Liquid-tight, sturdy shipping envelope

Abstract

Shipping envelope (1) for transporting packages (11), in particular medical samples, comprising two walls (2, 2') which are directly connected to one another in a peripheral edge region (3) of the shipping envelope (1) and enclose a cavity (7), wherein one of the walls (2, 2') has an opening (4) which exposes the cavity (7), and a tab (5) which is designed such that it completely covers the opening (4) by folding over, and the walls (2, 2') are made essentially of paper or paper-like material and each have a cover layer (8, 8') which is provided with a structural layer (9, 9') on a side facing the cavity (7), and the walls (2, 2') are each provided with a plastic layer (10, 10') at least on one side facing the cavity (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shipping envelope for transporting items, in particular medical samples.

[0002] A shipping envelope of the type mentioned above is typically used to store written messages or documents and send them by mail. However, it has been shown that this type of shipping is also advantageous for other shipping items with flat dimensions and low weight. Particularly relevant in this regard are medical sample containers, which may contain, for example, body fluids such as blood or urine, or tissue samples, and are to be sent for examination purposes. In particular, the sample container can be a substrate containing a sample in the form of dried blood.

[0003] When shipping sample containers, the shipping envelope used must be extremely stable to prevent damage to the sample container or the sample contained therein due to external forces. While it is conceivable to increase the stability of the shipping envelope by providing it with supporting elements, this would result in a complicated design, making the production of the shipping envelope comparatively expensive.

[0004] A further requirement is that the shipping envelope must be liquid-tight. This requirement arises, in particular, from the fact that in the event of damage to a medical sample container, its contents must not leak out, which is particularly undesirable for liquid samples. While it is conceivable to place the shipping item in an additional, liquid-tight container in the shipping envelope, this would result in considerable handling effort.

[0005] Accordingly, the invention is based on the object of proposing a shipping envelope that is both simple in design and stable. At the same time, it should enable the safe transport of packages with minimal handling effort.

[0006] The object is achieved by a shipping envelope having the features according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of dependent subclaims.

[0007] The shipping envelope according to the invention is used to transport mail items, in particular medical samples, and comprises two walls that are directly connected to one another in a circumferential edge region of the shipping envelope and enclose a hollow space. One of the walls has an opening that exposes the hollow space. Furthermore, a flap is provided on one of the walls, which is designed such that it completely covers the opening when folded over. The walls are each made at least partially from paper or paper-like material and each have a cover layer that is provided with a structural layer on a side facing the hollow space. The walls are each provided with a plastic layer on a side facing the hollow space.

[0008] The shipping envelope according to the invention is highly stable and liquid-tight. Furthermore, the shipping envelope has a simple structure, making it easy and cost-effective to manufacture. Filling the shipping envelope with the shipping item requires minimal handling effort.

[0009] Within the scope of the invention, the walls form the outer shell of the shipping envelope on their respective outer sides and delimit the hollow space in which the shipping item can be received on their respective inner sides. The hollow space is delimited laterally by the circumferential edge region, in which the walls are directly connected to one another. In the edge region, in particular, two cover layers and two structural layers are present in a layered structure, resulting in increased rigidity compared to a single wall with only one cover layer and one structural layer. The edge region therefore serves the shipping envelope in particular as a stabilizing frame. Preferably, the shipping envelope according to the invention has no further stabilizing elements, in particular walls, apart from the two walls. In particular, the walls are essentially flat, at least when the shipping envelope is unfilled.

[0010] Preferably, no stabilizing, particularly stiffening, elements are arranged in the cavity. Instead, the stability of the walls is achieved through their respective construction, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0011] Within the scope of the invention, the cavity can be considered an area defined by the walls and the peripheral edge region where the walls are directly connected to one another. If the walls are pressed together, the cavity can be almost completely compressed.

[0012] The walls are made of paper or a paper-like material. In particular, the paper-like material can be a cellulose-containing material. The shipping envelope preferably contains at least 95% paper or paper-like material. This makes the shipping envelope largely compostable. This, in particular, allows for disposal via waste paper.

[0013] Since the walls of the shipping envelope are inherently flexible due to the choice of material, the shape of the shipping envelope, and in particular the opening, can be modified as needed to accommodate the package. However, at least one of the walls can have one or more fold lines that reduce the flexural rigidity of this wall in certain areas. This allows for easier deformation of the wall and simplifies the loading of the package.

[0014] In addition, the walls exhibit good stability, which is particularly attributable to their respective composite of cover layer and structural layer. The cover layer and the structural layer of a wall can differ, in particular, in their stiffnesses, with the stiffness of the structural layer being higher than the stiffness of the cover layer. As a result, the structural layer can contribute in particular to the stability of the shipping envelope. Preferably, the cover layer and the structural layer have different flexural stiffnesses, with the flexural stiffness of the structural layer being higher than the flexural stiffness of the cover layer. The flexural stiffnesses can relate to a common reference bending axis, which runs, in particular, parallel to a main extension plane of the shipping envelope.

[0015] The cover layers can each be provided with the associated structural layer over their entire surface. In particular, the cover layer and the structural layer of one of the walls can be connected to one another in a common contact area over their entire surface or in at least part of the contact area. It is also within the scope of the invention for the cover layer and the structural layer to be connected to one another in the common edge area, preferably only in the edge area.

[0016] The flap serves to close the shipping envelope, particularly after the package has been placed in the cavity of the shipping envelope. The flap can be designed as a structurally separate element that is joined to the envelope or be integrally connected to the envelope.

[0017] Both the opening and the flap can, in principle, have any desired geometry, but according to the invention, they should be designed so that the flap completely covers the opening when folded over. In particular, the flap is larger than the opening along at least one axis of extension, so that the flap rests on the wall when folded over and protrudes beyond the edge of the opening. The flap can be bonded to the wall using an adhesive to close the opening.

[0018] As mentioned above, the shipping envelope according to the invention is designed to be liquid-tight. This is achieved by providing the walls with a plastic layer, at least on their sides facing the cavity. The plastic layer may, in particular, comprise polyethylene or be formed entirely of polyethylene.

[0019] Within the scope of the invention, it is fundamentally irrelevant whether the cover layer or the structural layer is provided with the plastic layer. In other words, it is conceivable that the cover layer is provided with the plastic layer and / or the structural layer. In particular, the plastic layer can also be provided in the edge region of the shipping envelope. This has the advantage that the plastic layer can serve as a sealing joining agent. For this purpose, the walls for producing the shipping envelope can be brought into contact with one another and thermally joined in the area to be joined under the influence of force and temperature, in particular heating. This creates a coherent plastic layer between the walls, which prevents liquids from escaping from or entering the cavity and at the same time holds the walls together.

[0020] The opening is arranged on one of the walls in such a way that it is surrounded by the edge area. In particular, the opening is located on a wall of the shipping envelope and not between the walls. This provides particular advantages for the sealing of the shipping envelope, since such an opening can be completely covered by the flap.

[0021] In an advantageous development, the flap is connected to one of the walls. In particular, the flap can be connected in one piece, i.e., integrally, to one of the cover layers. This allows advantages to be achieved in the production of the shipping envelope by producing one of the cover layers not only to form the walls, but also having a projecting section on at least one lateral edge of said wall, which serves as a flap for the shipping envelope.

[0022] In an advantageous development, the flap is integrally connected to the cover layer of one of the walls. It is conceivable that the cover layers correspond to each other in their base areas, at least in the edge region of the shipping envelope, but one of the cover layers has a protruding edge that forms the flap when the shipping envelope is joined. This allows for easy formation of the flap.

[0023] In an advantageous development, the opening is a slit which extends in particular through the cover layer and the structural layer. The opening and the flap each have a main extension axis which runs essentially parallel to one another. A section of the edge region of the shipping envelope, in which the walls are directly connected to one another, runs between the opening and the flap. Closing the shipping envelope can be carried out easily by folding over the flap at the edge region. Closing the shipping envelope in this way is possible in particular without marking or embossing a fold line, since this is intuitively created by the main extension axes of the flap and the opening.

[0024] In an advantageous development, the structural layer can comprise a corrugated structure, at least in some areas. The corrugated structure can be one that is also used for the production of corrugated cardboard and is therefore particularly easy to manufacture or otherwise available. In particular, the corrugated structure can be produced, for example, using one or more tools whose working surfaces have rib-like structures that can be embossed onto a paper blank.

[0025] Preferably, a plurality of corrugations of the corrugated structure extend parallel to one another along a main axis of extension of the shipping envelope. This results in increased flexural rigidity of the walls transverse to the main axis of extension of the shipping envelope. This allows mail items to be arranged in the cavity, as needed, such that sensitive areas are aligned along the corrugated structure. In the event of a bending load on the shipping envelope, this load can be held by the corrugated structure and thus not transferred to the mail item.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the plastic layer is applied directly to the corrugated structure. This makes it possible to provide the corrugated structure with a protective layer that will not dissolve or otherwise be damaged, particularly in the event of liquid leakage from a sample container.

[0027] An exemplary embodiment of the shipping envelope according to the invention and associated advantages are explained below with reference to the figures.

[0028] It shows Fig. 1 a shipping envelope with the flap open; Fig. 2 the shipping envelope with open flap in two sectional views AA and BB; Fig. 3 the shipping envelope with closed flap and picked up shipping item; Fig. 4 the shipping envelope with closed flap in two sectional views A'-A' and B'-B'

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a shipping envelope 1 which is used to transport packages (not in Fig. 1) in the form of medical sample containers with samples contained therein. In particular, the sample container can be a substrate for receiving a sample in the form of dried blood.

[0030] To ensure safe shipping of the medical sample, the shipping envelope 1 has good stability and is also designed to be liquid-tight.

[0031] The shipping envelope 1 comprises two walls 2, 2', of which Fig. 1, only a first wall 2 is provided with a reference symbol. The first wall 1 completely covers the second wall 2'. The walls 2, 2' each have a substantially rectangular basic shape.

[0032] The walls 2, 2' are directly connected to each other in a peripheral edge area 3 and enclose a cavity (not in Fig. 1), which serves to accommodate a package in the form of the sample container mentioned above. The cavity is bordered on the sides by the surrounding edge area 3.

[0033] The Fig. 1 visible wall 2 is provided with a slot-shaped opening 4 which releases the cavity and through which the package can be introduced into the cavity.

[0034] The shipping envelope 1 further comprises a flap 5 which is elongated and arranged on a short side of the shipping envelope 1 such that, when folded over, it completely covers the opening 4. For this purpose, the flap 5 has a length along its main extension axis which, at least in the folded over state, is greater than the length of the opening 4. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the flap 5 is provided in regions with an adhesive 6, by means of which the flap 5 can be connected to the wall 2 in order to completely and sealingly close the opening 4.

[0035] At the Fig. 1 shown shipping envelope 1, two section lines AA and BB are drawn, which lead to the section views AA and BB according to Fig. 2 correspond.

[0036] As can be seen from view AA of the Fig. 2 recognizable and in connection with Fig. 1, the shipping envelope 1 has two walls 2, 2', between which a cavity 7 is formed.

[0037] As can be seen from view AA of the Fig. 2, the walls 2, 2' are essentially identical in structure and each have the cover layers 8 and 8' and the structural layers 9 and 9' provided therewith.

[0038] The walls 2, 2' are each made of paper, but can alternatively also be made of another, paper-like material. The cover layers 8, 8' define the outer shells of the shipping envelope 1 and are each provided with the structural layers 9, 9' over their entire surface on the inner sides facing the cavity 7. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the structural layers 9, 9' are each designed as corrugated structures and serve to impart good stability to the shipping envelope 1. The corrugated structures each comprise a plurality of corrugations which, according to view AA of the Fig. 2 extend orthogonally to the image plane and thus along a longitudinal axis of the shipping envelope 1.

[0039] The walls 2, 2' are each provided with a plastic layer 10, 10' (shown in dashed lines) made of polyethylene on the respective structural layers 9, 9', whereby the shipping envelope 1 can be completely liquid-tight, at least when the opening 4 is closed by the flap 5. Furthermore, the plastic layers 10, 10' in the peripheral edge region 3 serve as a sealing joining means, whereby the walls 2, 2' can be thermally joined.

[0040] In this process, the walls 2, 2' are brought into contact with each other and welded together under the influence of force and temperature according to the geometry of the peripheral edge region 3. As a result of such a connection, the peripheral edge region 3 also forms a stabilizing frame for the shipping envelope 1.

[0041] View BB of the Fig. Figure 2 also shows the shipping envelope 1, wherein the opening 4 on the upper wall 2 is visible, as well as the flap 5. The flap 5 is formed in one piece with the cover layer 8' of the wall 2' and protrudes beyond the peripheral edge area 3. By folding the flap 5, it can be positioned above the opening 4 in order to close it after a shipping item has been positioned in the shipping envelope 1. This is shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows the shipping envelope 1, into whose cavity 7 a package 11 has been inserted through the opening 4 and the opening 4 has subsequently been closed by folding over the flap 5. The contours of the package 11 are indicated by dashed lines. Otherwise, the statements regarding the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 accordingly.

[0043] The sections A'-A' and B'-B' of the Fig. 3 resulting sectional views of the shipping envelope 1 are shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0044] As can be seen from view A'-A' of the Fig. 4, the shipping item 11 is arranged in the cavity 7 of the shipping envelope 1. The walls 2, 2' surround the shipping item 11. The layered structure of cover layer and structural layer, which has already been used in conjunction with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, serves to stabilize the shipping envelope 1 and thus also to protect the shipping item 11. The also in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. The plastic layer explained in Figure 2 on the structural layers of the walls 2, 2' ensures good tightness of the shipping envelope 1 so that liquids contained in the shipping item 11 do not escape in the event of damage to the shipping item 11.

[0045] View B'-B' of the Fig.4 also shows the shipping envelope B'-B' in a filled state, in which the shipping item 11 is arranged in the cavity 7. The flap 5 is folded over at the peripheral edge region 3 and covers the opening 4, wherein the flap 5 is attached to the wall 2 with the adhesive 6 and seals the shipping envelope 1 in a liquid-tight manner.

Claims

[1] Shipping envelope (1) for transporting packages (11), in particular medical samples, comprising two walls (2, 2') which are directly connected to one another in a peripheral edge region (3) of the shipping envelope (1) and enclose a cavity (7), wherein one of the walls (2, 2') has an opening (4) which exposes the cavity (7), and a tab (5) which is designed such that it completely covers the opening (4) by folding over, and the walls (2, 2') are at least partially made of paper or paper-like material and each have a cover layer (8, 8') which is provided with a structural layer (9, 9') on a side facing the cavity (7), and the walls (2, 2') are each provided with a plastic layer (10, 10') at least on one side facing the cavity (7). [2] Shipping envelope (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flap (5) is integrally connected to the cover layer (8, 8') of one of the walls (2, 2'). [3] Shipping envelope (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening (4) is a slot which extends in particular through the cover layer (8, 8') and the structural layer (9, 9') of the wall (2, 2') on which it is formed, wherein the opening (4) and the tab (5) have main extension axes which run essentially parallel to one another, and a section of the edge region (3) of the shipping envelope, in which the walls (2, 2') are directly connected to one another, runs between the opening (4) and the tab (5). [4] Shipping envelope (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the walls (2, 2') in the edge region (3) of the shipping envelope (1) are at least partially thermally joined by means of the plastic layer (10, 10'). [5] Shipping envelope (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cover layers (8, 8') of the walls (2, 2') are each fully covered with the structural layer (9, 9') assigned to them. [6] Shipping envelope (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the structural layer (9, 9') comprises a corrugated structure at least in some regions. [7] Shipping envelope (1) at least according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of corrugations of the corrugated structure are aligned parallel to one another along a main extension axis of the shipping envelope (1). [8] Shipping envelope (1) at least according to claim 6, wherein the plastic layer (10, 10') is applied directly to the corrugated structure. [9] Shipping envelope (1) according to claim 8, wherein the plastic layer (10, 10') comprises polyethylene.

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