WO2010101458A1

WO2010101458A1 - Shipping package for research substances

Info

Publication number: WO2010101458A1
Application number: PCT/NL2010/050103
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elisabeth Johanna Jacoba Van De Vorle - Houben
Original assignee: Memic Europe B.V.
Priority date: 2009-03-02
Filing date: 2010-03-02
Publication date: 2010-09-10
Also published as: EP2403644A1; EP2403644B1; NL2002584C2

Abstract

A shipping package for research substances, provided with two tray parts movable with respect to each other for enclosing the research substances, wherein the package in closed condition is relatively flat, wherein the tray parts are relatively stiff for protecting any substances in the package, and a closure which surrounds both tray parts along at least a large part of the circumference, for holding the tray parts against each other and at least moisture-tightly closing off the package at an inner pressure of at least approximately 0.95 bar.

Description

Title: Shipping package for research substances

The invention concerns a shipping package for research substances. The invention concerns also a method for shipment of research substances.

Research substances such as clinical and/or infectious substances are often examined separately in a research center. For this purpose, these substances are temporarily accommodated in a shipping package and sent, for example, via a mail or courier service.

Shipments that are sent via a mail network to, for example, research centers, businesses, universities and/or hospitals, should be packaged safely. Accordingly, for mailing such shipments standards have already been developed, among which UN 3373, relating to clinical samples, and UN 2900 and UN 2814, relating to infectious substances, can be cited, as examples. The standards show, for example, that the shipping package should be air- and leak-tight, also at an inner pressure, for example a reduced pressure or excess pressure of at least 0.95 bar. It is also required is that the shipping package should remain airtight and leak-tight within a particular temperature range. Furthermore, the substances should be surrounded by three packages and the shipping package should be relatively inflexible. These and other requirements have been imposed, for one thing, because gas formation could take place in the clinical and/or infectious substances, so that a high pressure could develop in the shipping package. A test tube in which gas formation has developed could, as it were, explode and/or spread gas in the shipping package. For example, a test tube might yield under internal pressure of methane gas produced by feces. In such a case, the shipping package 1 should hold out.

Since it is undesired that parts of the material and/or gases that emanate therefrom find a way out of the shipping package during shipment, and in order to satisfy the standards mentioned, known shipping packages for clinical and/or infectious substances are typically of robust design. Such robustness is achieved, for example, by taking ad hoc measures such as use of multiple packages one over the other, overdimensioning of the packaging material and/or use of large amounts of tape. In addition, the space between the package and the substance holder, for example, a test tube, may be filled up with filling material. Through the combination of a close fit of the filling material to the holder, the choice of the filling material and the robust package, protection is provided against shocks from outside and/or pressure from outside. This prevents the possibility of the holders of the clinical and/or infectious substances from breaking so that particular gases or parts of the clinical and/or infectious substances would undesirably spread to the environment.

Existing shipping packages have hitherto been chiefly designed to protect from influences from outside, such as falling of the package. It is then uncertain whether the packages are also moisture -tight, let alone airtight. As described above, the manufacture of shipping packages which contain clinical and/or infectious substances is typically characterized by ^~ individual ad hoc measures. Each individual shipping package is manually adapted to the clinical, or infectious, substance and/or its holder. As a consequence, known shipping packages are often inefficient, while moreover it is uncertain whether the desired or required safety, for example, according to one of the UN standards mentioned, is satisfied.

An object of the invention is to provide a relatively safe and efficient shipping package.

This object and/or other objects can be achieved with a shipping package according to claim 1.

Inner pressure in this description may be understood to mean a pressure difference between inside and outside the package, for example a reduced or excess pressure inside the package. With the invention, a safe as well as efficient shipping package can be achieved, so that at a high inner pressure no exchange of substances between the inner space of the package and the space around it will take place. Existing shipping packages have hitherto been chiefly designed to protect from influences from outside, such as falling of the package. The package according to the invention is also protected, in particular, from inner pressure. Moreover, this is achieved with a plastic package and hence relative light-weight package which remains at least moisture -tight, and preferably airtight, at a relatively high inner pressure in the package of 0.95 bar. At a high inner pressure, the tray parts can be pressed apart. The closure holds the tray parts against each other. In closed condition, the closure can extend along substantially the entire circumference of the tray parts, so that the force for holding the tray parts together can be distributed over substantially the whole closure. As a result, the package can be kept closed also at a high inner pressure. In an embodiment, the tray parts comprise two loose tray parts.

The package is also simple in use, so that any user can relatively simply close off the package at least moisture-tightly for shipment of research substances. For example, the package can be put into use only by closing it off completely.

In an embodiment, the closure comprises a loose circumferential profile which can be connected separately with the tray parts for closing off the package, and can be taken off the tray parts to open the package. For closure, the circumferential profile is slipped over the package, around the circumference of the tray parts. The closure preferably comprises a circumferentially closed circumferential profile so that any stresses to which the edge comes to be subject can be taken up relatively distributedly over the circumference, and the circumferential edges of the tray parts can be clamped by the closure. The tray parts can comprise connecting elements. The connecting elements can comprise projections and engagement elements which can be coupled with each other. In this way, the tray parts can be coupled with each other. The closure can be placed around the connecting elements, thereby preventing the engagement elements and projections coming loose from each other.

Further, the shipping package is preferably prefabricated and efficiently usable multiple times. The cooperating edges of the tray parts are so manufactured that the closure can open and close off the package at least moisture -tightly multiple times, in principle without requiring material to be added or removed.

Also, the shipping package is preferably so flat as to be suitable to be slipped through/into a mailbox. Preferably, to that end, the dimensions of the package are chosen such that the width of the closure is approximately 265 millimeters or less, in particular approximately 264 millimeters or less, and the height is approximately 32 millimeters or less, in particular approximately 31.5 millimeters or less. This makes the invention in principle suitable to be shipped via a conventional mailing company, for example to a research establishment. The above object and/or other objects are also achieved with a method according to claim 13.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will appear from the following description, and the depending claims, in which the invention is described in more detail in several exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a package;

Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the package according to Fig. 1, wherein a closing ring is connected with the upper tray part;

Fig. 3 shows the package according to Figs. 1 and 2, wherein the tray parts are connected with each other; Fig. 4 shows the package according to Figs. 1-3 in closed condition;

Fig. 5 shows a cross section of the package according to Fig. 3 in side elevation;

Fig. 6 schematically shows a method for shipment of research substances;

Fig. 7 shows a package in side elevation;

Fig. 8 shows a detail of the package according to Fig. 7 in side elevation;

Fig. 9 shows the package according to Figs. 7 and 8 in top plan view, wherein the closure is detached from the tray parts;

Fig. 10 shows the package according to Figs. 7-9 in top plan view, wherein the closure holds the tray parts together.

Furthermore Fig. 11 shows a shipping package;

Fig. 12 shows an exploded view of a shipping package;

Fig. 13 shows a scenario of a use of a shipping package;

Fig. 14A shows a cap;

Fig. 14B shows a detail view of a sectioned cap; Fig. 15 shows a scenario of a use of a shipping package;

Fig. 16A shows a schematically represented exploded view of a shipping package;

Fig. 16B shows a part of a shipping package;

Fig. 17A shows an opening of a shipping package; Fig. 17B shows an opening of a shipping package;

Fig. 18 shows a detail view of a shipping package;

Fig. 19 shows a simulated representation of the stresses in the shipping package. In this description, equal or corresponding parts have equal or corresponding reference numerals. In the drawing, embodiments are shown by way of example only. The elements used therein are mentioned only by way of example and should not be construed as limiting. Also other elements may be used within the framework of the present invention. The proportions of the embodiments shown in the figures are often represented schematically and/or exaggeratedly and should not be construed as limiting.

In Fig. 1 there is shown a package 101 for shipment of research substances 102. The loose parts of the package 101 are not connected with each other in the condition shown, i.e., the package 101 is open for placement of research substances 102. The research substances 102 are contained, for example, in a tube 105 or other holder 106. The package 101 comprises two tray parts 103, 104 movable relative to each other. The research substances 102 are placed, for example, on a bottom tray part 103 before the latter is connected with the upper tray part 103, 104. A closure 107 is provided for placement along the circumferential edges 108, 109 of the tray parts 103, 104, respectively. Furthermore, a closing ring 110 is provided which can be clamped between the tray parts 103, 104, in the embodiment shown connected with the upper tray part 104, for preventing ingress or egress of moisture and/or air. The tray parts 103, 104 may be provided with connecting elements 111, 112 for joining together the tray parts 103, 104, respectively. The closure 107 can be placed around the connecting elements 111, 112.

The closure 107 is preferably relatively stiff. The circumferential shape of the closure 107 may be approximately equal to the circumferential shape of the tray parts 103, 104. The circumferential shapes of the package 101 shown are substantially octagonal. The circumferential shape can comprise two long sides 113, two short sides 114 and four flattened angles 115. The width B of the package 101, which can be measured along the short side 114, inclusive of closure, can be approximately 265 millimeters or less, in particular approximately 264 millimeters or less. The height H of the package 101, inclusive of closure 107, can be approximately 32 millimeters or less, in particular approximately 31.5 millimeters or less, so that the package 101 can be slipped through a mailbox. In the embodiment shown, the width B of the closure 107 is the width B of the package 101.

If the package 1 is closed, the closing ring 110 can be clamped between the tray parts 103, 104 (Fig. 2). In the embodiment shown, the closing ring 110 may be so designed that it also contributes to the strength of the tray parts 103, 104, whereby the side edges 108, 109 of the tray parts 103, 104 in closed condition can be strengthened by the closing ring 110.

The connecting elements 111, 112 can be arranged along the circumferential edge of the respective tray parts 103, 104. The connecting elements 111, 112, respectively, can comprise engagement elements 113 and projections 114 (Fig. 3). When the upper tray part 104 is placed on the lower tray part 103, the loose engagement elements 13 of the lower tray part 103 can each engage behind each of the projections 114. To that end, the engagement elements 113 are preferably of slightly movable design, for example, hingeing about a hinge axis 115. The tray parts 103, 104 may, for example, be clicked to each other by pushing the upper tray part 104 onto the lower tray part 103. Each projection 114 thereby pushes the respective engagement element 113 slightly outwards until the projection 114 projects slightly through an opening 116 of the engagement element 113, so that an edge 117 of the engagement elements 113 can engage behind the respective projection 114. In another embodiment the engagement elements 113 need to be pushed manually, or with a separate device, behind the projection 114 until they engage behind the projection 114. After all connecting elements 111, 112 have been connected, the closure 107 can be slipped over the circumferential edges. In an embodiment, the closure 107 can be moved over the circumferential edges only when all connecting elements 111, 112 are connected.

As mentioned, the closure 107 can be slipped around the package 101 after the connecting elements 111, 112 have been coupled with each other (Fig. 4). The inner side of the closure 107 can then approximately adjoin the outer side of the tray parts 103, 104. The closure 107 encloses the connecting elements 111, 112, such that the engagement elements 113 are prevented from moving outwards. In this manner, the engagement elements 113 are prevented from uncoupling from the projections 114. Also, the closure 107 can to some extent protect the outside of the package 101. For example, the connecting elements 111, 112 can be prevented from butting against something or being caught on something. As the connecting elements 111, 112 and the closure 107 can extend around approximately the entire circumference, the package 101 can also remain closed at a relatively high inner pressure, such as an inner pressure higher than 0.95 bar.

In Fig. 5 there is shown a cross section in side elevation of the setup as shown in Fig. 3. As can be seen, the closure 107 comprises a loose circumferential profile which is closed in circumference. The closure 107 can comprise a U-shaped profile, of which one of the legs 118, 119 can be longer than the other.

The connecting element 112 of the upper tray part 104 can comprise a projecting profile 120 which extends approximately parallel to the circumferential edge 109 of the upper tray part 104. A connecting part 121 extends between the projecting profile 120 and the circumferential edge 109 of the upper tray part 104 for supporting the profile 120 with respect to the respective tray part 104. Above and under the connecting part 121, between the profile 120 and the circumferential edge 109, a gutter 122, 123, respectively, is formed. The projection 114 extends from the profile 120 to the outside. The closure 107 can extend on two sides of the respective connecting element 112. One leg 118 of the closure 107 can engage behind the profile 120, in the upper gutter 122, so that the closure 107 can be clamped at least partly between the profile 120 and the circumferential edge 109. The opposite leg 119 of the closure 107 can extend along the outside of the connecting elements 111, 112.

As can be seen in Fig. 5, the engagement element 113 can be pressed slightly outwards by the connecting element 112, to be able to engage behind the projection 114. In closed condition the closing ring 110 can be clamped between the tray parts 103, 104. The closing ring 110 can engage over the circumferential edge 108 of the lower tray part 103 and/or extend in the lower gutter 123 of the upper tray part 104.

When the closure 107 has been slipped around the tray parts 103, 104, as shown in Fig. 4, the connecting elements 111, 112 are held in place. Also, the engagement elements 113 can then be pushed over and/or against the projections 114, and the closing ring 110 can be clamped more firmly.

The tray parts 103, 104 are preferably relatively robust. To this end, the tray parts 103 may be manufactured substantially from PET. Also, a strengthening rib, strengthening relief, and/or recess 124 may be provided in at least one of the tray parts 103, 104, for strengthening the package 1. A recess 124 may also be used to position in it a holder 105, 106 and/or an intermediate package.

A package 1 as shown in Figs. 1-5 can resist relatively high inner pressures. For example, gas accumulation may occur within the package, which gas accumulation is caused by the research substance 102 and/or by a broken research substance holder in the package 101. Due to the high inner pressure the tray parts 103, 104 may tend to move apart in opposite directions. The projections 114 and the engagement elements 113 can prevent movement of the tray parts 103, 104 with respect to each other. Preferably, to that end, the connecting elements 111, 112 are present along substantially the whole circumference and preferably in relatively large numbers, so that the pressure that may arise, for example, upon gas accumulation, can be taken up. For example, at least four, in particular at least ten, more particularly at least sixteen corresponding connecting elements 111, 112 are provided, preferably approximately uniformly spaced throughout the circumference. In the embodiment shown, the package 101 is provided with twenty-four corresponding connecting elements 111, 112. The package 101 can be deployed multiple times. The connecting elements 111, 112 can be coupled and uncoupled multiple times, and the closure 107 can be used multiple times.

In Fig. 6 it is shown that the research substance 102 is stored in a holder 106 such as a test tube 105. The holder 106 is thereupon packed in an inner package 125. The inner package 125 may be so designed that it closely encloses the holders 106, so that the holders 106 cannot move, or hardly so, in the inner package 125. The inner package 125 is thereupon placed between the tray parts 103, 104. Preferably, the tray parts 103, 104 enclose the inner package 125 relatively closely. The tray parts 103, 104 are thereupon closed off moisture-tightly with respect to each other, by the closure 107. Instead of, or in addition to, an inner package 125, filling material such as, for example, flakes of foam, may be used to position the holders 106 in the package 101. The package 101 can be provided with postage and be placed in the mailbox.

In Fig. 7 there is shown a package 201 in side view, comprising two tray parts 203, 204. A closing ring 210 can be placed between the circumferential edges 208, 209 of the tray parts 203, 204, respectively. The closure 207 comprises a U-shaped profile (Fig. 8). The circumferential edges 208, 209 comprise flanges that extend outwards, so that the U-shaped closure 207 can engage around the edges 208, 209.

As can be seen in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the closure 207 can comprise a hinge axis 226, so that the closure 207 can snap shut around the circumferential edges 208, 209 of the package 201. The closure 207 holds the tray parts 203, 204 against each other and also presses the tray parts 203, 204 against the closing ring 210 so that the package 201 can be closed off at least substantially airtightly and/or moisture-tightly. In practice, it has been found that at a significant inner pressure the tray parts 203, 204 are merely pushed away from each other, so that the closure 207 only needs to stop forces in opposite directions of the tray parts 203, 204 (see arrows in Fig. 8). The tray parts 203, 204 hardly exert any force outwardly on the closure 207. In an embodiment, the tray parts 103, 104 are, for example, hingeable relative to each other. For example, to that end, a live hinge and/or film hinge is provided along one of the edges. In a further embodiment, the closure is designed not to engage the tray parts fully throughout the circumference of the package. For example, the part where the hinge is provided is left open.

Naturally, the skilled person will understand that in this description the words 'above' and *below' can be interchanged, with the package 1 preserving the same function. For example, the connecting elements 111, 112 can be interchanged between the upper 104 and lower tray part 103.

Below, another package 1 for shipping research substances is described, different aspects of which can also be used in the invention and in the above-described embodiments.

For example, at least one of the objects and/or other objects mentioned in the introduction can be achieved with a shipping package for research substances, wherein the shipping package comprises an assembly of a sleeve and a closure, wherein the sleeve has a height, width and length, with the height being less than the width, and the sleeve is manufactured substantially from plastic, is relatively stiff for protecting the substances and at least along the width and height direction has an opening for inserting the substances in the sleeve, wherein the closure is designed to close off the opening at least moisture -tightly and is provided with a first engagement edge, wherein the sleeve is provided with a second engagement edge approximately parallel to the opening for guiding and/or holding in position the first engagement edge of the closure for said closing off at least moisture -tightly, so that the package remains closed off at least moisture -tightly at an inner pressure of at least approximately 0.95 bar. The above object and/or other objects can also be achieved with a method for placing research substances, preferably clinical and/or infectious substances, in a shipping package, at least in a prefabricated plastic sleeve, wherein at least one holder with a research substances is placed via an opening into the sleeve, wherein the opening is closed off with the aid of a prefabricated closure so that the closed sleeve can resist an inner pressure of at least 0.95 bar, wherein the shell is openable and closable multiple times with the aid of the closure.

In Fig. 11 there is shown an embodiment of a prefabricated shipping package 1 according to the invention. This same embodiment is shown in an exploded view in Fig. 12.

The shipping package 1 is arranged for shipping research substances to be further examined or tested, for example clinical and/or infectious substances. The shipping package 1 is, in principle, suitable for shipment of any research substances, hence also, for example, substances/biological materials that are to be tested and/or are potentially dangerous, etc. An illustrative example of a purpose for which a shipping package 1 according to the invention can be used is for sending feces and/or urine samples from and/or to hospitals.

A shipping package 1 which is suitable for sending clinical and/or infectious substances and preferably capable of resisting an inner pressure of 0.95 bar comprises an assembly of a prefabricated plastic sleeve 2 and a prefabricated closure 3. In this description, inner pressure should be understood to mean a pressure difference inside and outside the package 1, wherein a preferred embodiment of the package 1 is designed to resist in particular a reduced and/or excess pressure of 0.95 bar. The sleeve 2 has a height H, a width B and a length L, where in general the height H is less than the width B and the length L, so that a relatively flat package 1 is achieved. Preferably, the height H and the width B are such that the package 1 can be slipped through a standard mailbox, for example in the street or of a front door, which renders the package 1 suitable, for example, to be sent via a conventional mail network. Also, the shipping package 1 could be efficiently placed, for example at a business or hospital, in a small box for mail for further processing. The height H, width B and length L of the sleeve 2 can vary within the sleeve 2, for example, in an embodiment of the sleeve 2 the height H and the width B decrease in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 2.

Parallel to the width and height direction, the sleeve 2 has an opening 4 for insertion of the clinical and/or infectious substances that are to be shipped. These substances will often be contained in particular closed holders, think, for example, of test tubes 16 or inner packages 18, already before the substances are placed in the sleeve 2. Thus, one or more test tubes can be positioned in the sleeve 2.

As can be seen in Fig. 11 and 12, the closure 3 in an embodiment comprises a sliding closure 5 and a cap 6. The sliding closure 5 has two first engagement edges 7 at the top and bottom. The sleeve 2 has two second engagement edges, in the form of longitudinal guides 8, near the bottom and top side of the opening 4 and approximately parallel thereto. The sleeve 2 is rounded on the sides 232 and at the rear side 24, so that, for one thing, stresses in the material of the sleeve 2, for example at a relatively high inner pressure, are favorably distributed. Closing the sleeve 2 is done by placing the cap 6 over the edges 11 of the opening 4 and then sliding the sliding closure 5 parallel to the opening 4 over the cap 6 and in the width direction of the sleeve 2, along the sleeve 2. The first engagement edges 7 of the sliding closure 5 thereby slide along the longitudinal guides 8, which longitudinal guides 8 both guide and retain the sliding closure 5, so that the cap 6 remains in position, that is, moisture -tightly and/or substantially airtightly, over the opening 4. With such a cooperation of closure 3 and sleeve 2, it is possible to achieve a flat shipping package 1, which preferably fits through a mailbox, while the package 1 remains moisture-tight and/or airtight, even at an inner pressure of 0.95 bar or higher. The closure 3 can then be used multiple times so that a standard shipping package 1 can be achieved that can be deployed multiple times and existing ad hoc solutions are in principle not necessary anymore.

In this description, for that matter, moisture -tight or airtight should be understood to mean at least moisture -tight or airtight enough to satisfy the standards UN 3373, UN 2900 and/or UN 2814. Airtight should be regarded as an equivalent of gastight. It may be, for example, that with the passage of years some extent of escape of gas from the shipping package 1 could take place, but that this is so little that this will not yield any danger. Airtight or moisture -tight therefore should be understood to mean 'sufficiently airtight or moisture -tight'.

In an embodiment, the sliding closure 5 has, for example, one engagement edge, for example, one continuous engagement edge. Also the sleeve 2 can have just one engagement edge, at least longitudinal guide 8, for example entirely around the sleeve 2. In yet other embodiments the sleeve 2 and the sliding closure 5 are provided with multiple engagement edges.

A step scenario for the use of a shipping package 1 is here illustrated with reference to Fig. 13. Step a illustrates the taking of a test tube 16 containing a substance 17 out of a test tube holder 19. Step b illustrates the placing of the tube 16 in an inner package 18. The inner package 18 encloses one or more tubes 17 and/or other material, so that these will preferably not shift after they have been placed in the sleeve 2. Also, the inner package 18 may distribute the pressure 2, which may be exerted from inside or outside on the inner package 18. To this end, the sleeve 2 may, for example, also be filled with filling material. Filling material can be used in addition to or instead of the inner package 18. It can, for example, enclose the inner package 18 so that the inner package 18 substantially will not shift.

Step c illustrates the placement of the inner package 18 in the sleeve 2. After the placing of the tube 17, at least the inner package 18, in the sleeve 2, the sleeve 2 is closed. In step d the cap 6 is positioned and pressed against the sleeve 2 after which in step e the sliding closure 5 is slipped over the cap 6 by guiding the engagement edges 7, 8 along each other. Thereupon, as illustrated in step f, the whole package 1 can be placed in an envelope 20, which envelope 20 is provided with an address 21. Instead of an envelope 20, for example, also a box can be used, for example a box which is supplied by a carriage or mail company. Favorably, thereupon in step g the package 1 is slipped through a mailbox 22 to be shipped with the regular mail network. This principle can be repeated multiple times with the same shipping package 1. Such use yields a time- and cost-efficient manner of shipping research substances in general, and infectious and clinical materials in particular.

In Figs. 14A and 14B there is shown a loose cap 6, with which the sleeve 2 is closed off. In Fig. 14B, in illustration, a part of the cap 6 is cut off along a line IVB, represented in Fig. 14A. Accordingly, it can be seen that the cap 6 comprises a seal 9 which takes care of a leak-tight and airtight closure between the cap 6 and the sleeve 2, at least if the cap 6 is pressed against the sleeve 2, for example by the sliding closure 5. The seal 9 is manufactured, for example, from an elastomer, such as, for example, a rubber or any thermoplastic elastomer suitable to serve as airtight or moisture -tight closing means. The seal 9 is preferably so manufactured that it fits well in a ridge 10 of the cap 6, and the seal 9 does not detach from the cap 6. For example, the seal 9 may be co-molded with the cap 6 during the plastic molding process. For an airtight and/or moisture-tight closure, the seal 9 closely fits the edge 11 of the opening 4, whereby upon closure the edge 11 is surrounded by the seal 9. For strengthening, the cap 6 is designed with stiffening ribs 12. An embodiment of the cap 6 is manufactured from polypropylene, with the seal 9 being manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer. For closure of the sleeve 2, the cap 6 is pushed against the edge 11, after which the sliding closure 5 is moved over the cap 6 and, with the aid of the first engagement edges 7, along the longitudinal guides 8, as far as a stop 13. The use of a sliding closure 5 is favorable, for example, in the case where a high inner pressure is present in the sleeve 2, for example through gas formation. As illustrated in Fig. 15 such gas 14 formed is relieved during the sliding back of the sliding closure 5 in the direction R along the opening 4, with a part of the sliding closure 5 holding the cap 6 in place. With this, the danger is counteracted that the cap 6 suddenly detaches or the like. Moreover, the sliding closure 5 can be taken away by hand, such that body and limbs of the user are not in the path of the cap 6, should it exhibit a tendency to disengage as a result of a high pressure anyway. If too high an inner pressure is present, this will be observed during the sliding back of the sliding closure 5, for example evidenced by a hissing sound of escaping gas 14 along the cap 6. Then, for example, the sliding closure 5 can be slid back again right away to close off the shipping package 1 airtightly and/or moisture-tightly again, or, if the gases 14 will entail little danger, the gas 14 may be relieved first, to thereupon retract the sliding closure 5 entirely.

In an embodiment which is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture and also robust, the sliding closure 5 is a folded plate. For the sliding closure 5 to fit about the cap 6, the plate is folded about two first fold lines 5a. For forming the first engagement edges 7, the plate is folded about second fold edges 5b. Two sides 5c of the sliding closure 5 therefore extend between the folding edges 5a, 5b approximately parallel to the top and bottom side of the sleeve 2. A relatively robust and lock-tight as well as relatively inexpensive and simple embodiment may be manufactured from metal, preferably from steel. In another embodiment, the sliding closure 5 is manufactured, for example, from plastic.

In an embodiment, the longitudinal guide 8 of the sleeve 2 is strengthened with strengthening ribs 15, to be able to absorb high forces, which may be exerted, for example, at a high inner pressure in the sleeve 2 by the first engagement edge 7. The ribs 15 are designed, for example, as a kind of prop on the side of the opening 4. With these ribs support the longitudinal guides 8, while moreover the longitudinal guide function of the longitudinal guide 8 is not affected.

It is advantageous if the inner volume of the package 1 is as large as possible, while the shipping package 1 fits through a mailbox. A mailbox in the Netherlands must be, in accordance with particular specifications, be at least 265 mm wide and 32 mm high. Correspondingly, the closure 3 has, for example, a maximum width of 265 mm and preferably slightly less, for example 264 mm, and a maximum height of 32 mm, preferably 31.5 mm. Similarly, the sleeve 2 has a maximum width of 265 mm, preferably 264 mm, and a maximum height of 32 mm, preferably 31.5 mm. With these dimensions the shipping package 1 fits through most mailboxes. The preferred dimensions of the shipping package 1 are slightly smaller than said minimal width and height of mailboxes in the Netherlands, for example, respectively, approximately 1 and 0.5 mm, to make sure they fit through the letter box also in the case of small deviations and/or to leave some space clear for an envelope 20 around the package 1. Depending on the requirements for mailboxes per area or state, dimensions may vary. As can be seen in the embodiment of Fig. 16A₁ a first height Hl and width Bl of a first cross section Dl of the sleeve 2 near the opening 4 are smaller than a second height H2 and width B2 of a second cross section D2, situated at some distance from the opening 4. The first cross section Dl of the sleeve 2, near the opening 4, is slightly smaller than the second cross section D2 of the sleeve 2, so that the sleeve 2 tapers in the direction of the opening 4. A third height H3 and width B3 of the closure 3 are then preferably approximately equal to the second height H2 and width B2 of the sleeve 2 at a distance from the opening 4. In the embodiment shown, the closure 3 is formed by a cap 6 and a sliding closure 5, so that the third height H3 and width B3 of the closure 3 can be equal to the height H3 of the sliding closure 5 and the width B3 of the cap 6. Through the increase of the cross section of the sleeve 2 away from the opening 4, a relatively large volume is achieved after all, despite the limitation that is imposed by the fact that the cap 6 should enclose the edge 11 airtightly and/or moisture- tightly.

To illustrate the taper once more, there is shown in Fig. 16B one half of a sleeve 2 with a cross section along Dl, the plane of which is perpendicular to the opening 4. It can be seen here how the height H decreases in the direction of the opening 4.

The sleeve 2 is preferably relatively inflexible so that shocks and/or pressure from outside can to some extent be absorbed for situations where a shipping package 1 falls, or the shipping package 1 is at the bottom of a stack of mail. In such situations, the test tubes, at least holders 16, contained in the sleeve 2 are not to be affected by pressure and/or shocks. It is advantageous if the stiffness and elasticity of the sleeve 2 are such that the sleeve 2 can at least be slightly deformed by a person. As is schematically represented in Figs. 17A and 17B, the height Hl of the opening 4 increases by applying pressure Fl, F2 to the sides 23 of the sleeve 2. The pressure Fl, F2 which results in such deformation can, in principle, be exerted on the sleeve 2 by an average person. Fig. 17A shows the opening 4 of the sleeve 2 in front view when no pressure is exerted on the sides 23 of the sleeve 2. Fig. 17B shows the opening 4 in front view when pressure Fl, F2 is exerted on the sides 23 of the sleeve 2. As a result, the height Hl of the opening 4 increases and the width Bl decreases. In an embodiment, the stiffness and elasticity of the sleeve 2 are so optimized, for example with the aid of a Finite Elements Analysis, that the height Hl can be enlarged by at least 2 mm, or even 10 mm, for example by an average person, by exerting pressure Fl, F2. When the pressure Fl, F2 is released, the sleeve 2 and the opening 4 resiles back to its original shape, represented in Fig. 17A. This function makes it simpler to fill the sleeve 2, for example when the content, for example an inner package 18, might initially fit hardly through the opening 4, but through application of the pressure Fl, F2 to the sides 23 and resultant increase of the height Hl, can be slipped relatively simply through the opening 4 after all. After introducing the content, the pressure Fl, F2 is released again, so that the sleeve 2 resiles back into its original shape again. For example, the content is then slightly clamped by the sleeve 2.

Although several plastics may be suitable, PET has proved a favorable material to be able to realize the proper proportion of stiffness and elasticity for a sleeve 2 according to the invention. Also, PET is suitable material for a relatively large temperature range since the sleeve 2 must be able, for example at high pressures, to resist high temperatures and/or large temperature differences. Moreover, PET is suitable material for reuse for a relatively long time.

In an embodiment, the sleeve 2, for example with PET, is favorably made transparent, so that in a simple manner the content of the package 1 is observable, naturally with preservation of the desired pressure resistance of at least 0.95 bar. Moreover, this is of benefit to the safety of the product since in that case it can be observed prior to opening of the package 1 whether the content is damaged. Such embodiments of a sleeve 2 can be manufactured, by way of example, hence not exclusively, with injection molding. Other embodiments of shipping packages 1 according to the invention, however, may also be manufactured through other manufacturing techniques for plastic, for example through blow-molding. In terms of production technology, the increase of the height H in the direction away from the opening 4 material can be realized, for example, by knocking the sleeve 2 off relatively hard and/or to squeeze the sleeve 2 to some extent when it is taken from the mold and/or using retractable mold parts. To prevent concentration of stresses arising, for example, at a high inner pressure in the sleeve 2, it is favorable to provide the sleeve 2 with rounded sides 23, 24. It should then be realized that rounded lateral sides 23 and/or rear sides 24 can limit the volume of the content of the shipping package 1. In an embodiment, the wall of the sleeve 2 is slightly thicker at the sides 23 than the average wall of the sleeve 2, which is illustrated in Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a magnification of a part of Fig. 11, where a cross section D4 of the sleeve 2 is indicated. The wall thickness dl of the sleeve is approximately constant at the top and bottom, whereas the wall thickness on the sides 23 increases to a maximum thickness d2. The increase of the wall thickness at the sides 23 helps to prevent the rounding from augmenting in an unfavorable manner, as appeared from a Finite Elements Analysis. With a thickening in the sidewall 23, a light-weight and/or transparent package 1 can be achieved, which despite the light weight is yet resistant to high pressure, without undesired deformations and with preservation of a high volume in the package 1. For example, the wall thickness dl over the flat parts of the sleeve 2 is approximately 1.5 mm and the maximum wall thickness d2 at the sides 23 is approximately 3.6 mm. In particular embodiments, it may be favorable if the sides 23 and/or rear sides 24 comprise walls that are straight, instead of convex, so that extra volume can be created. For example, the lateral side and/or rear side has a right angle with respect to the top and bottom side of the sleeve 2.

In Fig. 19 there is shown a representation of a finite elements calculation of a closed shipping package 1, in which the different advantageous aspects that have been mentioned above can be found. This shipping package 1 is designed with thickened wall thicknesses d2 as described above. The stresses in the package 1 are simulated, which occur when an inner pressure of 0.95 bar is present in the package 1. As Fig. 19 originally concerns a color representation, for clarity, there are separately indicated areas where the stress in the material is relatively high, at least approaches 50 MPa. A second area 26, which extends approximately over the sides 23, is indicated with a broken line, which second area also exhibits a relatively high stress, in this case around 30 MPa, though not so high as said first area 25. In general, it has been found that the stress is relatively high, despite the thickened wall thickness d2 present there, at the sides 23. This underlines the usefulness of an increasing wall thickness d2 at the sides 23 in a shipping package 1, which has been rendered suitable for fitting through mailboxes 22.

In particular embodiments, UN3373, UN2814 and/or UN2900 indications are co-molded in sleeve 2. This is more efficient because owing to a prefabricated and tested shipping package 1 it does not need to be verified, for example by a mail company worker or mail official, whether package 1 actually satisfies the requirements in question.

The variations described, and many comparable ones, as well as combinations thereof, are understood to be within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. Of course, different aspects of different embodiments and/or combinations thereof can be combined and exchanged with each other within the framework of the invention. Thus, multiple embodiments are suitable for satisfying the requirements of the above- mentioned standards UN2814, UN2900 and/or UN3373. Also, the aspects and/or combinations thereof can in themselves serve as a basis for a separate invention with which in itself already advantages are achieved. For example, the principle of the closure 3, for example the cap 6 with sliding closure 5 and/or the manner of closure, can be regarded as a separate invention. Also, the optimized walls of the sleeve 2, that is, for example, the taper of the sleeve 2, the varying wall thickness and/or the temporary deformability of the sleeve 2, can be regarded as a separate invention. Thus, there is not to be any limitation to just the embodiments mentioned.

In summary, a shipping package for research substances may be described according to the following, numbered aspects.

1. Shipping package for research substances, wherein the shipping package comprises an assembly of a sleeve and a closure, wherein the sleeve has a height, width and length, with the height being less than the width, and the sleeve is manufactured substantially from plastic, is relatively stiff for protecting said substances and at least along the width and height direction has an opening for inserting said substances in the sleeve, wherein the closure is designed for closing off the opening at least moisture -tightly and provided with a first engagement edge, wherein the sleeve is provided with a second engagement edge approximately parallel to the opening for guiding and/or holding in position the first engagement edge of the closure for said closing off at least moisture -tightly, so that the package remains closed off at least moisture- tightly at an inner pressure of at least approximately 0.95 bar. 2. Shipping package according to aspect 1, wherein the width of the closure and/or the sleeve in nondeformed condition is approximately 265 mm or less, in particular approximately 264 mm or less, and the height in nondeformed condition is approximately 32 mm or less, in particular approximately 31.5 mm or less, in particular so that the package can be slipped through a mailbox.

3. Shipping package, preferably according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the height and/or width of the cross section of the sleeve near the opening and in the direction of the opening decreases slightly so that the sleeve has a lesser height and width near the opening than viewed in the longitudinal direction away from the opening, preferably so that if the opening is closed off by the closure, with the closure extending over the edge of the opening along the sleeve, the height and width of the closure are approximately equal to the height and width of the sleeve at a distance from the opening.

4. Shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sleeve is rounded at the sides.

5. Shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the wall thickness of the sleeve increases slightly at the sides. 6. Shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the stiffness and elasticity of the material of the sleeve are such that the sides can at least be pressed towards each other so that the opening decreases in width direction whereas in height direction it increases at least 2 mm, and such that after release of the pressure the opening assumes approximately its original shape.

7. Shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sleeve is manufactured substantially from PET.

8. Shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the closure is arranged to be moved over the opening, at least partly parallel to the opening, whereby the first engagement edge of the closure is guided alone the second engagement edge of the sleeve.

9. Shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the closure comprises a cap and a sliding closure and wherein two said first engagement edges are part of a sliding closure for moving the sliding closure along two second engagement edges of the sleeve, so that after sliding-in the sliding closure holds the cap in its place, also at said inner pressure of 0.95 bar.

10. Shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sliding closure comprises a folded plate and wherein the first engagement edge is a folded end of the plate.

11. Shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the package is suitable for reuse.

12. Shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the cap comprises a seal, which seal is preferably manufactured from an elastomer.

13. Shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the package cooperates with filling material and/or an inner package which surrounds the substance or at least a holder of the substance preferably at least in part in a form-closing manner, so that the substance remains approximately in position within the package.

14. Method wherein research substances are placed in a shipping package according to any one of the preceding aspects.

15. Method wherein a shipping package according to any one of aspects 1-14, containing research substances, is placed in a mailbox and/or slipped through it.

16. Method for placing research substances, preferably clinical and/or infectious substances, in a shipping package, at least in a prefabricated plastic sleeve, wherein at least one holder with a research substance is placed via an opening into the sleeve, wherein said opening is closed off with the aid of a prefabricated closure so that the closed sleeve can resist an inner pressure of 0.95 bar, wherein the sleeve is openable and closable multiple times with the aid of the closure.

17. Method according to aspect 16, wherein the at least one holder is placed in an inner package so that the inner package adjoins the at least one holder, wherein the inner package with the at least one holder is placed in the sleeve.

18. Method according to aspect 16 or 17, wherein filling material is placed in the sleeve so that it adjoins the at least one holder and/or the inner package in the sleeve.

19. Method according to any one of aspects 16-18, wherein during the placement of the inner package in the sleeve, on the sides of the sleeve pressure is exerted so that the opening slightly increases in height and decreases in width and wherein after placing of the inner package in the sleeve pressure is relieved so that the opening naturally returns to approximately its original shape again.

20. Method according to any one of aspects 16-19, wherein after placing of the research substances in the sleeve the opening is closed off at least moisture-tightly by moving at least a part of the closure parallel to the opening along the sleeve.

21. Method according to any one of aspects 16-20, wherein the closed sleeve is shipped and/or collected and/or is then delivered.

22. Method according to any one of aspects 16-21, wherein the closed sleeve is provided with an address and is slipped through a mailbox. Different aspects of different embodiments and/or combinations thereof can be combined and exchanged with each other within the framework of the invention. Thus, there should be no limitation to just the above-mentioned embodiments.

Claims

1. A shipping package for research substances, provided with two tray parts movable with respect to each other for enclosing the research substances, wherein the package in closed condition is relatively flat, wherein the tray parts are relatively stiff for protecting any substances in the package, and a closure which surrounds both tray parts along at least a large part of the circumference, for holding the tray parts against each other and at least moisture-tightly closing off the package at an inner pressure of at least approximately 0.95 bar.

2. A shipping package according to claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a loose circumferential profile which in a closed condition of the package extends along the circumferential edges of the tray parts, wherein an inner side of the closure adjoins an outer side of at least one tray part.

3. A shipping package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure comprises a continuous circumferential shape.

4. A shipping package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure in a closed condition of the package engages along the circumference of the tray parts the edges of the tray parts for holding the tray parts against each other.

5. A shipping package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray parts comprise two substantially loose tray parts, so that the tray parts at a relatively high inner pressure have a tendency to move in opposite direction away from each other.

6. A shipping package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the tray parts comprises projections and the other tray part comprises engagement elements for engaging behind projections.

7. A shipping package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure in a closed condition of the package retains the engagement elements and projections so that these remain positioned in engaged condition, so that the closure of the package has to be taken off to be able to open the package.

8. A shipping package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the package is approximately 265 millimeters or less, in particular approximately 264 millimeters or less, and the height is approximately 32 millimeters or less, in particular approximately 31.5 millimeters or less, so that the package can be slipped through a mailbox.

9. A shipping package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package comprises a closing ring which in a closed condition of the package extends at least partly between the tray parts, near the circumferential edges of the tray parts, for being able to moisture -tightly close off the package.

10. A shipping package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray parts are manufactured substantially from PET.

11. A shipping package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package is designed to be opened and closed multiple times for moisture-tightly enclosing and shipping research substances multiple times.

12. A shipping package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package is provided with filling material which and/or an inner package which surrounds the substance or at least a holder of the substance, preferably in an at least partly form-closing manner, so that the substance remains approximately in position within the package.

13. A method for shipment of research substances, preferably clinical and/or infectious substances, in a shipping package, wherein at least one holder with a research substance is placed between two tray parts, wherein the tray parts are closed against each other so that the inner space is closed off from the outside space, wherein the tray parts are held against each other with the aid of a closure, so that the package remains moisture-tightly closed off at an inner pressure of 0.95 bar.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the tray parts are opened again and the research substance is taken out of the package, after which in turn new research substance is placed in the package and said steps are repeated multiple times.

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one holder is placed in an inner package so that the inner package adjoins the at least one holder, wherein the inner package with the at least one holder is placed in the package.

16. A method according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein filling material is placed in the package so that the research substance in the package remains in position.

17. A method according to any one of claims 13-16, wherein the research substances are placed on a tray part and a second tray part is placed over the research substances, after which the closure is placed around the edges of the tray parts for closing off the package.

18. A method according to any one of claims 13-17, wherein the closed package with the research substance packed therein is slipped through a mailbox.