WO2007053690A2

WO2007053690A2 - Emergency spill kit

Info

Publication number: WO2007053690A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/042670
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julie A. Bowser; Martin R. Scutts
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2005-10-31
Filing date: 2006-10-31
Publication date: 2007-05-10
Also published as: GB0806065D0; GB2444221B; WO2007053690A3; GB0522147D0; GB2444221A

Abstract

A packaging container (1) for the contents of a spill kit is erected from a cardboard blank (2) to form a box with a lid (3). The lid (3) is secured in a closed position by tamper evident formations such as perforations. The perforations are broken to release the lid (3) and open the container (1) so that the contents of the spill kit can be removed for clearing up a spillage. The used parts of the spill kit are returned to the box together with the collected spillage and the lid (3) re-secured to close the container (1) for disposal with the contents. The lid (3) is re-secured in a different position to provide a visual indication that the container (1) has been opened and the spill kit used.

Description

EMERGENCY SPILL KIT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the collection and disposal of spills of liquid and/or solid waste material in a safe manner. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application for the collection and disposal of spills of contaminated or waste liquids presenting health and/or safety hazards.

The invention is mainly concerned with the collection of liquid spills with absorbent material and with the disposal of the absorbent material containing the collected liquid. More especially, the invention relates to packaging for a liquid spill kit including absorbent material where the packaging can be used both to store the absorbent material until it is required; to collect a liquid spill; and to contain the absorbent material for disposal after use. The invention also has application to a method for collecting and disposing of liquid spills.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spillage of liquids in areas where people can come into contact with the spilled liquid can present health and/or safety hazards. For example liquids spilled on floors can make the floor slippery and cause a person to fall and injure themselves. These problems are increased where the spilled liquid is toxic and/or contaminated and contact with the liquid can cause injury, illness and in extreme cases even death. For example spillage of blood creates special problems for collection and removal where the blood can be infected with various diseases that are transmissible by human contact with the blood such as hepatitis and AIDS. It is desirable therefore to be able to deal with spillage of liquids in an efficient and reliable manner that prevents people coming into contact with the liquid and reduces the risk of injury and/or illness arising from the spillage.

A common method of dealing with spillage of liquids is to apply an absorbent material to the surface on which the spillage has occurred that soaks up the liquid. While such absorbent materials are effective in removing the liquid from the site of the spillage, disposal of the resulting waste material containing the liquid can give rise to problems, especially where the liquid is toxic and/or contaminated. Such waste cannot be disposed of in a way that could result in a person coming into contact with the liquid and special arrangements often have to be made for the storage of such waste for collection and safe disposal which adds to the cost of dealing with such spillages.

Further problems arise where tools are used to handle the waste following use of the absorbent material to soak up the liquid. For example, tools used to pick up the waste for transfer to a storage container require cleaning after use as does the storage container when the waste is collected. This adds to costs and the cleaning operation can itself present health and/or safety risks.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method for collecting, containing and disposing of spillages of waste material, especially liquid spills in a safe, reliable and cost effective manner.

SUMMARY

From one aspect, the present invention provides in at least one embodiment, packaging for a spill kit that can be used both for storing the kit prior to use and for containing the kit together with collected material after use for disposal. In preferred embodiments, the packaging comprises a container in the form of a box that can be opened for removing the kit when a spillage occurs and, after use, that part of the kit used to collect the spillage can be returned to the container for disposal.

In one arrangement, the box has a closure member configured for opening said box to enable the kit to be removed from said box and allow that part of the kit used to collect the spillage to be returned to said box after use together with the collected spillage, wherein said closure member can be closed and secured for disposal of said container together with the contents.

The packaging may itself be disposable and can be discarded with the part of the kit containing the collected liquid for destruction in a safe and reliable manner. For example, the packaging may be made of paperboard material such as cardboard, typically corrugated cardboard providing a container that combines strength to protect the kit and lightness for ease of handling.

For some applications, the packaging material may be resistant to penetration by water, grease, oil and/or chemicals. For example paperboard materials may be provided with a protective coating that provides resistance to water, grease or oil, such as those commercially available from Michelman, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Alternatively or additionally, for corrugated board materials, the fluting may be water/chemical resistant.

In preferred embodiments, the packaging is erected from a cardboard blank configured such that, in the assembled, unopened condition, the closure member is secured in a tamper evident manner that enables the integrity of the container and thus of the kit within the container to be checked visually. For example, the closure member may be connected to an adjacent part of the box by a perforated region of the cardboard that separates when the closure member is opened to allow access to the liquid spill kit within the container. Alternatively, if the integrity of the container is not important, the container can be supplied with the perforated region already slit open.

In an especially preferred embodiment, the closure member can be closed and secured to retain the used parts of the kit therein for disposal. For example, the closure member may be connected to the box by an integral hinge for opening/closing the box, and the box and closure member may have formations that engage to secure the closure member in the closed position. The engageable formations may comprise at least one tab on the closure member for reception in a corresponding opening in the box to secure the closure member in the closed position.

The closed position is preferably different to the unopened position in which the closure member is initially secured which again provides a visual indication that the container has been opened and the closure member re-secured. Thus, the closure member may be received within a portion of the box in the closed position. In a preferred arrangement, the hinge defines a first hinge axis and the closure member is foldable about a second hinge axis spaced from and parallel to the first hinge axis for positioning the closure member in said portion of the box to secure the closure member in the closed position. The closure member may be provided with a handle for a user to grip when carrying the container and/or when opening/closing the container.

The spill kit typically includes absorbent material that can be used to soak up spilled liquid. The absorbent material may be provided in any form that is suitable for the purpose, for example powder, granules, sheet, roll, pillow or pad that can be placed over the liquid, and can collect and retain the spilled liquid. For example, the absorbent material may comprise blown microfibres of a polymer such as polyamide, polyester or polyolefine in sheet or chopped particulate form, or other absorbent materials such as: clay, talc, chalk, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, sawdust, sand or the like. Suitable absorbent materials are commercially available, under the name 3M™ Sorbents, from 3M Company of St. Paul, MN, USA. Advantageously, the absorbent material is capable of holding a large volume of liquid.

In some embodiments, the packaging may include a tool for use in collecting and returning the absorbent material to the container after use so that the person cleaning up the spillage does not have to handle the absorbent material containing the liquid collected from the spillage. The tool is particularly useful where the spillage involves breakage of a bottle or other container producing solid debris that needs to be removed together with the liquid. The tool allows such solid debris to be transferred to the container without handling by the user and therefore avoids the risk of the user cutting themselves and coming into contact with the liquid.

The tool is preferably disposable and can be discarded with the container and collected liquid after use. For example, the tool may be made of paperboard material such as cardboard, typically corrugated cardboard. In preferred embodiments, the tool is configured to allow the absorbent material containing liquid collected from the spillage to be swept into the open container.

In this way, the container and tool can be used in much the same way as a dustpan and brush to collect and return the absorbent material to the container after use. The tool may also be used to collect and return any solid debris from the spillage, for example broken glass, or from materials used to confine or contain the spillage or clean the area after removal of the liquid. The tool is conveniently erected from a cardboard blank configured to provide a grip portion for holding and manipulating the tool, and a plurality of fingers that can flex relative to the grip portion and to each other as the tool is passed over the surface to be cleaned and act in the manner of the bristles of a brush to pick up and return the absorbent material and/or other debris to the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the packaging further comprises a carton in which a plurality of the containers are received prior to use, with the carton being adapted for dispensing the containers one at a time. For example, the carton may have a portion configured to provide an opening through which the containers can be removed from the carton one at a time. The portion preferably comprises a panel that is releasable to provide the opening and may be in the form of a tear-off panel releasably secured to the carton by tamper evident means.

The opening is preferably provided at one end of the carton and, in use, the carton may be adapted to be supported on a wall or other surface with the opening at a lower end so that, when a container is removed from the carton, remaining containers move down within the carton to present the next container to the opening for removal. Preferably, the opening is configured so that the presence of at least two containers in the carton can be visually checked. In this way, a visual indication is provided to the user when only one container remains in the carton and a new carton can be ordered before the last container is used. The carton may be made of paperboard material such as cardboard, typically corrugated cardboard, and may be coated and/or impregnated with material resistant to liquids.

From another aspect, the present invention provides the combination of a liquid spill kit including absorbent material capable of absorbing a liquid spillage from a surface and packaging for the liquid spill kit. In preferred embodiments, the packaging is in accordance with the preceding aspect of the invention^ with the contents of the spill kit being stored in the container prior to use and being returned to the container after use. The container provides a safe and efficient way of disposing of the collected liquid so as to reduce or prevent human contact with the liquid.

The absorbent material may be of any suitable type but is preferably capable of picking-up and retain a large volume of liquid. The kit may include other materials to assist in the cleaning up operation. For example, wipes impregnated with cleaning fluid and/or disinfectant may be provided to clean and sanitise the surface after removal of the spillage. For spillages of body fluid, such as blood, sachets of a broad-spectrum disinfectant may be provided, for example sachets of the broad-spectrum disinfectant commercially available, under the name Virkon^R S, from Farnam Companies Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona, USA. .

The kit may include protective clothing for the user such as gloves, apron, over-sleeves, over-shoes, goggles and particulate face masks that can be returned to the container after use for disposal. The kit may also include a wet symbol spillage sign to provide a visual warning of a potentially hazardous area.

The kit may include a label for identifying debris contained in the container and preferably further includes a bag in which the container is placed for disposal. The bag may be see through (transparent) or include a see through panel for identifying the contents without opening the bag. The bag should be suitable for the intended area of use. Thus, in a medical environment such as a hospital, a yellow poly bag of biohazard/clinical waste quality and standard may be employed. From yet another aspect, the present invention provides apparatus for dispensing a plurality of spill kits, the apparatus comprising a carton in which the spill kits are contained, the carton having a portion configured to provide an opening through which a spill kit can be removed from the carton.

Preferably, the carton has a panel that is detachable to form the opening when it is desired to remove a kit from the box. In a preferred embodiment, the opening is provided at one end of the carton and the carton can be supported on a wall or other surface with the opening at the lower end so that, when a kit is removed from the carton, the remaining kits move down within the carton to present the next kit to the opening for removal. More preferably, the opening is configured so that the presence of at least two kits in the carton can be visually checked and confirmed so that the user can easily tell when there is only one kit remaining in the carton.

The carton may be made of paperboard material such as cardboard, typically corrugated cardboard providing a carton that combines strength to protect the kits stored therein and lightness for ease of handling. In preferred embodiments, the carton is erected from a cardboard blank configured such that, in the assembled, unopened condition, the opening is provided by a tear-off panel secured in a tamper evident manner that enables the integrity of the carton and thus of the kits within the carton to be checked visually. For example, the tear-off panel may be connected to an adjacent part of the carton by a perforated region of the cardboard that separates when the panel is removed to allow access to the spill kits within the carton.

The spillage may be of liquid and/or solid waste material. In preferred embodiments the spill kit includes absorbent material for removing spilled liquid from a surface and placing the collected liquid in the container for disposal.

From a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of cleaning up a spillage by providing a spill kit in a closed container, opening said container by releasing a closure portion of said container and removing said spill kit from said container, employing said spill kit to remove a spillage from a surface, returning that part of said spill kit used to remove the spillage (and collected spillage) to said container, and re-securing said closure portion for closing said container with said spill kit (and collected spillage) therein for disposal ,

In preferred embodiments, the container is made of paperboard such as cardboard, typically corrugated cardboard which may be water and/or chemical resistant and the method further includes the step of providing a cardboard blank for the container and erecting the container from the blank. In at least one embodiment, the blank is configured to provide the container with an integral, tamper-evident closure portion for providing a visual indication of the integrity of the container.

In at least one embodiment, the method further includes the step of providing the spill kit with absorbent material for collecting a liquid spillage and with a tool for returning the absorbent material to the container after use. The tool is preferably made of paperboard such as cardboard, typically corrugated cardboard which may be water and/or chemical resistant and is disposable with the container after use.

The method may further include the step of providing the spill kit with protective clothing for the user to wear and returning the protective clothing to the container after use. From another aspect, the present invention provides a blank for making a container for a spill kit, the blank having panels forming walls of the container and a lid for opening the container, the lid being defined in part by a crease line defining an integral hinge connecting the lid to the container and by one or more lines of weakness by means of which the lid can be released to open the container, and the lid and container having engageable formations configured to re-secure the lid to close the container.

The lid may have a fold line parallel to and spaced from the crease line for positioning the lid within the container to engage the formations.

From a still further aspect, the present invention provides a blank for making a carton for a plurality of spill kits, the blank having panels that form walls of the carton, wherein at least one panel is configured as a tear- off panel that is removable to define an opening through which the spill kits can be removed one at a time.

From another aspect, the present invention provides a spill kit for removing a spillage from a surface, the kit including a disposable container for contents of the kit, the container being made of paperboard material from a blank comprising panels that form walls of the container and a lid for the container, wherein the lid is connected to the container by an integral hinge and is defined at least in part by at least one line of weakness that secures the lid in a closed position such that the container can be opened by tearing the at least one line of weakness to release the lid for opening the container and removing the kit contents from the container, and wherein the lid can be closed and secured after returning the kit contents to the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid is secured in a first position by the at least one line of weakness and is secured in a second position different from the first position after returning the kit contents to the container. In this way, a visual indication is provided that the kit has been used.

From yet another aspect, the present invention provides a disposable spill kit for removing a spillage from a surface, the kit including a container for one or more kit contents, the container having a lid, tamper-evident means for releasably securing the lid in a first, closed position prior to opening the container, and means for securing the lid in a second, closed position after opening the container, the second closed position being different from the first closed position.

The tamper-evident means provides a visual indication of the integrity of the container prior to use. After use, the securing means enables the container to be re-closed and the lid secured in a different position that provides a visual indication that the container has been opened and re- closed.

Other features, benefits and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description hereinafter of exemplary embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a front view of a packaging container for a liquid spill kit embodying the invention in an assembled, unopened condition prior to use;

Figure 2 is a rear view of the container shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side view of the container shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a top view of the container shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a side view of the container shown in Figures 1 to 4 in an opened condition;

Figure 6 is a front view of the container shown in Figures 1 to 4 in a closed condition after use;

Figure 7 is a side view of the container shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a blank for erecting the container shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 is a front view of a hand held tool for use with the container of Figure 1 ;

Figure 10 is a side view of the hand tool shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a blank for erecting the tool shown in Figures 9 and 10;

Figure 12 shows the blank of Figure 1 1 in a partially folded condition;

Figures 13 to 25 show use of the spill kit for the collection and disposal of a liquid spill; Figure 26 shows a carton for a plurality of liquid spill kits;

Figure 27 shows the removal of a tear-off panel to open the carton shown in Figure 26;

Figure 28 shows the carton of Figure 26 opened and in the dispense position; and

Figure 29 shows a blank for erecting the carton shown in Figure 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 4 show a packaging container 1 for a liquid spill kit in its assembled, unopened condition prior to use of the liquid spill kit to collect and remove liquid spilled onto a surface such as a floor.

The assembled, unopened container 1 is of rectangular box-shape having a front wall I a₅ a rear wall Ib, a top wall I c, a bottom wall I d and side walls I e, I f. The container 1 is formed from a cardboard blank 2 described in more detail later.

In this embodiment, the blank 2 is made of corrugated cardboard but it will be understood that other materials may be employed. It will also be understood that the container 2 may have a shape other than the box-shape shown although this is preferred because of the ease of manufacture and assembly.

The blank 2 is formed by creasing, perforating or cutting the cardboard to form a plurality of panels by means of which the container 1 can be erected by folding and securing the panels in the erected condition by any suitable means such as adhesive or staples or interlocking flaps or tabs so as to maintain the erected condition.

One suitable form of blank 2 for assembly of the container 1 is shown in Figure 8 and has five aligned panels 2a,2b,2c,2d,2e that fold about fold lines 2f,2g,2h,2i to form the rear wall I b, bottom wall I d, front wall I a and top wall I c of the erected container 1.

On each side of these panels, the blank has three panels 2j ,2k,21 connected to the panels 2a, 2b, 2c and a fourth panel 2m connected to the panel 2d. On one side, the panels 2j,2k,21 fold about fold line 2n and the panel 2k also folds about fold lines 2p,2r to overlap the panels 2j ,21 to form the sidewall I e and, on the other side, the panels fold about similar fold lines 2s,2t,2u to form the side wall I f.

Each panel 2m folds about fold line 2h and has an arcuate tab 2v cut from the panel 2d. The tabs 2v fold about fold lines 2n,2s to position the tabs 2v to locate tongues 2w on the panel 2e in slots 2x when the panel 2e is folded over panel 2d to lock the panel 2e in position with the panels 2m located between the panels 2d,2e.

The container 1 is held in the erected condition by securing the panels 2j,21 to each other on both sides of the container 1 with adhesive or any other suitable means. It will be understood that other forms of blank may be used to construct the container 1.

In this embodiment, the container 1 has a lid 3 defined in part by the front wall I a, top wall I c and side walls I e, I f. The lid 3 is connected to the front wall I a and is releasably connected to each side wall I e, If in the erected condition by perforated regions 4 that secure the lid 3 in the assembled, unopened position. The perforated regions 4 provide lines of weakness that separate and release the lid 3 when the container 1 is opened. For this, the lid 3 is provided with an integral flap connected to panel 2c. In this embodiment the flap has an arcuate shape cut out of the panel 2d and can be pulled out to form a handle 5 with a finger hole 5a by means of which the user can pull the lid 3 to break the perforations 4 securing the lid 3 on both sides of the container. This releases the Hd 3 and allows the lid 3 to open by hinging about a crease line 6 where the lid 3 is connected to the front wall I a between the closed position in Figure 1 and an open position shown in Figure 5. The actual shape of the handle 5 can differ from that shown in the Figures.

The perforated regions 4 provide tamper-evident fastenings by means of which the integrity of the container 1 can be visually checked and verified at the time of use. In this way, the user can be assured that the container 1 has not been previously opened and that the spill kit stored within the container 1 is ready for use. Alternatively, if the integrity of the container 1 is not important, the container can be supplied with the perforated regions 4 already slit open. For example, the blank may be formed with the perforated regions 4 cut through prior to assembly of the container or the perforated regions 4 may be cut through after assembly of the container.

In a modification (not shown), a perforated region may also be provided to secure the handle flap to the panel 2d in the erected, unopened condition of the container 1 and the user can pull the flap to break the perforations and release the handle 5.

The outer, free edge of the lid 3 between the side walls I e, I f is provided with two tabs 7,8 created by slitting along a fold line joining a pair of panels from which the lid 3 is formed. The rear wall Ib of the container 1 is provided with a pair of tongues 9, 10 defined by inverted U-shaped cuts in the rear wall Ib. The spacing between the tongues 9, 10 matches the spacing between the tabs 7,8.

The lid 3 has a perforated region 1 1 parallel to the crease line 6 that forms a second hinge axis for the lid 3 whereby the lid 3 can be inserted into the open mouth of the container 1 between the side walls I e, I f and positioned to engage the tabs 7,8 in openings formed by displacing the tongues 9, 10 to secure the lid 3 in the closed position shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this way, after use of the spill-kit, the used parts of the spill-kit can be returned to the container 1 and lid 3 re-fastened to retain the contents of the spill kit in the container 1 for disposal.

In this embodiment, the container 1 is provided with a tool 12 shown in Figures 9 and 10 to assist in returning the used parts of the spill-kit to the container 1 and reduce the risk of the person cleaning up the spillage coming into contact with the spilled liquid.

The tool 12 is formed from a rectangular cardboard blank 13 although this is not essential and other materials may be used. As shown in Figure 1 1 , the blank 13 comprises six panels 13a, b,c,d,e,f separated by crease lines

14a, b, c and cut-outs 15a, 15b. A series of parallel cuts 16 made along each of the opposed longer sides of the blank 13 form a plurality of fingers 17.

The tool 12 is formed from the blank 13 by folding opposite ends of the blank inwards about crease lines 14a, 14c to position the panels 13a, 13b and 13e. l 3f to overlie the panels 13c, 13d as shown in Figure 12. The partially folded blank 13 is then folded about the crease line 14b to produce the tool 12 shown in Figures 9 and 10 having two main wall sections 12a, 12b hinged together along crease line 14b at the upper edge remote from the fingers 17. Operation of a spill kit 20 including the container 1 and tool 12 to remove a liquid spillage from a surface such as a floor will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 13 to 25.

Figure 13 shows the container 1 being opened by pulling the lid 3 with the handle 5 to tear the perforations 4 connecting the lid 3 to the side walls I e₅ I f. The tool 12 and other articles making up the spill kit 20 can then be removed from the container 1 as shown in Figure 14. In this embodiment, the spill kit 20 includes a pad 21 of absorbent material (for example, one of the products commercially available, under the name 3M™ Sorbents, from 3M Company of St. Paul, MN, USA.), a pair of gloves 22, a refuse bag 23, instruction leaflet 24 and a hazard warning label 25 for attaching to the container 1 to identify the waste for disposal.

Figure 15 shows the absorbent pad 21 being used to collect spilled liquid and Figure 16 shows the tool 12 being used to place solid waste materials in the container 1. As shown the container 1 and tool 12 can be used in the manner of a dustpan and brush by holding the lid 3 of the container 1 to position the open mouth of the container 1 to collect waste material swept into the container 1 with the tool 12. The fingers 16 can flex as the tool 12 is swept across the surface in the manner of the bristles on a brush. The two main wall sections 12a, 12b of the tool 12 can also be partially opened and used to grip debris therebetween allowing the user to pick up solid waste and place it in the container 1.

Figures 17 and 18 show the tool 12 and absorbent pad 21 being placed in the container 1 after use. The user can then remove the gloves 22 and place the gloves 22 in the container 1 as shown in Figure 19. The container 1 can then be closed by inserting the lid 3 in the mouth of the container 1 as shown in Figure 20 until the tabs 7,8 engage the tongues 9, 10 to secure the lid 3 as shown in Figure 21 . The hazard warning label 25 can then be attached to the front wall I a of the container 1 as shown in Figure 22 and details of the spillage inserted to assist in identifying the type of waste contained in the container 1 for disposal. The container 1 is then placed in the refuse bag 23 as shown in Figure 23 and the bag 23 sealed as shown in Figure 24 with a tie 26 and taken to a collection point for disposal as shown in Figure 25.

It will be understood that the spill kit may include other articles depending on the area in which the kit is to be used and the materials that will be encountered. Thus, the kit may include additional protective clothing such as an apron, over-sleeves, over-shoes, goggles and particulate face masks for the user to put on before clearing up any spillage.

More than one absorbent pad of the same or different sizes may be provided and/or other materials to assist in cleaning and/or sanitising the area after removal of the spillage. For example, the spill kit may include wipes impregnated with cleaning and/or disinfectants for use after removal of the spillage. The kit may also include a spillage symbol sign to provide a warning of a potentially hazardous area.

For some applications, the container and/or tool may be made of materials or coated with materials that are resistant to attack by the liquid spillage. Thus, where these are made of cardboard, the cardboard may be having a coating of or be impregnated with the protective material.

It is envisaged that the emergency spill kit may have wide application for use in a variety of environments where spillage of liquids is a problem. For example, the kit may be used in medical environments such as hospitals, health centres where spillage of body fluids such as blood can present particular health and safety hazards due to the risk of transfer of infections from contact with contaminated blood. Furthermore, due to the compact, lightweight nature of the kit, it can also be easily transported and may be used by medical staff such as doctors, nurses, midwives etc when making house calls to remove any liquid spillage that occurs. Paramedics attending an accident could also use the kit to remove liquid spills that may present a safety hazard for anyone treating or rescuing an injured person. The kit may also find use in industrial environments such as factories and laboratories where spillage of chemicals or other hazardous liquids give rise to health and safety risks.

The kit also has application to retail environments in shops, supermarkets and the like where there is a risk of spillage from accidental breakage of bottles and other containers for a wide range of liquids that may be on display for purchase by customers. For example, spillage of liquids such as vinegar, milk, wine, beer and other beverages both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, inks and paints both solvent and water based, oil etc.

For some applications, where frequent spillages may occur, for example in retail environments such as shops, in medical environments such as hospitals or in industrial environments such as factories, laboratories, it may be desirable to provide several spill kits in a multi-pack for dispense and use when required.

Thus, with reference to Figures 26 to 29, we provide a carton 30 of rectangular box-shape which, in a closed condition (Figure 26) can be used for transportation and supply of a plurality of spill kits 20 to the end user and, in an opened condition (Figure 28) can be used for storing and dispensing the spill kits 20 at a convenient location readily accessible to users of the spill kits 20. In this embodiment, the carton 30 is sized to contain four spill kits 20 but it will be understood that the size of the carton 30 may be altered according to the number of spill kits 20 to be contained in the carton 30. The erected carton 30 has a front wall 30a, a rear wall 30b, a top wall 30c, a bottom wall 3Od and side walls 30e, 30f. The top wall 30c is provided with a carrying handle 31 to facilitate picking up and moving the carton 30. The carton 30 is formed from a cardboard blank 32 described in more detail later. In this embodiment, the blank 32 is made of corrugated cardboard but it will be understood that other materials may be employed.

The blank 32 is formed by creasing, perforating or cutting the cardboard to form a plurality of panels by means of which the carton 30 can be erected by folding and securing the panels in the erected condition by any suitable means such as adhesive or staples or interlocking flaps or tabs so as to maintain the erected condition.

One suitable form of blank 32 for assembly of the carton 30 is shown in Figure 29 and has four aligned panels 32al ,32a2,32a3 ,32a4 that fold about fold lines 32b l ,32b2,32b3 to form the side wall 30e, front wall 30a, side wall 30f and rear wall 30b of the erected carton 30. The panel 32al has a flap 32c on the side opposite the panel 32a2 that folds about fold line 32b4 and is secured along the free edge of panel 32a4 by adhesive or suitable means to secure the panels 32al ,32a2,32a3,32a4 in the erected condition.

On one side, the blank 32 has four panels 32dl ,32d2,32d3,32d4 connected to the panels 32al ,a2,a3 ,a4 that fold about fold line 32e to form the top wall 30c in the erected condition. Panels 32d2,32d4 fold inwards towards each other from the side walls 3Oe, 30f and panel 32d l folds over both panels from the rear wall 30b. Finally, panel 32d3 folds over panel 32dl from the front wall 30a.

Panel 32d3 has a flap 32f on the side opposite fold line 32e that folds down into a slot 32g in the edge of panel 32dl connected to the panel 32al to locate panel 32d3 in the closed position. Panel 32d3 is secured by a flap 32h formed from panels 32al ,32dl that is hinged to panel 32al and has a tongue 32hl that is received in a slot 32i in the edge of the flap 32f to lock the panel 32d3 in position. As shown the panels 32dl ₅d2,d3,d4 are provided with openings having parts that align in the erected condition for inserting and securing the ends of a strap that forms the carrying handle 31.

On the other side, the blank 32 has six panels 32j l ,32j2,32j 3,32j4,32j 5,32j 6 connected to the panels 32al ,a2,a3,a4 and a further two panels 32kl ,32k4 connected to panels 32 j i , 32 j 4 that form the bottom wall 3Od in the erected condition. The bottom wall 3Od is formed in two sections 30dl ,30d2.

Section 30dl is formed by folding panels 32 j 2 , 32 j 6 inwards towards each other about fold line 321, then folding panel 32j l about fold line 321 over the panels 32 j 2 , 32 j 6 on the outside of the carton and finally folding panel 32kl about fold line 32m over the panels 32 j 2 , 32 j 6 on the inside of the carton. The panel 32kl is secured in place by a tab 32n on the free edge remote from the fold line 32m in a slot 32p in the panel 32al .

Section 30d2 is formed by folding panels 32 j 3 , 32 j 5 inwards towards each other about fold line 321, then folding panel 32j4 about fold line 321 over the panels 32 j 3 , 32 j 5 on the outside of the carton and finally folding panel 32k4 about fold line 32q over the panels 32 j 3 , 32 j 5 on the inside of the carton. The panel 32k4 is secured in place by tabs 32r on the free edge remote from the fold line 32q in slots 32s in the panel 32a4.

In this embodiment, section 30d2 forms part of a tear-off panel 33 releasably secured by perforations 34 that extend in the blank 32 in an arc from the edge of panel 32j3 to the edge of panel 32j5 such that the panel 33 is defined in part by the front wall 30a, bottom wall 30d and side walls 3Oe, 30f of the carton 30. The perforations 34 provide a line of weakness that separate and release the panel 33 when the bottom section 30d2 is pulled away from the bottom wall 3 Od as shown in Figure 27 forming an opening 35 in the front wall 30a, bottom wall 30d and side walls 3 Oe, 3 Of.

In use, after removing the tear-off panel 33, the carton 30 is secured in position on a wall or other support surface by attaching double side adhesive tape (not shown) to the rear wall 30b with the opening 35 at the lower end of the box as shown in Figure 28. In this position, the spill kits 20 are supported on the section 30dl of the base wall within the carton 30. The bottom spill kit 20' can be removed when required by sliding out of the carton 30 through the opening 35 and the remaining spill kits 20 slide down to position the next spill kit 20" in the opening for removal by the user.

In this embodiment, the opening 35 is configured so that the spill kits can be removed one at a time and the presence of at least two spill kits 20 in the carton 30 can be seen through the opening 35. In this way, when the penultimate kit is removed from the box, it will be readily apparent that there is only one spill kit remaining in the box enabling a new carton to be obtained before the last kit is used. This may reduce the risk of a spillage occurring without a kit being available.

It will be understood that other forms of blank 32 may be employed to construct the carton 30 with or without the tear-off panel 33. Moreover, where provided, the position and shape of the tear-off panel may be changed according to the design of the carton 30.

The foregoing examples are intended to show the wide application and use of the invention and we do not intend to be limited to these uses as it will be understood that the invention could be employed wherever a spillage occurs requiring removal of a liquid. Moreover, while the preferred embodiments of the spill kit employ absorbent material for removing a liquid spillage from a surface, it will be understood that the invention could have application to spill kits for removing liquid and/or sold waste material(s) from a surface.

Claims

1. Packaging for a spill kit for collection of spilled material, the packaging comprising a container in the form of a box in which a spill kit is stored prior to use, said box having a closure member configured for opening said box to enable the kit to be removed from said box and allow that part of the kit used to collect a spillage to be returned to said box after use together with collected spillage, wherein said closure member can be closed and secured for disposal of said container together with the contents.

2. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein said container is made of paperboard.

3. Packaging according to claim 2 wherein said paperboard is resistant to liquids.

4. Packaging according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein said paperboard is corrugated cardboard coated and/or impregnated with material resistant to liquids.

5. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, tamper evident means is provided for releasably securing said closure ^' member in an assembled, unopened position.

6. Packaging according to claim 5 wherein said tamper evident means comprises a perforated region of the material from which said container is made.

7. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, said closure member is connected to said box by an integral hinge for opening/closing said box, and said box and closure member have formations that engage to secure said closure member in a closed position.

8. Packaging according to claim 7 wherein, said engageable formations comprise at least one tab on said closure member for reception in a corresponding opening in said box to secure said closure member in said closed position.

9. Packaging according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein, said unopened position and said closed position are different.

10. Packaging according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein, said closure member is received within a portion of said box in said closed position.

1 1. Packaging according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein, said hinge defines a first hinge axis and said closure member is foldable about a second hinge axis spaced from and parallel to said first hinge axis for positioning said closure member in said portion of said box to secure said closure member in said closed position.

12. Packaging according to any of the preceding claims wherein, said closure member is provided with a handle for a user to grip.

13. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, a disposable tool is provided for collecting and returning debris to said container after use of the spill kit.

14. Packaging according to claim 13 wherein said tool is made of paperboard and has a grip portion for holding and manipulating said tool, and a plurality of fingers that can flex relative to said grip portion and to each other.

15. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a carton in which a plurality of said containers are received prior to use, said carton being adapted for dispensing said containers one at a time.

16. Packaging according to claim 15 wherein, said carton has a portion configured to provide an opening through which said containers can be removed from said carton one at a time.

17. Packaging according to claim 16 wherein, said portion comprises a panel that is releasable to provide said opening.

18. Packaging according to claim 17 wherein, said panel is a tear-off panel releasably secured to said carton by tamper evident means.

19. Packaging according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein, said opening is provided at one end of said carton.

20. Packaging according to claim 19 wherein, in use, said carton is adapted to be supported on a wall or other surface with said opening at a lower end so that, when a container is removed from said carton, remaining containers move down within said carton to present the next container to said opening for removal.

21. Packaging according to claim 19 or claim 20 wherein, said opening is configured so that the presence of at least two kits in said carton can be visually checked.

22. Packaging according to any one of claims 15 to 21 wherein said carton is made of paperboard material.

23. The combination of a spill kit including absorbent material capable of absorbing a liquid spillage from a surface and packaging for said spill kit, said packaging comprising a container in the form of a box in which said spill kit is stored prior to use, said box having a closure member configured for opening said box to enable said spill kit to be removed from said box and allow that part of the kit used to collect a spillage to be returned to said box after use together with collected spillage, wherein said closure member can be closed and secured for disposal of said container together with the contents.

24. The combination according to claim 23 wherein, said kit includes a hand-held tool for returning absorbent material containing a liquid spillage to said container.

25. The combination according to claim 23 or claim 24 wherein, said kit includes protective clothing for the user.

26. The combination according to claim 25 wherein, said protective clothing includes at least one of gloves, an apron, over-sleeves, over- shoes, goggles and particulate face masks.

27. The combination according to any one of claims 23 to 26 wherein, said kit includes a label for identifying debris contained in said container after use of said kit.

28. The combination according to any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein, said kit includes a bag in which said container is placed after use of said kit to remove a liquid spillage for disposal of said kit, and said bag is see through or includes a see through panel for identifying the contents without opening said bag.

29. A method of cleaning up a liquid spill by providing a liquid spill kit in a closed container, opening said container by releasing a closure portion of said container and removing said liquid spill kit from said container, employing said liquid spill kit to remove spilled liquid from a surface, returning that part of said liquid spill kit used to remove the spilled liquid (and collected liquid) to said container, and re-securing said closure portion for closing said container with said liquid spill kit (and collected liquid) therein for disposal .

30. A method according to claim 29 including the step of providing said container with an integral, tamper-evident closure portion for providing a visual indication of the integrity of said container.

31. A method according to claim 29 or claim 30 including the step of providing said spill kit with absorbent material for collecting a liquid spillage and with a tool for returning said absorbent material to said container after use.

32. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 31 including the step of providing said spill kit with protective clothing for the user to wear and returning said protective clothing to said container after use.

33. A blank for making a container for a spill kit, said blank having panels forming walls of said container and a lid for opening said container, said lid being defined in part by a crease line defining an integral hinge connecting said lid to said container and by one or more lines of weakness by means of which said lid can be released to open said container, and said lid and container having engageable formations configured to re-secure said lid to close said container.

34. A blank according to claim 33 wherein said lid has a fold line parallel to and spaced from said crease line for positioning said lid within said container to engage said formations.

35. A blank for making a carton for a plurality of spill kits, said blank having panels that form walls of said carton, wherein at least one panel is configured as a tear-off panel that is removable to define an opening through which said spill kits can be removed one at a time.

36. A spill kit for removing a spillage from a surface, said kit including a disposable container for contents of said kit, said container being made of paperboard material from a blank comprising panels that form walls of said container and a lid for said container, wherein said lid is connected to said container by an integral hinge and is defined at least in part by at least one line of weakness that secures said lid in a closed position such that said container can be opened by tearing said at least one line of weakness to release said lid for opening said container and removing said kit contents from said container, and wherein said lid can be closed and secured after returning said kit contents to said container.

37. A spill kit according to claim 36 wherein, said lid is secured in a first position by said at least one line of weakness and is secured in a second position different from said first position after returning said kit contents to said container to provide a visual indication that said kit has been used.

38. A disposable liquid spill kit for removing spilled liquid from a surface, said kit including a container for one or more kit contents, said container having a lid, tamper-evident means for releasably securing said lid in a first, closed position prior to opening said container, and means for securing said lid in a second, closed position after opening said container, said second closed position being different from said first closed position.

39. A disposable liquid spill kit according to claim 38 wherein, said kit contents are stored in said container prior to use of said kit and the kit contents used to remove spilled liquid are returned to said container after use (with collected liquid) for disposal with said container.

40. A disposable liquid spill kit according to claim 38 or claim 39 wherein, said kit contents include absorbent material for absorbing a liquid spillage.