Multi-chambered bag

Abstract

A bag comprising: a first sheet including a porous portion and an airtight portion, the first sheet having: a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a second sheet attached to the first surface of the first sheet to define a first compartment between the first sheet and the second sheet; and a third sheet attached to the second surface of the first sheet to define a second compartment between the first sheet and the third sheet, wherein the second compartment is longitudinally offset from the first compartment.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 24305237.0 entitled “Multi-Chamber Bag”, filed on February 13, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to containers for sterilizing articles, and more specifically to containers having multiple independently accessible compartments. Background Technology

[0003] Existing methods for sterilizing articles (e.g., medical devices, containers, or components thereof) typically involve a multi-step process in which one or more articles to be sterilized are placed in a container or bag made of a porous material (e.g., paper) or a nonwoven sheet material (e.g., Tyvek). The bag and its contents are then treated with sterilizing gases (e.g., ethylene oxide), vapor sterilization, or irradiated with other sterilizing energies, radiation, and / or reagents. Once sterilization is complete, the bag containing the sterilized articles can be inserted into an additional outer container or bag comprising a non-porous material. The bag with the sterilized articles is then typically sealed in the outer bag until subsequently removed for use.

[0004] The use of multiple steps and multiple containers or bags can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and expensive, making these methods less than ideal. Furthermore, the resulting multi-bag final packaging often results in a heavier product than expected, using more material and thus requiring greater labor intensity to produce. In addition, this traditional packaging often fails to adequately control residual disinfectants or moisture within the packaging, which can adversely affect sterilized items.

[0005] This disclosure provides improved systems, apparatus, and methods of use for packaging, sterilizing, storing, and / or transporting sterilizable articles (e.g., medical devices and components thereof). Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a bag comprising: a first sheet including a porous portion and an airtight portion, the first sheet having: a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The bag also includes a second sheet attached to the first surface of the first sheet to define a first compartment between the first sheet and the second sheet; and a third sheet attached to the second surface of the first sheet to define a second compartment between the first sheet and the third sheet, wherein the second compartment is longitudinally offset from the first compartment.

[0007] The bag may include a first opening located between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the first opening may be positioned adjacent to a first end of the first sheet and in fluid communication with the first compartment. The bag may include a second opening located between the first sheet and the third sheet, wherein the second opening may be positioned adjacent to a second end of the first sheet and in fluid communication with the second compartment.

[0008] The bag may include a first seal connecting the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the first seal may extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis and may be longitudinally positioned between the first opening and a second end of the first sheet. The second opening may be longitudinally positioned between the first seal and the second end of the first sheet. The bag may also include a second seal connecting the first sheet and the third sheet, wherein the second seal may extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis and may be longitudinally positioned between the second opening and a first end of the first sheet.

[0009] The first opening can be longitudinally positioned between the second seal and the first end of the first sheet. The first sheet can define a length between the first end and the second end, and this length can be greater than the length of the second sheet. The length of the first sheet can be greater than the length of the third sheet.

[0010] A method for sterilizing articles is provided, the method comprising providing a bag including: a first sheet comprising a porous portion and an airtight portion, the first sheet having: a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The bag further includes a second sheet attached to the first surface of the first sheet to define a first compartment between the first sheet and the second sheet; and a third sheet attached to the second surface of the first sheet to define a second compartment between the first sheet and the third sheet, wherein the second compartment is longitudinally offset from the first compartment. The method further includes: placing an article in the first compartment of the bag; sealing the second sheet to the first sheet; introducing a disinfectant into the second compartment such that the disinfectant passes through the porous portion of the first sheet and enters the first compartment; positioning a charcoal element in the second compartment; and sealing the third sheet to the first sheet.

[0011] The method may include creating a vacuum in the second compartment before sealing the third sheet to the first sheet. The disinfectant may be at least one of ethylene oxide or vapor.

[0012] A method of assembling a bag is provided, the method comprising: positioning a first sheet in contact with at least a portion of a second sheet, wherein the first sheet includes a porous portion and an airtight portion, the first sheet further comprising: a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; forming a first seal between the first surface of the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the first seal extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis. The method further includes: moving the second sheet such that at least a portion of the second sheet does not overlap with the first sheet; positioning the third sheet in contact with at least a portion of the second surfaces of the first and second sheets; forming a second seal between the first surface of the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the first seal extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis; positioning the first, second, and third sheets substantially overlapping each other; forming a third seal between the first, second, and third sheets, wherein the third seal extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; and forming a fourth seal between the first, second, and third sheets, wherein the fourth seal extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first, third, and fourth seals define a first compartment between the first and second sheets, and wherein the second, third, and fourth seals define a second compartment between the first and third sheets.

[0013] The first compartment may be longitudinally offset from the second compartment. The first compartment can be accessed through a first opening located between the first and second sheets, adjacent to a first end of the first sheet. The second compartment can be accessed through a second opening located between the first and third sheets, adjacent to a second end of the first sheet. The first seal may be longitudinally positioned between the second opening and the second seal. The second seal may be longitudinally positioned between the first opening and the first seal. The first sheet may define a length between the first and second ends, and this length may be greater than the length of the second sheet. The length of the first sheet may be greater than the length of the third sheet. Attached Figure Description

[0014] A more complete understanding of this disclosure and its accompanying advantages and features will be more readily obtained by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective assembly drawing of an example bag constructed according to the principles of this disclosure; Figures 2A to 2C An example of the configuration of the porous portion of a bag constructed according to the principles of this disclosure is shown; Figures 3A to 3BA side cross-sectional view of an example bag constructed according to the principles of this disclosure; Figure 4 Another side cross-sectional view of an example bag constructed according to the principles of this disclosure; Figures 5A to 5B Additional side cross-sectional view of an example of a bag constructed according to the principles of this disclosure; Figure 6 A diagram illustrating the steps of an assembly process for an example of constructing a bag according to the principles of this disclosure; Figure 7 A diagram illustrating another step in the assembly process of an example of constructing a bag according to the principles of this disclosure; Figure 8 A diagram illustrating another step in the assembly process of an example of constructing a bag according to the principles of this disclosure; and Figure 9 This illustration shows another step in the assembly process of an example of constructing a bag according to the principles of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described aspects intended for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and substitutions are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0016] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “one,” and “the” include plural referents.

[0017] Spatial or directional terms such as “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” “above,” and “below” relate to the embodiments or aspects shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be considered limiting, as various alternative orientations may be adopted for the embodiments or aspects.

[0018] All figures used in the specification and claims should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term "about". "About" refers to a range of plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value. However, this should not be regarded as a limitation on any value analysis under the doctrine of equivalence.

[0019] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein should be understood to encompass both the starting and ending values, and any and all subranges or subratios contained therein. For example, the stated range or ratio “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10 (inclusive); that is, all subranges or subratios begin with a minimum value of 1 or greater and end with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein represent the average of a particular range and / or ratio.

[0020] The terms “first”, “second”, etc., do not refer to any specific order or sequence, but rather to different conditions, characteristics, or elements.

[0021] All documents mentioned in this article are incorporated in their entirety by reference.

[0022] The term "at least" is synonymous with "greater than or equal to".

[0023] As used herein, “at least one of…” is synonymous with “one or more of…”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.

[0024] The terms "comprising" and "including" do not exclude the presence of any elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the entire specification. In this specification, "comprising" means "including," and "including" means "comprising."

[0025] As used herein, the term “parallel” or “substantially parallel” means a relative angle between two objects (if extended to a theoretical point of intersection) (e.g., an elongated object and including a reference line) of 0° to 5°, or 0° to 3°, or 0° to 2°, or 0° to 1°, or 0° to 0.5°, or 0° to 0.25°, or 0° to 0.1°, including the stated values.

[0026] As used herein, the terms “vertical,” “lateral,” “substantially vertical,” or “substantially lateral” mean that the relative angle between two objects at their actual or theoretical point of intersection is 85° to 90°, or 87° to 90°, or 88° to 90°, or 89° to 90°, or 89.5° to 90°, or 89.75° to 90°, or 89.9° to 90°, including the stated values.

[0027] This disclosure provides systems, apparatus, and methods of using thereof for packaging, sterilizing, storing, and / or transporting sterilizable articles (e.g., medical devices). Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. Figure 1 Figure 5 shows an example of bag 10 and its aspects and components.

[0028] Bag 10 may include, define, or be made of multiple flexible material sheets to form or define multiple compartments therein. For example, bag 10 may include a first sheet 12 of flexible material. The first sheet 12 may include or define a first surface 14, a second surface 16 opposite to the first surface 14, a first end 18, a second end 20 opposite to the first end 18, and a longitudinal axis 22 extending from the first end 18 to the second end 20. The first sheet 12 may define a length L1 measured along the longitudinal axis 22 between the first end 18 and the second end 20.

[0029] The first sheet 12 may define or include a substantially non-porous, airtight portion 24 and an airtight, porous portion 26. "Airtight" means a portion with low gas permeability. The permeability of the airtight portion 24 can depend on many different factors, including but not limited to the expected shelf life of the bag 10 and its contents, one or more gases under consideration, and the characteristics of the non-porous portion 24. In a non-limiting example, low oxygen permeability means less than 1000 cm⁻¹. 3 / 25μm / 24h permeability. The non-porous portion 24 may comprise one or more layers of polymeric material, including but not limited to polyethylene, particularly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene polyethylene, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), ethylene-vinylacetate / polyethylene (EVA / PE) and / or mixtures thereof.

[0030] The porous portion 26 can be adapted or configured to allow gaseous sterilization to pass through it during a specific sterilization process while maintaining impermeability to contaminants, including microorganisms, bacteria, etc. Such gaseous sterilization may include, for example, the transmission or exposure to ethylene oxide (Eto) and / or vapors through the porous portion 26 at desired or selected pressure cycles, vacuum intensities, and / or durations. Porous means that the material, thickness, surface area, and permeability of the porous portion 26 are configured to allow sufficient sterilizing gas to flow through it. In one example, the porous portion 26 may be composed of a nonwoven material (e.g., Tyvek) made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fibers. In other examples, the nonwoven material may at least partially comprise coated cellulose fibers and / or uncoated cellulose fibers.

[0031] The porous portion 26 may include, form, or otherwise incorporate shaped segments inserted, welded, or otherwise joined to the non-porous portion 24. For example, in Figure 1 In the example shown, the porous portion 26 may include a circular segment located at the center of or surrounded by the non-porous portion 24. In such... Figure 2A In another non-limiting example shown, the porous portion 26 may be attached, welded, or otherwise disposed between two separate portions of the first edge of the non-porous portion 24.

[0032] In other non-limiting examples, the porous portion 26 may include, constitute, or otherwise comprise a segment attached to the outer edge of the non-porous portion 24, the segment having the same length and / or width as the non-porous portion 24, such as... Figures 2B to 2C As shown. Bag 10 may include a second sheet 28 of flexible material at least partially attached to the first sheet 12. The second sheet 28 may include or define a first surface 30, a second surface 32 opposite to the first surface 30, a first end 34, and a second end 36 opposite to the first end 34 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 22. The second sheet 28 may define a length L2 measured along the longitudinal axis 22 between the first end 34 and the second end 36. The length L2 may be less than the length L1 of the first sheet 12.

[0033] The second sheet 28 may be substantially non-porous and airtight. The second sheet 28 may be composed of or otherwise include one or more polymeric materials, including but not limited to polyethylene, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene polyethylene, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), ethylene-vinyl acetate / polyethylene (EVA / PE) and / or mixtures thereof.

[0034] The second sheet 28 may be attached to a first surface 14 of the first sheet 12 to form or define a first compartment 38 between the first surface 14 of the first sheet 12 and the first surface 30 of the second sheet 28. The second sheet 28 may be sealed, adhered, fused, or otherwise connected to the first sheet 12 to provide the first compartment 38. For example, a second end 36 of the second sheet 28 may form a first seal 40 adjacent to or near the second end 20 of the first sheet 12. The first seal 40 may extend along the width of the first sheet 12 and / or the second sheet 28, and / or may extend in a direction substantially transverse to axis 22. Sides of the second sheet 28 may form one or more seals 42 with corresponding sides of the first sheet 12 and extend along at least a portion of the length of the first sheet 12 and / or the second sheet 28. One or more seals 42 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to axis 22. The seal or attachment between the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 28 may constitute or include a single, continuous leak-proof seal surrounding a defined portion of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 28, the defined portion of which significantly reduces or prevents fluid from flowing through.

[0035] The first end 34 of the second sheet 28 may not be attached to or sealed to the first sheet 12 to define a first opening 44 between the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 28. The first opening 44 is adjacent to or close to the first end 18 of the first sheet 12 and provides an entrance to the first compartment 38.

[0036] The bag 10 may include a third sheet 46 of flexible material at least partially attached to the first sheet 12. The third sheet 46 may include or define a first surface 48, a second surface 50 opposite to the first surface 48, a first end 52, and a second end 54 opposite to the first end 52 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 22. The third sheet 46 may define a length L3 measured along the longitudinal axis 22 between the first end 52 and the second end 54. The length L3 may be less than the length L1 of the first sheet 12. The length L3 may be the same as or substantially the same as the length L2 of the second sheet 28.

[0037] The third sheet 46 may be substantially non-porous and airtight. The third sheet 46 may be composed of or otherwise include one or more polymeric materials, including but not limited to polyethylene, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene polyethylene, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), ethylene-vinyl acetate / polyethylene (EVA / PE) and / or mixtures thereof.

[0038] A third sheet 46 may be attached to a second surface 16 of a first sheet 12 to form or define a second compartment 56 between the second surface 16 of the first sheet 12 and a first surface 48 of the third sheet 46. The third sheet 46 may be sealed, adhered, fused, or otherwise connected to the first sheet 12 to provide the second compartment 56. For example, a first end 52 of the third sheet 46 may form a seal 58 with the first sheet 12 adjacent to or near a first end 18 of the first sheet 12. The seal 58 may extend along the width of the first sheet 12 and / or the third sheet 46, and / or may extend in a direction substantially transverse to axis 22. Sides of the third sheet 46 may form one or more seals 60 with corresponding sides of the first sheet 12 and extend along at least a portion of the length of the first sheet 12 and / or the third sheet 46. One or more seals 60 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to axis 22. The seal or attachment between the first sheet 12 and the third sheet 46 may constitute or include a single, continuous leak-proof seal around a defined portion of the first sheet 12 and the third sheet 46, the defined portion of which significantly reduces or prevents fluid from flowing through.

[0039] The second end 54 of the third sheet 46 may not be connected or sealed to the first sheet 12 to define a second opening 62 between the first sheet 12 and the third sheet 46. The second opening 62 is adjacent to or close to the second end 20 of the first sheet 12 and provides an entrance to the second compartment 56.

[0040] The second sheet 28 and the third sheet 46 can be attached to the first sheet 12, causing the first compartment 38 to be longitudinally offset from the second compartment 56. For example, as Figure 3A As shown, the first opening 44 of the first compartment 38 between the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 28 may be closer to the first end 18 of the first sheet 12 than the seal 58 between the first sheet 12 and the third sheet 46 forming the boundary or periphery of the second compartment 56. Additionally and / or alternatively, the second opening 62 of the second compartment 56 between the first sheet 12 and the third sheet 46 may be closer to the second end 20 of the first sheet 12 than the seal 40 between the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 28 forming the boundary or periphery of the first compartment 38. Figure 3B In the alternative embodiment shown, the first seal 40 of the first compartment 38 may be laterally positioned outside the second end 54 of the third sheet 46, and the first seal 58 of the second compartment 56 may be laterally positioned outside the first end 34 of the second sheet 28 to form an offset compartment.

[0041] In a non-limiting example, the first opening 44 of the first compartment 38 and the second opening 62 of the second compartment 56 can both be oriented or positioned adjacent to or near the same end of the first sheet 12. For example, as Figure 4As shown, the first opening 44 of the first compartment 38 and the second opening 62 of the second compartment 56 can both be oriented or positioned adjacent to or near the second end 20 of the first sheet 12. The first opening 44 and the second opening 62 can be longitudinally offset from each other, or alternatively, substantially longitudinally aligned. Seals 40 and 58 can both be oriented or positioned adjacent to or near the same end of the first sheet 12, opposite the end containing the first opening 44 and the second opening 62 of the first sheet 12. Seals 40 and 58 can be longitudinally offset from each other, or alternatively, substantially longitudinally aligned.

[0042] In a non-limiting example, the second sheet 28 of the bag 10 may be sealed, coupled, or otherwise attached to the first sheet 12 to form or define a plurality of compartments between the first surface 14 of the first sheet 12 and the first surface 30 of the second sheet 28. For example, as Figure 5A As shown, the second sheet 28 may be attached to or coupled to the first sheet 12 to define a first sub-compartment 38a and a second sub-compartment 38b having corresponding openings 44a, 44b. The bag 10 may include a first porous portion 26a between the first sub-compartment 38a and the second compartment 56, and may also include a second porous portion 26b between the second sub-compartment 38b and the second compartment 56. In an alternative configuration, the bag 10 may include a single porous portion 26a extending between the first sub-compartment 38a and the second sub-compartment 38b to provide porosity to the second compartment 56, such as... Figure 5B As shown. One or more devices to be sterilized, desiccants, charcoal elements, or other components can be placed in any combination of the three compartments for a specific purpose.

[0043] Bag 10 can be assembled and / or manufactured in a variety of different ways to provide the features and benefits described herein. For example, the first sheet 12, the second sheet 28, and the third sheet 46 may initially be separate and not connected to each other. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The second sheet 28 can be positioned to cover or obscure at least a portion of the first surface 14 of the first sheet 12. The positioning of the second sheet 28 can be angled closer to either end of the first sheet 12. For example, the longitudinal distance between the first end 34 of the second sheet 28 and the first end 18 of the first sheet 12 can be less than the longitudinal distance between the second end 36 of the second sheet 28 and the second end 20 of the first sheet 12. The sides of the first sheet 12 and the sides of the second sheet 28 can be substantially aligned. Once the desired positioning between the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 28 is achieved, a seal 40 can be formed. The seal 40 can be formed, for example, by heat fusion, welding, or other heating means. Alternatively, one or more adhesives or other sealing mechanisms can be implemented.

[0044] Now for reference Figure 7After the seal 40 has been formed, the second sheet 28 can be folded or otherwise repositioned about the seal 40 so that the first end 34 of the second sheet 28 does not overlap with the first sheet 12. The connected first sheet 12 and second sheet 28 can then be flipped so that the second surface 16 of the first sheet 12 is exposed or facing outward.

[0045] Now for reference Figure 8 The third sheet 46 can be positioned to cover or obscure at least a portion of the second surface 16 of the first sheet 12. The positioning of the third sheet 46 can be angled closer to either end of the first sheet 12. For example, the longitudinal distance between the second end 54 of the third sheet 46 and the second end 20 of the first sheet 12 can be less than the longitudinal distance between the first end 52 of the third sheet 46 and the first end 18 of the first sheet 12. The sides of the first sheet 12 and the sides of the third sheet 46 can be substantially aligned. Once the desired positioning between the first sheet 12 and the third sheet 46 is achieved, a seal 58 can be formed. The seal 58 can be formed, for example, by heat fusion, welding, or other heating means. Alternatively, one or more adhesives or other sealing mechanisms can be implemented. In the use of the heat-sealed mode, the seal 58 will not penetrate or affect the second sheet 28 due to the pre-repositioning of the second sheet 28.

[0046] In this configuration, seal 40 secures the second end 36 of the second sheet 28 to the first sheet 12, and seal 58 secures the first end 52 of the third sheet 46 to the first sheet 12. Now refer to Figure 9 After seal 58 has been formed, the second sheet 28 can be repositioned such that the first sheet 12, the second sheet 28, and the third sheet 46 overlap each other. Once the desired positioning between the first sheet 12, the second sheet 28, and the third sheet 46 is achieved, seals 42 and 60 can be formed. Seals 42 and 60 can be formed, for example, by heat fusion, welding, or other heating means. Alternatively, one or more adhesives or other sealing mechanisms can be implemented. In the use of the heat-sealing mode, seals 42 and 60 can be formed along the length of sheets 12, 28, and 46 in a single pass or a single procedure, thereby achieving heat penetration and effectively sealing the overlapping portions or sides of the first sheet 12, the second sheet 28, and the third sheet 46. Once seals 42 and 60 are formed, the first compartment 38 and the second compartment 56 are formed and can be accessed through the first opening 44 and the second opening 62, as described herein.

[0047] In such Figure 3BIn one example of the assembly of the bag 10 shown, a third sheet 46 may be positioned below the first sheet 12, and a second sheet 28 may be positioned above the first sheet 28. The first end 52 of the third sheet 46 may be closer to the first end 18 of the first sheet 12 than the first end 34 of the second sheet 28. The second end 36 of the second sheet 28 may be closer to the second end 20 of the first sheet 12 than the second end 54 of the third sheet 46. Because the second sheet 28 does not overlap with the seal 58, and the third sheet 46 does not overlap with the seal 40, the seals 40 and 58 can be formed directly through all three sheets via a single heat application without folding or repositioning any of the sheets.

[0048] In an example of the use of bag 10, one or more items 64 to be sterilized can be inserted through the first opening 44 of the first compartment 38. The one or more items 64 may include, for example, one or more medical devices, instruments, and / or components thereof. Once the desired item 64 is in place within the first compartment 38, the first opening 44 can be sealed by heat, adhesive, or other means (e.g., by sealing a corresponding portion of the second sheet 28 to the first sheet 12). One or more disinfectants can then be introduced through the second opening 62 of the second compartment 56, allowing the disinfectant to penetrate through the porous portion 26 of the first sheet 12 or otherwise enter the first compartment 38 to sterilize the item 64 in the first compartment 38. The disinfectant may include, for example, ethylene oxide or other effective compounds.

[0049] After the sterilization process is complete, one or more charcoal elements 66 (which may include activated charcoal and / or other additives) can be placed in the second compartment 56. In addition to and / or replacing the charcoal elements 66, one or more desiccant elements (not shown) may be located in the second compartment 56. The one or more charcoal elements 66 can help absorb excess sterilizer, residual moisture, etc., remaining in the bag 10 after the sterilization process. A vacuum can be created or established within the first compartment 38 and the second compartment 56, and the second opening 62 of the second compartment 56 can be sealed by heat, adhesives, or other means (e.g., by sealing a corresponding portion of the third sheet 46 to the first sheet 12), thereby creating a visual sterility retention indicator. The sterilized items 64 in the bag 10 can then be stored, transported, etc., until ready for use.

[0050] When ready for use, the first compartment 38 can be opened independently of the second compartment 56 to access and use the item 64, while the charcoal element 66 remains fixed in the second compartment 56. The bag 10, together with the charcoal element 66 fixed therein, can then be disposed of and / or otherwise processed for reuse or other functions.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described above. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated above, it should be noted that all the drawings are not drawn to scale. It is worth noting that in the drawings, system components have been indicated by conventional symbols where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of this disclosure are shown to avoid obscuring this disclosure with details readily apparent to those skilled in the art as described herein. Moreover, while some embodiments or drawings described herein may show features not explicitly indicated in other drawings or embodiments, it should be understood that the features and components of the examples disclosed herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may be included in various different combinations or configurations without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Based on the foregoing teachings, various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, which is defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bag, the bag comprising: A first sheet comprising a porous portion and an airtight portion, the first sheet having: First surface, The second surface, opposite to the first surface, First end, The second end opposite to the first end, and A longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; A second sheet is attached to a first surface of the first sheet to define a first space between the first sheet and the second sheet; as well as A third sheet is attached to a second surface of the first sheet to define a second compartment between the first sheet and the third sheet, wherein the second compartment is longitudinally offset from the first compartment.

2. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising a first opening located between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein, The first opening is positioned adjacent to the first end of the first sheet and is in fluid communication with the first compartment.

3. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the bag further comprises a second opening located between the first sheet and the third sheet, wherein, The second opening is positioned adjacent to the second end of the first sheet and is in fluid communication with the second compartment.

4. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the bag further comprising a first seal connecting the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein, The first seal extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis and is positioned longitudinally between the first opening and the second end of the first sheet.

5. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The second opening is longitudinally positioned between the first seal and the second end of the first sheet.

6. The bag according to claim 4, further comprising a second seal connecting the first sheet and the third sheet, wherein, The second seal extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis and is longitudinally positioned between the second opening and the first end of the first sheet.

7. The bag according to claim 6, wherein, The first opening is longitudinally positioned between the second seal and the first end of the first sheet.

8. The bag according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first sheet defines a length between the first end and the second end, wherein the length is greater than the length of the second sheet, and optionally, the length of the first sheet is greater than the length of the third sheet.

9. A method for sterilizing articles, the method comprising: Provide a bag according to any one of claims 1 to 8; Place the items in the first compartment of the bag; Seal the second sheet onto the first sheet; The disinfectant is introduced into the second compartment, so that the disinfectant passes through the porous portion of the first sheet and enters the first compartment; Position the charcoal element in the second compartment; as well as The third sheet is sealed to the first sheet.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising creating a vacuum in the second compartment before sealing the third sheet to the first sheet.

11. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, The disinfectant is at least one of ethylene oxide or vapor.

12. A method for assembling bags, the method comprising: The first sheet is positioned to contact at least a portion of the second sheet, wherein the first sheet includes a porous portion and an airtight portion, and the first sheet further includes: First surface, The second surface, opposite to the first surface, First end, The second end opposite to the first end, and A longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; A first seal is formed between a first surface of the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the first seal extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis; Move the second sheet such that at least a portion of the second sheet does not overlap with the first sheet; Position the third sheet to contact at least a portion of the second surface of the first sheet and the second sheet; A second seal is formed between a first surface of the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the first seal extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis; The first sheet, the second sheet, and the third sheet are positioned to substantially overlap each other; A third seal is formed between the first sheet, the second sheet, and the third sheet, wherein the third seal extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; and A fourth seal is formed between the first sheet, the second sheet, and the third sheet, wherein the fourth seal extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first seal, the third seal, and the fourth seal define a first compartment between the first sheet and the second sheet, and wherein the second seal, the third seal, and the fourth seal define a second compartment between the first sheet and the third sheet.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first compartment is longitudinally offset from the second compartment, and optionally, the first compartment can be accessed through a first opening located between the first sheet and the second sheet adjacent to a first end of the first sheet, and optionally, the second compartment can be accessed through a second opening located between the first sheet and the third sheet adjacent to a second end of the first sheet.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein, The first seal is longitudinally positioned between the second opening and the second seal, and optionally, the second seal is longitudinally positioned between the first opening and the first seal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The first sheet defines a length between the first end and the second end, wherein the length is greater than the length of the second sheet, and optionally, the length of the first sheet is greater than the length of the third sheet.

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