Storage container for freezing, thawing and transportation

Abstract

A storage container includes a housing having a bottom surface forming an interior space in the housing, two side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall. The storage container also includes a lid configured to close the interior space. The two side walls of the housing include a rim portion, and the cover includes a rail portion configured to provide non-destructive and deformable locking and unlocking engagement with the rim portion. The rear wall of the housing includes a first section and a second section longitudinally separated from the first section by a distance and connected to the first section by a secondary bottom surface such that the second section of the interior space has a volume greater than the first section of the interior space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to storage containers, such as bag holders, for supporting bags during any of the freezing, thawing or frozen shipping processes, and in particular to storage containers that protect bags during use, shipping or transportation and have a design that facilitates use and reuse of the storage containers. Background Art

[0002] A chemical or biological process may be performed, or its results may be contained in a bag, such as a bag containing a drug or biological fluid, a bioprocess bag, etc. The process materials or materials resulting from the process may need to be frozen or otherwise maintained at a low temperature. The bag may need to be supported through the cooling or freezing process to ensure the integrity of the bag or to maintain a desired shape. During shipping or transportation, a holder may be used to support and shape the bag before, during, or after the cooling or freezing process. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to storage containers, such as bag holders, for supporting bags during any of the freezing, thawing or frozen transportation processes, and in particular to storage containers that protect bags during use, shipping or transportation and have a design that facilitates use and reuse of the storage containers.

[0004] The use of bag holders for plate freezing processes can secure those bags so that they provide a shape with a good contact surface for freezing and maintain that shape as the material contained in the bag is frozen (e.g., as the aqueous solution expands during freezing). However, typical bag holders have a general shape and configuration that is not suitable for certain types of bioprocess bags.

[0005] For example, a specific type of bag (e.g., made of fluoropolymers, etc.) is often used for applications such as flat-plate freezing and thawing, while a typical bag holder is designed and manufactured around the needs of polyethylene (PE) bags with greater elasticity than fluoropolymer bags. This may cause the fluoropolymer bag to experience multiple failures in a typical bag holder, which may hinder the user from using the fluoropolymer bag in the process. In addition, some types of bags have different shapes and designs from more general PE bags by having angled edges connected to the bottom edge of the bag. In view of the different shapes of such bags, a typical bag holder is not suitable for fully fixing and protecting the bag, which may cause the bag to fail during the freezing, thawing, storage or transportation process. In addition, most bag holders are designed for single use. For example, a bag holder includes a plastic or metal tab that is permanently bent to form a shell of the bag holder or to fix a cover to the shell. However, after multiple uses, the plastic or metal tab will usually break and produce sharp edges, which cause puncture or cut hazards. Typical bag holders are also made of plastic or other materials, which are not only expensive to manufacture, but also such materials are generally not suitable for multiple uses and cleaning. Thus, typical bag holders have at least the following drawbacks: connectors or tubing connected to the bag are not properly positioned in the bag holder, the fluoropolymer bag has a different shape which may cause the front edge of the cover to catch on the foam and bag during the sliding action to close the bag holder, are expensive to manufacture due to the machined plastic design, have a disposable design, and are difficult to close the interior space with the foam and material bag due to the sliding action of the cover.

[0006] Embodiments disclosed herein may provide solutions to the above-described problems by, for example, making the bag holder more robust, facilitating use or reuse of the bag holder, and protecting the bag during closure, handling, shipping, or transportation.

[0007] The embodiments disclosed herein may also provide flexibility to modify the bag support configuration within the bag holder to improve bag performance, eliminate the use of permanently bent metal bend tabs used with typical bag holders, make opening and closing the bag holder easier without reducing the effectiveness of the bag holder, and provide safety features for the bag holder.

[0008] In an embodiment, a storage container for medicine or biological material includes a shell and a cover. The shell includes a bottom surface, two side walls, a front wall and a rear wall forming an interior space in the shell. The interior space has a first section and a second section disposed above the first section. The cover is configured to close the interior space. The two side walls of the shell include edge portions at the top portions of the two side walls, and the cover includes a track portion, which is configured to provide non-destructive and deformable locking and unlocking engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls. The rear wall of the shell includes a first segment and a second segment disposed above the first segment, the second segment being longitudinally separated from the first segment by a certain distance and connected to the first segment by a secondary bottom surface, so that the second segment of the interior space has a volume greater than the first segment of the interior space.

[0009] In an embodiment, the track portion of the cover is further configured to provide sliding engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls.

[0010] In an embodiment, the front wall includes a recessed portion such that the recessed portion protrudes into the interior space of the housing.

[0011] In an embodiment, the recessed portion includes a handle portion configured for lifting, pushing or pulling the storage container.

[0012] In an embodiment, a first foam portion is disposed in the interior space and is configured to conform to the shape of a drug or biological material bag. A second foam portion is also disposed in the interior space adjacent to the first foam portion and is configured to receive any tubing or connector attached to the drug or biological material bag. The second foam portion has a lower stiffness than the first foam portion.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first foam portion includes a first portion and a second portion separate from the first portion. The first portion of the first foam portion is configured to fit in the first section of the interior space, and the second portion of the first foam portion is configured to fit in the second section of the interior space above the first portion of the first foam portion.

[0014] In embodiments, the shape of the drug or biological material bag comprises an angled edge connected to a bottom edge of the drug or biological material bag.

[0015] In an embodiment, the edge portions of the two side walls and the track portion of the cover include openings configured to align the cover with the housing and to receive fixing means for fixing the cover to the housing.

[0016] In an embodiment, the securing means comprises at least one of a cable tie, a securing pin or lock, or a push rivet.

[0017] In an embodiment, the cover further includes a rear track portion configured to engage with the rear wall of the housing such that the openings in the rim portions of the two side walls are aligned with the track portion of the cover.

[0018] In an embodiment, the cover has one end pivotally connected to the housing such that the track portion is configured to provide the non-destructive and deformable locking and unlocking engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls.

[0019] In an embodiment, the cover is removably attached to the housing.

[0020] In an embodiment, the track portion of the cover includes a downwardly opening groove configured to engage with the edge portions of the two side walls.

[0021] In an embodiment, the track portion further comprises a handle portion connected to the downwardly opening groove for providing the non-destructive and deformable unlocking engagement between the rim portion and the track portion to remove the lid from the storage container.

[0022] In an embodiment, the housing and cover are formed entirely of metal.

[0023] In an embodiment, the bottom surface, the two side walls, the front wall and the rear wall are connected by at least one of self-locking fasteners, pins, screws, nuts, rivets or welding.

[0024] In embodiments, the first foam portion further comprises a partially filled foam portion configured to displace the volume of the drug or biological material bag.

[0025] In an embodiment, a storage container for medicine or biological material includes a shell, a cover, a first foam portion and a second foam portion. The shell includes a bottom surface, two side walls, a front wall and a rear wall forming an internal space in the shell. The internal space has a first section and a second section disposed above the first section. The cover is configured to close the internal space. The first foam portion is disposed in the internal space and is configured to conform to the shape of a medicine or biological material bag. The second foam portion is disposed in the internal space adjacent to the first foam portion and is configured to receive any of a pipe or a connector attached to the medicine or biological material bag. The two side walls of the shell include edge portions at the top portions of the two side walls, and the cover includes a track portion, which is configured to provide a non-destructive and deformable locking and unlocking engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls. The rear wall of the shell includes a first segment and a second segment disposed above the first segment. The second segment is longitudinally separated from the first segment by a distance and connected to the first segment by a secondary bottom surface, so that the second section of the interior space has a volume greater than the first section of the interior space. The front wall includes a recessed portion, so that the recessed portion protrudes into the interior space of the housing and the second foam portion. The recessed portion includes a handle portion, and the handle portion is configured to lift, push or pull the storage container.

[0026] In an embodiment, a method for storing a drug or biomaterial bag includes disposing a first portion of a first foam portion in a first section of an interior space of a housing of a storage container. The housing includes a bottom surface, two side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall forming the interior space in the housing. The method further includes disposing a first portion of a second foam portion adjacent to the first portion of the first foam portion in the first section of the interior space, placing the drug or biomaterial bag on the first portion of the first foam portion and the first portion of the second foam portion so that the drug or biomaterial bag is disposed on the first foam portion, and a pipe and a connector connected to the drug or biomaterial bag are disposed on the second foam portion, and disposing a second portion of the first foam portion and a second portion of the second foam portion in a second section of the interior space so that the drug or biomaterial bag and the pipe and the connector are located between the first portion and the second portion of the first foam portion and the second foam portion. The second section is disposed above the first section. The method also includes non-destructively deforming a track portion of the cover to provide a locking engagement of the cover with the housing to close the interior space of the housing by engaging the track portion of the cover with edge portions at the top portions of the two side walls. The rear wall of the housing includes a first segment and a second segment disposed above the first segment. The second segment is longitudinally separated from the first segment by a distance and connected to the first segment by a secondary bottom surface, so that the second section of the interior space has a volume greater than the first section of the interior space.

[0027] In an embodiment, the cover is pivotally connected to the housing such that the cover closes the interior space by pivoting the cover until the non-destructive deformation of the track portion of the cover is in the locking engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls.

[0028] In an embodiment, the method further comprises non-destructively deforming the track portion of the cover to provide unlocking engagement of the cover to expose the interior space without damaging the cover.

[0029] The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description, and in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this disclosure and which illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this specification may be practiced.

[0031] Figure 1A A storage container is shown with a lid removed according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 1B Showing the lid enclosing the interior space Figure 1A storage container.

[0033] Figure 1C exhibit Figure 1B Cross-sectional view of a storage container.

[0034] Figure 1D exhibit Figure 1B An enlarged end view of the rear wall of a storage container.

[0035] Figure 1E exhibit Figure 1B An enlarged end view of the front wall of a storage container.

[0036] Figure 1F exhibit Figure 1E A cross-sectional view of a cavity and handle of a storage container.

[0037] Figures 2A to 2F An assembly of a storage container according to an embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 3 A storage container according to another embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figures 4A to 4B A storage container according to yet another embodiment is shown.

[0040] Figures 5A to 5B A storage container according to yet another embodiment is shown.

[0041] Figures 6A to 6B An end view of a rear wall and lid of a storage container according to an embodiment is shown.

[0042] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present disclosure relates to storage containers (e.g., bag holders) for supporting bags during any of the freezing, thawing, or frozen shipping processes, and in particular, to storage containers that protect bags during use, shipping, or transportation and have a design that facilitates use and reuse of the storage containers.

[0044] As defined herein, the phrase "plate freezing process" may refer to a process of freezing an object (e.g., a bag holder, etc.) via, for example, a plate freezer. A plate freezer may be, for example, a hollow plate with a liquid refrigerant flowing through it. An object may be placed between two plates and uniformly cooled to a freezing temperature. A plate freezer may be ideal for freezing flat objects or objects in brick-shaped packages.

[0045] As defined herein, the phrase "quick freezing process" may refer to a process of freezing an object (e.g., a bag holder, etc.) by passing it through a quick freezer. A quick freezer may be, for example, a mechanical system commonly used to freeze bulk products on trays. It should be understood that the phrase "thawing process" may refer to a process designed to thaw an object rather than freeze it.

[0046] As defined herein, the phrase "non-destructive" may refer to a process in which a structure does not break or become unusable after repeated use, making the structure reusable. For example, a typical bag holder may include a metal or plastic tab for securing the cover to the housing by permanently bending the tab. After a set number of permanent bends of the tab (e.g., more than 2 bends, or 5 bends, or exceeding the elastic limit of the material (e.g., permanent bending)), the tab will break and fail to secure the cover, e.g., fracture of the tab. In the present disclosure, a non-destructive process may refer to elastic deformation of a material so that the material does not break or become unusable after repeated use, especially in a clean room environment. It should be understood that the term "bending" as used herein refers to permanent bending, e.g., exceeding the elastic limit, so that the material retains its shape after bending, e.g., there is no elastic recovery force.

[0047] As defined herein, the term "substantially" may refer to a configuration that is similar to any stated value or within a tolerance or variation of at least 5% of any stated value.

[0048] Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a robust storage container for pharmaceutical or biological materials designed for use with any of plate freezing, flash freezing, robust frozen shipping, or thawing techniques, particularly when used in a clean room environment.

[0049] Figure 1A A perspective view of a storage container (eg, bag holder) 100 is illustrated with a cover removed, according to an embodiment. Figure 1B is observed with the cover attached to close the internal space according to the embodiment Figure 1A Storage container 100. Figure 1C illustrate Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a storage container 100 is shown. Figure 1D illustrate Figure 1B An enlarged end view of the rear wall of the storage container 100. Figure 1E illustrate Figure 1B An enlarged end view of the front wall of the storage container 100. Figure 1F illustrate Figure 1E An enlarged cross-sectional view of the cavity and handle of the storage container 100.

[0050] like Figure 1A and 1B, the storage container 100 has a thickness or height in the vertical direction (Y direction). The storage container 100 has a width in the horizontal or lateral direction (X direction). The storage container 100 has a length in the longitudinal direction (Z direction). As defined herein, the phrase "thickness direction" may refer to the Y direction, which indicates the thickness direction of the storage container 100. The phrase "width direction" may refer to the X direction, which indicates the width direction of the storage container 100. The phrase "longitudinal direction" may refer to the Z direction, which indicates the length direction of the storage container 100.

[0051] The storage container 100 includes a housing 110, a cover 120, and a first foam portion 130 and a second foam portion 135. It should be understood that the storage container 100 may include at least one foam portion (130, 135).

[0052] The housing 110 includes a bottom surface 111, two side walls 112A, 112B, a front wall 113, and a rear wall 114 that form an interior space 115 in the housing 110. In an embodiment, the two side walls include a first side 112A and a second side 112B that may be identical to each other. The bottom surface 111, the two side walls 112A, 112B, the front wall 113, and the rear wall 114 may be connected together at their corners or ends using at least one of self-locking fasteners (e.g., PEM fasteners), pins, screws, nuts, rivets, or welding.

[0053] In an embodiment, Figure 1C The two side walls 112A, 112B are illustrated to include a rim portion 140 at the top portion of the side walls 112A, 112B. In an embodiment, the rim portion 140 includes a curved portion that extends outward from the housing and curves inward toward the housing. In an embodiment, the rim portion 140 may have a cross-sectional area that is circular, triangular, rectangular, diamond-shaped, or have other geometric designs. The disclosure herein is not intended to limit the scope of the design of the rim portion 140, but is provided for understanding the present disclosure, and the rim portion 140 may have a variety of designs for engaging the cover 120, as further discussed below.

[0054] like Figure 1DAs shown in , the rear wall 114 of the housing 110 includes a first segment 114A and a second segment 114B disposed above the first segment 114A. The second segment 114B is longitudinally separated from the first segment 114A by a certain distance relative to the length of the storage container 100. The second segment 114B is connected to the first segment through a secondary bottom surface 116. The bottom surface 111 of the rear wall 114 and the first segment 114A form a first section of the interior space. The extension of the secondary bottom surface 116 and the second segment 114B form a second section of the interior space located above the first section, and the second section has a volume greater than the first section. It should be understood that the extended section of the storage container 100 can also be regarded as a step section or a flange section, so that the second section has a volume greater than the first section.

[0055] like Figure 1E As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the front wall 113 includes a recessed portion 113A that protrudes into the interior space of the housing 110 . The recessed portion 113A may be formed as a hole or opening in the front wall 113 and formed as a cavity 150 that protrudes or is positioned within the interior space 115 .

[0056] As Figure 1E A cross-sectional view of Figure 1F The cavity 150 is illustrated to seal the interior space 115 together with the front wall 113. The cavity 150 may be provided as an element separate from the storage container 100, or formed during the manufacture of the storage container 100. If the cavity 150 is provided as a separate element, the cavity 150 may be attached or connected to the storage container 100 using at least one of a self-locking fastener (e.g., a PEM fastener), a pin, a screw, a nut, a rivet, or a weld. The cavity 150 may include a hand-held portion 155 configured to lift, push, or pull the storage container 100. In an embodiment, the hand-held portion 155 may be a continuous portion formed from the cavity 150 that is bent or angled to facilitate lifting, pushing, or pulling of the storage container 100. It should be appreciated that in previous designs of typical bag holders, the typical bag holders have small openings, which makes it difficult to hold the bag holder for lifting, pushing, or pulling. However, in the present disclosure, it is understood that because the front wall 113 includes a cavity 150 that protrudes into the interior space, the cavity 150 with the additional space is configured to provide a comfortable and secure gripping area to facilitate lifting, pushing or pulling of the storage container 100. It is understood that the disclosure of the handle 155 is not intended to be limiting in scope, but is provided to aid in understanding the present disclosure. Other designs of the handle may be considered, for example, as further discussed below in alternative embodiments.

[0057] The cover 120 is generally planar and is configured to enclose the interior space 115 of the housing 110. The cover 120 can be removably attached to and detached from the housing 110. In an embodiment, the cover 120 is configured to enclose or expose the interior space 115 through a non-destructive and deformable (and recoverable) locking and unlocking engagement with the housing 110. Figure 1C As described in , in an embodiment, the cover 120 may include a track portion 145 configured to engage with the edge portion 140 of the side walls 112A, 112B. In an embodiment, the track portion 145 may include a downwardly open groove that is generally "C"-shaped, "U"-shaped, or "V"-shaped to engage with the edge portion 140 of the side walls 112A, 112B. The track portion 145 may further include a grip portion 146 connected to the downwardly open groove and extending away from the housing 110 in the width direction, the grip portion 146 being configured to facilitate grasping or holding the track portion 145 for non-destructive and deformable removal or attachment of the cover 120 to the housing 110. It should be appreciated that, in embodiments, since the cover 120 is formed entirely of metal (e.g., stainless steel), deformation of the track portion 145 can be provided in a non-destructive manner, such that the cover can be placed into locking or unlocking engagement with the edge portion 140 of the sidewalls 112A, 112B, for example, due to the deformation and elastic recovery properties of the cover 120. That is, the track portion 145 does not permanently deform (e.g., bend (and unbend)) to secure the cover 120 to the housing 110, but rather elastically recovers to its original shape. Thus, the cover 120 is designed for and can be used for repeated reuse several times.

[0058] In an embodiment, the cover 120 may also be configured to provide a sliding engagement along the rim portion 140 of the housing 110, for example, via an opened groove, to close the interior space 115 of the housing 110. In an embodiment, the cover 120 may also be pressed or forced in a downward direction toward the housing 110, so that the track portion 145 (including the grip portion 146) is configured to engage with the rim portion 140, for example, due to the grip portion extending outward, and elastically deform and then recover, for example, a snap action, so that at least one of the groove of the track portion 145 or the grip portion 146 engages with the rim portion 140 to fix or attach the cover 120 to the housing 110.

[0059] Return to reference Figure 1D In an embodiment, the cover 120 further includes a rear track portion 122 configured to engage with the rear wall 114 of the housing 110. In an embodiment, the rear track portion 122 is configured to align with any opening in any of the cover or rim portion 140 or in the side walls 112A, 112B and the track portion 145 to close the interior space 115.

[0060] Thus, in embodiments, the cover 120 may be removably attached to and detached from the housing 110 via a number of different mechanisms to allow for reuse of the storage container 100 after cleaning, disinfection, etc. It should also be appreciated that in embodiments, the cover 120 is not completely attachable to and detachable from the housing 110, but rather the cover 120 is pivotally connected to the housing 110 such that the track portion 145 may be non-destructively and deformably locked and unlocked with the rim portion 140 of the housing 110, as discussed further below.

[0061] In an embodiment, an opening or hole 160 may be provided in the track portion 145 of the lid 120 and the edge portion 140 of the two side walls 112A, 112B. The opening or hole 160 is provided to align the lid 120 with the housing 110 and is configured to receive a fixing device (not shown) for fixing the lid 120 to the housing 110. The fixing device may include at least one of a cable tie, a fixing pin or lock, or a push rivet, which allows the storage container 100 to be fixed for transportation and disposal, and the removal of the fixing device allows access to the interior space 115 and the bag by removing the lid 120.

[0062] The first foam portion 130 is configured to conform to the shape of a drug or biological material bag and includes an opening for receiving at least a portion of the drug or biological bag so that the edges of the drug or biological bag are fixed within or between the first foam portion 130. The opening of the first foam portion 130 generally receives the bag portion with the drug or biological material and is configured so that the first foam portion maintains the shape of the bag when the material in the bag is frozen (e.g., during a plate freezing process, where the aqueous solution expands during freezing) and provides necessary protection during transportation or disposal. The first foam portion 130 may include an angled edge at one end of the opening to conform to the shape of the drug or biological material bag, which has an angled edge connected to a bottom edge, which may include any of fittings, connectors, tubing, etc. In an embodiment, the first foam portion 130 may also include a receiving section near the front wall 113 for receiving a bag end with a fitting, connector, or tubing.

[0063] The second foam portion 135 is disposed adjacent to the first foam portion 130 in the interior space and is configured to receive any tubing or connectors attached to the drug or biological material bag. The second foam portion 135 may include a recessed portion corresponding to the cavity 150. In an embodiment, the second foam portion 135 may also include a transversely extending portion extending longitudinally along each side wall toward the rear wall of the housing 110, so that all or most of the tubing, connectors, or a combination thereof are positioned on or between the second foam portion 135.

[0064] The first foam portion 130 and the second foam portion 135 may include corresponding connecting portions for providing joining and fixing of the first foam portion 130 and the second foam portion 135, for example, the insertion portion of the first foam portion 130 is between the lateral extension portions of the second foam portion 135, and providing support and protection for the bag and at least one of the accessories, connectors, pipes, etc. during handling, freezing and transportation of the bag.

[0065] like Figure 1C As described in , in an embodiment, the first foam portion 130 may include a first portion 131 and a second portion 132 separated from the first portion 131. The first portion 131 of the first foam portion 130 is configured to fit in a first section of the interior space 115, and the second portion 132 is configured to fit in a second section of the interior space 115 above the first portion of the first foam portion 130. The second portion 132 of the first foam portion 130 has a volume greater than the first portion 131 of the first foam portion 130, and fits in the interior space 115, for example, against the rear wall 114B, including an extension of the housing on the secondary bottom surface 116, while the first portion 131 is against the rear wall 114A. Thus, the first portion 131 and the second portion 132 can be used to sandwich or enclose a drug or biological material bag between the first portion 131 and the second portion 132 to provide any of support, protection, conformity to the shape of the drug or biological material bag during freezing, transportation, or disposal.

[0066] Similarly, the second foam portion 135 may include a first portion and a second portion, which may be mirror images of each other or have different configurations to conform to the interior space 115 of the housing 110. Thus, the second foam portion 135 may provide support and protection for any of the accessories, connectors, pipes, etc. connected to the material bag by sandwiching or disposing any of the accessories, connectors, pipes, etc. between the first portion and the second portion.

[0067] The first foam portion 130 and the second foam portion 135 may be made of polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, copolymers thereof, combinations thereof, etc. It should be understood that the material of the first foam portion 130 and the second foam portion 135 may be any suitable material that can withstand a wide range of temperatures (e.g., down to or about or below -85°C without breaking), is suitable for deforming to conform to the geometry of the bag (not shown) or its components at room temperature, serves as a barrier to help keep the bag immobile, and serves as a cushion for the bag and its components during freezing, thawing, or shipping processes.

[0068] In an embodiment, the second foam portion 135 can be made of a foam having a lower stiffness than the first foam portion 130. In an embodiment, the second foam portion 135 is made of the same foam material as the first foam portion 130, but with a higher plasticizer content. In an embodiment, the second foam portion 135 is made of a different material than the first foam portion 130. The stiffness level of the second foam portion 135 is selected so that the second foam portion 135 can immobilize and cushion any of the bag accessories or components of the bag, such as tubing, connectors, clamps, etc. that are more rigid than the bag (e.g., a bioprocess bag).

[0069] In an embodiment, the outer shell 110 and the lid 120 of the storage container 100 may be made of metal. In an embodiment, the metal may be steel, such as stainless steel (e.g., SAE 304 stainless steel, etc.), or the like. It should be appreciated that the material of the outer shell 110 and the lid 120 may be any suitable material that provides sufficient robustness, is cost-effective, and provides adequate heat conduction. The storage container 100 may be robust enough to be handled, such as being dropped after freezing without the storage container or the bag contained therein experiencing severe damage, such as rupture of the storage container 100 or bursting or puncturing of the bag contained therein.

[0070] Figures 2A to 2F The storage container 200 according to the embodiment is described as an assembly, which may include Figures 1A to 1F The storage container 100 has the same features as the storage container 100, and the storage container has a drug or biological material bag 280, for example, Aramus by Entegris Inc. TM The storage container 200 provides greater protection during handling, more consistent freezing / thawing, and reduced storage density, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0071] Figure 2A Description A storage container 200 is provided that includes a housing 210. The housing 210 includes a bottom surface 211, two side walls 212A, 212B, a front wall 213, and a rear wall 214 that form an interior space 215 in the housing 210. The bottom surface 211, the two side walls 212A, 212B, the front wall 213, and the rear wall 214 may be connected together at their corners or ends using at least one of self-locking fasteners (e.g., PEM fasteners), pins, screws, nuts, rivets, or welding.

[0072] like Figure 2BAs seen in FIG. 1 , when assembled, in the thickness direction, the first portion 231 of the first foam portion 230 may be disposed or arranged in a first section of the interior space 215 above the bottom surface 211 of the outer shell 210 of the storage container 200. The first portion of the second foam portion 235 may also be arranged in a first section of the interior space 215 adjacent to the first portion of the first foam portion 230, for example, in the Z direction.

[0073] Figure 2C Further description is given of the storage container 200 further assembled in the thickness direction (eg, in the Y direction), wherein the drug or biological material bag 280 (eg, Aramus TM The first foam portion 230 may be provided with a bag or tube (e.g., a bag of drug or biological material) and may be placed or positioned above or on the first portion 231 of the first foam portion 230. Any of the tubing may be wound into a loose coil and may be placed or positioned above the first portion of the second foam portion 235. Additionally, any clamps on the tubing may be oriented horizontally to fit in the housing and are preferably placed on the second foam portion 235. In an embodiment, most of the tubing and clamps are placed on the second foam portion 235 and the drug or biological material bag is placed on the first foam portion 230.

[0074] As the storage container 200 is Figure 2D In further assembly, the second part 232 of the first foam part 230 and the second part of the second foam part 235 can be placed or arranged above the corresponding first part and the drug or biological material bag 280 in the second section of the internal space 215, so that the drug or biological material bag 280 and the pipeline and the connector are located between the corresponding first part and the second part of the first foam part 230 and the second foam part 235.

[0075] like Figure 2EAs described in , in an embodiment, the first foam portion 230 may include a partially filled foam portion 233 that is configured to engage a drug or biomaterial bag (not shown) when the drug or biomaterial bag is partially filled and inserted into the storage container 200. In existing bags, when the drug or biomaterial bag is insufficiently filled, the drug or biomaterial bag may not properly or completely engage the metal surface of the storage container 200 to properly freeze the material, such as in a plate freezer. However, in the present embodiment, the partially filled foam portion 233 is configured to displace at least a portion of the volume in the drug or biomaterial bag, such that the overall volume of the drug or biomaterial bag is reduced, and a partial volume is formed to displace the drug or biomaterial bag and the material therein to ensure proper engagement with the metal surface of the storage container 200 for freezing. That is, the partially filled foam portion 233 is configured to raise or increase the height of the partial volume of the drug or biomaterial bag to better contact the metal portion of the storage container 200 and indicate the capacity of the bag or portion thereof. It should be understood that in embodiments, rather than including a partially filled foam portion 233, the first foam portion 230 is configured or designed or changeable to reduce the overall volume of the drug or biomaterial bag, for example, the shape of the first foam portion 230 can be changed to reduce and displace the volume of the material in the drug or biomaterial bag, for example, to isolate the fluid in certain areas of the drug or biomaterial bag to raise or increase the height of the bag. It should also be understood that in embodiments, the cover 220 may also include a protrusion or structure that displaces the volume of the material in the drug or biomaterial bag to indicate the capacity of the bag or a portion thereof.

[0076] like Figure 2B and 2C As seen in the figure, the rear wall 214 of the housing 210 includes a first segment 214A and a second segment 214B disposed above the first segment 214A. The second segment 214B is longitudinally separated from the first segment 214A by a certain distance relative to the length (e.g., Z direction) of the storage container 200. The second segment 214B is connected to the first segment 214A through a secondary bottom surface 216. The bottom surface 211 of the rear wall 214 and the first segment 214A form a first section of the interior space. The extension of the secondary bottom surface 216 and the second segment 214B form a second section of the interior space located above the first section, and the second section has a volume greater than the first section. It should be understood that the extended section of the storage container 200 can also be considered as a step section or a flange section, so that the second section has a volume greater than the first section, so that the first and second parts of the first foam portion 230 and the second foam portion 235 can be provided.

[0077] As the storage container 200 is in its final assembled state Figure 2FAs seen in FIG. 2 , the cover 220 is attached to the housing 210. In an embodiment, the two side walls 212A, 212B include a rim portion 240 at the top portion of the side walls 212A, 212B. In an embodiment, the rim portion 240 may include a curved portion extending outward from the housing and curving inward toward the housing.

[0078] The cover 220 can be removably attached to and detachable from the housing 210. In an embodiment, the cover 220 is configured to close or expose the interior space 215 through a non-destructive and deformable (and recoverable) locking and unlocking engagement with the housing 210. Figure 2F , in an embodiment, the cover 220 may include a track portion 245 configured to engage with the edge portion 240 of the side walls 212A, 212B to close the interior space 215. The track portion 245 may further include a grip portion 246 connected to the downwardly opened groove and extending away from the housing 210 in the width direction, the grip portion 246 being configured to facilitate grasping or holding the track portion 245 for non-destructive and deformable removal or attachment of the cover 220 to the housing 210.

[0079] In embodiments, the cover 220 can be attached to and detached from the housing 210 in a number of different ways. For example, the cover 220 can be configured to provide a sliding engagement along the rim portion 240 of the housing 210, such as via an opened groove, to close the interior space 215 of the housing 210. In embodiments, the cover 220 can also be pressed or forced in a downward direction toward the housing 210, such that the track portion 245 (including the grip portion 246) is configured to engage with the rim portion 240 (e.g., due to the outwardly extending grip portion), and elastically deform and then recover, such as a snap action, such that at least one of the groove of the track portion 245 or the grip portion 246 engages with the rim portion 240 to secure or attach the cover 220 to the housing 210. Similarly, the cover 220 can be disassembled or removed from the housing 210 by elastically deforming the track portion 245 of the cover 220 to disengage from the edge portion 240 of the housing 210 (e.g., by grasping the grip portion 246) and lifting the cover 220 to expose the interior space 215 so that the cover can be set to an unlocked engaged state without damaging the cover, particularly in a clean room environment where an operator wears equipment (e.g., gloves) to prevent contamination of the clean room.

[0080] Figure 3 The storage container 300 according to the embodiment may include Figures 1A to 2F The storage containers 100, 200 have the same or similar features, and their differences are discussed below.

[0081] The storage container 300 includes a shell 310, a cover 320, and a first foam portion (e.g., 130, 230) and a second foam portion (e.g., 135, 235). The shell 310 includes a bottom surface 311 forming an internal space in the shell 310, two side walls 312A, 312B, a front wall 313, and a rear wall 314.

[0082] Although the rear wall 314 is described as a single wall, it should be understood that the rear wall 314 of the housing 310 may include a first segment and a second segment disposed above the first segment, as discussed above with respect to other embodiments. The second segment is longitudinally separated from the first segment by a certain distance relative to the length of the storage container 300. The second segment is connected to the first segment via a secondary bottom surface. The bottom surface and the first segment of the rear wall 314 form a first section of the interior space. The extension of the secondary bottom surface and the second segment form a second section of the interior space located above the first section, and the second section has a volume greater than the first section. It should be understood that the extended section of the storage container 300 may also be considered a stepped section or a flange section, so that the second section has a volume greater than the first section.

[0083] The front wall 313 of this embodiment does not include a recessed portion protruding into the interior space of the housing 310. Instead, the front wall 313 includes a handheld portion 355, which is configured to lift, push or pull the storage container 300. In an embodiment, the handheld portion 355 may be a handle pivotally connected to the front wall 313. Thus, the handle may extend from the front wall 313 to facilitate the lifting, pushing or pulling of the storage container 300. It should be understood that in the previous design of a typical bag holder, the typical bag holder has a small opening, which makes it difficult to hold the bag holder for lifting, pushing or pulling. However, in the present disclosure, it should be understood that since the front wall 313 includes the handheld portion 355, the handheld portion 355 is configured to provide a comfortable and secure gripping area to facilitate the lifting, pushing or pulling of the storage container 300.

[0084] The cover 320 may be generally planar and provided to enclose the interior space of the housing 310. The cover 320 may be removably attached to and detachable from the housing 310. In an embodiment, the cover 320 is configured to enclose or expose the interior space by a non-destructive and deformable (and recoverable) locking and unlocking engagement with the housing 310. In an embodiment, the cover 320 includes a track portion 345 configured to engage with the edge portions (e.g., 140, 240) of the side walls 312A, 312B. It should be appreciated that in an embodiment, since the cover 320 is formed entirely of metal (e.g., stainless steel), deformation of the track portion 345 may be provided in a non-destructive manner so that the cover may be configured to lock or unlock engagement with the edge portions (e.g., 140, 240) of the side walls 312A, 312B, for example, due to the deformation and elastic recovery properties of the cover 320. That is, the track portion 345 does not permanently deform (eg, bend (and unbend)) to secure the cover 320 to the housing 310. Thus, the cover 320 is designed for and can be used for several repeated reuses.

[0085] In an embodiment, the cover 320 may also be configured to provide a sliding engagement along a rim portion (e.g., 140, 240) of the housing 310, for example, via an opened groove, to close the interior space of the housing 310. In an embodiment, the cover 320 may also be pressed or urged in a downward direction toward the housing 310, so that the track portion 345 is configured to engage with the rim portion (e.g., 140, 240), for example, due to the outwardly extending grip portion, and elastically deform and then recover, for example, a snap action, so that the track portion 345 engages with the rim portion (e.g., 140, 240), to fix or attach the cover 320 to the housing 310.

[0086] Figure 4A and 4B A storage container 400 according to an embodiment is described, which may include the same or similar features as any of the storage containers discussed above, with the differences discussed below.

[0087] The storage container 400 includes a shell 410, a cover 420, and a first foam portion (e.g., 130, 230) and a second foam portion (e.g., 135, 235). The shell 410 includes a bottom surface 411, two side walls 412A, 412B, a front wall 413, and a rear wall 414 forming an interior space 415 in the shell 410.

[0088] In an embodiment, the cover 420 is pivotally connected to one of the side walls 412A, 412B. For example, in an embodiment, the cover 420 is pivotally connected to the side wall 412B via a living hinge, a pin and hinge connection, etc., which allows the cover 420 to pivot between open and closed positions to enclose or expose the interior space 415 of the housing 410. The other side wall, for example, 412A, includes a rim portion 440 at a top portion of the side wall 412A. In an embodiment, the rim portion 440 includes a curved portion or a molded portion extending outward from the housing 410.

[0089] Although the rear wall 414 is described as a single wall, it should be understood that the rear wall 414 of the housing 410 may include a first segment and a second segment disposed above the first segment, as discussed above with respect to other embodiments. The second segment is longitudinally separated from the first segment by a certain distance relative to the length of the storage container 400. The second segment is connected to the first segment by a secondary bottom surface. The bottom surface and the first segment of the rear wall 414 form a first section of the interior space. The extension of the secondary bottom surface and the second segment form a second section of the interior space located above the first section, and the second section has a volume greater than the first section. It should be understood that the extended section of the storage container 400 may also be considered as a step section or a flange section, so that the second section has a volume greater than the first section.

[0090] The front wall 413 includes a recessed portion 413A that protrudes into the interior space 415 of the housing 410. The recessed portion 413A can be formed by a hole or opening in the front wall 413 and formed as a cavity that protrudes or is positioned within the interior space 415. The cavity can include a hand-held portion that is configured to lift, push, or pull the storage container 400. It should be understood that the disclosure of the handle is not intended to limit the scope, but is provided to help understand the present disclosure. Other designs of the handle are contemplated, for example, as further discussed above in alternative embodiments.

[0091] The cover 420 may be generally planar and provided to enclose the interior space 415 of the housing 410. In an embodiment, the cover 420 is configured to enclose or expose the interior space 415 by a non-destructive and deformable (and recoverable) locking and unlocking engagement with the housing 410. In an embodiment, the cover 420 includes a track portion 445 configured to engage with the edge portion 440 of the side wall 412A. It should be appreciated that in an embodiment, since the cover 420 is formed entirely of metal (e.g., stainless steel) or molded plastic, deformation of the track portion 445 may be provided in a non-destructive manner so that the cover may be disposed in a locking or unlocking engagement with the edge portion 440 of the side wall 412A, for example, due to the deformation and elastic recovery properties of the cover 420. That is, the track portion 445 will not be permanently deformed (e.g., bent (and unbent)) to secure the cover 420 to the housing 410. Thus, the cover 420 is designed for and can be used for repeated reuse several times.

[0092] In an embodiment, Figure 4A As seen in FIG, the track portion 445 can be provided as an interlaced portion for engaging / disengaging with the edge portion 440 having a structure corresponding to the interlaced portion. It should be understood that the track portion 445 and the edge portion 440 can also be provided as a single piece extending the entire storage container in the length direction (e.g., Z direction).

[0093] In an embodiment, the outer shell 410 and the lid 420 of the storage container 400 may be made of metal. In an embodiment, the metal may be steel, such as stainless steel (e.g., SAE 304 stainless steel, etc.), or the like. It should be appreciated that the material of the outer shell 410 and the lid 420 may be any suitable material that provides sufficient robustness, is cost-effective, and provides adequate heat conduction. The storage container 400 may be sufficiently robust to be handled, such as being dropped after freezing without the storage container or the bag contained therein experiencing severe damage, such as rupture of the storage container 400 or bursting or puncturing of the bag contained therein.

[0094] In another embodiment, the rim portion 440 can be disposed in the housing 410 as an insert. For example, the rim portion 440 can be formed of a plastic or molded plastic design, having a second interior space for receiving the foam portion and the material bag, and can be configured to hold different types of material bags. In another embodiment, the rim portion 440 can be a single piece that can be inserted into the side wall of the housing 410. Thus, since the rim portion 440 can be inserted and removed from the storage container 400, the rim portion 440 can facilitate the use and reuse of the storage container 400, for example, when the rim portion 440 is damaged, only the rim portion 440 can be replaced, or the rim portion 440 can be removed to clean / disinfect the storage container 400.

[0095] Figure 5A and 5B A storage container 500 according to an embodiment is described, which may include the same or similar features as any of the storage containers discussed above, with the differences discussed below.

[0096] The storage container 500 includes a housing 510, a cover 520, and a first foam portion (e.g., 130, 230) and a second foam portion (e.g., 135, 235). The housing 510 includes a bottom surface 511, two side walls 512A, 512B, a front wall 513, and a rear wall 514 forming an internal space in the housing 510.

[0097] Although the rear wall 514 is described as a single wall, it should be understood that the rear wall 514 of the housing 510 may include a first segment and a second segment disposed above the first segment, as discussed above with respect to other embodiments. The second segment is longitudinally separated from the first segment by a certain distance relative to the length of the storage container 500. The second segment is connected to the first segment via a secondary bottom surface. The bottom surface and the first segment of the rear wall 514 form a first section of the interior space. The extension of the secondary bottom surface and the second segment form a second section of the interior space located above the first section, and the second section has a volume greater than the first section. It should be understood that the extended section of the storage container 500 may also be considered a stepped section or a flange section, so that the second section has a volume greater than the first section.

[0098] The front wall 513 of this embodiment does not include a recessed portion protruding into the interior space of the housing 510. Instead, a cavity 550 is formed inside the interior space 515. The cavity 550 can seal the interior space 515 along the interior wall (not shown) of the housing 510. The cavity 550 can be provided as an element separate from the storage container 500, or formed during the manufacture of the storage container 500. If the cavity 550 is provided as a separate element, the cavity 550 can be attached or connected to the storage container 500 using at least one of a self-locking fastener (e.g., a PEM fastener), a pin, a screw, a nut, a rivet, or a weld. The cavity 550 can be formed as a handheld portion that is configured for lifting, pushing, or pulling the storage container 500. It should be understood that in the existing design of a typical bag holder, the typical bag holder has a small opening, which makes it difficult to hold the bag holder for lifting, pushing, or pulling. However, in the present disclosure, it should be understood that because the storage container 500 includes a cavity 550 disposed in the interior space, the cavity 550 with additional space is configured to provide a comfortable and secure gripping area to facilitate lifting, pushing or pulling of the storage container 500.

[0099] The cover 520 may be generally planar and provided to enclose the interior space 515 of the housing 510. In an embodiment, the cover 520 is configured to enclose or expose the interior space 515 by a non-destructive and deformable (and recoverable) locking and unlocking engagement with the housing 510. In an embodiment, the cover 520 includes a track portion 545 configured to engage with edge portions (e.g., 140, 240, 440) of the side walls 512A, 512B. It should be appreciated that in an embodiment, since the cover 520 is formed entirely of metal (e.g., stainless steel) or molded plastic, deformation of the track portion 545 may be provided in a non-destructive manner so that the cover may be disposed in a locking or unlocking engagement with the edge portions of the side walls 512A, 512B, for example, due to the deformation and elastic recovery properties of the cover 520. That is, the track portion 545 is not permanently deformed (e.g., bent (and unbent)) to secure the cover 520 to the housing 510. Thus, the cover 520 is designed and operable for repeated reuse several times.In an embodiment, the cover 520 may include a hole or opening in the cover 520 that corresponds to the cavity 550 in the interior space 515.

[0100] In an embodiment, the cover 520 may also be configured to provide a sliding engagement along a rim portion (e.g., 140, 240, 440) of the housing 510 to close the interior space 515 of the housing 510. In an embodiment, the cover 520 may also be pressed or forced in a downward direction toward the housing 510 so that the track portion 545 is configured to engage with the rim portion (e.g., 140, 240, 440), for example, due to the outwardly extending grip portion, and elastically deform and then recover, for example, a snap action, so that the track portion 545 engages with the rim portion to secure or attach the cover 520 to the housing 510.

[0101] In an embodiment, the track portion 545 can be configured as a staggered portion for engagement / disengagement with a rim portion (e.g., 140, 240, 440) having a structure corresponding to the staggered portion. It should be understood that the track portion 545 and the rim portion can also be configured as a single piece extending the entire storage container in the length direction (e.g., Z direction).

[0102] Fig. 6A and 6B A storage container 600 according to an embodiment is described, which may include the same or similar features as any of the storage containers discussed above, with the differences discussed below.

[0103] like Fig. 6A, the cover 620 includes a rear track portion 622 configured to be adjacent to a fixed portion of the rear wall 614. The rear track portion 622 is configured to engage with the rear wall 614 to hold the cover 620 and align it with the shell 610 of the container 600. In an embodiment, the rear track portion 622 has an open groove in a "C" shape, a "U" shape, or a "V" shape to engage with the rear wall 614. The rear wall 614 of the shell 610 includes a first segment 614A and a second segment 614B disposed above the first segment 614A. The second segment 614B is longitudinally separated from the first segment 614A by a certain distance relative to the length of the storage container 600. The second segment 614B is connected to the first segment by a secondary bottom surface 616.

[0104] like Fig. 6A A cross-sectional view of Figure 6B , the second segment 614B of the rear wall 614 includes a lip 614C having a corresponding shape (e.g., a C-shape) for engaging with the rear track portion 622 of the cover 620. Thus, not only is the cover 620 fixed and aligned with the housing 610, but such a design allows the cover 620 to pivot relative to the housing 610 to partially attach to the housing, for example, the open groove is configured to engage to provide at least a partial attachment.

[0105] Thus, a storage container for pharmaceutical or biological material, and in particular a bag holder, is provided which has several benefits over existing designs of typical bag holders. For example, the storage container can be used for plate freezing and can be used with certain fluoropolymer bags, such as the Aramus 100 from Intec Corporation. TM Bag assembly, storage container is made entirely of sheet metal and foam and has a more cost-effective design and cleanability, storage container has a lid that can be slid or snapped open / closed in a non-destructive and deformable manner, and the lid has a grip portion for hand placement and lid removal, the foam portion is designed to increase the area for positioning pipes and connectors, the storage container does not include any bends in metal or plastic parts, which avoids puncture hazards after failure of the parts, the handle is enlarged for better grip, the storage container has a flange or stepped section to facilitate assembly of the storage container, the storage container is designed for multiple uses, and the storage container has a more space-saving design that is compatible with a quick freezer. Such a design of the storage container is particularly beneficial for use in a clean room environment, where operators wear equipment (e.g., hoods, gloves, etc.) to prevent contamination of the clean room (e.g., airborne organisms, particles, dust, etc.), which makes it difficult to grip, hold, manipulate (e.g., open or close, etc.) the storage container.

[0106] aspect:

[0107] Any of aspects 1 to 17 may be combined with any of aspects 18 and aspects 19 to 21, or vice versa.

[0108] Aspect 1: A storage container for medicine or biological material, comprising an outer shell, the outer shell including a bottom surface, two side walls, a front wall and a rear wall forming an internal space in the outer shell, the internal space having a first section and a second section arranged above the first section; and a cover, which is configured to close the internal space, wherein the two side walls of the outer shell include edge portions at the top portions of the two side walls, and the cover includes a track portion, the track portion is configured to provide non-destructive and deformable locking and unlocking engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls, and the rear wall of the outer shell includes a first section and a second section arranged above the first section, the second section is longitudinally separated from the first section by a certain distance and connected to the first section through a secondary bottom surface, so that the second section of the internal space has a volume larger than the first section of the internal space.

[0109] Aspect 2: The storage container according to aspect 1, wherein the track portion of the lid is further configured to provide sliding engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls.

[0110] Aspect 3: The storage container according to any one of aspects 1 to 2, wherein the front wall includes a recessed portion such that the recessed portion protrudes into the internal space of the outer shell.

[0111] Aspect 4: The storage container according to aspect 3, wherein the recessed portion includes a handle portion configured for lifting, pushing or pulling the storage container.

[0112] Aspect 5: The storage container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, further comprising a first foam portion, which is disposed in the internal space and is configured to conform to the shape of the drug or biological material bag; and a second foam portion, which is disposed in the internal space adjacent to the first foam portion and is configured to receive any pipe or connector attached to the drug or biological material bag, wherein the second foam portion has a lower stiffness than the first foam portion.

[0113] Aspect 6: A storage container according to Aspect 5, wherein the first foam portion includes a first portion and a second portion separated from the first portion, wherein the first portion of the first foam portion is configured to fit in the first section of the interior space, and the second portion of the first foam portion is configured to fit in the second section of the interior space above the first portion of the first foam portion.

[0114] Aspect 7: The storage container according to Aspect 5, wherein the shape of the drug or biological material bag includes an angled edge connected to a bottom edge of the drug or biological material bag.

[0115] Aspect 8: The storage container of aspect 5, wherein the first foam portion further comprises a partially filled foam portion configured to displace the volume of the drug or biological material bag.

[0116] Aspect 9: A storage container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the edge portions of the two side walls and the track portion of the lid include openings, which are configured to align the lid with the outer shell and are configured to receive a fixing device for fixing the lid to the outer shell.

[0117] Aspect 10: The storage container of aspect 9, wherein the securing device comprises at least one of a cable tie, a securing pin or lock, or a push rivet.

[0118] Aspect 11: The storage container according to Aspect 9, wherein the cover further includes a rear track portion configured to engage with the rear wall of the outer shell so that the openings in the edge portions of the two side walls are aligned with the track portion of the cover.

[0119] Aspect 12: A storage container according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the lid has one end pivotally connected to the shell so that the track portion is configured to provide the non-destructive and deformable locking and unlocking engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls.

[0120] Aspect 13: The storage container according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the cover is removably attached to the housing.

[0121] Aspect 14: The storage container according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the track portion of the lid includes a downwardly open groove configured to engage with the edge portions of the two side walls.

[0122] Aspect 15: A storage container according to Aspect 14, wherein the track portion further includes a handle portion connected to the downwardly opening groove for providing the non-destructive and deformable unlocking engagement between the edge portion and the track portion to remove the lid from the storage container.

[0123] Aspect 16: The storage container of any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein the outer shell and the lid are formed entirely of metal.

[0124] Aspect 17: The storage container according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the bottom surface, the two side walls, the front wall and the rear wall are connected by at least one of self-locking fasteners, pins, screws, nuts, rivets or welding.

[0125] Aspect 18: A storage container for medicine or biological material, comprising an outer shell, the outer shell including a bottom surface, two side walls, a front wall and a rear wall forming an inner space in the outer shell, the inner space having a first section and a second section disposed above the first section; a cover configured to close the inner space; a first foam portion disposed in the inner space and configured to conform to the shape of a bag of medicine or biological material; and a second foam portion disposed in the inner space adjacent to the first foam portion and configured to receive any pipe or connector attached to the bag of medicine or biological material, wherein the two side walls of the outer shell include edge portions at top portions of the two side walls, and The cover includes a track portion, which is configured to provide non-destructive and deformable locking and unlocking engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls, the rear wall of the shell includes a first segment and a second segment arranged above the first segment, the second segment is longitudinally separated from the first segment by a certain distance and connected to the first segment through a secondary bottom surface, so that the second section of the interior space has a volume larger than the first section of the interior space, and the front wall includes a recessed portion, so that the recessed portion protrudes into the interior space of the shell and the second foam portion, and the recessed portion includes a handle portion, which is configured to lift, push or pull the storage container.

[0126] Aspect 19: A method for storing a bag of medicine or biological material, comprising disposing a first portion of a first foam portion in a first section of an interior space of an outer shell of a storage container, wherein the outer shell includes a bottom surface, two side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall forming the interior space in the outer shell; disposing a first portion of a second foam portion adjacent to the first portion of the first foam portion in the first section of the interior space; placing the bag of medicine or biological material on the first portion of the first foam portion and the first portion of the second foam portion, so that the bag of medicine or biological material is disposed on the first foam portion, and a pipe and a connector connected to the bag of medicine or biological material are disposed on the second foam portion; disposing the second portion of the first foam portion and the second foam portion in a second section of the interior space. a second portion of the foam portion, so that the drug or biological material bag and the pipeline and the connector are located between the first portion and the second portion of the first foam portion and the second foam portion, wherein the second section is arranged above the first section; and non-destructively deforming the track portion of the cover to provide a locking engagement between the cover and the shell to close the internal space of the shell by engaging the track portion of the cover with the edge portion at the top portion of the two side walls, wherein the rear wall of the shell includes a first segment and a second segment arranged above the first segment, the second segment is longitudinally separated from the first segment by a certain distance and connected to the first segment through a secondary bottom surface, so that the second section of the internal space has a volume larger than the first section of the internal space.

[0127] Aspect 20: The method according to aspect 19, wherein the cover is pivotally connected to the housing so that the cover closes the interior space by pivoting the cover until the non-destructive deformation of the track portion of the cover is in the locking engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls.

[0128] Aspect 21: The method of aspect 19, further comprising non-destructively deforming the track portion of the cover to provide unlocking engagement of the cover to expose the interior space without damaging the cover.

[0129] The examples disclosed in this application should be considered illustrative and non-restrictive in all aspects. The terms used in this specification are intended to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the terms "a / an" and "the" also include plural forms. When used in this specification, the term "comprises / comprising" specifies the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components. The term "or" as used herein includes any alternative or combination of alternatives, such as understood by the term and / or is not intended to exclude any of the alternatives.

[0130] With respect to the foregoing description, it should be understood that changes may be made to the details, especially in the construction materials employed and the shapes, sizes and arrangements of the parts, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present specification and the described embodiments are exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage container for drugs or biological materials, comprising: a housing comprising a bottom surface, two side walls, a front wall and a rear wall forming an interior space in the housing, The internal space has a first section and a second section disposed above the first section; and a cover configured to close the interior space, wherein the two side walls of the housing include rim portions at top portions of the two side walls, and the cover includes a track portion configured to provide non-destructive and deformable locking and unlocking engagement with the rim portions of the two side walls, and The rear wall of the shell includes a first section and a second section arranged above the first section, the second section is longitudinally separated from the first section by a certain distance and connected to the first section through a secondary bottom surface, so that the second section of the internal space has a volume larger than the first section of the internal space.

2. A storage container according to claim 1, wherein the track portion of the lid is further configured to provide sliding engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls. 3 . The storage container according to claim 1 , wherein the front wall includes a recessed portion such that the recessed portion protrudes into the internal space of the outer shell.

4. The storage container of claim 3, wherein the recessed portion includes a handle portion configured for lifting, pushing, or pulling the storage container.

5. The storage container according to claim 1, further comprising: a first foam portion disposed in the interior space and configured to conform to the shape of the drug or biological material bag; and a second foam portion disposed in the interior space adjacent to the first foam portion and configured to receive any tubing or connector attached to the drug or biological material bag, The second foam portion has a lower stiffness than the first foam portion.

6. A storage container according to claim 5, wherein the first foam portion includes a first portion and a second portion separated from the first portion, wherein the first portion of the first foam portion is configured to fit in the first section of the interior space, and the second portion of the first foam portion is configured to fit in the second section of the interior space and is located above the first portion of the first foam portion.

7. The storage container according to claim 5, wherein the shape of the drug or biological material bag includes an angled edge connected to a bottom edge of the drug or biological material bag.

8. The storage container of claim 5, wherein the first foam portion further comprises a partially filled foam portion configured to displace the volume of the drug or biological material bag.

9. A storage container according to claim 1, wherein the edge portions of the two side walls and the track portion of the cover include openings, which are configured to align the cover with the shell and are configured to receive a fixing device for fixing the cover to the shell.

10. The storage container of claim 9, wherein the securing device comprises at least one of a cable tie, a securing pin or lock, or a push rivet.

11. A storage container according to claim 9, wherein the cover further includes a rear track portion, which is configured to engage with the rear wall of the shell so that the openings in the edge portions of the two side walls are aligned with the track portion of the cover.

12. A storage container according to claim 1, wherein the lid has one end pivotally connected to the shell so that the track portion is configured to provide the non-destructive and deformable locking and unlocking engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls.

13. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the cover is removably attached to the housing.

14. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the track portion of the lid includes a downwardly-opening groove configured to engage with the edge portions of the two side walls.

15. A storage container according to claim 14, wherein the track portion further includes a handle portion connected to the downwardly opening groove for providing the non-destructive and deformable unlocking engagement between the rim portion and the track portion to remove the lid from the storage container.

16. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the housing and lid are formed entirely of metal.

17. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface, the two side walls, the front wall, and the rear wall are connected by at least one of self-locking fasteners, pins, screws, nuts, rivets, or welding.

18. A storage container for medicine or biological material, comprising: a housing including a bottom surface, two side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall forming an interior space in the housing, the interior space having a first section and a second section disposed above the first section; a cover configured to close the interior space; a first foam portion disposed in the interior space and configured to conform to the shape of the drug or biological material bag; and a second foam portion disposed in the interior space adjacent to the first foam portion and configured to receive any tubing or connector attached to the drug or biological material bag, wherein the two side walls of the housing include rim portions at top portions of the two side walls, and the cover includes a track portion configured to provide a non-destructive and deformable locking and unlocking engagement with the rim portions of the two side walls, The rear wall of the housing includes a first segment and a second segment disposed above the first segment, the second segment being longitudinally separated from the first segment by a certain distance and connected to the first segment through a secondary bottom surface, so that the second section of the interior space has a volume greater than the first section of the interior space, and The front wall includes a recessed portion such that the recessed portion protrudes into the interior space of the housing and the second foam portion, and the recessed portion includes a handle portion configured for lifting, pushing or pulling the storage container.

19. A method for storing a bag of medicine or biological material, comprising: disposing a first portion of a first foam portion in a first section of an interior space of an outer shell of a storage container, wherein the outer shell includes a bottom surface, two side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall forming the interior space in the outer shell; disposing a first portion of a second foam portion adjacent to the first portion of the first foam portion in the first section of the interior space; placing the drug or biological material bag on the first portion of the first foam portion and the first portion of the second foam portion, so that the drug or biological material bag is disposed on the first foam portion, and a pipe and a connector connected to the drug or biological material bag are disposed on the second foam portion; Disposing the second portion of the first foam part and the second portion of the second foam part in the second section of the inner space so that the drug or biological material bag, the pipeline and the connector are located between the first portion and the second portion of the first foam part and the second foam part, wherein the second section is disposed above the first section; and non-destructively deforming the track portion of the cover to provide a locking engagement of the cover with the housing to close the interior space of the housing by engaging the track portion of the cover with the rim portions at the top portions of the two side walls, The rear wall of the shell includes a first section and a second section arranged above the first section, the second section is longitudinally separated from the first section by a certain distance and connected to the first section through a secondary bottom surface, so that the second section of the internal space has a volume larger than the first section of the internal space.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cover is pivotally connected to the housing such that the cover closes the interior space by pivoting the cover until the non-destructive deformation of the track portion of the cover is in the locking engagement with the edge portions of the two side walls.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising non-destructively deforming the track portion of the cover to provide unlocking engagement of the cover to expose the interior space without damaging the cover.

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