Cartridge bag for transporting biological material

Abstract

The envelope is configured to hold, support, and protect articles, such as blood bags, during shipping at hypothetical temperatures. The envelope includes a one-piece component (e.g., one-piece component) including a plurality of panels configured to be folded to form an enclosure around an article, such as a blood bag, for supporting and protecting an article, such as a blood bag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 853,715, filed on June 29, 2022, entitled “Bag-in-a-Box for Transporting Biological Materials,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present specification relates to systems, devices or apparatus for cryogenic storage, transportation and / or delivery of liquids such as blood at low temperatures. Background Art

[0003] A physician or professional may refrigerate or freeze blood for storage and / or transportation to a medical facility. When transporting blood, the blood may be refrigerated and stored in blood bags. Plasma, which is less dense, is usually frozen at low temperatures. At low temperatures, blood bags may rupture during transportation because the storage equipment in which the blood bags are stored is brittle at low temperatures. Blood bag manufacturers may provide an overpack made of a more cryogenically friendly material that is less brittle and will not rupture in low temperature environments. The overpack is placed over the blood bag, and if the blood bag ruptures, the blood is contained within the blood bag. However, the overpack does not prevent the blood bag from rupturing, nor does it maintain the integrity and usability of the released blood.

[0004] Typically, blood bags are placed in metal boxes for transportation. The metal box holds the blood bag during storage and transportation. The metal box maintains the shape of the blood bag and protects the blood bag from external damage, such as cuts and punctures. However, the metal box cannot protect the blood bag from shock and vibration. Any impact to the metal box will cause the blood bag to slide and hit the inner surface of the metal box, which may cause damage to the blood bag.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a system, device or apparatus to protect items such as blood bags from shock and vibration during storage and transfer. Summary of the invention

[0006] In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is embodied in an envelope for containing an article, such as a blood bag envelope. The blood bag envelope is configured to contain, support and protect the blood bag. The envelope includes a plurality of layers between an inner cavity and an external environment. According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of layers is configured to protect, hold and / or support a blood bag disposed within the cavity.

[0007] A sleeve for transporting an object is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the sleeve includes: a front panel including a first plurality of layers; a rear panel including a second plurality of layers, the rear panel being coupled to the front panel via a first sealing portion; a sealing device disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, the sealing device being configured to switch from an open state to a closed state, the sealing device and the first sealing portion defining a cavity of the sleeve responsive to the closed state; a first sealing mechanism disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, the first sealing mechanism being disposed outside the cavity; and a second sealing mechanism coupled to an inner surface of the front panel.

[0008] In various embodiments, the first sealing mechanism and the second sealing mechanism include double-sided tape.The first sealing mechanism and the second sealing mechanism may each include a protective layer coupled to one side of the double-sided tape.

[0009] In various embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is configured to couple the front panel to the rear panel after the sealing device is closed. The second sealing mechanism may be configured to couple to an outer surface of the back panel. In response to coupling the second sealing mechanism to the rear panel, a portion of the front panel may form a fold along a top edge of the envelope.

[0010] In various embodiments, the first plurality of layers and the second plurality of layers each include: an outer layer comprising a polymeric material; an inner layer comprising an absorbent material; and a barrier layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer.

[0011] In various embodiments, the first plurality of layers and the second plurality of layers each include a first tie layer disposed between the outer layer and the barrier layer.The first plurality of layers and the second plurality of layers may each include a sealant layer that at least partially defines a first seal.

[0012] The present invention discloses a packaging for transporting an object. In various embodiments, the packaging includes: a front panel and a back panel, each panel including: an inner layer, which defines an inner surface, the inner surface at least partially defines a cavity of the packaging; an outer layer, which is disposed outside the inner layer; a barrier layer, which is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer; a sealant layer, which is disposed between the barrier layer and the inner layer; a first connecting layer, which is disposed between the outer layer and the barrier layer; and a second connecting layer disposed between the sealant layers.

[0013] In various embodiments, a first portion of the sealant layer of the front panel is bonded to a second portion of the sealant layer of the back panel to form a first seal. The envelope may also include a sealing device disposed between the front panel and the back panel, the sealing device being configured to transition from an open state to a closed state, the sealing device and the first seal defining a cavity of the envelope in response to being in the closed state.

[0014] In various embodiments, a first tie layer couples the outer layer to the barrier layer. A second tie layer can couple the sealant layer to the barrier layer. The sealant layer can be configured to protect the barrier layer.

[0015] A method for transporting a biomaterial article is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the method includes: placing the biomaterial article in an envelope, the envelope including an inner layer, an outer layer, a barrier layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, and a sealant layer disposed between the inner layer and the barrier layer; converting a sealing device from an open state to a closed state to create a first seal of a cavity defined by the sealing device and the manufacturing seal; coupling a first inner surface of a front panel of the envelope to a first inner surface of a rear panel of the envelope via a first sealing mechanism to create a second seal; and coupling the first inner surface of the front panel of the envelope to an outer surface of the rear panel of the envelope to create a third seal.

[0016] In various embodiments, in response to coupling the first inner surface to the outer surface, a fold is formed at a top edge of the envelope.

[0017] In various embodiments, the method further includes placing the envelope in a carrying bag. The method may also include placing a plurality of envelopes in the carrying bag, each of the plurality of envelopes having a respective item of biological material placed therein. The method may also include transporting the carrying bag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] By reading the following drawings and detailed description, other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The components shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate important features of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1 shows a perspective cutaway view of a blood bag transport assembly according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 2A shows a rear view of an envelope for use in a transport assembly according to various embodiments;

[0021] Figure 2B shows a front view of a cover for use in a blood bag transport assembly according to various embodiments;

[0022] Figure 2C shows a cross-sectional view of a cover for use in a blood bag transport assembly in a manufactured state according to various embodiments;

[0023] Figure 2D shows a cross-sectional view of a cover for use in a blood bag transport assembly in an assembled state according to various embodiments;

[0024] Figure 2E shows a cross-sectional view of a cover for use in a blood bag transport assembly according to various embodiments;

[0025] Figure 3 Methods of transporting an item of biological material according to various embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and apparatus for transporting and storing items such as blood bags. The system, device, or apparatus may include a plurality of envelopes ("envelopes") disposed in a sealed bag ("bag") for storing and transporting a plurality of items (such as blood bags) (i.e., each envelope in the plurality of envelopes includes a blood bag in the plurality of bags). Certain embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages.

[0027] The envelope disclosed herein is made of multiple layers. Each of the multiple layers can withstand low temperatures alone and / or in combination. That is, the envelope is brittle and not easily broken at cryogenic temperatures. The envelope disclosed herein is configured to absorb any impact to the envelope, thereby protecting the items from vibration, falling, impact or other impacts. According to various embodiments, the envelope disclosed herein can be produced more cheaply than a typical blood bag transport envelope. According to various embodiments, the envelope disclosed herein can be produced with fewer parts than a typical blood bag transport envelope. As disclosed herein, "cryogenic" refers to a temperature below -180°C (93K or -292°F).

[0028] According to various embodiments, other benefits and advantages include ease of manufacture and ease of assembly prior to transporting the blood bag. In this regard, the envelope disclosed herein can be coupled together in a relatively easy manner via the "manufacturing seal" further described herein. In this regard, two flat sheets can be joined together to form the manufactured state of the envelope disclosed herein. After loading cryogenic items (e.g., blood bags), a first seal can seal the items from the external environment (e.g., a sliding zipper or a press-fit zipper), and a second seal can provide a redundant seal (e.g., an adhesive, double-sided tape, etc.). In this regard, according to various embodiments, before transporting cryogenic items, the items can be easily loaded and sealed in the envelope.

[0029] Reference now Figure 1 , according to various embodiments, a perspective cutaway view of a blood bag transport assembly 100 is shown. The blood bag transport assembly 100 includes a carrying bag 110, a plurality of envelopes 120, a plurality of blood bags 130, and an absorbent material layer 140. Each of the plurality of envelopes 120 is configured to accommodate a blood bag in the plurality of blood bags 130. In this regard, each of the plurality of envelopes 120 is configured to protect and / or support a corresponding blood bag in the plurality of blood bags 130 during transportation of the blood bag transport assembly 100.

[0030] In various embodiments, the absorbent material layer 140 may at least partially surround the plurality of envelopes 120. For example, at least a portion of the absorbent material layer 140 may be disposed adjacent to the inner periphery of the carrying bag 110. The plurality of envelopes 120 may be received in an area defined by the inner periphery of the carrying bag 110. Thus, one or more absorbent material layers 140 may be adjacent to the envelopes 120 and the walls of the inner periphery of the carrying bag 110. More specifically, one or more absorbent material layers 140 may be between the envelopes 120 and the walls of the inner periphery of the carrying bag 110. In various embodiments, adjacent envelopes in the plurality of envelopes 120 may be separated by the absorbent material layer 140 disposed between the adjacent envelopes. In this regard, during transportation of the blood bag transport assembly 100, the plurality of envelopes 120 may be dampened in all directions by the absorbent material layer 140 (i.e., mechanical dampening of shocks and vibrations that may occur to the carrying bag 110 during transportation). Thus, each blood bag in the plurality of blood bags 130 may be restrained by a corresponding envelope in the plurality of envelopes 120 , as further described herein, and may also be restrained by the absorbent material layer 140 disposed within the cavity 112 defined by the carrier bag 110 , as further described herein.

[0031] Reference now Figure 2A , showing a rear plan view of the envelope 200 in conjunction with the XYZ axes and according to various embodiments. The envelope 200 can be used Figure 1 The blood bag transport assembly 100 of the present invention can be used as one of the multiple envelopes 120. As further described herein, the envelope 200 can be made of multiple layers and can be configured to withstand low temperatures without cracking or breaking. The envelope 200 can hold, seal and protect blood bags of different sizes, such as 50-ml blood bags, 250-ml blood bags and / or 500-ml blood bags, etc.

[0032] In various embodiments, before transporting an item (e.g., a blood bag, etc.), the envelope 200 is in a manufacturing state 201. In the manufacturing state 201, the front panel 210 is coupled to the rear panel 230 by an adhesive (e.g., epoxy, tape, etc.), as further described herein. The "manufacturing state" as described herein refers to the configuration of the envelope 200 after the envelope 200 is manufactured. For example, the envelope 200 is manufactured to form a manufacturing state and then sealed to form an assembled state after loading an item (e.g., a blood bag). The "assembled state" as further described herein refers to the configuration of the envelope 200 after the envelope 200 is fully sealed (i.e., after a blood bag or other cryogenic item is placed in the cavity of the envelope 200 when the envelope 200 is in the manufacturing state 201). In the "assembled state", the envelope 200 can provide a redundant seal to prevent any potential leakage of the material (i.e., the blood bag) placed therein during transportation, as further described herein.

[0033] In various embodiments, the front panel 210 defines a top edge panel 212. In various embodiments, after an object for transport (e.g., a blood bag, etc.) is placed in the opening 202 of the envelope 200 to enter the inner cavity, the top edge panel 212 can be folded over the opening 202 and connected to the back panel 230, as further described herein. In this regard, the front panel 210 may include a sealing mechanism 242 (e.g., double-sided tape, epoxy resin, etc.) disposed on the inner surface 211 of the front panel 210. In various embodiments, the sealing mechanism 242 is a double-sided tape. For example, the sealing mechanism 242 may include a double-sided transfer tape, such as 3M Transfer Tape sold by 3M Co., headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. TM The transfer belt of the ATG transfer belt 969. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard, and various sealing mechanisms 242 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] In various embodiments, in response to the sealing mechanism 242 being a double-sided tape, the protective layer 241 may be disposed on the adhesive (i.e., to protect the adhesive properties of the double-sided tape before use). In this regard, according to various embodiments, after the protective layer 241 is removed from the double-sided tape, the protective layer 241 may be disposable.

[0035] Reference now Figure 2B , Figure 2A The rear plan view of the envelope 200 in FIG. 1 is shown with dashed lines indicating elements of the envelope 200 that are hidden from the rear plan view. The envelope 200 also includes an assembly sealing system 240. The assembly sealing system 240 includes a sealing device 220 disposed between the front panel 210 and the rear panel 230. In various embodiments, the sealing device 220 may include a track 222 and a zipper 224. Although described as having a track 222 and a zipper 224, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, the sealing device may include a press-to-close zipper and still be within the scope of the present disclosure. The sealing device 220 is configured to, in an assembled state, be opened from a cavity defined between the rear panel 230 and the front panel 210 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 2C-2D The cavity 262 shown in ) provides an initial assembly seal as further described herein.

[0036] In various embodiments, the sealing device 220 is configured to transition from an open state to a closed state. In this regard, in the open state, the portion of the track 222 on the front panel 210 is separated from the portion of the track 222 on the rear panel 230. In the closed state, the portion of the track 222 on the front panel 210 is coupled to the portion of the track 222 on the rear panel 230.

[0037] The envelope 200 also includes a manufacturing seal system 250. The manufacturing seal system 250 is configured to create a manufacturing seal around the perimeter of the envelope 200. The manufacturing seal system 250 includes a manufacturing seal 252 disposed between the front panel 210 and the back panel 230 along the perimeter of the envelope 200 (i.e., extending from the seal 220 along the negative Y direction along the first side of the envelope to the lower left corner, from the lower left corner to the lower right corner along the bottom side of the envelope in the positive X direction, and from the lower right corner to the seal 220 along the positive Y direction). In this regard, according to various embodiments, the cavity (e.g., Figure 2C-2D The cavity 262 in the embodiment may be defined by manufacturing the sealing portion 252 and the sealing device 220 .

[0038] In various embodiments, the assembly sealing system 240 also includes a sealing mechanism 244 disposed on the front panel 210 and a sealing mechanism 246 disposed on the rear panel 230. The sealing mechanisms 244, 246 can be disposed vertically (i.e., in the Y direction) between the sealing device 220 and the top edge panel 212. The sealing mechanisms 244, 246 can be consistent with the sealing mechanism 242. In this regard, the sealing mechanisms 244, 246 can each include a double-sided tape and a protective layer. In this regard, the protective layer can be provided on an object to be transported (e.g., Figure 1 The double-sided tape can then seal the top portion of the envelope 200 (i.e., the vertical end of the envelope). Thus, the sealing mechanisms 244, 246 can remain unexposed until the item for transport (e.g., a blood bag) is placed in the inner cavity of the envelope (e.g., Figure 2C-2D The sealing mechanisms 242, 244, 246 may provide redundant sealing with the sealing device 220 to prevent rupture of the transported object (e.g., Figure 1 The invention also provides a method for preventing any leakage of the blood bag 130 in the front panel 210 from being punctured or torn. Although described herein as having a sealing mechanism 244 disposed on the front panel 210 and a sealing mechanism 246 disposed on the rear panel 230 opposite to the sealing mechanism 244, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, a single sealing mechanism (e.g., sealing mechanism 244 or sealing mechanism 246) can be disposed on the inner surface of one of the front panel 210 or the rear panel 230 and still be within the scope of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, according to various embodiments, by having two sealing mechanisms 244, 246 disposed opposite to each other, a stronger seal can be obtained relative to a single sealing mechanism.

[0039] Reference now Figure 2C , according to various embodiments, the envelope 200 in the manufacturing state is shown along the Figure 2B262. In various embodiments, the seal 252 is manufactured to bond the front panel 210 to the rear panel 230 and at least partially define the cavity 262. In various embodiments, Figure 2C Not drawn to scale, and the dimensions are for illustration purposes. In this regard, at the bottom edge of the sleeve 200 proximate the manufacturing seal 252, the front panel 210 will nearly contact the rear panel 230 in response to being engaged by the manufacturing seal 252.

[0040] In various embodiments, prior to assembly (eg Figure 2C As shown), the sealing mechanism 244 includes a double-sided tape 243 and a protective layer 245 in a manner similar to the sealing mechanism 242 described previously herein. Similarly, the sealing mechanism 246 may include a double-sided tape 247 and a protective layer 248. In this regard, when the envelope 200 is transported in a manufactured state, the adhesive on the other exposed sides of the double-sided tapes 243, 245 can remain protected (i.e., maintain its adhesive properties). Therefore, after the items for transportation are loaded into the cavity 262, the sealing device 220 can be described in the manner described previously herein, and the protective layers 241, 245, 247 can then be removed from their respective sealing mechanisms 242, 244, 246, the double-sided tape 243 can be connected to the double-sided tape 245, and the top edge panel 212 can be folded over the rear panel 230 and connected to the outer surface of the rear panel 230 through the sealing mechanism 242 to form as shown. Figure 2D The assembled state 203 is shown in FIG.

[0041] In various embodiments, Figure 2D In the assembled state 203, the envelope 200 includes a redundant seal between the cavity 262 and the top edge panel 212 (e.g., via the sealing device 220 and the sealing mechanisms 244, 246). In addition, according to various embodiments, the envelope 200 includes a seal between the outer surface of the back panel 230 and the inner surface of the top edge panel 212. Therefore, the fold defined by the fold of the top edge panel 212 on the back panel 230 can further serve as a seal and essentially provide four levels of assembly seals between the cavity 262 and the external environment. Therefore, any leakage of the transported items can be contained within the envelope 200, preventing potentially dangerous or hazardous materials from reaching the external environment.

[0042] Reference now Figure 2E , according to various embodiments, Figure 2D200 along the section line BB, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same elements. In various embodiments, the envelope 200 includes a plurality of layers 310. The plurality of layers 310 include an outer layer 311, an inner layer 316, and intermediate layers 312, 313, 314, 315. Although various intermediate layers 312, 313, 314, 315 are described, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, any one of the intermediate layers 312, 313, 314, 315 can be used alone, in combination with other intermediate layers 312, 313, 314, 315, and can be used in any order between the outer layer 311 and the inner layer 316.

[0043] In various embodiments, by having multiple layers 310, manufacturing Figures 2A-2C The components of the envelope 200 in the manufacturing state can be a relatively simple process. For example, Figures 2A-2C As shown, in the manufactured state, the front panel 210 is coupled to the rear panel 230 via a manufacturing seal 252. In this regard, the two flat panels (e.g., the front panel 210 and the rear panel 230) can be pressed together and the manufacturing seal 252 (e.g., an adhesive) can be cured to bond the front panel 210 to the rear panel 230. In contrast, other support mechanisms for carrying cryogenic items (e.g., blood bags) typically use metal box-type racks, which add weight, are more expensive to manufacture, and are more expensive to ship.

[0044] In various embodiments, the outer layer 311 includes a polymer material that can withstand low temperatures (e.g., acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer (ABS), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polybutylene (PB-1), polyethylene (PE, MDPE, HDPE, etc.), high-temperature polyethylene (PE-RT), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC)). The outer layer 311 can be configured to provide a dimensionally stable printing surface. By having a dimensionally stable printing surface, the ink disposed on the outer surface 321 of the outer layer 311 can be protected. In various embodiments, the outer layer 311 can provide additional material integrity to the envelope 200.

[0045] In various embodiments, the inner layer 316 can include a desiccant layer. In various embodiments, the desiccant layer protects the contents within the envelope from changes in humidity. In various embodiments, the desiccant layer provides high hygroscopicity relative to typical envelopes. For example, the inner layer 316 can include an absorbent polymer material that can absorb 25 to 1000 times its own weight in water. In various embodiments, the inner layer 316 includes a superabsorbent polymer. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. In various embodiments, the inner layer 316 is configured to provide additional bursting strength to the envelope 200. In various embodiments, the inner layer 316 can be a Therapak TM Absorbent materials such as Therapak TM 10312 Trademark sales materials.

[0046] In various embodiments, disposed between the outer layer 311 and the inner layer 316 is a barrier layer (e.g., an intermediate layer 313). In various embodiments, the barrier layer is configured to provide chemical resistance to the external environment. In this regard, the barrier layer is configured to prevent chemicals from penetrating into the cavity 262 in which the cryogenic items (e.g., blood bags) are placed. In various embodiments, the barrier layer is configured to also prevent moisture, light, and / or oxygen from penetrating into the cavity 262. In various embodiments, the barrier layer is made of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, such as that manufactured by Dupont deNumours, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware under the trademark 1073B. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, the barrier layer can be made of any polymer material (e.g., acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer (ABS), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polybutylene (PB-1), polyethylene (PE, MDPE, HDPE, etc.), high temperature polyethylene (PE-RT), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC)) and still be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] In various embodiments, disposed between the outer layer 311 and the inner layer 316 is a sealant layer (e.g., an intermediate layer 315). In various embodiments, the sealant layer is configured to provide heat sealability to the envelope 200. In various embodiments, the sealant layer may include a polymer material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which melts and welds to itself when heated to about 200°C (400°C). In this regard, the sealant layer 315 may be exposed along the periphery of the envelope 200 and used to manufacture the seal 252. Thus, when exposed to thermal energy, the sealant layer (e.g., intermediate layer 315) of the rear panel 230 bonds itself to the sealant layer (e.g., intermediate layer 315) of the front panel 210 to form the envelope 200 in the manufactured state. In various embodiments, the sealant layer may provide additional burst strength to the envelope 200, further protecting the item (e.g., a blood bag) from external forces during transportation. In various embodiments, the sealant layer is configured to seal the item within the cavity 262. In various embodiments, the sealant layer may protect the barrier layer (eg, intermediate layer 315 ).

[0048] In various embodiments, disposed between the outer layer 311 and the barrier layer (e.g., the intermediate layer 313) is a tie layer (e.g., the intermediate layer 312). In various embodiments, the tie layer may include an adhesive resin (e.g., ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA), ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), ethylene grafted maleic anhydride (AMP), etc.). In this regard, the tie layer may be configured to bond the outer layer 311 to the barrier layer. In various embodiments, the tie layer may also provide an additional protective layer for the barrier layer (e.g., the intermediate layer 313).

[0049] In various embodiments, disposed between the sealant layer (e.g., intermediate layer 315) and the barrier layer (e.g., intermediate layer 313) is a second tie layer (e.g., intermediate layer 314). In various embodiments, the second tie layer is consistent with the first tie layer. For example, the second tie layer may include an adhesive resin (e.g., ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA), ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), ethylene grafted maleic anhydride (AMP), etc.). In various embodiments, the second tie layer is different from the first tie layer. In this regard, the tie layer can adhere to different polymer materials relative to other polymer materials. For example, EVA or EMA can adhere well to HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS and / or PVDC, EAA can adhere well to PA, PET, ionomers, LDPE, EVA, EMA and / or AI, and AMP can adhere well to PA, AI, EVOH and / or cellulose.

[0050] Reference now Figure 3 , according to various embodiments, transporting multiple items of biological material (e.g., Figure 1 Method 400 of treating a blood bag 130 in a blood bag 130. Method 400 includes treating a biomaterial product (e.g. Figure 1 The blood bag 130 in the Figure 2A-2E During frame 402, the envelope 200 is in a manufacturing state (e.g., Figures 2A-2D ). In this regard, the sealing device 220 is in an open state and in block 402 , a blood bag may be placed in the cavity 262 of the envelope 200 .

[0051] In various embodiments, the method 400 also includes converting the sealing device 220 from the open state to the closed state (block 404). In this regard, the zipper 224 can slide across the track 222 and connect the track on the back panel 230 to the track on the front panel 210 to create a first seal between the cavity 262 and the external environment of the envelope 200.

[0052] In various embodiments, the method 400 also includes coupling the first inner surface of the front panel 210 to the second inner surface of the rear panel 230 (block 406). In various embodiments, in block 406, the front panel 210 can be coupled to the rear panel 230 via the sealing mechanism 244 and / or the sealing mechanism 246. In this regard, the sealing mechanisms 244, 246 can be coupled to each other to form a second seal between the cavity 262 and the external environment. In various embodiments, a single sealing mechanism 244 or 246 can be coupled to opposite surfaces and still be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] In various embodiments, the method 400 may also include coupling the first inner surface of the front panel 210 to the outer surface of the back panel 230 (block 408). In this regard, the top edge panel 212 of the front panel 210 may be folded over the top edge of the back panel 230, creating a crease along the top edge of the back panel 230, such as Figure 2E As shown in the figure, the first inner surface of the top edge panel 212 can be connected to the outer surface of the rear panel 230, thereby creating an additional seal between the cavity 262 and the external environment (for example, a seal along the fold and / or a seal connected from the first inner surface to the outer surface via the sealing mechanism 242).

[0054] In various embodiments, method 400 further includes placing envelope 200 in carrying bag 110 (block 410), and placing a plurality of envelopes 200 (loaded according to blocks 402-408) in the carrying bag (block 412). In this regard, a plurality of loaded envelopes 200 may be placed in carrying bag 110 for transporting together. Method 400 further includes transporting the carrying bag (block 414).

[0055] Exemplary embodiments of the method / system have been disclosed in an illustrative manner. Therefore, the terms used throughout this article should be interpreted in a non-restrictive manner. Although those skilled in the art will modify the teachings of this article, it should be understood that it is intended to be limited within the scope of this authorized patent that all such embodiments reasonably fall within the scope of this contribution to the advancement of the art, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited except according to the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cover for transporting an object, the cover comprising: a front panel comprising a first plurality of layers; a back panel comprising a second plurality of layers, the back panel coupled to the front panel via a first seal; a sealing device disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, the sealing device being configured to transition from an open state to a closed state, the sealing device and the first sealing portion defining a cavity of the envelope in response to the closed state; a first sealing mechanism, the first sealing mechanism being disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, and the first sealing mechanism being disposed outside the cavity; as well as A second sealing mechanism is coupled to an inner surface of the front panel.

2. The envelope according to claim 1, characterized in that The first sealing mechanism and the second sealing mechanism include double-sided adhesive tape.

3. The envelope according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first sealing mechanism and the second sealing mechanism each include a protective layer coupled to one side of the double-sided tape.

4. The envelope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sealing mechanism is configured to couple the front panel to the rear panel after the sealing device is closed.

5. The envelope according to claim 4, characterized in that The second sealing mechanism is configured to be coupled to an outer surface of the rear panel.

6. The envelope according to claim 5, characterized in that In response to coupling the second sealing mechanism to the back panel, a portion of the front panel forms a fold along a top edge of the sleeve.

7. The envelope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first plurality of layers and the second plurality of layers each include: an outer layer, the outer layer comprising a polymer material; an inner layer comprising an absorbent material; and A barrier layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer.

8. The envelope according to claim 7, characterized in that The first plurality of layers and the second plurality of layers each include a first tie layer disposed between the outer layer and the barrier layer.

9. The envelope according to claim 7, characterized in that The first and second pluralities of layers each include a sealant layer that at least partially defines the first seal.

10. An envelope for transporting an object, the envelope comprising: A front panel and a rear panel, each of the front panel and the rear panel comprising: an inner layer defining an inner surface that at least partially defines a cavity of the envelope; An outer layer, the outer layer being arranged on the outer side of the inner layer; a barrier layer, the barrier layer being disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer; a sealant layer disposed between the barrier layer and the inner layer; a first tie layer disposed between the outer layer and the barrier layer; and A second tie layer is disposed between the sealant layers.

11. The envelope according to claim 10, characterized in that A first portion of the sealant layer of the front panel is bonded to a second portion of the sealant layer of the rear panel to form a first seal.

12. The envelope according to claim 11, characterized in that The envelope further includes a sealing device disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, the sealing device being configured to transition from an open state to a closed state, the sealing device and the first sealing portion defining a cavity of the envelope in response to being in the closed state.

13. The envelope according to claim 10, characterized in that The first tie layer couples the outer layer to the barrier layer.

14. The envelope according to claim 13, characterized in that The second tie layer couples the sealant layer to the barrier layer.

15. The envelope according to claim 14, characterized in that The sealant layer is configured to protect the barrier layer.

16. A method of transporting an article of biological material, the method comprising: Disposing the biomaterial article in an envelope, the envelope comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, a barrier layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, and a sealant layer disposed between the inner layer and the barrier layer; transitioning the sealing device from an open state to a closed state to create a first seal of a cavity defined by the sealing device and the manufacturing seal; coupling a first inner surface of the front panel of the sleeve to a first inner surface of the back panel of the sleeve via a first sealing mechanism to create a second seal; as well as The first inner surface of the front panel of the sleeve is coupled to the outer surface of the back panel of the sleeve to create a third seal.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that In response to coupling the first inner surface to the outer surface, a crease is formed at a top edge of the envelope.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The method also includes placing the envelope in a carrying bag.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method also includes placing a plurality of envelopes in the carrying bag, each envelope of the plurality of envelopes having a respective item of biological material disposed therein.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The method also includes transporting the carrying bag.

21. An envelope for transporting an object, the envelope comprising: an inner layer defining an inner surface that at least partially defines a cavity of the envelope; An outer layer, the outer layer being arranged on the outer side of the inner layer; a barrier layer, the barrier layer being disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer; a sealant layer disposed between the barrier layer and the inner layer; a first connecting layer, the first connecting layer being disposed between the outer layer and the barrier layer; as well as A second tie layer is disposed between the sealant layers.

22. The envelope according to claim 21, characterized in that The enclosure further comprises a sealing system comprising a plurality of sealing devices.

23. The envelope according to claim 21, characterized in that The outer layer comprises a polymer material, and wherein the inner layer comprises a desiccant layer.

24. The envelope according to claim 23, characterized in that The first connection layer and the second connection layer include an adhesive resin.

25. The envelope according to claim 24, characterized in that The barrier layer comprises a second polymeric material different from the outer layer, and wherein the sealant layer comprises a third polymeric material different from both the barrier layer and the outer layer.

26. The envelope according to claim 21, characterized in that The envelope is constructed to resist brittleness and cracking at low temperatures.

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