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(11) | EP 3 862 290 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | SECURE TRANSPORT CONTAINER |
| (57) A secure transport container 101, which has a front panel 102 and a back panel 103.
The panels 102, 103 are typically made of corrugated paper. There is a closable cavity
104 formed between the front panel 102, the back panel 103. The secure transport container
101 forms a secure transport container system if combined with a sealable bag 105a
and an item holder 105b. The cavity 104 is configured to hold the sealable bag 105a,
which is fixed to the back panel 103. In the sealable bag 105a, the item holder 105b
is fixed in place and is configured to hold first and second test tubes 105c and 105d.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a secure transport container and, related thereto, a system and methods.
BACKGROUND AND RELATED ART
[0002] There are several challenges in providing a secure container for transporting sensitive items by postal, courier, or similar delivery. Such items may include test tubes, made of glass or plastic, for holding samples of materials, substances, or fluids of organic and/or non-organic origins.
[0003] During field conditions, collection and packing for transportation of such samples may be cumbersome for a number of reasons, such as the following. The sample and any carrier of the sample need to be kept uncontaminated. A test tube, which contains the sample and any carrier thereof, needs to be held securely in the container and needs to be sealed off such that any leakage from the test tubes is prevented from reaching the outside of the container. The test tubes may also need to be protected from contamination like moisture and dust reaching them from the outside. The test tubes and samples need to be protected from from impact during transportation. Easy handling of sample, any carrier, test tube, and the container is desirable. As is the easy provision of a sealing-off arrangement and impact protection of the test tube. Environmental aspects need to be addressed, too.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention aims to eliminate or at least alleviate problems or shortcomings in the prior art and to generally facilitate handling in relation a secure transport container. For these purposes, a secure transport container, system, and related methods are provided.
[0005] Specifically, the present invention provides a secure transport container comprising: a front panel and a back panel joined to the front panel; a closable cavity formed between the front panel and the back panel and configured to hold a sealable bag; a first cavity closure portion attached to the front panel and a first bag sealing bar attached to the first cavity closure portion; a second cavity closure portion attached to the back panel and a second bag sealing bar attached to the second cavity closure portion and matable with the first bag sealing bar; wherein the first cavity closure portion is movable in relation to the second cavity closure portion between an open cavity state and a closed cavity state; wherein the first and second bag sealing bar are configured to be non-mated with each other in the open cavity state; wherein the first and second bag sealing bars are configured to be mated with each other in the closed cavity state and to provide between them a sealing of the sealable bag to be held in the closable cavity.
[0006] This container has the advantage of achieving, in an uncomplicated single action, closure of the container's cavity and sealing of the bag in the cavity. Likewise, a reverse single action will open both the cavity and unseal (open) the bag.
[0007] Optionally, in the secure transport container, the first and second bag-sealing bar are configured to provide the sealing of the sealable bag entirely inside the closable cavity.
[0008] Providing bag sealing in this way will enable dual protection of any items, such as test tubes, to be located in the bag, through the sealed bag and through being inside the closed cavity.
[0009] The secure transport container may further comprise a first locking mechanism configured to lock the first cavity closure portion in relation to the second cavity closure portion in the closed cavity state.
[0010] Provision of the locking mechanism means that the container can be transported, for instance by mail or courier, while its contents are securely kept inside the cavity of the container. Preferably, the locking mechanism allows locking and unlocking a large number of times, which will allow re-use of the container and thus lower environmental impact.
[0011] Optionally, in the invention, the first locking mechanism, when locked, is configured to hold the first bag-sealing bar mated with the second bag-sealing bar. This is a preferable way of arranging the locking mechanism for secure transport.
[0012] The secure transport container may further comprise a second locking mechanism in the first and second bag sealing bars, wherein the second locking mechanism is configured to lock to each other the first and second bag sealing bars when mated in the closed cavity state. This provides additional security and assists in maintaining closure and sealing during transport. Typically, the second locking mechanism would operate entirely inside the cavity. Possibly, the second locking mechanism could be the only locking mechanism of the container.
[0013] Optionally, in the secure transport container, the first cavity closure portion is formed by at least a part of the front panel. This is preferable as it allows reduction of design complexity.
[0014] Optionally, in the secure transport container, the second cavity closure portion is formed by at least a part of the back panel. This is preferable as it allows reduction of design complexity.
[0015] The secure transport container may further comprise at least one side wall joining the front panel and the back panel. One or more side walls contribute to form a well-defined cavity and a dimensionally stable cavity and container.
[0016] Optionally, in the secure transport container, the first cavity closure portion is movably attached to the front panel the by a first hinge. This enables a well-defined closing and bag sealing action.
[0017] Optionally, in the secure transport container, the second cavity closure portion is movably attached to the back panel the by a second hinge. This enables a well-defined closing and bag sealing action as well as a wider opening of the cavity for easy access for the bag to be held in the container and for items to be inserted in or removed from the bag.
[0018] Optionally, in the secure transport container, the front panel, the back panel and, as applicable, the at least one side wall are made of corrugated paper, cardboard, corrugated plastic, sheet plastic, and/or molded plastic. These are particularly suitable materials. The most preferred material is corrugated paper since it has excellent properties for forming a box of the type described in further detail below and inherently provides impact protection for the box's contents. It is also well suited for postal or courier transport.
[0019] The invention further provides a secure transport container system comprising, in any of its guises, the secure transport container and a sealable bag fixed inside the closable cavity. This system provides easy handling when inserting or removing items and does not require a user do handle the bag separately. It also enables fixedly locating the bag in a position so as to get maximum protection within the panels and any walls of the container. A fixed location in a center of the container should be preferable from this perspective.
[0020] The secure transport container system may further comprise an item holder fixed inside the sealable bag. This will efficiently keep items, such as test tubes, in place in the bag. The item holder will also provide additional protection and isolate the items from each other in case several items are to be held.
[0021] The invention further provides a method of packing items for secure transportation in the secure transport container system according, in any of its guises, wherein the method comprises the method steps of: holding the secure transport container, wherein the first and second cavity closure portions are in closed cavity state; unlocking the first locking mechanism; moving the first cavity closure portion to the open cavity state, by which method step the sealing of the sealable bag is removed through un-mating of the first and second bag sealing bars; inserting a first item in the sealable bag; moving the first cavity closure portion to the closed cavity state, by which method step the sealable bag is sealed through mating of the first and second bag sealing bars; locking the first locking mechanism. This is a typical field-use situation, wherein an item is inserted in the bag, the cavity of the container is closed and the bag sealed in a single action, and the container is prepared for postal, courier, or similar transport. This method could also comprise the removal of the first item from the bag prior to inserting the same first item again, for instance, after having used it for taking a sample in the field use situation.
[0022] The invention further provides a method of packing items for secure transportation in the secure transport container system according, in any of its guises, wherein the method comprises the method steps of: unlocking the first locking mechanism; moving the first cavity closure portion to the open cavity state, by which method step the sealing of the sealable bag is removed through un-mating of the first and second bag sealing bars; removing the first item from the sealable bag; inserting a second item in the sealable bag; moving the first cavity closure portion to the closed cavity state, by which method step the sealable bag is sealed through mating of the first and second bag sealing bars; locking the first locking mechanism. This method is typically performed at a receiver side, such as in a laboratory or other non-field-situation. The removal of the first item could be made at a first instance, after which the container could be closed and, possibly elsewhere, be re-opened at a second instance to load again with a second item. This would be part of a re-use cycle for the container and, possibly, the bag and item holder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023]
Fig. 1 shows a secure transport container and a secure transport container system according to the invention realized as a corrugated paper box in an open cavity state thus revealing first and second bag sealing bars, an item holder in a sealable bag fixed in a cavity of the container, and two test tube items.
Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of method steps to be performed in relation to the secure transport container system of fig. 1. Fig. 2 represents either a sequence of steps 201-206 or a different sequence of steps 207-212.
Figs. 3-6 show the secure transport container of fig. 1 in various states, perspectives, and/or cross-sections.
DETAILED EMBODIMENT DESCRIPTION
[0024] The drawings show details of a secure transport container, a secure transport container system, and methods related thereto, which will be further discussed and explained below. Reference numerals in the drawings are all three-digit numerals, wherein the first digit, being 1 through 6, indicates to which one of fig. 1 through fig. 6, respectively, a certain numeral pertains. The same parts are indicated with the same last two digits (plus a letter as the case may be) in fig. 1 and figs. 3-6. Any exception to this convention would be pointed of explicitly below.
[0025] Fig. 1 shows a secure transport container 101, which has a front panel 102 and a back panel 103. The back panel 103 is joined to the front panel 102 by side walls. The panels 102, 103 and walls 111a, 111b, 112, 112b are made of corrugated paper. Further, there is a closable cavity 104 formed between the front panel 102, the back panel 103, and the side walls 111a, 111b, 112, 112b. The secure transport container 101 forms a secure transport container system when combined with a sealable bag 105a, here made of plastic, and an item holder 105b, here made of cardboard or corrugated paper. The cavity 104 contains the sealable bag 105a, which is fixed by glue to the back panel 103. In the sealable bag 105a, the item holder 105b is glued in place and holds first and second test tubes 105c and 105d, here made of plastic with and each having a threaded lid, and being held with a loose-fit between test tube and item holder for easy removal and insertion. Alternatively, test tubes or other items could be retained by moderate friction between item and item holder.
[0026] The container 101 has a first cavity closure portion 106 attached to the front panel 102 and a first bag sealing bar 107 attached to the first cavity closure portion 106. Generally opposite to the first cavity closure portion 106, the container 101 has a second cavity closure portion 108 attached to the back panel 103 and a second bag sealing bar attached to the second cavity closure portion 108. As disclosed elsewhere in this patent application, the first and second cavity closure portions 106, 108 define (when closed) part of the cavity 104. The first bag sealing bar 107 and the second bag sealing bar 109 are matable with each other in a fashion somewhat similar to that of a closed plastic bag clip of the type commonly used in households. However, the plastic bag used in the inventive system is typically thicker than household versions and the sealing is typically made so as to avoid creases of folds at an opening end of the plastic bag 105a when sealed. Moreover, the first and second bag sealing bars 107, 109 are not attached to each other when un-mated, in an open cavity state, which is the state shown in fig 1. Typically, the sealable bag is generally rectangular with one open edge. The sealable bag 105a does not need any zipper or other type sealing arrangement. Rather, a bag with a sealing function of its own would probably complicate handling.
[0027] More specifically, the first cavity closure portion 106 and second cavity closure portion 108 are both rotatable at respective parallel hinges 113, 114 between the open cavity state and a closed cavity state.
[0028] As can be seen in fig. 1, the first and second bag sealing bars 107, 109 are configured to be non-mated with each other in the open cavity state. Further, the first and second bag sealing bars 107, 109 are configured to be mated with each other in the closed cavity state and to provide between them a sealing of the sealable bag 105a held in the closable cavity 103.
[0029] The first and second bag sealing bars 107, 109 are configured to provide the sealing of the sealable bag 105a entirely inside the closable cavity 104 for protecting bag contents well and for protecting the surroundings from the bag contents.
[0030] The container 101 has first locking mechanism 110a, 110b configured to lock the first cavity closure portion 106 in relation to the second cavity closure portion 108 in the closed cavity state. The first locking mechanism is of a dual-side-tabs-and-slots-type, but could alternatively be formed by centrally located locking tabs and slots. The first locking mechanism, when locked, is designed to hold the first bag sealing bar 107 mated with the second bag sealing bar 109.
[0031] Further, the system has a second locking mechanism 610c, 610d, 610e, 610f (in fig. 6) in the first and second bag sealing bars 107, 109, wherein the second locking mechanism 610c, 610d, 610e, 610f is configured to lock to each other the first and second bag sealing bars 107, 109 when mated in the closed cavity state. The second locking mechanism is essentially a spring clip and knob type of mechanism, wherein the spring clips and knobs are attached to respective ends of the first and second bag sealing bars 107, 109. This locking is enhanced by friction between spring clip and knob. Further, it will open as the first locking mechanism 110a, 110b is released and the first cavity closure portion 106 and the second cavity closure portion 108 are pulled apart, which means entering the open cavity state.
[0032] For an efficient design of the container 101, the first cavity closure portion 106 is formed by a part of the front panel 102 and the second cavity closure portion 108 is formed by at least a part of the back panel 103. As indicated above, the first cavity closure portion 106 is movably attached to the front panel the by a first hinge 113 and the second cavity closure portion 108 is movably attached to the back panel the by a second hinge 114.
[0033] Corrugated paper is the preferred main construction material of the container 101, that is, for the front panel 102, the back panel 103, the first cavity closure portion 106, the second cavity closure portion 108 and the side walls 111a, 111b, 112. Alternatively, these parts can made of corrugated paper, cardboard, corrugated plastic, sheet plastic, or molded plastic or a combination thereof.
[0034] With reference to fig. 2, the invention is also a method of packing items for secure transportation in the secure transport container system disclosed herein, said method comprising the method steps of:
holding 201 the secure transport container, wherein the first and second cavity closure portions are in closed cavity state;
unlocking 202 the first locking mechanism;
moving 203 the first cavity closure portion to the open cavity state, by which method step the sealing of the sealable bag is removed through un-mating of the first and second bag sealing bars;
inserting 204 a first item in the sealable bag;
moving 205 the first cavity closure portion to the closed cavity state, by which method step the sealable bag is sealed through mating of the first and second bag sealing bars;
locking 206 the first locking mechanism.
[0035] The invention is further a method, optionally in combination with the above method steps, of unpacking and packing items for secure transportation in the secure transport container system disclosed herein, said method comprising the method steps of:
unlocking 207 the first locking mechanism;
moving 208 the first cavity closure portion to the open cavity state, by which method step the sealing of the sealable bag is removed through un-mating of the first and second bag sealing bars;
removing 209 a first item from the sealable bag;
Inserting 210 a second item in the sealable bag;
moving 211 the first cavity closure portion to the closed cavity state, by which method step the sealable bag is sealed through mating of the first and second bag sealing bars;
locking 212 the first locking mechanism.
[0036] The method aspects of this invention are related to use and re-use of the inventive secure transport container and secure transport container system for the purposes of ease-of-use and environmentally friendly re-use or re-cycling.
[0037] Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the container 301 in an open cavity state showing inter alia the sealable bag 305a, the item holder 305b, and one test tube 305c. Further, some of the second locking mechanism 310c and 310d is visible at the far end of the bag sealing bars 307 and 309.
[0038] Fig. 4 is a cross-section of the container 401 in a closed cavity state showing inter alia the sealable bag 405a, the item holder 405b, and one test tube 405c. Specifically, the sealing of the sealable bag 405a (here shown with a somewhat wider line width) between the first sealing bar 407 and the second sealing bar 409 is visible.
[0039] Fig. 5 is an exploded view wherein the sealable bag 505a, to be located in the closable cavity 504, is here shown separated from the closable cavity 504 of the container 501 in its open cavity state. Likewise the arrangement of the item holder 505b and two test tubes 505c and 505d, to be located in the sealable bag 505a inside the closable cavity 504, are here shown as a separated from the sealable bag 505a and the container 501.
[0040] Fig. 6 is the container 601 in its open cavity state, wherein the first and second cavity closure portions are widely opened so as to provide easy access to the test tubes 605c and 605d (or other items as the case may be) located in the sealable bag 606a.
[0041] Parts 610c, 610d, 610e of the second locking mechanism are visible. A fourth part 610f thereof is located at a proximal end of the second bag sealing bar 609.
[0042] The secure transport container system has a plurality of potential uses to which it can be adapted. For instance, outside the bag, the cavity could hold sample carriers, tools, napkins, cleaners, lights, spare items, instructions, stickers such as an address sticker, postal stamps, and (printed on inside) identification codes. The container could be equipped with break seal functions to indicate that any items therein are new, unused and/or not tampered with.
[0043] As disclosed elsewhere in this patent application, a preferred feature of the inventive secure transport container comprises a cuboidal or similar outer shape formed by parallel front and back panels 102, 103 and, preferably, (when closed) parallel opposing side walls 111a, 111b and/or side walls 112, 112b.
[0044] Another preferred feature is that the tab-and-slot-type of first locking mechanism (one or two tabs/slots are preferred) is locked by friction-locking between surfaces of a tab and inside surfaces of a slot. Cardboard material is particularly suitable for providing just the right amount of friction for allowing locking and unlocking of the first locking mechanism. Such non-destroying locking/unlocking and re-use of the inventive container is important for cost-efficiency and the environment. Cardboard material for the complete outer structure of the inventive container and the cuboidal shape are particularly suitable for attaining stability, low cost, efficient storage, and easy handling by a user, a courier or a robot.
[0045] Further advantages could be attained through applying a third locking by an adhesive sticker, which could be of authenticity seal type, to be placed on the outside of the container across the first and second cavity closure portions 106, 108. Such a third locking would preferably be of single use type.
1. A secure transport container (101) comprising:
a front panel (102) and a back panel (103) joined to the front panel (102),
a closable cavity (104) formed between the front panel (102) and the back panel (103) and configured to hold a sealable bag (105a),
a first cavity closure portion (106) attached to the front panel (102) and a first bag sealing bar (107) attached to the first cavity closure portion (106),
a second cavity closure portion (108) attached to the back panel (103) and a second bag sealing bar (109) attached to the second cavity closure portion (108) and matable with the first bag sealing bar (107),
wherein the first cavity closure portion (106) is movable in relation to the second cavity closure portion (108) between an open cavity state and a closed cavity state,
wherein the first and second bag sealing bars (107, 109) are configured to be non-mated with each other in the open cavity state,
wherein the first and second bag sealing bars (107, 109) are configured to be mated with each other in the closed cavity state and to provide between them a sealing of the sealable bag (105a) to be held in the closable cavity (103).
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the first and second bag sealing bars (107, 109)
are configured to provide the sealing of the sealable bag (105a) entirely inside the
closable cavity (104).
3. The container of any preceding claim, further comprising a first locking mechanism
(110a, 110b) configured to lock the first cavity closure portion (106) in relation
to the second cavity closure portion (108) in the closed cavity state.
4. The container of claim 3, wherein the first locking mechanism, when locked, is configured
to hold the first bag-sealing bar mated with the second bag-sealing bar.
5. The container of any preceding claim, further comprising a second locking mechanism
(610c, 610d, 610e, 610f) in the first and second bag sealing bars, wherein the second
locking mechanism (610c, 610d, 610e, 610f) is configured to lock to each other the
first and second bag sealing bars (107, 109) when mated in the closed cavity state.
6. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the first cavity closure portion is
formed by at least a part of the front panel.
7. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the second cavity closure portion is
formed by at least a part of the back panel.
8. The container of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one side wall (111a,
111b, 112) joining the front panel and the back panel.
9. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the first cavity closure portion (106)
is movably attached to the front panel the by a first hinge (113).
10. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the second cavity closure portion (108)
is movably attached to the back panel the by a second hinge (114).
11. The container of claim 8, wherein the front panel (102), the back panel (103) and,
as applicable, the at least one side wall (111a, 111b, 112) are made of corrugated
paper, cardboard, corrugated plastic, sheet plastic, and/or molded plastic.
12. A secure transport container system comprising the secure transport container according
to any of claims 1-11 and a sealable bag fixed inside the closable cavity.
13. The secure transport container system of claim 12, further comprising an item holder
fixed inside the sealable bag.
14. A method of packing items for secure transportation in the secure transport container
system according to any of claims 12-13, when dependent on claim 3 and, optionally,
on any further claim dependent on claim 3, said method comprising the method steps
of:
holding (201) the secure transport container, wherein the first and second cavity closure portions are in closed cavity state;
unlocking (202) the first locking mechanism;
moving (203) the first cavity closure portion to the open cavity state, by which method step the sealing of the sealable bag is removed through un-mating of the first and second bag sealing bars;
inserting (204) a first item in the sealable bag;
moving (205) the first cavity closure portion to the closed cavity state, by which method step the sealable bag is sealed through mating of the first and second bag sealing bars;
locking (206) the first locking mechanism.
15. A method, optionally according to claim 14, of packing items for secure transportation
in the secure transport container system according to any of claims 12-13, when dependent
on claim 3 and, optionally, on any further claim dependent on claim 3, said method
comprising the method steps of:
unlocking (207) the first locking mechanism;
moving (208) the first cavity closure portion to the open cavity state, by which method step the sealing of the sealable bag is removed through un-mating of the first and second bag sealing bars;
removing (209) a first item from the sealable bag;
inserting (210) a second item in the sealable bag;
moving (211) the first cavity closure portion to the closed cavity state, by which method step the sealable bag is sealed through mating of the first and second bag sealing bars;
locking (212) the first locking mechanism.