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WO2006134336A2 - Transport package - Google Patents

Transport package Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006134336A2
WO2006134336A2 PCT/GB2006/002134 GB2006002134W WO2006134336A2 WO 2006134336 A2 WO2006134336 A2 WO 2006134336A2 GB 2006002134 W GB2006002134 W GB 2006002134W WO 2006134336 A2 WO2006134336 A2 WO 2006134336A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
absorbent
packaging material
package
transport package
layer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2006/002134
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2006134336A3 (en
Inventor
Roderick Iain Davidson
Original Assignee
Roderick Iain Davidson
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Roderick Iain Davidson filed Critical Roderick Iain Davidson
Publication of WO2006134336A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006134336A2/en
Publication of WO2006134336A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006134336A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/12—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/14—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a particulate layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/02—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
    • B32B3/08—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/26—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
    • B32B3/30—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. hollows, grooves, protuberances, ribs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
    • B32B5/24—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/26—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer next to it also being fibrous or filamentary
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
    • B65D11/10—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material of polygonal cross-section and all parts being permanently connected to each other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D45/00—Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members
    • B65D45/02—Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members for applying axial pressure to engage closure with sealing surface
    • B65D45/16—Clips, hooks, or clamps which are removable, or which remain connected either with the closure or with the container when the container is open, e.g. C-shaped
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
    • B32B2250/03—3 layers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2255/00—Coating on the layer surface
    • B32B2255/02—Coating on the layer surface on fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2255/00—Coating on the layer surface
    • B32B2255/10—Coating on the layer surface on synthetic resin layer or on natural or synthetic rubber layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2255/00—Coating on the layer surface
    • B32B2255/26—Polymeric coating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2260/00—Layered product comprising an impregnated, embedded, or bonded layer wherein the layer comprises an impregnation, embedding, or binder material
    • B32B2260/04—Impregnation, embedding, or binder material
    • B32B2260/046—Synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0253—Polyolefin fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0276—Polyester fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/06—Vegetal fibres
    • B32B2262/062—Cellulose fibres, e.g. cotton
    • B32B2262/067—Wood fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2264/00—Composition or properties of particles which form a particulate layer or are present as additives
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/726—Permeability to liquids, absorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/728—Hydrophilic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
    • B32B2439/40—Closed containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
    • B32B2439/80—Medical packaging
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
    • B65D81/264—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing liquids

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a packaging material, and a transport package produced form the same.
  • a transport package must be designed to minimise the possibility of breakage of the sample, and must also include sufficient absorbency to hold the entire contents of the sample, if a breakage or leaking does occur.
  • suitable packaging has required the amalgamation of multiple layers of materials, including layers for re-enforcement of the packaging and other layers to provide absorbency. Sometimes even more layers are included to provide an additional cushioning effect. As a result such packaging has often been complex and therefore expensive, requiring many stages in the manufacture. Furthermore, the packaging may be time-consuming and difficult for the user to assemble.
  • a packaging material including:
  • thermoformable plastics material • a first layer of thermoformable plastics material
  • thermobondable material and • absorbent material.
  • absorbent material Many types can be used and generally the type of absorbent material used will be chosen in accordance with the ultimate use of the material.
  • the absorbent material may be super-absorbent. Typically this will be in the form of fibres, but may also be in powder form. Alternatively, if less absorbency is required the absorbent material may be wood pulp. In addition a polypropylene based absorbent material sold under the name of "melt blown" can also be used, as this has the ability to absorb oil. Conveniently, combinations of absorbent material can be used.
  • the absorbent material it will be used in quantities of 50% or more.
  • the material will be a carded bi-component fibre including thermobonded fibres .
  • thermobondable material and the absorbent material are mixed together and a fibre laying process is used bond the materials. This may either be an air laying process, a needle felting process or a carded thermobonding process. The application of heat to these fibres bonds the fibres together.
  • the two layers are then adhered together by thermoforming of the material into a product.
  • the first and second layers should be chemically compatible for optimum adhesion.
  • the first layer will be a polypropylene material having a sealable polyethylene coating and the thermobondable material being polypropylene fibre having a polyethylene outer coating.
  • the thermobonable material may be polyethylene coated polyester.
  • a transport package for transporting samples in holders comprising:- • a complementary pair thermoformed trays made from the material of the first aspect, and having indentations therein shaped for samples for transport;
  • securing clip could be provided in several parts, preferably it is a single moulding, articulated for securing around the perimeter of the thermoformed trays.
  • the trays will also be indented with ribs.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet of packaging material according to the first aspect of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a top view of a tray of material thermoformed in accordance with the second aspect of the invention and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container using the sheet of Figure 2.
  • the material 1 thereshown is a bi-layer material having a thermoformable layer 2 and an absorbent layer 4.
  • the thermoformable layer is of a polypropylene material having a polyethylene coating, although other thermoformable materials could be used.
  • the absorbent layer 4 comprises a mixture of a thermobondable fibres and absorbent material. Suitable thermobondable fibres sell under the OASIS trade mark and comprise of polypropylene fibres having a polyethylene coating. Other thermobondable fibres could also be used.
  • the absorbent material is typically super-absorbent fibres. However other absorbent material, include super-absorbent powder, wood pulp or "melt blown" could be used.
  • the mixture is carded and then air laid, although other forms of mixing and heating could be used.
  • the outer coating of the fibres melts and adheres all the fibres, including the absorbent material into a cohesive web.
  • thermoforming The air laid web is then placed on to a thermoformable material for thermoforming.
  • FIG 2 thereshown is a tray 10 of material described above, thermoformed to provide one half of a transport package. Depressions 12 having been thermoformed in the tray to provide spaces for samples to be transported. When this sheet is mated with a second complementary tray the samples will be entirely contained within the depressions. As shown the tray is thermoformed to hold five blood samples, but could equally be formed for urine or drug containers, or mixtures of these.
  • thermoformed As the material is thermoformed, the heat of this process causes the polyethylene in the thermobondable fibres to again melt and to adhere to the thermoformable sheet. This results in a unifying of the two layers, and thus a material being impermeable to liquid, but absorbent on one side.
  • Ribs 14 are also thermoformed into the trays to provide additional stiffness in the package.
  • a depression 16 is thermoformed around the edge of the tray.
  • the package thereshown 20 comprises two complementary trays 22, 24, captivating the samples with a gasket 26 provided in the depression therebetween.
  • samples are placed in the depression in a first tray, and a gasket is placed in the edge depression.
  • a second tray is placed on top of the first sheet, trapping between the trays the samples and the gasket.
  • a clip 28 is attached to the edge of the package.
  • the clip is a moulding, which clips around the circumference of the package, over the gasket, sealing the container.
  • the clip comprises four separate clips, however these could be articulated to fit around the corners of the package.
  • the transport package is both rigid to protect the samples and yet also absorbent to prevent leakage in the event of the failure of one of the sample holders within the package.
  • Super-absorbent material can typically hold up to forty-five times its own weight in liquid, and by incorporating 50% super-absorbent material in the absorbent layer in the package, the layer can absorb up to 80g/m of liquid. For use in a package designed to hold medical samples, this is sufficient absorbency to absorb any leaks.
  • the packaging is essentially translucent, it is easy to see whether there has been a leak, and this reduced the risk of handling the package.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

A packaging material (1) including integrated absorbency in first layer (4) and a thermoformable plastics material in a second layer (2) . The absorbent layer including a mixture of absorbent material, for example super-absorbent mater, wood pulp or melt blown material, together with thermobondable fibres. The mixture being adhered together by heat during a fibre laying process . The first and second layers being adhered together during a thermoforming process. A transport package (10) using this material is also provided.

Description

TRANSPORT PACKAGE
The present invention relates to a packaging material, and a transport package produced form the same.
Transport of hazardous goods, including medical samples, is subject to regulation. In particular security against leakage is called for. For the transport of diagnostic samples, including blood and urine, UN regulation 3373 (IATA 650) requires that the packaging must not leak when subject to a 95 KPA pressure drop.
Thus a transport package must be designed to minimise the possibility of breakage of the sample, and must also include sufficient absorbency to hold the entire contents of the sample, if a breakage or leaking does occur.
As a result, the manufacture of suitable packaging has required the amalgamation of multiple layers of materials, including layers for re-enforcement of the packaging and other layers to provide absorbency. Sometimes even more layers are included to provide an additional cushioning effect. As a result such packaging has often been complex and therefore expensive, requiring many stages in the manufacture. Furthermore, the packaging may be time-consuming and difficult for the user to assemble.
The object of the present invention is to provide a material including integrated absorbency, and a transport package using this material.
According to the invention there is provided a packaging material including:
• a first layer of thermoformable plastics material;
• a second layer including:-
• thermobondable material and • absorbent material. Many types of absorbent material can be used and generally the type of absorbent material used will be chosen in accordance with the ultimate use of the material.
For use in absorbing large amounts of aqueous liquid, the absorbent material may be super-absorbent. Typically this will be in the form of fibres, but may also be in powder form. Alternatively, if less absorbency is required the absorbent material may be wood pulp. In addition a polypropylene based absorbent material sold under the name of "melt blown" can also be used, as this has the ability to absorb oil. Conveniently, combinations of absorbent material can be used.
Typically the absorbent material it will be used in quantities of 50% or more.
In one embodiment, the material will be a carded bi-component fibre including thermobonded fibres .
The thermobondable material and the absorbent material are mixed together and a fibre laying process is used bond the materials. This may either be an air laying process, a needle felting process or a carded thermobonding process. The application of heat to these fibres bonds the fibres together.
The two layers are then adhered together by thermoforming of the material into a product.
The first and second layers should be chemically compatible for optimum adhesion. Typically the first layer will be a polypropylene material having a sealable polyethylene coating and the thermobondable material being polypropylene fibre having a polyethylene outer coating. Alternatively, the thermobonable material may be polyethylene coated polyester.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a transport package for transporting samples in holders, the package comprising:- • a complementary pair thermoformed trays made from the material of the first aspect, and having indentations therein shaped for samples for transport;
• a gasket; and • a securing clip.
While the securing clip could be provided in several parts, preferably it is a single moulding, articulated for securing around the perimeter of the thermoformed trays.
Typically the trays will also be indented with ribs.
To help understanding of the invention, a specific embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet of packaging material according to the first aspect of the invention;
Figure 2 is a top view of a tray of material thermoformed in accordance with the second aspect of the invention and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container using the sheet of Figure 2.
Referring to first to figure 1, the material 1 thereshown is a bi-layer material having a thermoformable layer 2 and an absorbent layer 4. The thermoformable layer is of a polypropylene material having a polyethylene coating, although other thermoformable materials could be used. The absorbent layer 4 comprises a mixture of a thermobondable fibres and absorbent material. Suitable thermobondable fibres sell under the OASIS trade mark and comprise of polypropylene fibres having a polyethylene coating. Other thermobondable fibres could also be used. The absorbent material is typically super-absorbent fibres. However other absorbent material, include super-absorbent powder, wood pulp or "melt blown" could be used.
The mixture is carded and then air laid, although other forms of mixing and heating could be used. On heating, during the air laying process, the outer coating of the fibres melts and adheres all the fibres, including the absorbent material into a cohesive web.
The air laid web is then placed on to a thermoformable material for thermoforming.
Turning now to Figure 2, thereshown is a tray 10 of material described above, thermoformed to provide one half of a transport package. Depressions 12 having been thermoformed in the tray to provide spaces for samples to be transported. When this sheet is mated with a second complementary tray the samples will be entirely contained within the depressions. As shown the tray is thermoformed to hold five blood samples, but could equally be formed for urine or drug containers, or mixtures of these.
As the material is thermoformed, the heat of this process causes the polyethylene in the thermobondable fibres to again melt and to adhere to the thermoformable sheet. This results in a unifying of the two layers, and thus a material being impermeable to liquid, but absorbent on one side.
Ribs 14 are also thermoformed into the trays to provide additional stiffness in the package. In addition a depression 16 is thermoformed around the edge of the tray.
Now turning to Figure 3, the package thereshown 20 comprises two complementary trays 22, 24, captivating the samples with a gasket 26 provided in the depression therebetween. In use, samples are placed in the depression in a first tray, and a gasket is placed in the edge depression. A second tray is placed on top of the first sheet, trapping between the trays the samples and the gasket. To secure the package, a clip 28 is attached to the edge of the package. The clip is a moulding, which clips around the circumference of the package, over the gasket, sealing the container. As shown the clip comprises four separate clips, however these could be articulated to fit around the corners of the package.
Thus the transport package is both rigid to protect the samples and yet also absorbent to prevent leakage in the event of the failure of one of the sample holders within the package. Super-absorbent material can typically hold up to forty-five times its own weight in liquid, and by incorporating 50% super-absorbent material in the absorbent layer in the package, the layer can absorb up to 80g/m of liquid. For use in a package designed to hold medical samples, this is sufficient absorbency to absorb any leaks. In addition, as the packaging is essentially translucent, it is easy to see whether there has been a leak, and this reduced the risk of handling the package.
The invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above- described embodiment. For instance, other plastics material can be used to prepare the absorbent sheet material.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A packaging material including:
• a first layer of thermoformable plastics material;
• a second layer including:- • thermobondable material and
• absorbent material.
2. A packaging material as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the absorbent material is super-absorbent fibre.
3. A packaging material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is super-absorbent powder.
4. A packaging material as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the absorbent material is wood pulp.
5. A packaging material as claimed in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, wherein the absorbent material is "melt blown".
6. A packaging material as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the quantity of absorbent material is at least 50% of that of the thermobondable material.
7. A packaging material as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer is a polypropylene material having a sealable polyethylene coating
8. A packaging material as claimed in claim 7, wherein the thermobondable material is polypropylene fibre having a polyethylene outer coating.
9. A packaging material as claimed in claim 7, wherein the thermobonable material is polyethylene coated polyester.
10. A transport package for transporting samples in holders, the package comprising:-
• a complementary pair thermoformed trays made from the material as claimed in any preceding claim, and having indentations therein shaped for samples for transport;
• a gasket; and
• a securing clip.
11. A transport package as claimed in claim 10, wherein the securing clip is a plurality of clips, each clip securing an edge of the trays.
12. A transport package as claimed in claim 10, wherein the securing clip is articulated for securing round the perimeter of the trays.
13. A transport package as claimed in claim 10, claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the trays are further indented with ribs.
14. A packaging material substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
15. A transport package substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
PCT/GB2006/002134 2005-06-15 2006-06-12 Transport package WO2006134336A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0512146A GB0512146D0 (en) 2005-06-15 2005-06-15 Transport package
GB0512146.2 2005-06-15

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006134336A2 true WO2006134336A2 (en) 2006-12-21
WO2006134336A3 WO2006134336A3 (en) 2007-04-05

Family

ID=34855552

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2006/002134 WO2006134336A2 (en) 2005-06-15 2006-06-12 Transport package

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Country Link
GB (1) GB0512146D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2006134336A2 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0512146D0 (en) 2005-07-20
WO2006134336A3 (en) 2007-04-05

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