Classifications

• • 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
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
  • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
  • B65D5/50—Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
  • B65D5/5028—Elements formed separately from the container body
  • B65D5/5035—Paper elements
  • B65D5/5047—Blocks
  • B65D5/5054—Blocks formed by a plurality of layers contacting each other, e.g. multiple layers of corrugated cardboard
• • 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
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
  • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
  • B65D5/50—Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/505—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes flexible containers not provided for above
  • B01L3/5055—Hinged, e.g. opposable surfaces
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
  • B01L9/06—Test-tube stands; Test-tube holders
• • 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
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
  • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
  • B65D5/50—Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
  • B65D5/5028—Elements formed separately from the container body
  • B65D5/5088—Plastic elements
  • B65D5/509—Foam plastic elements
• • 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
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
  • B65D5/54—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
• • 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
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
  • B65D5/54—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
  • B65D5/5405—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a blank in tubular form
  • B65D5/542—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a blank in tubular form the lines of weakness being provided in the container body
• • 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
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
  • B65D5/54—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
  • B65D5/5475—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for dividing a "cross-like" container body into separate parts
• • 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
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
  • B65D5/70—Break-in flaps, or members adapted to be torn-off, to provide pouring openings
• • 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
  • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
  • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
  • B65D81/03—Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
• • 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
  • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
  • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
  • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
• • 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
  • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
  • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
  • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
  • B65D81/107—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using blocks of shock-absorbing material
  • B65D81/113—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using blocks of shock-absorbing material of a shape specially adapted to accommodate contents
• • 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
  • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
  • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
  • B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
• • 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
  • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
  • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
  • B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
  • B65D81/264—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing liquids
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/18—Transport of container or devices
  • B01L2200/185—Long distance transport, e.g. mailing
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
  • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
  • B01L2300/043—Hinged closures
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/06—Auxiliary integrated devices, integrated components
  • B01L2300/069—Absorbents; Gels to retain a fluid

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a container, and a container blank, for transporting a bioiogicai sample.
• the present invention also relates to a kit of parts for transporting a bioiogicai sample.
• a primary receptacle being a tube, vial or other container made of glass or rigid plastic
• Biological samples are commonly collected in vials or tubes made from glass or rigid plastic, A conventional method of packaging such samples is to place the receptacle in a sealabie polythene bag, which is then itself packaged within a rigid sleeve or box.
• a conventional method of packaging such samples is to place the receptacle in a sealabie polythene bag, which is then itself packaged within a rigid sleeve or box.
• the muiti step nature of such a packaging technique often proves overcomplicated for certain people, such as the elderly, resulting in the subsequent failing of the packaging, putting those operating in this field at risk.
• Packaging techniques that require a multiplicity of different packages are also considerably more expensive
• Po!ymed envelope Another type of packaging for use in this field is the Po!ymed envelope, which is made from strong vinyl material, and has a opening defined by a sealable metal zipper.
• the Po!ymed envelope is designed to be used with additional leak proof packaging, it also suffers from certain structural inadequacies, including an insufficiently rigid outer packaging. Additional packaging is therefore required for biological samples whose transportation is governed by strict regulations.
• MiniMailBox was also designed with U 3373-type regulations in mind.
• the inifvlailBox is not itself leak proof, meaning that additional interior packaging is required, thereby placing an increased burden on the user to ensure that each component of the packaging is correctly and securely sealed .
• a fiuid impermeable container for transporting a biological sample
• the container comprising folded sheet material, the folded sheet material being fiuid impermeable and defining a base, enclosing side walls, an upper wall, and a container closing member, the upper wall being configured to define an opening to a recess for receiving a receptacle containing a biological sample to be transported, wherein the recess is seaiingiy enclosed by the containe closing member when the container is in a closed configuration.
• the container enables a user to achieve a fiuid impermeable barrier between the interior and the exterior of the container.
• the container affords both fiuid impermeability and durability characteristics without the need for multiple types of packaging. Consequently, the single closure packaging reduces the burden placed on the user, thereby allowing a biological sample to be packaged, either by a clinician or by a member of the public, in a simpler and more efficient manner, which complies with regulations governing the transportation of biological material, such as those imposed by U 3373
• the sheet material is rigid. The container therefore provides both a fluid impermeable barrier, as west as a rigid outer packaging without the need for multiple types of packaging.
• the container is sized to be posfabie through a standard letter box.
• the container thereby facilitates sampling by the public in self-screening studies.
• the foided sheet material comprises a fluid impermeable coating.
• the fluid impermeable coating is provided as a laminate coating on the folded sheet material. Lamination of sheet material is an inexpensive process, and confers fluid impermeability characteristics to the resulting container.
• the folded sheet material comprises cardboard.
• Cardboard sheet material is easily cut and shaped, and confers strength and durability characteristics whilst being at the same time cost-effective,
• the container closing member comprises an adhesive portion.
• An adhesive affords a good seal around the recess.
• the adhesive portion does not extend over an area of the container dosing member that overlies the opening to the recess when the container is in a closed configuration.
• the area of the container closing member that overlies the opening to the recess when the container is in a closed configuration may not comprise an adhesive. Consequently, a receptacle may not become adhered to the container dosing member when the container Is in use.
• This may be achieved by die cutting an adhesive strip.
• the die cutter may be shaped to correspond to the opening of the recess.
• the adhesive is exposed by releasing a backing strip.
• the container dosing member is therefore simple to operate. The adhesive and sealing characteristics of the adhesive are not
• the container further comprises one or more container reinforcing members.
• the one or more reinforcing member confer additional strength, rigidity and durability characteristics to the container.
• the one or more container reinforcing members comprises an absorbent.
• the absorbent may be impregnated within the one or more container reinforcing members. In the event of damage to the primary receptacle, the absorbent prevents the sample from leaking out of the container.
• the container reinforcing member comprises one or more inserts, around which the sheet material of the container is formed. Multiple inserts may be stacked one on top of another and then secured in place once the sheet material is erected around them.
• the one or more inserts are made from a sufficiently rigid foam or from corrugated cardboard. Such materials improve the rigidity of the container whilst offering a degree of absorbency.
• the recess comprises a cushioning material .
• the primary receptacle which is often manufactured from glass or rigid plastic, is thereby cushioned from impacts during transportation and handling.
• the dimensions of the recess correspond accurately to those of a primary receptacle whose lid portion has been correctly closed. Accordingly, the recess is physically incapable of accommodating a receptacle whose lid has been incorrectly closed, thereby prompting a user to take action, Moreover, providing a recess whose dimensions correspond closely to those of the receptacle being transported prevents the lid, cap or stopper of such a receptacle from becoming detached or dislodged during transit. The risk of spillage or leakage is therefore even further reduced.
• the recess comprises an absorbent material.
• the absorbent prevents the sample from leaking out of the container.
• the quantity of absorbent material is sufficient to absorb the entire contents of a biological sample to be transported. The risk of any biological material reaching the outer extremities of the container is thereby significantly reduced.
• the absorbent material is a foam or cotton wool >
• foam or cotton wool Such materials provide adequate absorbency characteristics, whilst at the same time affording a degree of cushioning
• the recess further comprises a fluid impermeable holder for housing a biological sample to be transported.
• the holder confers additional fluid impermeability characteristics to the portion of the container being in contact with the primary receptacle.
• the holder is integrally formed within the recess. An additional burden on the user is thereby eliminated.
• the holder is made from plastic Plastics are typically lightweight, fluid impermeable and inexpensive
• the recess further comprises one or more cutaway portions for facilitating access to the recess.
• the recess may be substantially larger than the receptacle which it is intended to receive, in such an embodiment, the recess may further comprise receptacle retaining means to retain the receptacle in a given part of the recess, such that container opening means, such as a blade o guillotine, may safely shear through an empty part of the recess.
• the receptacle retaining means comprises a constricted portion ,
• the constricted portion may be formed into a single side wail of the recess.
• opposing side walls of the recess may be constricted at a given point.
• the container further comprises sample releasing means for accessing the recess other than via the container closing member.
• the container therefore provides means for accessing the packaged sample once it has reached its destination.
• the means are located away from the container closing member so that its integrity is not weakened.
• the sample releasing means comprises a perforated release tab complementarily shaped to at least one of the faces of the recess. The tab may be simply removed by fearing along the perforation, thereby exposing one or more faces of the packaged sample.
• the perforated release tab is disposed on the base of the container.
• the sample releasing means may comprise a line of weakness extending through the container and intersecting the recess along one of its faces, The packaged sample may therefore be accessed by breaking the container over the edge of a flat surface, such as a work top, so as to expose one or the faces of the packaged sample.
• the sample releasing means may comprise a line of weakness extending through the container and intersecting the recess at any point along its length. Once the container is broken along the line of weakness, a portion of the receptacle may protrude from the recess, Such sample releasing means may prove advantageous whan numerous containers are to be opened, by reducing the risk posed by repetitive strain injuries (RSis),
• kits of parts for transporting a biological sample comprising a fluid impermeable container of the present invention, and a receptacle capable of containing a biological sample to be transported.
• a pre-cut and pre- creased blank comprising sheet materiai which is erectabie to form a fluid impermeable container of the present invention.
• Figure 1 is a view from the front, one side and above of the container of the present invention in a fully open configuration
• gure 2 is a view from one side of the container of the present invention in a partially open configuration
• gureJ is a view from the front, one side and above of the container depicted in claim 1. further depicting the optional fluid impermeable holder for housing a biological prior to insertion into the recess.
• BflUfiL! is a view from the rear, one side and below of the container of the present invention in g ciosed configuration, is a view from the rear, one side and below of the container depicted in Figure 4.
• Figure 6 is a view from the rear, one side and below of the container of the present invention in a broken configuration
• Rg reJ? is a view from the rear, one side and below of the container of the present Invention in an alternative broken configuration
• EiS .i.t..S a view from above of a pre-cu and pre-creased blank ereetabie to form a container of the present invention.
• the fluid impermeable container 10 is formed from a sheet of laminated cardboard, If is generally cuboidal in shape, having a base 12, upright front 14, rear 16 and side walls 18a, 18b, an upper wall 20, and a closure flap 22, Upper wail 20 lies in a substantially identical plane to base 12, and defines an opening to a recess 24 for receiving a receptacle (not shown) containing a biological sample to be transported.
• Closure flap 22 has a sealing portion 28 which sealingiy encloses the recess 24 when the container 10 is in a closed configuration.
• base 12 is separated from upper wall 20 along long edge 30 by front wail 14.
• Front wall 14 is separated from upper wall 20 by long edge 32, which lies opposite long edge 30.
• Rear wall 16 is of substantially identical dimensions to front wall 14 and is separated from upper wail 20 by long edge 34, which lies opposite long edge 32.
• Side walls 18a, 18b lie along opposite short edges 38, 38
• Base 12 is separated from closure flap 22 along long edge 40 by rear wall cover 28, which lies along an opposite edge of base 12 to front wail 14.
• Rear wall cover 28 is separated from closure flap 22 by long edge 42. Rear wall cover 28 is of
• Sealing portion 26 is disposed towards an opposite edge of closure flap 22 to rear wall cover 28. Sealing portion 26 is distinguished from closure flap 22 by edge 43. Edges 30, 32, 34, 38, 38, 40, 42, 43 are pre- creased.
• front 14 and rear 16 walls each have a pair of adhesive tabs 44a, 44b and 48a, 48b respectively, extending outwardly from their respective shortest edges 48a, 48b, 50a, 50b,
• Each of side walls 18a, 18b also has an adhesive tab 52a, 52b respectively, each disposed along an opposite edge 54a, 54b respectively, to upper wail 20.
• Rear wall 18 has a further adhesive tab 58 disposed along an opposite edge 58 to upper wall 20.
• Edges 48a, 48b, 50a, 50b, 54a, 54b : 58 are pre-creased
• adhesive tabs 44a, 44b, 48a, 48b, 52a, 52b. 56 are secured to the inner surface of base 12 such that they are concealed from view. The performance of the adhesive is not compromised in the event of a spillage within container 10.
• container 10 comprises a plurality of container reinforcing members 58 provided as layers of corrugated cardboard.
• Reinforcing members 58 are of substantially identical dimensions to base 12 and upper wail 20, and are sandwiched therebetween when container 10 is erected from sheet material.
• Reinforcing members 58 have a cutout portion com isttariiy shaped to recess 24, such that portions of reinforcing members 58 form the side walls of recess 24.
• Reinforcing members 58 are secured in place once container 10 is erected from sheet material.
• upper wall 20 also comprises semicircular cutaways 68 located along opposite long edges of the opening to recess 24, A portion of the reinforcing members 58 comprises complementan ' ly shaped cutaway portions to facilitate access to a receptacle located inside recess 24.
• a sample holder 80 in the form of a tray may he provided, the sample holder 80 being complemententariiy shaped to recess 24.
• Sample holder 60 is designed to receive a receptacle containing a biological sample and is therefore manufactured from a fluid
• Sample holder 80 further comprises a lip 82, the underside of which abuts, and is adhesively secured to, the upper surface of upper wail 20 when sample holder 60 is located i recess 24.
• An interior portion of sample holder 80 contains a cushioning and an absorbent material, such as cotton wool or the like.
• container 10 Prior to use, and referring to Figure 2.
• container 10 adopts a partially open configuration in which sealing portion 28 of closure flap 22 is folded inwardly along edge 43, such that sealing portion 28 lies substantially contiguous with closure flap 22 ⁇
• Sealing portion 26, which is generally formed from double sided adhesive tape, is prevented from adhering to closure flap 22 by backing strip 62.
• An empty receptacle for receiving a biological sample may then be located in recess 24 and a recipient's address, or other information, may be printed onto the uppermost surface of closure flap 22, before an outer wrapper, such as transparent cellophane is applied.
• recess 24 and a receptacle contained therein are presented to a user.
• container 10 is exposed by removal, if present, of an outer wrapper, thereby allowing container 10 to adopt a fuily open configuration in which sealing portion 28 is folded outwardly along edge 43 to reveal user instructions printed onto the inner surface of closure flap 22.
• a user then removes the receptacle from recess 24 and inserts into it a sample of biological material.
• the receptacle is then sealed and relocated back into recess 24.
• Backing strip 82 is then removed from sealing portion 26 and discarded.
• sealing portion 28 is lowered onto the opening to recess 24, such that the upper boundaries of recess 24 and cutaways 88 on upper wall 20 are fully and sealingiy enclosed by sealing portion 26.
• the adhesive and sealing characteristics of sealing portion 26 are not compromised by spillages within recess 24.
• container 10 when used as a return mailing article, container 10, being in a partially open configuration, arrives with a user in a transparent mapp r, with recess 24, and a receptacle contained therein, clearly visible. Container 10 is then unwrapped, a biological sample is introduced into the receptacle, and the receptacle then relocated back into recess 24. Container 10 is then seaiingly closed by the user according to the above protocol, and conveniently mailed to a recipient, normally a laboratory or other medical institute, whose address may have been pre-printad on container 1Q. In its dosed configuration, container 10 comp!ies with specific regulations governing the transportation of biological material, such as those imposed by UN3373. Container 10 is suitably sized so as to be postable through a standard letter box, and addresses or other relevant information may be printed on the outer surface of either closure flap 22 or base 12,
• container 10 is provided with a perforated release tab 84 formed into base 12 and located over the underside of recess 24. Release tab 64 may therefore be torn away to expose a portion of recess 24 in which the receptacle containing the biological sample is contained.
• the sample of biological material may be retrieved by tearing along a perforation 66 that extends through a substantially median point of container 10.
• Perforation 66 intersects a face of recess 24, such that tearing container 10 along perforation 68 exposes a portion of recess 24, thereby allowing the sample to be retrieved.
• perforation 68 may Intersect recess 24 at any point along its length, such that, upon tearing, the receptacle containing the biological sample protrudes therefrom and is easily retrievable.
• container 10 may be formed from a number of other sheet materials, such as certain plastics, in which case further fluid impermeability characteristics may be conferred to container 10.
• the shape of container 10 may also differ from that described herein, and various other three dimensional forms are equally envisageab e.
• Reinforcing members 58 may be constructed from materials other than cardboard, such as rigid foams or sponges.
• reinforcing members may be impregnated or dispersed with a material having absorbency characteristics, thereby minimising even further the risk of spillage.
• Recess 24 may be shaped to receive any number of conventional specimen receptacles. Cutaways 83 may be one or more in number, and may be of any size of shape. Where sample holder 80 is not used, recess 24 may be directly packed with one or more cushioning or absorbent materials, including fabrics, foams, sponges, pads and powders.
• Sealing portion 26 may comprise adhesive means other than double sided adhesive tape, such as any number of glues. The adhesives are preferably selected such that their performance is not compromised in the event of a spillage.
• Release tab 84 may be alternatively located to expose any accessible face of recess 24. Release tab 64 may also be located on closure flap 22, providing that the sealing characteristics of container 10 are not compromised. Perforation 66 may be relocated so as to expose, upon tearing, one or more other portions of recess 24.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Food Science & Technology (AREA)
• Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Hematology (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=47891014

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (3)

Family Cites Families (12)

• 2013
  • 2013-01-30 GB GB1301645.6A patent/GB2515986B/en active Active
• 2014
  • 2014-01-30 WO PCT/GB2014/050248 patent/WO2014118542A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2014-01-30 EP EP14702921.9A patent/EP2951101B1/de active Active

Non-Patent Citations (2)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events