WO2011065918A1

WO2011065918A1 - A body bag

Info

Publication number: WO2011065918A1
Application number: PCT/SG2009/000455
Authority: WO
Inventors: Su Kai Oei
Original assignee: Su Kai Oei
Priority date: 2009-11-26
Filing date: 2009-11-26
Publication date: 2011-06-03
Also published as: GB2487521A; GB201208866D0; GB2487521B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a body bag. In a preferred embodiment, the body bag comprises a plane member having an elongated portion (20) with two widths and two lengths, a rectangular-shaped flap portion (22) connected to a length of said elongated portion (20), a rounded arched portion (24) connected to each width of said elongated portion (20), an outer surface (26), an inner surface (28), curved corners and peripheral side edges; and a re-closable closure means (32) connected to the peripheral side edges of the plane member. The plane member is made of a flexible sheet material. In use, the corpse is placed on to the inner surface (28) of the elongated portion (20) of the laid opened body bag, then each rounded arch portion (24) is maneuvered together with the flap portion (22) to cover the corpse, and the closure means (32) is operated to close the body bag to contain the corpse. Advantageously, the flexible construction allows the rounded arch portion (24) to be flexed to a generally perpendicular position in relation to the elongated portion (20) thereby increasing the volume enclosed by the body bag.

Description

A BODY BAG.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to body bags, cadaver bags and post-mortem bags.

BACKGROUND ART

A body bag is a non-porous bag designed to contain a corpse. It is used for the storage and transport of corpses. Body fluids may leak from the corpse therefore the body bag has to be non-porous. The dimensions of a standard body-bag are generally around 30 inches by 100 inches. Classic body bags are usually manufactured using 8 mil vinyl because this construction is resistant to punctures and still pliable in cold temperatures.

Body bags are typically available in an envelope style zipper opening configuration. If a corpse is bulky, users may find it difficult to load the corpse into this configuration. Another body bag configuration is a centre opening straight zipper configuration. Again, if a corpse is bulky, users may find it difficult to load the corpse into this configuration.

Yet another body bag configuration is the curved "c" zipper bag. The C-style zipper curves along the top of the bag, rather than on the sides, for more secure containment of body fluids. Again, if a corpse is bulky, users may find it difficult to load the corpse into this configuration.

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved body bag that permits easier loading of a bulky corpse. SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a body bag. More specifically, the invention provides a body bag that can be fully opened and laid out to receive a bulky corpse, and after the corpse is loaded, the body bag can be closed to contain the corpse.

In a preferred embodiment, the body bag comprises a plane member having an elongated portion with two widths and two lengths, a rectangular-shaped flap portion connected to a length of said elongated portion, a rounded arched portion connected to each width of said elongated portion, an outer surface, an inner surface, curved corners and peripheral side edges; and a re-closable closure means connected to the peripheral side edges of the plane member. The plane member is made of a flexible sheet material. The flexible sheet material comprises at least one layer of a fluid impermeable material. In use, the corpse is placed on to the inner surface of the elongated portion of the laid opened body bag, then each rounded arch portion is maneuvered together with the flap portion to cover the corpse, and the closure means is operated to close the body bag to contain the corpse. Advantageously, the flexible construction allows the rounded arch portion to be flexed to a generally perpendicular position in relation to the elongated portion thereby increasing the volume enclosed by the body bag. Advantageously, the curved corners permit easier closure of the body bag.

In a more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an absorbent pad coupled to the inner surface of the elongated portion. Advantageously, the absorbent pad serves to absorb fluids leaking from the corpse.

In a still more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of outer handles attached to the outer surface of the body bag. Advantageously, these handles permit personnel to lift and move the body bag. In a yet still more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a covered observation window housed in the flap portion. The observation window comprises a frame and a transplant sheet of impermeable material. Advantageously, the observation window permits the inspection of the corpse.

In a most preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an open ended storage pouch attached to the outer surface of the flap portion. Advantageously, the pouch permits storage of paper documents relating to the corpse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, made by way of the examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the top view of a preferred embodiment of the fully laid opened body bag;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a body bag of Fig. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 3 shows the top view of a different configuration of the preferred embodiment of the laid opened body bag;

FIG. 4 shows the top view of a more preferred embodiment of the body bag in a laid open position;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the closed body bag according to FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a still more preferred embodiment of the body bag in the closed position;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a yet still more preferred embodiment of the body bag in the closed position; and

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the most preferred embodiment of the body bag in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGs.l and 3, in a preferred embodiment, the body bag comprises a plane member having an elongated portion 20 with two widths and two lengths, a rectangular-shaped flap portion 22 connected to a length of said elongated portion 20, a rounded arched portion 24 connected to each width of said elongated portion 20, an outer surface 26, an inner surface 28, curved corners and peripheral side edges; and a re-closable closure means 32 connected to the peripheral side edges of the plane member. The plane member is made of a flexible sheet material. The flexible sheet material comprises at least one layer of a fluid impermeable material.

In use, the corpse is placed on to the inner surface 28 of the elongated portion 20 of the laid opened body bag, then each rounded arch portion 24 is maneuvered together with the flap portion 22 to cover the corpse, and the closure means 32 is operated to close the body bag to contain the corpse. Advantageously, the flexible construction allows the rounded arch portion 24 to be flexed to a generally perpendicular position in relation to the elongated portion 20 thereby increasing the volume enclosable by the body bag. The rounded arch portion 24 and the flap portion 22 enable the closed body bag to have a generally cylindrical shape. Advantageously, the curved comers permit easier closure of the body bag. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a body bag of Fig. 1 in a closed position. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the body bag in a closed position.

Referring to FIG. 4, in a more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an absorbent pad 40 removably coupled to the inner surface 28 of the elongated portion 20. Advantageously, the absorbent pad 40 serves to absorb fluids leaking from the corpse. Referring to FIG.6, in a still more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of outer handles 42 attached to the outer surface 26 of the body bag. Advantageously, these handles permit personnel to lift and move the body bag.

Referring to FIG.7, in a yet still more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a covered observation window 46 housed in the flap portion 22. The observation window 46 comprises a frame and a transplant sheet of impermeable material. Advantageously, the observation window 46 permits the inspection of the corpse. Preferably, the observation window is aligned with the head and upper torso of the corpse contained within the body bag.

Referring to FIG. 8, in a most preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an open ended storage pouch 48 attached to the outer surface 26 of the rounded arch portion 24. Alternatively, the storage pouch may be attached or connected to any part of the outer surface 26 of the body bag. Advantageously, the pouch 48 permits storage of paper documents relating to the corpse. The document storage pouch 48 can be fabricated from the same fluid impermeable material as the body bag. An additional option includes means for closure at the edge of the document storage pouch 48 opening to retain the paper documents. In the alternative, the outer surface of the document storage pouch 48 can treated so as to provide a treated writing surface, thereby allowing personnel to write information thereon.

The body bags of the invention can be constructed in adult, pediatric and infant sizes. The body bags can be constructed in various colors such as black, yellow, orange, blue and grey to indicate the required burial customs. In one embodiment, the absorbent pad 40 comprises a single liquid impervious back-sheet layer being comprised of a plastic film, the plastic film not permitting water, water vapor or fluid to pass through; a one-way liquid permeable top-sheet layer; and a core of absorbent material interposed between the back-sheet layer and the top-sheet layer. The absorbent pad 40 serves to entrap and to retain fluids. In another embodiment, the one-way liquid permeable top-sheet layer is a one-way porous barrier film that allows fluids to flow into the core of absorbent material and restricts back flow of fluid. In yet another embodiment, the core of absorbent material comprises a plurality of layers of cellulosic material. Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, the core of absorbent material is a material selected from the group consisting of cellulosic material, natural sponges, and synthetic sponges.

The one-way liquid permeable top-sheet layer is a one-way porous barrier film that allows fluids to flow into the absorbent material and restrict back flow of fluid. Any non-absorbent flexible film that provides a substantially one-way flow of fluids may be used.

The absorbent material can be a cellulosic pad or any equivalent inert absorbent material, such as particulate absorbent material for increased surface area and absorbency. Readily available materials may be used such as sterile cotton with varying thickness to increase moisture absorbing capacity. The absorbent pad 40 may or may not be removably affixed to the inner surface 28 of the elongated portion 20. Other absorbent materials may be incorporated into the absorbent pad 40, such as, a flat pouch containing charcoal to further enhance the absorbing capacity. In addition, the absorbent material may also be impregnated with an antiviral, a bacteriostatic or fungicidal agent.

The flexible sheet material used to construct the body bag should be leak proof, preventing leakage and seepage of bodily fluids. Various materials can be used to construct the flexible sheet material. Different materials may be selected to comply with the occupational safety and health regulations of individual countries. The flexible material allows the body bag to be compactable. An example of a suitable material for the flexible sheet material is a material having a minimum burst point of 280 PSI, minimum tensile grab strength of warp 300, weft 300, is tolerant of cold temperatures, and is safe disposal compliant. In addition, the flexible sheet material preferably has a cracking point of 25-32 Fahrenheit (F) degrees below zero. Furthermore, the materials for the flexible sheet material preferably contain neither chlorides nor carbons, permitting their use in crematories.

The layer of fluid impermeable material preferably has a thickness ranging from 8 to 30 mils. Suitable materials for the layer of fluid impermeable material include pliable films which are tough, strong and fluid impermeable. A suitable material is a strong, flexible, semi-bio-degradable heavy duty P.V.C (poly- vinyl-chloride) capable of providing fluid barrier protection and blood penetration resistance. Another suitable material is a heavy duty abrasion resistant vinyl having a thickness of 18 mils to 26 mils. Another suitable material is 10 oz. vinyl. In those countries where the use of vinyl may not be compliant with the regulations, alternative materials can be used. One alternative material is a polyethylene woven fabric. Another suitable material is a chlorine-free non-vinyl material that complies with environmental protection burn restrictions involving the release of chlorine gas thereby eliminating the disposal problems associated with vinyl materials. The chlorine-free material should be flexible to -70 degrees F. (-57 degrees Celsius (C)) so that it can be used in winter environments or morgue coolers without fear of the material cracking. Chlorine-free material is preferably 100% chlorine free and environmentally compliant. No PVC (poly-vinyl-chloride) material is used. One advantage of using non-vinyl materials is that it is safe to cremate or bury. The flexible sheet material should have a thickness sufficient to maximize protection from and to resist puncture from any sharp objects contained within the closed body bag, preferably in the thickness range of 8 mils to 30 mils.

In one embodiment, the body bag is made from pieces of flexible sheet material electronically heat-sealed together to comply with occupational safety and health regulations. In another embodiment, the body bag is made of two layers of 3-mil polyethylene film laminated to 1000 denier scrim reinforcement material. This construction has a strength equivalent to 12 mil vinyl. If no vinyl material is used, it is environmentally compliant. It is possible to use the two layer construction but without the scrim support material. In yet another construction, the body bag is constructed of a high density polyethylene woven fabric. In another alternative embodiment, the flexible sheet material can be made of non-vinyl polyethylene material for longer shelf life and to remain flexible to -70 degrees F. The lifting capacity of the body bag should preferably be a weight capacity of 200 to 600 pounds. One embodiment uses 20-gauge Vinyl and has a 600 lb. lifting capacity. Another embodiment uses 10-gauge Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA). This material contains no PVCs and is burnable. PEVA materials retain their strength, flexibility and soft feel in cold temperatures. Non-toxic PEVA bags comply with environmentally friendly chlorine burn requirements. In another embodiment, the bag can be made of chemical resistant materials.

In one embodiment, the re-closable closure means 32 is a fluid tight re-closable closure. The closure means 32 is operable to seal the body bag to prevent leakage of fluids. Preferably, the re-closable closure means 32 is a re-closable zipper or zip fastener. In use, when the zipper is zipped the body bag is closed, and when unzipped, the flap portion 22 is manipulated to fully open the body bag. Various types of zipper construction can be used. In one construction, the zipper is an adhesive tape backed reinforced zipper to minimize possible zipper-tear-out during handling and transport. In another construction, the zipper has dual zipper pulls to facilitate opening and closing of the device. In yet another construction, the zipper is preferably a rust resistant heavy-duty nylon zipper. Another suitable zipper is a serialized tamper resistant zipper pull seal. Yet another suitable zipper is a two-way plastic #10 waterproof zipper with metal tabs. Yet another suitable zipper is 89" heavy duty plastic with 323(lbs./sq. in.) Another suitable zipper is a dual No. 8 padlock style zipper pull. Yet another embodiment provides a heavy duty gas tight zipper with a large ring on slider to allow for ease of zipping and unzipping when wearing gloves. The zippers are preferably waterproof, self-repairing and nonlocking. In addition, tamper tabs can be provided at zip closure for lock attachments. Another suitable zipper is a nylon zipper. Advantageously, a nylon zipper does not interfere with x-ray imaging. The outer handles 42 can have various constructions. Preferably, the outer handles 42 are extra-strong carry handles or hand grips suitable for handling by two to six persons. Alternatively, the outer handles 42 can be padded and radio-frequency welded directly onto the flexible sheet material for comfortable handling during transport. Alternatively, the inner handles 42 can have foam inserts for handling comfort.

Alternatively, in another construction, the outer handles 42 can be riveted webbing style handles. One advantage is that this feature avoids webbing tear out or failure during rough handling, while maintaining fluid tight integrity of the body bag.

In yet another construction, the outer handles 42 are riveted and stitched with nylon thread. Alternatively, the outer handles 42 can be exterior sewn or riveted webbing style handles. In another most preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a sealed pouch attached to the outer surface 26 of the body bag. The sealed pouch contains an electronic tag. A suitable electronic tag is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. Advantageously, the RPID tag enables electronic tracking of the body bag.

In yet another embodiment, the flexible sheet material further comprises a layer of material impregnated with anti-septic chemicals. Advantageously, this may serve to kill susceptible micro-organisms. In yet another embodiment, the flexible sheet material further comprises a layer of material impregnated with a member selected from the group consisting of an anti-viral agent, a fungicidal agent and a bacteriostatic agent.

In yet another embodiment, the body bag is constructed from panels of flexible sheet material connected or sealed together. The seams are sealed for superior resistance to leakage during transport. One method is to completely heat sealed with no sewn seams. In an alternate method, all seams can be 100% radio- frequency heat sealed to eliminate any possible leakage. Alternatively, seams can be dielectrically sealed to prevent leakage. Alternatively, all seams are hermetically heat sealed to facilitate optimum usability and gas tight integrity.

The elongated portion is shaped to permit the loading of a corpse thereon. As such, the elongated portion is generally longer in relation to its width. Thus suitable shapes for the elongated portion are oblongate shape, hexagonal shape, oval-shape and rectangular shaped; preferably with rounded ends or curved ends. Rounded ends and curved corners are preferred to permit easier closure of the body bag. The above embodiments are only examples for describing the present invention. They should not have any limitations on this invention, i.e. simple improvements or alterations made by persons skilled in the art within the scope defined by the claims should be understood as not going beyond the scope of the invention. While specific materials and details of construction are referred to in connection with the description of the embodiments, it will be understood that equivalent materials and other details of construction may be resorted to within the spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A body bag comprising:

a plane member having an outer surface, an inner surface, curved corners and peripheral side edges, said plane member having an elongated portion with two widths and two lengths, a rectangular-shaped flap portion connected to a length of said elongated portion, a rounded arched portion connected to each width of said elongated portion, said plane member is made of a flexible sheet material, said flexible sheet material comprising at least one layer of a fluid impermeable material; and

a re-closable closure means connected to the peripheral side edges of said plane member,

wherein a corpse is placable on to the inner surface of the elongated portion of said laid open bag,

wherein said rounded arch portions and said flap portion are maneuverable to cover said corpse, and

wherein said closure means is operable to close said body bag to contain said corpse.

2. The body bag according to claim 1, further comprising an absorbent pad coupled to the inner surface of said elongated portion, said absorbent pad for absorbing fluids.

3. The body bag according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of outer handles attached to the outer surface of said body bag.

4. The body bag according to claim 3, further comprising a covered observation window housed in said flap portion, said observation window comprising a frame and a transplant sheet of impermeable material, said observation window permitting inspection of a corpse contained within said body bag.

5. The body bag according to claim 4, further comprising an open ended storage pouch attached to the outer surface of said body bag.

6. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said absorbent pad comprises a single liquid impervious back-sheet layer being comprised of a plastic film, said plastic film not permitting water, water vapor or fluid to pass through; a one-way liquid permeable top-sheet layer; and a core of absorbent material interposed between said back-sheet layer and said top-sheet layer, said absorbent pad for entrapping and retaining fluids.

7. The body bag according to claim 6, wherein said one-way liquid permeable top-sheet layer is a one-way porous barrier film that allows fluids to flow into the core of absorbent material and restrict back flow of fluid.

8. The body bag according to claim 7, wherein said core of absorbent material comprises a plurality of layers of cellulosic material.

9. The body bag according to claim 7, wherein said core of absorbent material is a material selected from the group consisting of cellulosic material, natural sponges, and synthetic sponges.

10. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said layer of a fluid impermeable material has a thickness ranging from 8 to 30 mils.

11. The body bag according to claim 5, further comprising a sealed pouch attached to the outer surface of said body bag, said sealed pouch containing an electronic tag.

12. The body bag according to claim 11, wherein said electronic tag is a radio- frequency identification tag.

13. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein the observation window is aligned with the head and upper torso of a corpse contained within said body bag.

14. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said re-closable closure means is a fluid tight re-closable closure.

15. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said re-closable closure means is a re-closable zipper.

16. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said flexible sheet material further comprises a layer of material impregnated with anti-septic chemicals.

17. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said flexible sheet material further comprises a layer of material impregnated with a member selected from the group consisting of an anti-viral agent, a fungicidal agent and a bacteriostatic agent.

18. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said plane member is constructed from panels of material connected together.

19. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said elongated portion is oblongate shaped with rounded ends.

20. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said elongated portion is oval- shaped.

21. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said elongated portion is hexagonal shaped with rounded ends.