Bag protector for protecting a bag filled with plurality of medical objects, and packaging and packaging system comprising such bag protector

Abstract

The invention relates to a bag protector (30) for protecting a bag filled with plurality of unit medical objects, wherein the bag protector (30) comprises a main body formed by folding and erecting one or more blanks made of sheet material, characterized in that said main body comprises a base section including a base panel (100) extending along a base plane and having two transversally opposite lateral edges (102), and in that the bag protector (30) comprises at least one belt panel (140), which extends over the base panel (100) to secure the bag filled with a plurality of unit medical objects on the base panel (100). The invention also provides for a packaging (40) and for a packaging system comprising such bag protector.

Description

Technical Domain

[0001] The invention relates to the field of packaging for unit medical objects.Prior art

[0002] Medical objects need to be stored and / or transported, between their production and their use, in a way to limit or prevent contamination. This is particularly the case for unit medical objects such as syringes or components of syringes.

[0003] Typically, a syringe may comprise a hollow tubular body, hereinafter called syringe barrel, which has a main tubular portion forming a container for a medical product, typically a liquid drug. The syringe barrel defines an internal volume. A plunger assembly is provided which comprises a plunger rod at one end of which is arranged a plunger stopper, also simply called stopper. The stopper is engaged in the syringe barrel in a fluid tight manner so as to define, within the internal volume of the barrel, the volume of an internal reservoir defined between the stopper and a tip of the syringe barrel. The medical product is contained with this internal reservoir. During injection, a user acts on the plunger rod to cause movement of the stopper inside the syringe barrel in an injection direction. When the stopper is pushed along the injection direction by the plunger rod, it causes the expulsion of the medical product from the reservoir to the injection site. The different components of the syringe may be manufactured at different locations.

[0004] A stopper is an example of a unit medical object which needs to be protected from contamination between its fabrication and its assembly into a syringe.

[0005] It is known to provide a packaging for unit medical objects, for example stoppers, before their assembly into a syringe, in the form of a bag containing a number of such unit medical objects. Such a bag, made of flexible plastic material, may have a transfer port having a closure, the closure having a closed configuration where, in the closed state of the bag, it hermetically closes the transfer port, and an open configuration where it allows the unit medical objects to be transferred out of the primary container through the transfer port. Inside the bag, the unit medical objects may be stored randomly in bulk, i.e. disorderly.

[0006] A given bag has a given volume and thus, a given bag has a capacity to accommodate up to a given maximum number of unit objects. In practice, a packaging system for storing and / or transporting unit medical objects may comprise different bags of the different sizes to accommodate either a different quantity of the same type of unit medical objects, or to accommodate different types of unit medical objects. In a given bag, it is usually provided that all the unit medical objects accommodated in that bag are of the same type. However, in a given bag, unit medical objects of the different types could also be accommodated. For example, a packaging system may comprise a first plurality of larger bags for containing each a first plurality of unit medical objects, the larger bags having a capacity to accommodate up to a first maximum number of unit medical objects. The same packaging system may comprise a second plurality of identical smaller bags for containing a second plurality of the same unit medical objects, the smaller bags having a capacity to accommodate up to a second maximum number of unit medical objects where the second maximum number of unit medical objects is smaller than the first maximum number of unit medical objects.

[0007] As understood, each bag of such a packaging system needs to be transported from one location to another location. Therefore, it is usually provided a primary container, for example in the form of a box, defining a primary internal volume wherein each primary container is configured to accommodate, in the primary volume, one of the larger bags filled with the first maximum number of unit medical objects, i.e. only one of the larger bags filled with the first maximum number of unit medical objects or, in some cases, several of the larger bags each filled with the first maximum number of unit medical objects.

[0008] It is not always possible to provide that the primary container is specifically adapted to the size of the bag of unit medical objects. Indeed, there is a strong incentive, in a given logistics chain, to use the same type of primary container, all having the same size, for containing different types of articles, of different sizes. Indeed, having primary containers of the same size allows for more efficient handling and / or storing and / or stacking of the primary containers. As a result, a bag of unit medical objects may be received in a primary container having a primary volume which is bigger than at least one dimension of the bag of unit medical objects. Consequently, the bag of unit medical objects may, if no specific precaution is implemented, move inside the primary container during transport for example.

[0009] It has been shown that such possible movement of the bag inside a primary container, especially during transport, may cause wear and tear of the bag, especially but not exclusively in the case of a reusable bag which must endure several cycles along the logistics chain.

[0010] In the field of packaging, it is known to have, inside a primary container such as a box, partitions or internal supporting or protecting elements for blocking any relative movement of the articles to be contained in the primary container. However, such devices need to be adapted to the specific size of the article or articles to be accommodated inside the primary container. In the example, this would mean to have partitions or internal supporting or protecting elements adapted to the size of a specific bag filled with unit medical products. But then, bags of the different size would not be accommodated in a way to be properly supported or protected.

[0011] There is thus a need provide a packaging system comprising a plurality of identical primary containers, all the identical primary containers having the same size and defining the same internal primary volume, capable of accommodating alternatively a larger bag filled of unit medical objects or a smaller bag filled of unit medical objects, while at the same time protecting such bags from wear and tear which may be caused by potential movement of the bag inside the primary container, due to the difference in size between the bag and the primary container.

[0012] Such a packaging system should of course be of low cost, and should be easy to implement in the context of an industrial logistics chain necessitating the manipulation of large numbers of bags of unit medical objects.Summary

[0013] It is herein disclosed a bag protector for protecting a bag filled with plurality of unit medical objects, wherein the bag protector comprises a main body formed by folding and erecting one or more blanks made of sheet material.

[0014] According to an aspect, said main body comprises a base section including a base panel extending along a base plane and having two transversally opposite lateral edges, and in that the bag protector comprises at least one belt panel, which extends over the base panel to secure the bag filled with a plurality of unit medical objects on the base panel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the main body of the bag protector comprises two opposite lateral panels which are each connected via a respective connecting edge to a respective one of the two transversally opposite lateral edges of the base panel, the two opposite lateral panels being each erected away from the base plane, and the at least one belt panel is permanently connected, at a first transverse extremity, to a lateral free edge of one of the two lateral panels, and comprises, at an opposite second transverse extremity, at least one connector for connecting to the other of the two lateral panels

[0016] In some embodiments, the bag protector has a head portion comprising at least a head panel which is permanently connected via a connecting edge to a head transverse edge of the base panel, and which is erected away from the base plane.

[0017] In some embodiments, the head portion comprises at least one connector for connecting to each of the two lateral panels and / or to the belt panel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the head panel has a distal edge which is opposite its connecting edge and parallel to said connecting edge, and the head portion comprises a head cover panel which is permanently connected via a connecting edge to the distal edge of the head panel, and the head cover panel extends parallel to the base plane.

[0019] In some embodiments, the bag protector has a foot portion comprising at least a foot panel which is erected away from the base plane.

[0020] In some embodiments, the foot portion comprises at least one connector for connecting to each of the two lateral panels and / or to the belt panel.

[0021] In some embodiments, the foot portion comprises a foot cover panel which extends parallel to the base panel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the foot portion comprises an intermediate section extending between a foot transverse edge of the base panel and the foot cover panel of the foot portion ; the intermediate section includes a first intermediate panel which is permanently connected via a transverse connecting edge to the foot transverse edge of the base panel, and includes a second intermediate panel which is permanently connected via a transverse distal edge to the foot cover panel of the foot portion ; and the foot portion may be erected into any one of two configurations including a long configuration in which the first intermediate panel extends in the base plane as an extension of the base panel in the base section, and in which the second intermediate panel is erected away from the base plane, and a short configuration in which the first intermediate panel is erected away from the base plane and in which the second intermediate panel extends parallel to the base plane as an extension of the foot cover panel.

[0023] In some embodiments, the belt panel comprises a transversally extending handle portion.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sheet material is made of one or several layers of cardboard and / or of polymer material.

[0025] It is also herein disclosed a packaging for a plurality of unit medical objects, wherein the packaging comprises: a primary container, defining a primary internal volume, a bag for containing a first plurality of unit medical objects, the bag having a capacity to accommodate up to a given maximum number of unit medical objects, and wherein the primary container is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, one bag filled with the given maximum number of unit medical objects.

[0026] The packaging as disclosed herein may comprise a bag protector having any of the features above, and the bag filled with the given maximum number of unit medical objects is secured between the base panel and the at least one belt panel of the bag protector to form a protected bag assembly which is accommodated in the primary internal volume of the primary container.

[0027] It is also herein disclosed a packaging system for a plurality of unit medical objects, wherein the packaging system comprises: a plurality of primary containers, each defining a primary internal volume, a plurality of larger bags for containing a first plurality of unit medical objects, the larger bags having a capacity to accommodate up to a first maximum number of unit medical objects, and a plurality of smaller bags for containing a second plurality of unit medical objects, the smaller bags having a capacity to accommodate up to a second maximum number of unit medical objects, the second maximum number of unit medical objects being smaller than the first maximum number of unit medical objects; wherein each primary container is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, one of the larger bags filled with the first maximum number of unit medical objects, and wherein each primary container is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, at least one of the smaller bags filled with the second maximum number of unit medical objects.

[0028] The packaging system comprises a plurality of bag protectors having any of the features above.

[0029] In some embodiments, for accommodating a smaller bag in a primary container, the bag protector is erected in the short configuration, and for accommodating a larger bag in a primary container, the bag protector is erected in the long configuration.

[0030] In some embodiments, a packaging derived from the packaging system comprises a bag filled with a given maximum number of unit medical objects, which is secured between the base panel and the at least one belt panel of the bag protector to form a protected bag assembly which is accommodated in the primary internal volume of the primary container.Description of the drawings

[0031] [Fig. 1]: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first bag fully filled with a plurality of unit medical objects, said bag having a first capacity. [Fig. 2]: Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 showing a second bag fully filled with unit medical objects, said bag having a second capacity, smaller than said first capacity. [Fig. 3]: Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the first bag fully filled with a plurality of unit medical objects, inside a primary container. [Fig. 4]: Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the second bag fully filled with a plurality of unit medical objects, inside the same primary container as depicted in Figure 3. [Fig. 5]: Figure 5 is a schematic top view of a packaging comprising the first bag of Figure 3, fully filled with a plurality of unit medical objects, inside the primary container of Figure 3, the bag being inserted into a bag protector. [Fig. 6]: Figure 6 is a schematic top view of a packaging comprising the second bag of Figure 4, fully filled with a plurality of unit medical objects, inside the primary container of Figures 3 and 4, the bag being inserted into a bag protector. [Fig. 7]: Figure 7 is a schematic top view of a planar blank for forming a bag protector. [Fig. 8]: Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a bag protector. [Fig. 9]: Figure 9 comprises two a partial schematic perspective views of one longitudinal end of a bag protector, respectively in a long configuration (a) and in a short configuration (b). [Fig. 10]: Figure 10 is a partial schematic perspective view of the other end longitudinal end of the bag protector of Figure 9. Detailed description

[0032] The invention relates to a packaging system for packaging unit medical objects. As an example, all the unit medical objects to be packaged in the packaging system may be all identical. As an example, each unit medical object may be a stopper for a syringe assembly. However, the unit medical objects, to be packaged with the packaging system, may be not all identical and may for example be of two or more types, each type of unit medical objects differing from the other types of unit medical objects for example in the shape, in the dimension, in the material, or in any other aspect of the unit medical objects.

[0033] The packaging system may be used for storing and / or transporting and / or otherwise handling unit medical objects in the logistics chain, for example between a production location of the unit medical objects, and a further location in the logistics chain where the unit medical object is to be transformed, treated, assembled or used. As an example, such a packaging system may comprise a packaging 40 for packaging stoppers between a stopper production or treatment (such as sterilization) location to a syringe assembly location where the stoppers are used to assemble and fill syringe assemblies.

[0034] As will become apparent in the foregoing description, a packaging 40 in such packaging system comprises a primary container 10, best seen in Figure 8, and a bag 20.1, 20.2 to be filled with unit medical objects, the primary container 10 being configured to accommodate at least one bag 20.1, 20.2 filled with unit medical objects 50 (represented schematically on Figure 10). As will be described hereinafter, the packaging 40 also comprises a bag protector 30.

[0035] In a packaging system, it may be provided that each primary container 10 is designed to accommodate only one bag 20.1, 20.2 filled with unit medical objects. It may be provided that the packaging system comprises a plurality of identical primary containers 10. The primary containers 10 may be single use containers, or may preferably be reusable containers. The number of primary containers 10 in the packaging system may depend on the number of bags 20.1, 20.2 which are simultaneously present in the logistics chain at a given moment.

[0036] Each primary container 10 defines a primary internal volume. The primary container 10 comprises at least one bottom wall 12, which, as an example and for the easiness of description and comprehension, will hereinafter be considered to be horizontal with respect to gravity, and a peripheral wall 14 following the entire extent of the perimeter of the bottom wall 12. In the example, the peripheral wall 14 extends perpendicularly to the bottom wall 12 and comprises two opposite lateral walls 16 and two opposite transverse walls 18. In the example, each primary container 10 is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, at least one bag fully filled with unit medical objects. In a preferred embodiment, the primary container 10 is a box. The primary container 10 may thus be made of cardboard, but is preferably made of polymer, such as PVC, PP, PET, PS or blends thereof, including in a multilayer structure and / or under corrugated or extruded form. The primary container may be a box formed by folding and erecting a blank made of a sheet polymer material, properly designed to form the box after folding and erection. As an example, and as depicted schematically in Figures 3 to 6, the primary container 10 may be in the form of a parallelepiped box. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the primary container 10 may have, respectively along a first, a second and third direction, each direction being orthogonal to the two others, a maximum length L10, a maximum width W10 and a maximum thickness or height.

[0037] In this example, the packaging system comprises at least two different types of bags 20.1, 20.2 to accommodate unit medical objects. In this example, the two different types of bags 20.1, 20.2 differ by size. The packaging system thus comprises a plurality of identical larger bags 20.1 for containing a first plurality of unit medical objects, the larger bags 20.1 having a capacity to accommodate up to a first maximum number of unit medical objects, and a plurality of identical smaller bags 20.2 for containing a second plurality of unit medical objects, the smaller bags having a capacity to accommodate up to a second maximum number of unit medical objects where the second maximum number of unit medical objects is smaller than the first maximum number of unit medical objects. In this example, the unit medical objects are all identical. The larger bags 20.1 have a larger volume, i.e. larger capacity, than the smaller bags 20.2. Herein, the adjectives "smaller" and "larger" are relative terms to be considered one with respect to the other with respect to the respective volumes and capacity and dimensions of the bags. In the example, all the larger bags 20.1 are identical and all of the smaller bags 20.2 are identical.

[0038] Figure 1 depicts an example of larger bag 20.1 when compared to the smaller bag 20.2 depicted in Figure 2. For both types of bags, each bag has, respectively along a first, a second and third direction, each direction being orthogonal to the two others, a maximum length L20.1, L20.2, a maximum width W20 and a maximum thickness H20. Arbitrarily, the notions of length, width and thickness are such that, for a given bag 20.1, 20.2, the maximum length of the bag 20.1, 20.2 is superior or equal to the maximum width of the bag 20.1, 20.2, which is itself superior to the maximum height of the bag 20.1, 20.2. As such, the maximum length L20.1, L20.2 of the bag 20.1, 20.2 determines the longitudinal direction for the bag, while the maximum width of the bag extends along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinally direction of the bag.

[0039] As an example, the larger bags 20.1 may thus have a maximum length L20.1 which is superior to the maximum length L20.2 of the smaller bags 20.2. In the example, the larger bags 20.1 and the smaller bags 20.2 have the same maximum width W20 and the same maximum thickness H20. However, the larger bags 20.1 may have a different maximum width than that of the smaller bags 20.2, and / or a different maximum thickness than that of the smaller bags 20.2.

[0040] The bag 20.1, 20.2 preferably has at least one opening for allowing unit medical objects, for example such as stoppers, to be inserted into and / or transferred out of the bag. In the examples of Figures 1 to 5, each bag 20.1, 20.2 has a transfer port 24 having a closure, the closure having a closed configuration where, in the closed state of the bag, it hermetically closes the transfer port, and an open configuration where it allows the unit medical objects to be transferred out of the primary container through the transfer port 24. The transfer port 24 is for example at a longitudinal extremity of the bag 20.1, 20.2 or near such longitudinal extremity, as in the examples shown. Alternatively, the transfer port may be in the middle of the bag 20.1, 20.2. Preferably, the bag 20.1, 20.2 is made of flexible polymer material, typically a flexible polymer film, which may be transparent or translucent. Examples of suitable materials for such a bag include low-density polyethylene based films, high-density polyethylene based films, and laminated films including layers of different material. The thickness of the material for such bags may be for example in the range of 20 micrometers to 500 micrometers. The internal volume of the bag can be for example comprised in the range from 1 liter to 50 liters. As an example, a bag 20.1, 20.2 may be a Biosafe ®< Aseptic Transfer Bag as sold by Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH, August-Spindler-Strasse 11, 37079 Goettingen, Germany.

[0041] As it can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, each primary container 10 is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume defined inside its peripheral wall 14, one of the larger bags 20.1 filled with the first maximum number of unit medical objects, and each primary container 10 is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, at least one of the smaller bags 20.2 filled with the second maximum number of unit medical objects. Therefore, each primary container 10 has a primary internal volume which has a maximum length L10, a maximum width W10 and maximum thickness or height, which are at least equal respectively to the maximum length L20.1, maximum width W20 and maximum thickness H20 of the larger bags 20.1, and which are at least equal respectively to the maximum length L20.2, maximum width W20 and maximum thickness H20 of the smaller bags 20.2, in view of the fact that the smaller bags, despite being of smaller volume / capacity, may have one or two dimensions which are larger than those of the larger bags 20.1. In the example of Figure 3, it can be noted that each primary container 10 has a primary internal volume which has a maximum length L10 and a maximum width W10, which are superior to respectively the maximum length L20.1 and the maximum width W20 of the larger bags 20.1. As a consequence, in the example, each primary container 10 has a primary internal volume which has a maximum length L10 and a maximum width W 10, which are superior to respectively the maximum length L20.2 and the maximum width W20 of the smaller bags 20.2. In the example, the difference between the maximum length L10 of the internal volume of the primary container 10 and the maximum length L20.2 of the smaller bags 20.2 is superior to the difference between the maximum length L 10 of the internal volume of the primary container 10 and the maximum length L20.1 of the larger bags 20.1.

[0042] In the example described hereunder, a hypothesis is made that the bag 20.1, 20.2 is arranged in the primary container 10 such that the length, width and height of the bag 20.1, 20.2 are respectively arranged parallel to the respective length, width and height of the primary container 10. Therefore, following this hypothesis, it is considered that the maximum length of the primary container 10 extends along a longitudinal direction of the primary container 10, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bag 20.1, 20.2 which is to be arranged in the primary container 10. Consequently, the width of the primary container 10 extends along the transverse direction of the primary box which is parallel to the transverse direction of the bag 20.1, 20.2, perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the primary container 10 and of the bag 20.1, 20.2.

[0043] As a consequence of the difference in dimensions between a given bag 20.1, 20.2 and the primary container 10, if one of the smaller bags 20.2 is accommodated in the primary internal volume of the primary container 10, it may move within said primary container 10 along at least one direction. In the shown example of a packaging system, any of the larger bags 20.1 or of the smaller bags 20.2, when accommodated in the primary internal volume of a primary container 10, may move within said primary container along both lengthwise and widthwise directions.

[0044] In such a packaging system, to prevent any deterioration of a bag 20.1, 20.2 contained in a primary container 10, deterioration which may be caused by movements of bag 20.1, 20.2 inside the primary container 10, each packaging 40 comprises a bag protector 30.

[0045] According to one aspect, the bag protector 30 comprises a main body formed by folding and erecting one or more blanks made of sheet material. The sheet material forming the basis of the main body of the bag protector 30 may be cardboard material but is preferably a polymer material. Preferably the polymer material is a thermoplastic material, for example a material made of or comprising polyvinyl-chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), such as for example poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), or polyethylene (PE), or blends thereof. The sheet material forming the basis of the main body of the bag protector 30 may be may be a multi-layer material, combining several layers of different materials, especially several layers of different polymer materials as listed above, and / or may be may be a multi-layer material combining one or more layers of cardboard material with one or more layers of polymer material as listed above, optionally with one or more layers of another material (e.g. metal foil such as an aluminum foil). Such sheet material is easy to produce and of relatively low cost.

[0046] The sheet material from which is formed the main body of the bag protector 30 preferably has a thickness in the range between 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably in the range from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In such a sheet material, a blank 60 may be formed, an example of which is shown on Figure 7. The blank 60 is a planar sheet element. It may be obtained by being cut out from a full sheet of material. Alternatively, the blank 60 could be injection molded. By mere adaptation of to the well-known techniques in the cardboard packaging industry, such a planar blank 60 may be folded and erected into a three-dimensional item, forming a portion or the entirety of the bag protector 30. The planar blank 60 is thus a precursor to the bag protector 30, said precursor being subject to folding along folding lines to be erected into a portion or the entirety of the bag protector 30. Therefore, the transformation of a blank 60 into a bag protector 30 may be performed by using techniques similar to those well-known in the cardboard packaging industry.

[0047] Preferably, the bag protector 30, once erected, is rigid enough to sustain its own weight, as a cardboard box. However, similarly to a cardboard box, the bag protector 30 may be not perfectly rigid, with the meaning that the bag protector may, in use, flex and deform under the efforts due to the weight of the bag 20.1, 20.2 fully filled with the unit medical objects, while preferably being rigid enough to sustain its overall shape in use under the efforts due to the weight of the bag 20.1, 20.2 fully filled with the unit medical objects.

[0048] Once folded and erected, the main body of the bag protector 30 exhibits a number of panels which are separated by the above mentioned folding line. Each panel is a portion of the main body of the bag protector 30 which remains substantially planar after the bag protector 30 has been erected. The folding lines correspond to a line connecting two adjacent panels of the main body of the bag protector 30. A folding line may be formed by a weakened line formed in the sheet material forming the main body of the bag protector 30. Such a weakened line may be obtained by local deformation, such as a local thinning, of the sheet material along a line. Such thinning may be obtained by plastically compressing the material along said line in the direction of the thickness of the sheet material. Such a weakened line may be obtained by partially cutting the material along the line. The weakened line may be a continuous line or a dotted line.

[0049] According to one aspect, the main body of the bag protector 30 comprises a base section including a base panel 100 extending along a base plane. As can be seen in the figures, in use of the bag protector 30, the base plane in which extends the base section of the bag protector, and especially the base panel 100 of the bag protector 30, is intended to extend horizontally such that the base panel 100 will be the panel on which lies the bag 20.1, 20.2. In use, when a protected bag assembly, comprising a bag 20.1, 20.2 secured within a corresponding bag protector 30, is placed inside a primary container 10, the base panel 100 of the bag protector 30 will lie against the bottom wall 12 of the primary container 10, the base panel 100 being thus interposed between the bottom wall 12 of the primary container 10 and the bag 20.1, 20.2. In the shown example, the base panel 100 is rectangular. However, depending on the shape of the bag 20.1, 20.2, a different geometry of the base panel could be chosen.

[0050] The bag protector 30 comprises at least one belt panel 140 which extends over the base panel 100 to secure the bag 20.1, 20.2, filled with a plurality of identical unit medical objects, on the base panel 100. As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the bag protector 30 may comprise several belt panels 140, each extending over the base panel 100 to secure the bag 20.1, 20.2 on the base panel 100, for example two of such belt panels 140 which are longitudinally spaced apart one from the other. In the example, the bag protector 30 comprises a first belt panel 140 or head-side belt panel 140, near a first longitudinal extremity of the bag protector which may be called head extremity, and a second belt panel 140 or foot-side belt panel 140, near a second opposite longitudinal extremity of the bag protector 30, which may be called the foot extremity. In use, the bag 20.1, 20.2 is arranged relative to the bag protector 30 so as to rest on a top surface of the base panel 100 and below the at least one belt panel 140, thus between the base panel 100 and the belt panel 140. Preferably, the bag 20.1, 20.2 is tightened against the base panel 100 by the at least one belt panel 140. At the location of the belt panel 140, the bag 20.1, 20.2 is completely surrounded by the bag protector 30. Preferably, the belt panel 140 is integral with the base panel 100, i.e. it is part of the same planar blank 60 cut out from the sheet material. Preferably, in use of the bag protector 30, the belt panel 140 extends from one lateral side of the base panel 100 to the opposite lateral side of the base panel 100. Preferably, the bag 20.1, 20.2 is secured on the base panel 100 by the belt panel 140 to the extent that, in normal use of the packaging system, i.e. in normal operation in the logistics chain, no substantial movement occurs between the bag 20.1, 20.2 and the bag protector 30, thereby preventing any abrasion of the bag 20.1, 20.2 where it contacts the bag protector 30.

[0051] In use, the belt panel 140 is thus separated from the base panel 100, along a direction perpendicular to the planar extension of the base panel, i.e. perpendicular to the base plane, by a maximum distance which is equal to the maximum height or thickness of the bag 20.1, 20.2 filled with unit medical objects.

[0052] Preferably, each belt panel 140 extends over the entire width of the base panel 100, i.e., in use, the belt panel 140 extends transversely from one lateral edge 102 of the base panel 100 to the opposite lateral edge 102 of the base panel 100.

[0053] Each belt panel 140 is, at each of its transversely opposites extremities, connected directly or indirectly to the base panel 100.

[0054] Preferably, each belt panel 140 has, along the direction of extension of the lateral edges 102 of the base panel 100, here the longitudinal direction, a dimension which is substantially smaller than that of the lateral edges 102 of the base panel 100, i.e. here smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the base panel 100, for example less than half, preferably less than 30%. In the shown example, each belt panel 140 has, along the direction of extension of the lateral edges 102 of the base panel 100, a dimension which is comprised between 10% and 20% of the dimension of the lateral edges 102 of the base panel 100.

[0055] In an example, the main body of the bag protector 30 further comprises two opposite lateral panels 120 on opposite lateral sides of the base panel 100. Each of the lateral panels 120 is connected, for example permanently connected, via a respective connecting edge 122 to a respective one of two transversally opposite lateral edges 102 of the base panel 100. Preferably, each of the lateral panels 120 is integral with the base panel 100.

[0056] In the following, two elements of the packaging are permanently connected one to the other if, in normal use of the packaging, they cannot be separated from one another without destroying at least one of the elements.

[0057] In the example, the two belt panels 140 are each connected, preferably permanently connected, at a first transverse extremity 142, to a lateral free edge 124 of a same one of the two lateral panels 120. However, in an alternative design, the at least two belt panels 140 are each connected, preferably permanently connected, at a first transverse extremity 142, to a lateral free edge of a respective different one of the two lateral panels 120. Preferably, a given belt panel 140 is integral with the corresponding lateral panel 20 to which it is permanently connected.

[0058] In the planar blank 60, the lateral panels 120 are coextensive with the base panel 100 in the base plane. However, in use of the bag protector 30, after its folding and erection, each of the lateral panels 120 are erected away from the base plane, for example erected at 90° or perpendicularly upwards with respect to the base plane. In the shown embodiments, the lateral edges 102 of the base panel 100 extend along the biggest dimension of the base panel 100, and the lateral panels 120 extend along that biggest dimension of the base panel 100, that biggest dimension corresponding for example to a longitudinal dimension of the bag protector 30. The longitudinal direction of the bag protector 30 may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the bag 20.1, 20.2. However, the lateral edges 102 and the lateral panels 120 could extend along the shortest dimension of the base panel 100. In the example, the lateral panels 120 extend along the whole length of the respective lateral edges 102 of the base panel 100. However, the lateral panels 120 could be shorter than the lateral edges 102 along the direction of those lateral edges 102.

[0059] In the shown example, each lateral panel 120 has a shortest distance, between its connecting edge 122 and its lateral free edge 124, which is less than the maximum thickness of the bag 20.1, 20.2. This allows that the belt panel 140 necessarily contacts the bag 20.1, 20.2.

[0060] In a design having such lateral panels 120, the at least one belt panel 140 may be connected, preferably permanently connected, at a first transverse extremity 142, to a lateral free edge 122 of one of the two lateral panels 120, and may comprise, at an opposite second transverse extremity 144, at least one connector 146 for connecting to the other of the two lateral panels 120. For example, the connector 146 may comprise a male or female portion which is to be engaged into a corresponding respectively female or male portion arranged in the other of the two lateral panels 120 for connecting the belt panel 140 to the other one of the lateral panels. In the shown examples, the connector 146 may be in the form of a ratchet, for example having the snow-tree-like outline, for engaging into a corresponding slit formed in the other of the lateral panels 120. Such a ratchet design of the connector 146 allows for the connector 146 to secure connection at various positions along its insertion direction into the slit of the other of the lateral panels 120. Thereby, such a ratchet type connector 146 allows an adjustable tightening of the bag 20.1, 20.2 which is received between the base panel 100 and the belt panel 140. A connector for connecting the belt panel 140 to the other lateral panel 120 may be or may comprise a patch of adhesive, for example a patch of repositionable adhesive. Before being connected to the other of the two lateral panels, the opposite second transverse extremity 144 of the belt panel 140 is free with respect to the base panel 100 and to the other of the two lateral panels.

[0061] Preferably, the bag protector 30 comprises at least one handle portion 150 for facilitating the manipulation by a user of the protected bag assembly formed by the bag protector 30 and the bag 20.1, 20.2 which is secured on the bag protector 30 by the belt panel 140. Advantageously, at least one such handle portion is formed on the at least one belt panel 140. In the example, each belt panel 140 comprises a transversally extending handle portion 150 delimited between two transversally extending apertures 152 which are cut out in the belt panel 140. In the example comprising two longitudinally separate belt panels 140, each comprising one handle portion, the two handle portions allow easy carrying of the protected bag assembly formed by the bag protector 30 and the corresponding bag 20.1, 20.2 fully filled with unit medical objects, for example for loading or unloading the assembly into / from the primary container 10.

[0062] In a variant, not specifically illustrated, a belt panel could be formed of two half-panels, each half panel being connected by a first transverse extremity to a lateral free edge 122 of a respective one of the two lateral panels 120. Each of said half panel may comprise a free end, and the half panels may be connected one to the other by their respective free ends to secure the bag 20.1, 20.2 on the base panel 100, for example by a connector, including but not limited to the ratchet-type connector and / or a patch of adhesive, e.g. repositionable adhesive.

[0063] In all cases, it has been explained that the lateral panels 120, which are optional, can be shorter than the lateral edges 102 of the base panel 100. In some variants, at least one of the lateral panels 120 could extend, along the direction of the lateral edges 102, only at the level of the one or more belt panels 140. In such a case, the lateral panel 120 may be considered to be integral with the at least one belt panel 140.

[0064] According to an aspect, the base section of the bag protector has a longitudinal length which is superior to the maximum length of the bag.

[0065] In certain packaging systems, only one type of bag protector 30 is used, i.e. all bag protectors are identical. In such a case, the bag protector may comprise a base panel 100 having a longitudinal length which is superior to the maximum length of the bag, in particular superior to the maximum length of the bag having the longest longitudinal dimension.

[0066] In a packaging system designed to accommodate both smaller bags 20.1 and larger bags 20.2, as defined above, the base panel 100 of the bag protector 30 preferably has a longitudinal length which is superior to the maximum length L20.2 of the smaller bags 20.2 when fully filled with unit medical objects.

[0067] Further, the base section of the bag protector has a width W30 which is superior or equal to the maximum width of the bag 20.1 20.2. Such width W30 extends transversely between them the lateral edges 102 of the base panel 100.

[0068] In use, the bag 20.1, 20.2 is arranged on the bag protector 30 so as to be contained within the perimeter of the base section of the bag protector 30. The bag 20.1, 20.2 is thus located internally to the edges of the base section. When the protected bag assembly, formed of the bag 20.1, 20.2 secured within the bag protector 30, is placed in a primary container 10, the edges of the base section of the bag protector 30 come into contact with the peripheral wall of the primary container 10 in case of relative movement and impede any direct contact between the bag 20.1, 20.2 and the peripheral wall 14 of the primary container 10. Of course, in case of such a relative movement, friction only occurs between the base section of the bag protector 30, especially its base panel 100, and the bottom wall 12 of the primary container 10.

[0069] All in all, while not necessarily preventing movement of the bag 20.1, 20.2 inside the primary container, the bag protector 30 prevents abrasion of the bag 20.1, 20.2 and thus ensures its integrity, thus ensures that no contamination can affect the unit medical objects contained in the bag 20.1, 20.2.

[0070] In those variants of the bag protector 30 that comprise lateral panels 120, these lateral panels 120 may confer additional protection to the sides of the bag 20.1, 20.2 especially in the case where the width W30 of the base section, in the example being the width W30 of the base panel 100, is not significantly superior to the maximum width W20 of the bag 20.1, 20.2.

[0071] In the shown examples, the bag protector 30 has a head portion 180 comprising at least a head panel 200 which is connected, preferably permanently connected, via a connecting edge 202 to a head transverse edge 104 of the base panel 100, and which is erected away from the base plane, for example substantially upwards perpendicularly to the base plane of the base panel 100. Such a head panel 200, located at the head extremity of the bag protector 30, provides additional protection to the corresponding bag extremity. It may also participate in preventing longitudinal movement of the bag 20.1, 20.2 with respect to the bag protector 30. Preferably, the head portion 180, and most notably the head panel 200, is integral with the base panel 100.

[0072] Preferably, the head portion 180 comprises at least one connector for connecting to each of the two lateral panels 120 and / or to at least one belt panel 140. In the example the head portion 180 comprises connectors for connecting both to each of the two lateral panels 120 and to the head-side belt panel 140.

[0073] In the examples shown on Figures 7 and 10, the head panel 200 has a distal edge 204 which is opposite its connecting edge 202 and parallel to said connecting edge 202, and the head portion 180 further comprises a head cover panel 220 which is connected, preferably permanently connected, via a connecting edge 222 to the distal edge 204 of the head panel 200, for example along a folding line. In use of the bag protector 30, the head cover panel 220 may be folded with respect to the head panel 200, substantially perpendicularly, so as to extend parallel to the base plane, over the corresponding longitudinal head-extremity of the base panel 100. Preferably, the head cover panel 220 extends along a certain length so as to cover that portion of the bag 20.1, 20.2. The length of the head cover 220, along the longitudinal direction, is for example comprised between 5% and 25% of the maximum length L20.1, L20.2 of the bag 20.1, 20.2.

[0074] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the head portion 180, for example the head cover panel 122, may comprise two harpoon-like connectors 182 which may be arranged to connect into two corresponding slits 184 formed in each of the lateral panels 120, and it may also comprise a fish-scale connector 186, formed by an arcuate slit in a panel of the head portion, here in the head cover panel 220.

[0075] In the example, the fish-scale connector 186 is a portion of the panel which is delimited by the arcuate slit in the panel, and the fish-scale connector 186 can be inserted in a suitable aperture which is here formed in the head-side belt panel 140. In the example, the suitable aperture is one of the two transversally extending apertures 152 cut out in the head-side belt panel 140 for forming the handle portion 150.

[0076] Other types of connectors can be used, including but not limited to a ratchet-type connector and / or a patch of adhesive, e.g. repositionable adhesive.

[0077] While this is not the case in the examples of a bag protector 30 as shown in the figures, in those cases where the bag 20.1, 20.2 has a transfer port 24, the head portion 180, for example the head panel 200 and / or the head cover panel 220, may comprise a port hole complementary to the transfer port 24. Such port hole may for example allow transferring of unit medical objects into or out of the bag 20.1, 20.2 while the bag is protected in the bag protector 30. Further, such port hole may be designed to have a complementary shape to that of the transfer port 24 for locking onto said transfer port 24, thereby further securing the bag 20.1, 20.2 on the bag protector 30.

[0078] In the examples shown on the figures, the bag protector 30 further has a foot portion 240 comprising at least a foot panel which is erected away from the base plane. As described above regarding the head portion 180, the foot portion 240 may also comprise at least one connector 242 for connecting to each of the two lateral panels 120 and / or at least one connector 270.1, 270.2 for connecting to a belt panel 140, e.g. the foot-side belt panel 140.

[0079] Preferably, the foot portion 240 is permanently connected to the base panel 100. Most preferably, the foot portion 240 is integral with the base panel 100.

[0080] In the design which is similar to that described above regarding the head portion 180, the foot portion 240 may comprise a foot cover panel 260 which, in use of the bag protector 30, i.e. after the folding and the erection of the bag protector 30 starting from the planar blank 60, extends parallel to the base plane.

[0081] More precisely, as shown in the examples of the Figures 7 to 9, the foot portion 240 may comprise an intermediate section 280 which, when considered in the planar blank 60, extends longitudinally between a foot transverse edge 106 of the base panel 100 and the foot cover panel 260 of the foot portion 240. In the example, the intermediate section 280 includes a first intermediate panel 300 which is permanently connected via a transverse connecting edge 302 to the foot transverse edge 106 of the base panel 102, at a transverse folding line of the sheet material, and includes a second intermediate panel 320 which is permanently connected via a transverse distal edge 324 to the foot cover panel 260 of the foot portion 240, at a further folding line of the sheet material. A further transverse fold line 310 is provided in the intermediate section 280 of the foot portion 240, between the first intermediate panel 300 and the second intermediate panel 320. In other words, the first intermediate panel 300 and the second intermediate panel 300 are connected one to the other at the further transverse folding line 310 which is parallel to and located halfway between the transverse connecting edge of 302 of the first intermediate panel 300 and the transverse distal edge 324 of the second intermediate panel 320. Both the first intermediate panel 300 and the second intermediate panel 320 are, in this example, rectangular. In this example, they both have the same transverse width as the base panel 100. Preferably, the dimension of each of the first intermediate panel 300 and the second intermediate panel 320, between their respective transverse edges, is equal to the dimension of the lateral panels 120 between their connecting edge 122 and lateral free edge 124.

[0082] As such, the foot portion 240 may be erected into any one of two configurations, including a long configuration, represented at Figure 5 and at Figure 9(a), and a short configuration represented at Figure 6 and Figure 9(b).

[0083] In the long configuration, the first intermediate panel 300 extends in the base plane as an extension of the base panel 100 in the base section, and the second intermediate panel 320 is erected away from the base plane. In such long configuration, the base section of the bag protector 30 comprises both the base panel 100 and the first intermediate panel 300, which both extend in the base plane.

[0084] In the short configuration, the first intermediate panel 300 is erected away from the base plane, for example perpendicularly to the base plane, and the second intermediate panel 320 extends parallel to the base plane as an extension of the foot cover panel 260. In such short configuration, the base section of the bag protector 30 comprises only the base panel 100 extending in the base plane.

[0085] In the long configuration of Figure 5 and Figure 9(a), the bag protector exhibits the longitudinal length L30.1 which is superior to its longitudinal length L30.2 in the short configuration of Figure 6 and Figure 9(b).

[0086] As can be seen in Figures 7, 9(a) and 9(b), the foot portion 240 preferably comprises at least one connector 270.1 for locking the foot portion in the long configuration and at least one connector 270.2 for locking the foot portion in the short configuration. In the examples of Figures 7, 9(a) and 9(b), the foot portion comprises two fish-scale connectors 270.1, 270.2 similar to the one described above. Each a fish-scale connector 270.1, 270.2 is formed by an arcuate slit in a panel of the foot portion 240, here in the foot cover panel 260. Each fish-scale connector 270.1, 270.2 is a portion of the panel which is delimited by the arcuate slit in the panel, and can be inserted in a suitable aperture which is here formed in the foot-side belt panel 140. In the example, the suitable aperture is one of the two transversally extending apertures 152 cut out in the foot-side belt panel 140 for forming the handle portion 150. The two fish-scale connectors 270.1, 270.2 are separated along the longitudinal direction by a distance which is equal to the corresponding dimension of the intermediate section 280 of the foot portion between the foot transverse edge 106 of the base panel 100 and the foot cover panel 260.

[0087] In the example of Figure 7, the foot portion 240, for example the foot cover panel 260, may comprise two harpoon-like connectors 242, on transversely opposite locations on the foot portion 240 which may each be arranged to connect into one of two corresponding slits 244.1, 244.2 formed in each of the lateral panels 120. For a given one of the harpoon-like connectors 242, one of the two corresponding slits 244.1 receives the harpoon-like connector 242 in the long configuration, whereas the other 244.2 of the two corresponding slits receives the harpoon-like connector 242 in the short configuration. For a given one of the harpoon-like connectors 242, the two corresponding slits 244.1, 244.2 are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction in the corresponding lateral panel 120 by a distance which is equal to the corresponding dimension of the intermediate section 280 of the foot portion between the foot transverse edge 106 of the base panel 100 and the foot cover panel 260.

[0088] It has thus been described a packaging system where one can form a packaging 40 for a plurality of unit medical objects, wherein the packaging 40 comprises: a primary container 10, defining a primary internal volume, a bag 20.1, 20.2 for containing a first plurality of unit medical objects, the bag 20.1, 20.2 having a capacity to accommodate up to a given maximum number of unit medical objects, and wherein the primary container 10 is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, one such bag 20.1, 20.2 filled with the given maximum number of unit medical objects.

[0089] Advantageously, the packaging comprises a bag protector 30 as described above, and, in such packaging, the bag 20.1, 20.2 filled with the given maximum number of unit medical objects is secured between the base panel 100 and the at least one belt panel 140 of the bag protector 140 to form a protected bag assembly which is accommodated in the primary internal volume of the primary container 10.

[0090] In such packaging 40, any relative movement between the protected bag assembly and the primary container 10, for example due to the primary internal volume of the primary container 10 being bigger than the protected bag assembly, along at least one of the lengthwise and / or widthwise dimensions, does not impose any friction on the bag 20.1, 20.2. Thus, the bag protector 30 strongly limits any risk of wear and / or tear of the bag 20.1, 20.2.

[0091] As explained above, such packaging system is particularly useful in those cases where different types of bags 20.1, 20.2 for containing unit medical objects are to be used. Indeed, in such a case, it is provided a packaging system for a plurality of identical unit medical objects, wherein the packaging system comprises : a plurality of identical primary containers 10, each defining a primary internal volume, a plurality of identical larger bags 20.1 for containing a first plurality of unit medical objects, the larger bags 20.1 having a capacity to accommodate up to a first maximum number of unit medical objects, typically identical or of identical size, and a plurality of identical smaller bags 20.2 for containing a second plurality of unit medical objects, typically the same unit medical objects as those which are contained in said larger bags, and typically identical or of identical size, the smaller bags 20.2 having a capacity to accommodate up to a second maximum number of unit medical objects, where the second maximum number of unit medical objects is smaller than the first maximum number of unit medical objects; wherein each primary container 10 is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, at least one, preferably only one, of the larger bags 20.1 filled with the first maximum number of unit medical objects, and wherein each primary container 10 is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, at least one, preferably only one, of the smaller bags 20.2 filled with the second maximum number of unit medical ob-jects.

[0092] Advantageously, such packaging system comprises a plurality of bag protectors 30 as described above. Specifically, in such a packaging system, the bag protectors 30 are preferably of the type which may be folded and erected in at least one short configuration and at least one long configuration. For accommodating a smaller bag 20.2 in a primary container, the bag protector 30 is erected in the short configuration, and, for accommodating a larger bag 20.1 in a primary container 10, the bag protector is erected in the long configuration.

[0093] In other words, the same bag protector 30, folded and erected from the same planar blank 60, can be used and adapted to fit any one of smaller bag 20.2 or of the larger bags 20.1.

[0094] In such a packaging system, a packaging 40 derived from the packaging system comprises a bag 20.1, 20.2 filled with a given maximum number of unit medical objects, which is secured between the base panel 100 and the at least one belt panel 140 of the bag protector 30 to form a protected bag assembly which is accommodated in the primary internal volume of the primary container 10.

Claims

1. Bag protector (30) for protecting a bag filled with plurality of unit medical objects (50), wherein the bag protector (30) comprises a main body formed by folding and erecting one or more blanks (60) made of sheet material, characterized in that said main body comprises a base section including a base panel (100) extending along a base plane and having two transversally opposite lateral edges (102), and in that the bag protector (30) comprises at least one belt panel (140), which extends over the base panel (100) to secure the bag (20.1, 20.2) filled with a plurality of unit medical objects (50) on the base panel (100).

2. Bag protector (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body of the bag protector (30) comprises two opposite lateral panels (120) which are each connected via a respective connecting edge to a respective one of the two transversally opposite lateral edges (102) of the base panel (100), and which are each erected away from the base plane (100), and in that the at least one belt panel (140) is permanently connected, at a first transverse extremity (142), to a lateral free edge (122) of one of the two lateral panels (120), and comprises, at an opposite second transverse extremity (144), at least one connector (146) for connecting to the other of the two lateral panels (120)3. Bag protector (30) according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the bag protector has a head portion (180) comprising at least a head panel (200) which is permanently connected via a connecting edge (202) to a head transverse edge (104) of the base panel (100), and which is erected away from the base plane.

4. Bag protector (30) according to claim 4, characterized in that the head portion (180) comprises at least one connector (182) for connecting to each of the two lateral panels (120) and / or to the belt panel.

5. Bag protector (30) according to any of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the head panel (200) has a distal edge (204) which is opposite its connecting edge (202) and parallel to said connecting edge (202), and in that the head portion (180) comprises a head cover panel (220) which is permanently connected via a connecting edge (222) to the distal edge (204) of the head panel (200), and in that the head cover panel (220) extends parallel to the base plane.

6. Bag protector (30) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the bag protector (30) has a foot portion (240) comprising at least a foot panel (300, 320) which is erected away from the base plane (100).

7. Bag protector (30) according to claim 6, characterized in that the foot portion (240) comprises at least one connector (242, 270.1, 270.2) for connecting to each of the two lateral panels (120) and / or to the belt panel.

8. Bag protector (30) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the foot portion (240) comprises a foot cover panel (260) which extends parallel to the base panel (100).

9. Bag protector (30) according to claim 8, characterized in that the foot portion comprises an intermediate section (280) extending between a foot transverse edge (106) of the base panel and the foot cover panel (260) of the foot portion (240), in that the intermediate section (280) includes a first intermediate panel (300) which is permanently connected via a transverse connecting edge (302) to the foot transverse edge (106) of the base panel (102), and includes a second intermediate panel (320) which is permanently connected via a transverse distal edge (324) to the foot cover panel (260) of the foot portion (240) , and in that the foot portion (240) may be erected into any one of two configurations including a long configuration in which the first intermediate panel (300) extends in the base plane as an extension of the base panel (100) in the base section, and in which the second intermediate panel (320) is erected away from the base plane, and a short configuration in which the first intermediate panel (300) is erected away from the base plane and in which the second intermediate panel (320) extends parallel to the base plane as an extension of the foot cover panel (260).

10. Bag protector (30) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the belt panel (140) comprises a transversally extending handle portion (150).

11. Bag protector (30) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the sheet material is made of one or several layers of cardboard and / or of polymer material.

12. Packaging (40) for a plurality of unit medical objects (50), wherein the packaging (40) comprises: - a primary container (10), defining a primary internal volume, - a bag (20, 20.1, 20.2) for containing a first plurality of unit medical objects (50), the bag (20, 20.1, 20.2) having a capacity to accommodate up to a given maximum number of unit medical objects (50) and - wherein the primary container (10) is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, one bag (20, 20.1, 20.2) filled with the given maximum number of unit medical objects (50), characterized in that the packaging comprises a bag protector (30) according to any of claims 1 to 11, and in that the bag (20, 20.1, 20.2) filled with the given maximum number of unit medical objects (50) is secured between the base panel (100) and the at least one belt panel (140) of the bag protector to form a protected bag assembly which is accommodated in the primary internal volume of the primary container (10).

13. Packaging system for a plurality of unit medical objects (50), wherein the packaging system comprises: - a plurality of primary containers (10), each defining a primary internal volume, - a plurality of larger bags (20.1) for containing a first plurality of unit medical objects (50), the larger bags having a capacity to accommodate up to a first maximum number of unit medical objects (50), and - a plurality of smaller bags (20.2) for containing a second plurality of unit medical objects (50), the smaller bags having a capacity to accommodate up to a second maximum number of unit medical objects (50), the second maximum number of unit medical objects (50) being smaller than the first maximum number of unit medical objects (50); wherein each primary container (10) is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, one of the larger bags (20.2) filled with the first maximum number of unit medical objects (50), and wherein each primary container is configured to accommodate, in the primary internal volume, at least one of the smaller bags (20.1) filled with the second maximum number of unit medical objects (50), characterized in that the packaging system comprises a plurality of bag protectors (30) according to any of claims 1 to 11.

14. Packaging system according to claim 13 in combination with claim 9, characterized in that, for accommodating a smaller bag (20.2) in a primary container (10), the bag protector (30) is erected in the short configuration, and in that for accommodating a larger bag (20.1) in a primary container (10), the bag protector (30) is erected in the long configuration.

15. Packaging system according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a packaging derived from the packaging system comprises a bag (20, 20.1, 20.2) filled with a given maximum number of unit medical objects (50), which is secured between the base panel (100) and the at least one belt panel (140) of the bag protector (30) to form a protected bag assembly which is accommodated in the primary internal volume of the primary container (10).

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