understood, this system is not very simple because it involves the successive handling of two bags, the first which must be prepared before its introduction into the second, then the handling of the second and its preparation to receive the first sachet and the closure of the second sachet.

[0014] In addition, it requires keeping a stock of two (at least) different sachets, of different sizes, or of "couples" of sachets. This stock of two types of sachets must be permanently transported and kept together.

[0015] JP 4 604287 further describes a double sachet principle, in which an inner sachet is placed in an outer sachet. Each sachet comprises a closure means at its longitudinal end. The inner bag is punctually linked to the outer bag, but their assembly is such that each bag can be filled with a different material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An object of the invention is thus to improve the known systems and methods.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for transporting samples or samples which is easy to use and safe, in particular when the materials transported are harmful or dangerous.

The invention will be better understood by the description of illustrative embodiments which should not be considered as limiting.

According to the present invention, a packaging is proposed for transporting products in the form of harmful or dangerous samples or samples, the packaging comprising a first bag with a first closure means, and at least a second bag with a second closure means, the first bag being attached inside the second bag, the first bag being intended to receive products to be transported. The bags are made of plastic.

According to the invention, the walls of the first and second sachets are fixed together in the area of the first closure means, so as to form a sealing zone preventing the passage of materials towards the volume between the first and second sachet . A package is thus formed consisting of two bags, but only the first bag can receive the samples or samples. Access to the inter-bag space is impossible, which prevents asbestos fibres, for example, from slipping into it.

According to variants, the walls of the first bag do not protrude beyond the first closure means or are integrated into the walls of the second bag. These constructive measures also avoid the formation of recesses or edges liable to retain samples/samples outside the first bag. It will be possible to further limit the accumulation of fibers and dust near the opening by applying an antistatic treatment to the first closure means (2), and in the area thereof (that is to say near the this one)

The first closure means is advantageously arranged so as to completely close the opening of the first bag in a sealed manner. In one embodiment, the first closure means is a pressure closure means. The ZIP type closures are particularly practical, allowing a tight closure, and easy reopening.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second closure means is a sticky or self-adhesive strip.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second bag comprises a flap.

[0025] In one embodiment, the flap comprises a closure means.

[0026] In one embodiment, the flap closure means comprises a sticky or self-adhesive strip.

[0027] In one embodiment, the flap comprises means for fixing the bag.

[0028] In one embodiment, the means for fixing the flap is a sticky or self-adhesive strip.

[0029] In one embodiment, the bag or bags is (are) formed from single-layer and/or multi-layer walls. This mono-layer or multi-layer construction can be applied to one of the sachets or to all the sachets of the package.

In one embodiment, the walls of the bag(s) include layers of metal and/or chemicals. The metal can be of any type, for example aluminum or other. It can be deposited either in the form of a (flexible) layer or by spraying or other appropriate technology. In practice, it is possible to have one or more bags made of metallized materials, for example aluminum, or metallized plastic walls. Alternatively, metal foils can be placed in the inter-bag volume/space. We can eg. put metal foil in the space between the inner and outer bag to opacify the packaging, and protect the contents from light.

[0031] It may also be advantageous to put a chemical product such as a surfactant in the inter-bag space, between the inner and outer bag. If the inner bag breaks, the surfactant will mix with light fibers such as asbestos, and prevent them from diffusing into the ambient air.

[0032] In one embodiment, the chemical may be a surfactant.

[0033] In one embodiment, the packaging may comprise more than two sachets, one inside the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, the packaging according to the invention comprises at least a first bag 1 (also defined by the concept of “inner” or “internal” bag). This first bag 1 has a rectangular shape (for example) and comprises at least one open side comprising closing means 2. The closing means 2 are for example pinching/pressure (in particular of the zip type) and allow the reopening of the bag. This first bag 1 is used to directly collect the product to be transported. Conventionally, the bag 1 therefore comprises, on its open side, an opening 1.1, a bottom 1.2, and side walls 1.3, which define the interior volume of the bag. In the illustrated embodiment two side walls 1.3 are parallel to the plane of the sheet and united by their edges 1.4. The only access to the interior volume of the sachet is through the opening 1.1. The closure means 2 extend over the whole of the opening 1.1 and therefore make it possible to completely close access to the interior volume of the bag 1.

[0036] The packaging comprises at least a second bag 3 (also defined by the notion of “outer” or “external” bag) with a flap 4, and closure means 5, 6. Here too the bag 3 comprises, by design, a side called opening 3.1, a bottom 3.2, and side walls 3.3 (united by their edges 3.4), which define the interior volume of the bag. The only access to the interior volume of the sachet is through the opening 3.1.

The first bag 1 is fixed in the second bag 3 as shown in the section of Figure 2 by any suitable means, for example by gluing, rolling, welding or other equivalent means.

Thus the first bag 1 extends into the second bag 3 and the two bags 1 and 3 have their side walls fixed together in the area of the first means of closure 2. The term area means at the height of the first means of closure 2, or close to it. It is advantageous to fix together the two sachets 1 and 3 at the level of the closure means 2 of the first sachet 1, which is also fixed to the first sachet. There is thus formed at the level of the first closure means 2 a kind of sealing zone preventing the passage of materials towards the interior volume existing between the first and second sachet.

It will also be noted that the bags 1 and 3 are, during manufacture, linked at the level of the zone of the first closure means. But the large surfaces constituted by side walls 1.3 and 3.3 are not linked, as can be seen in FIG. 2. In some variants, the bags 1 and 3 are linked by the longitudinal edges 1.4 and 3.4.

In practice, the side walls of the first and second bags are glued or welded together at the height of the first closure means 2, or close to it (above or below). The objective is to completely seal the passage between the two bags 1 and 3, so that the inter-bag volume is hermetically sealed. In other words, this packaging forms a sort of double-walled bag, with a single sealed/hermetic storage volume defined by the inner bag 1, accessible via the opening 1.1 which is closed after filling by means of the first means closure 2. A ZIP type closure allows a tight closure of the inner bag.

[0041] During the collection of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, it is thus ensured that the fibers are collected only in the inner bag 1. Thanks to the sealing zone, the fibers cannot reach the inter-bag space.

In general, the outer bag 3 extends beyond the closure zone of the first bag 1, that is to say upwards in Figure 1, and there is a rear part called flap 4 in the continuity of the rear side face, as well as a front part, called against flap 4 ', in the continuity of the front face. Advantageously, the edges of the walls of the first bag 1, on the opening side 1.1, do not extend beyond the closure means 2. Either these edges are integrated into the walls of the second bag 3 beyond the closure means 2, that is to say that the walls of the two bags are intimately linked as if it were a single wall. They can for example be glued or welded. This prevents the edges of the walls 1.3 of the first bag 1 from forming edges or areas of accumulation of materials before the closure means 2.

Can also be applied to the first closure means 2, and around it, an antistatic treatment to reduce the adhesion of dust and fibers in the closure area.

[0044] On the outer bag 3, the closing means are for example a self-adhesive strip 5, 6. A first strip 5 is located close to the first bag and allows the second bag to be closed, once the product has been placed in the first sachet 1 and this has been closed. The band 5 is here placed on the counter-flap 4' but can also be positioned on the flap 4, at the same height. By pressing the upper part of the second sachet (in the area of the means 5), the user can easily close said second sachet. Then, the user can complete the closing of the second bag by “folding down” the flap 4 to the left in figure 2, and by applying the strip 6 against the upper part of the second bag 3. This strip 6 is however optional.

The user thus obtains a double bag closed at least by two independent closing means (2 and 5) but handling only one bag, which greatly simplifies taking samples.

[0046] A single bag stock is necessary since the "inner bag" - "outer bag" pair is provided in a single package that it is not necessary to constitute during sampling.

[0047] In one embodiment, the flap 4 may comprise additional fixing means 7, such as a self-adhesive strip on the other side relative to the strip 6. This additional means allows the gluing/fixing of the bags 1 , 3 to another object during the sampling operation, for example to a support or a wall, which facilitates the sampling operation since the user will have both hands free. Another fixing means can of course be provided as a fixing lug.

[0048] Preferably, the packaging comprises one or more pre-cut lines. A first pre-cut line 9 is placed between the first closure means 2 and the band 5: the pre-cut line passes through the flap 4 and against the flap 4'. A second pre-cut line 9' can be positioned between the two bands 5 and 6, therefore provided only on the flap 4.

The pre-cut strip 9' makes it possible to tear off the upper part of the flap which carries the additional fastening means 7.

[0050] The pre-cut strip 9 makes it possible to tear off the upper part of the packaging under the closure means 5, giving access to the first closure means 2. It will be noted that the closure strip 6, when present, is advantageously positioned on the flap 4 so as to stick above the lower pre-cut line 9.

[0051] The bags are typically bags with solid walls, capable of receiving a content in a leaktight and/or hermetic manner, made of any suitable material, for example a synthetic material, such as plastic or the like. In particular, the bags can be made of polyethylene or any other suitable material. They can be mono-layer or multi-layer depending on the use. In a multi-layer mode, the layers can also be of any appropriate material, for example synthetic materials or else with coatings such as metal, or chemical products (surfactants, reagents, etc.). These materials/coatings are referenced with the number 8 in the figures. The inner bag and the outer bag may or may not be formed of the same material or materials. Both can be single-layered or multi-layered or one can be single-layered and the other multi-layered.

The embodiments described are by way of illustrative examples and should not be considered limiting. Other embodiments may make use of means equivalent to those described for example. The modes of execution can also be combined with each other depending on the circumstances, or means used in one mode can be used in another mode.

[0053] For example, the closure means can be sticky or self-adhesive strips or other equivalent means (of the "Zip"® type or with pressure, for example).

[0054] The shapes of the bags can also be variable: square, rectangular or other. Preferably, the packages are flexible.

The number of sachets is not limited to two but one can envisage constructions with three or more sachets using the principle of the invention and the embodiments/constructions described in the present application. These constructions can for example be linked to the intended application and/or standards imposed for a given application.

Also, one can envisage that the outer bag 3 comprises two internal bags 1 independent, or even more than two internal bags 1 independent or not.

Claims (12)

1. Flexible packaging for transporting products in the form of harmful or dangerous samples or samples, said packaging comprising a first bag (1) comprising a first closure means (2), and at least a second bag (3) comprising a second means closure (5), said first bag (1) being attached inside the second bag (3), said first bag (1) being intended to receive, through an opening (1.1), said products to be transported, the bags being made of plastic, characterized in that the walls of the first and second bags are fixed together in the zone of the first closure means, so as to form a sealing zone preventing the passage of materials towards an inter-bag volume between the first and second sachet, the present packaging thus having a single sealed storage volume for the products to be transported, defined by the first sachet, accessible via the opening (1.1), which is closed after filling at the means of the first closure means (2). 2. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the walls of the first bag do not protrude beyond the first closure means or are integrated with the walls of the second bag beyond the first closure means. 3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first closure means is a pressure closure means. 4. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second closure means is a sticky or self-adhesive strip. 5. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second bag (3) comprises a flap (4) extending beyond the first closure means (2). 6. Packaging according to claim 5, in which the flap comprises a third closure means (6), preferably a sticky or self-adhesive strip. 7. Packaging according to claim 5 or 6, in which the flap comprises fastening means (7) of the sachet, preferably a sticky or self-adhesive strip, so as to allow the fastening of the sachets (1, 3) to another object during the picking operation. 8. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the sachets are formed from monolayer and/or multilayer walls. 9. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the walls of the sachets comprise layers of metal and/or surfactants or metal foils and/or surfactants are provided in one or more inter-sachet volumes 10. Packaging according to the preceding claim, in which the chemical product is a surfactant placed in an inter-bag volume. 11. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, said packaging comprising more than two sachets inside each other. 12. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the area of the first closure means (2) includes an antistatic treatment.