EP3539890A1 - Security package for transporting samples - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of packaging for transporting samples or samples, in particular harmful and / or dangerous materials, such as, for example, and in a non-limiting manner, asbestos samples. Of course, other materials can also be transported by means of the present invention and the concept of sample or sample, used equivalently in the present description should not be seen as limiting.

Sachets for the transport of material are known on their principle in the state of the art. They can carry all types of material, including food, and are generally square or rectangular in shape with one side including a closure system, preferably allowing multiple openings and closures.

For example, the DE 10 2010 051 579 which discloses a bellows 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 easily separated. Such paper bags, which let air through, are not suitable for collecting hazardous products. When transporting samples or samples of particular substances, namely substances that are harmful or dangerous to health, it is necessary to use additional safety means to protect the environment of the bag and to prevent unintentional contamination by example if the bag is torn.

The application of such bags is for example for the transport of samples 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 contamination. Other applications are of course possible, the one mentioned being only an example.

A simple solution is to combine the use of two independent bags. The sample taken is placed in a first bag which is closed, for example in a sealed manner, by closure means. Then this first bag is introduced into a second bag which is also then closed, for example sealed by other closure means.

Both sachets are then sent to the laboratory planned for analysis and opened on site, for example in a protected environment.

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

An example of such a bag is illustrated in the 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 important that storage of a practically unlimited duration is made possible.

Vacuum packaging according to FR 2 022 831 is characterized by an inner packaging · filled with the gas-tight, gas-tight packing material of a suitable flexible, gas-impervious or gas-impermeable material, and an outer packaging receiving the same inner packaging evacuated and closed in a gas-tight manner, this outer package also being evacuated, gas-tightly closed and made of a flexible, gas-impermeable or gas-impermeable material.

according to FR 2 022 831 the inner package or outer package, or both packages, are of a heat-sealable material to thereby achieve gas-tight sealing by means of known devices and methods and in a particularly simple manner.

In the process according to this publication, the inner package is filled, evacuated, optionally filled with a gas through the closure seal which is already partially formed, and then sealed gas-tight.

The inner packaging thus finished is then placed in the outer casing, which in this case is in the form of a bag and which is closed by a seal at the upper end after the standard evacuation, which is optionally followed by the introduction of a protective gas.

As is easily understood, this system is not very simple because it involves the successive manipulation of two bags, the first to be prepared before its introduction in the second, then the handling of the second and its preparation to receive the first bag and closing the second bag.

In addition, it requires keeping a stock of two (at least) different bags of different sizes, or "pairs" of bags. This stock of two types of sachets must be permanently transported and stored together.

The JP 4,604,287 also discloses a double bag principle, in which an inner bag is placed in an outer bag. Each sachet comprises a closure means at its longitudinal end. The inner bag is occasionally attached to the outer bag, but their assembly is such that each bag can be filled with a different material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is thus to improve 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, especially when the transported material is harmful or dangerous.

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

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a package for transporting products in the form of harmful or dangerous samples or samples, the package 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 to the inside of the second bag, the first bag being intended to receive products to be transported. The bags are made of synthetic material, in particular plastic.

According to variants, the walls of the first and second bags are fixed together in the area of the first closure means, so as to form a sealing zone preventing the passage of materials to the volume between the first and second bag. Thus a package formed of two bags is formed, but only the first bag can receive the samples or samples. Access to the inter-bag space is impossible, which prevents asbestos fibers, 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 in the walls of the second bag. These constructive measures also avoid the formation of nooks or edges likely to hold samples / samples out of the first bag. The accumulation of fibers and dust near the opening can be further limited by applying antistatic treatment to the first closure means (2) and in the area thereof (i.e. this one)

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

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

In one embodiment, the second bag comprises a flap.

In one embodiment, the flap comprises a closure means.

In one embodiment, the closure means of the flap comprises a sticky tape or adhesive.

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

In one embodiment, the fastening means of the flap is a sticky tape or sticker.

In one embodiment, the bag (s) is (are) formed of single-layer walls and / or multilayer. This single-layer or multi-layer construction can be applied to one of the bags or to all the bags of the package.

In one embodiment, the walls of the bag (s) comprise layers of metal and / or chemicals. The metal can be of any type, for example aluminum or other. It can be deposited either on a layer (flexible) or by projection or other appropriate technology. In practice, one can have one or more bag made of metal materials, for example aluminum, or metallized plastic walls. Alternatively one can place in the volume / inter-bag space of the metal sheets. We will be able for ex. put foils in the space between the inner and outer bag to cloud the packaging, and protect the contents of the light.

It may also be advantageous to put a chemical such as a surfactant in the inter-bag space, between the inner and outer bag. In case of rupture of the inner bag, the surfactant will mingle with light fibers such as asbestos, and prevent them from diffusing into the ambient air.

In one embodiment, the chemical may be a surfactant.

In one embodiment, the package may comprise more than two pouches, one inside the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• The figure 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention.
• The figure 2 illustrates a sectional side view of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, the package according to the invention comprises at least a first bag 1 (also defined by the concept of "inner" or "inner" bag). This first bag 1 has a rectangular shape (for example) and comprises at least one open side comprising closure means 2. The closure means 2 are for example pinch / press (in particular zip type) and allow the reopening of the bag. This first bag 1 is used to directly collect the product to be transported. Classically, 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 inner volume of the bag is through the opening 1.1. The closing means 2 extend over the whole of the opening 1.1 and thus allow to completely close the access to the inner volume of the bag 1.

The package comprises at least one second bag 3 (also defined by the concept of "outer" or "outer" bag) with a flap 4, and closure means 5, 6. Here again the bag 3 comprises, by its design, a so-called opening side 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 inner volume of the bag is through the opening 3.1.

The first bag 1 is fixed in the second bag 3 as shown in the section of the figure 2 by any appropriate 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 bag. first means of closure 2. The term zone means at the height of the first closure means 2, or nearby. It is advantageous to fix together the two bags 1 and 3 at the closure means 2 of the first bag 1, which is also attached to the first bag. Thus, at the level of the first closure means 2, a kind of sealing zone is formed which prevents the passage of materials towards the internal volume existing between the first and second bags.

It will also be noted that the pouches 1 and 3 are, during manufacture, linked at the level of the zone of the first closure means. But the large surfaces formed by side walls 1.3 and 3.3 are not linked, as can be seen in the 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 together 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 closed. In other words, the present packaging forms a kind of double wall bag, with a single sealed / sealed storage volume defined by the inner bag 1, accessible via the opening opening 1.1 which is closed after filling by means of the first closure means 2. A zip type closure allows a tight closure of the inner bag.

When collecting hazardous materials, such as asbestos, it ensures that the fibers are collected only in the inner bag 1. Thanks to the sealing area, the fibers can not arrive in the interstitial space -sachets.

In general, the outer bag 3 extends beyond the closing zone of the first bag 1, that is to say upwards in the figure 1 , and there is a rear portion said flap 4 in the continuity of the rear side face, and a front portion, said against flap 4 ', in the continuity of the front face. Advantageously, the edges of the walls of the first bag 1, opening side 1.1, do not extend beyond the closure means 2. Or these edges are integrated in 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 connected as if it were a single wall. For example, they can be glued or soldered. This prevents the edges of the walls 1.3 of the first bag 1 from forming rims or material accumulation zone before the closure means 2.

It may 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 area of the closure.

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

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

Only one bag stock is needed since the pair "inner bag" - "outer bag" is supplied in a single package that is not necessary to build during collection.

In one embodiment, the flap 4 may comprise additional fixing means 7, such as a self-adhesive strip on the other side with respect to the strip 6. This additional means allows the gluing / fixing of the sachets 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 attachment means can of course be provided as a bracket.

Preferably, the package comprises one or more precut lines. A first precut line 9 is placed between the first closure means 2 and the band 5: the precut line passes through the flap 4 and against flap 4 '. A second precut line 9 'can be positioned between the two strips 5 and 6, thus 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.

The pre-cut strip 9 makes it possible to pull the upper part of the package under the closure means 5, giving access to the first closure means 2. It will be noted that the closure band 6, when present, is advantageously positioned on the flap 4 so as to be glued above the lower precut line 9.

The pouches are typically full-walled sachets, able to receive contents in a sealed and / or hermetic manner, made of any suitable material, for example a synthetic material, such as plastic or the like. In particular, the polyethylene bags or any other appropriate material may be produced. They can be single-layer or multi-layer depending on the use. In a multi-layer mode, the layers can also be of any suitable material, for example synthetic materials or else with coatings such as metal, or chemicals (surfactants, reagents etc.). These materials / coatings are referenced with the number 8 in the figures. The inner bag and the outer bag may be formed of the same material or the same materials or not. Both can be single-layer or multilayer or one can be single-layer and the other multi-layer.

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

For example, the closure means may be adhesive or adhesive strips or other equivalent means ("Zip" type or pressure type for example).

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

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

Also, it is conceivable that the outer bag 3 comprises two independent inner bags 1 or more than two internal bags 1 independent or not.

Claims (13)

Flexible packaging for transporting products in the form of harmful or dangerous samples or samples, said package comprising a first bag (1) comprising a first closure means (2), and at least one second bag (3) comprising a second closure means (5), said first bag (1) being attached to the inside of the second bag (3), said first bag (1) being intended to receive said products to be transported, the bags being made of synthetic material, in particular plastic. The package of claim 1 wherein the walls of the first and second pouches are secured together in the region of the first closure means to form a sealing zone to prevent passage of materials to the volume between the first and second pouches . 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. The package of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first closure means is a pressure closure means. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second closure means is a sticky or adhesive tape. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second bag (3) comprises a flap (4) extending beyond the first closure means (2). Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap comprises a closure means (6), preferably a sticky or adhesive tape. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap comprises means (7) for fixing the bag, preferably a sticky or adhesive tape. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sachets are formed of monolayer and / or multilayer walls. A package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the pouches comprise layers of metal and / or chemicals, or the metal layers and / or the chemicals are provided in one or more interlayer volumes. Packaging according to the preceding claim, wherein the chemical is a surfactant placed in an inter-sachet volume. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, said package comprising more than two bags in each other. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the first closure means (2) includes an antistatic treatment.

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