A sample canter
A cardboard sample canter with a cellulose film liner addresses the recyclability issue of coated cardboard containers by providing a cost-effective, recyclable, and compostable urine sample container that maintains water-tightness without coatings.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- GB2024011825
- Authority / Receiving Office
- GB · GB
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing cardboard urine sample containers require additional polyethylene coatings for water-tightness, making them non-recyclable and bulky, and there is a need for a cost-effective, recyclable solution that maintains water-tightness without coatings.
A cardboard sample canter with a cellulose film liner mounted to a cardboard sheet, allowing it to be folded flat for mailing and unfolded for use, where the cellulose film provides the water-tightness without additional coatings.
The solution enables a fully recyclable and compostable urine sample container that maintains water-tightness while being cost-effective and compact, facilitating easy mailing and use.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Field of Invention The present invention relates to canters for collecting for medical samples. Background to the Invention Diagnostic medical screening is increasingly common. Detection and diagnosis of medical conditions is very important for the health of individuals and for populations as a whole. Historically, detection of medical conditions required attendance at medical practitioner, at a hospital, at a primary care practitioner, or at a specialized diagnostic facility More recently, samples have been collected directly from patients without the need for them to attend medical facilities. In some cases this has been done by sending sample containers and sample canters to the patient in their own home. The patient will collect their sample in the canter, use the canter to transfer the sample, or part of the sample, to a sample container, and then return the container to the diagnostic testing centre. For example, for a urine sample a sample canter for collecting urine will be provided alongside a smaller container. The user will pass urine into the canter and then decant a small sample of the urine into the sample containter. The sample canter and container may be provided by mail. The filled sample container may either be returned in person or by mail. One sample that may be requested or required is a urine sample. As urine is a liquid, it is important that the sample canter and the sample container is water-tight. Because of this it has been generally preferred to use plastic canters and containers. However, there is now a drive to reduce the cost of these canters and containers and to improve their recyclability. Cardboard boxes are widely used for packaging due to their cost-effectiveness and recyclability and so have been considered for use as urine sample containers. However, cardboard boxes are not suitable for containing liquids without additional liners or coatings, which are often not recyclable. To make cardboard boxes suitable for use as sample canters they are provided with an additional polyethylene coating that makes the cardboard water-tight. Providing a cardboard box with a polyethylene coating, instead of a plastic container, can reduce costs. However, such boxes are generally not recyclable without expensive post-use processing and remain bulky and difficult to send by post. In light of the above, there is a need for an integrated, recyclable solution that provides a watertight seal within a cardboard box suitable for use as a liquid canter. Advantageously, any such solution should be able to be mailed in a flat form and then be able to be folded into the container. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a sample canter consisting of: a cardboard sheet having a cellulose film liner mounted to a first side; wherein the cardboard sheet has a first end, a second end, and lateral edges extending between the first end and the second end; the cellulose film liner extending from one lateral edge to the other lateral edge; a fold line is provided midway between the lateral edges; the cardboard sheet is folded at a midpoint to bring the first end to the second end to enclose the film liner, the first end is sealed to the second end, the lateral edges are sealed, a perforation is provided laterally across the first end and the second end, and the cardboard sheet but not the film liner is cut along the midpoint; and wherein: the cellulose film liner is mounted to the cardboard sheet to form a liquid container open adjacent the first end and the second end of the carboard sheet. The sample canter of the present invention is advantageous as it can be made to be fully recyclable and can also be folded flat before use to allow it to be sent by mail. As will be readily understood, the sample canter may be provided in a flat form to be folded out by a user to form a container when the user wishes to use the canter. Instructions on how to do this may be provided alongside the canter or may even be printed on the canter. In contrast with prior art containers, which all have polyethylene liners, the present invention comprises cardboard and a cellulose liner, allowing simple post-use processing. In order to make the canter recyclable or compostable it is advantageous that the cardboard sheet is made of a cardboard that can be easily recycled or composted. As the liquid is not contained by the cardboard, but by the cellulose film, there is no need for the cardboard to be laminated or to be otherwise coated to be waterproof. The cellulose film liner is formed of a material that is compostable but also watertight and capable of temporarily retaining a liquid sample, which may be urine. The skilled person will be aware of many suitable cellulose films. One example of a suitable material is the compostable cellulose film provided under the trade name Natureflex by Futamura but other similar materials may also be used. In embodiments of the invention the cellulose film liner is perforated along the perforation such that tearing the perforation also tears the cellulose film liner. That is, the cellulose film liner extends across the perforation and is perforated at the same point. In alternative embodiments, the perforation is provided beyond an outer edge of the cellulose film liner such that tearing the perforation only tears the cardboard sheet and not the cellulose film liner. In embodiments of the invention a window may be provided in or through the cardboard sheet such that the film liner can be seen when the canter is in use. A window may be a simple cutout or may be formed as an aperture that is provided with an additional film layer to form a window. A film layer of a window is preferably formed of the same material as the cellulose film layer and / or should be formed of a material that is compostable or recyclable. Unlike the film liner there is no requirement that the material of a film layer of a window is waterproof. In embodiments of the invention the cardboard sheet may further comprise a tab located between the first end and the perforation and between the second end and the perforation to facilitate the perforation being torn by a user. Providing a tab allows a user to tear the perforation in a straightforward manner by grasping the tab and tearing along the perforation. As set out above, this may or may not involve tearing the film liner. After tearing along the perforation the sample canter can be folded out in order to be used. A surface of the cardboard sheet canter may be provided with printed information, for example branding, instructions for use, adverts, or any other useful information. Advantageously, any such printing should be provided in such a manner that it does interfere with the recyclability or composting of the cardboard sheet. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a sample canter comprising the steps of: providing a cardboard sheet having a first end, a second end, and two lateral edges extending between the first end and the second end; adhering a cellulose film liner to a first side of the cardboard sheet around the edges of the film liner such that the film liner extends from the first end to the second end and from a first lateral edge to the second lateral edge to cover the first side of the cardboard sheet; folding the first end of the cardboard sheet to the second end about a midpoint of the two lateral edges and cutting along the resulting fold without cutting the film liner; and adhering the first lateral edge to itself and adhering the second lateral edge to itself; and adhering the first end to the second end. The method can be used to manufacture a sample canter according to the present invention. An embodiment of the method is discussed below in relation to the Figures and is illustrated in Figure 2. The method may further comprise the step of providing a perforation in the cardboard sheet along the first end and the second end. However, this is not an essential step and, as an alternative, the cardboard sheet may be left open at the first end and the second end. The method may further comprise providing a window in the cardboard sheet to allow the film liner to be seen when the canter is in use. This can be done in any manner apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, a simple aperture may be cut through the cardboard sheet. Alternatively, an aperture may be provided and then a film may be adhered over the aperture to protect the film liner. In order to facilitate the use of the sample canter a fold line may be provided in the cardboard sheet adjacent each of the two lateral edges. Additionally, or alternatively, a fold line may be provided in the cardboard sheet midway between and parallel to the two lateral edges. Fold lines may be provided in any manner apparent to the person skilled in the art. The method may further comprise the step of providing information on a second side of the cardboard sheet, opposing the first side. This may be done by printing the information onto the second side of the cardboard sheet or by adhering a recyclable or compostable covering onto the cardboard sheet, the covering having the information provided thereon. Further features of the invention will be apparent from the embodiment shown in the Figures and described below. The invention is defined by the claims. Unless otherwise defined in the claims or the description, any feature of the embodiment shown in the Figures can be included in an embodiment of the invention independently from any other feature Drawings Figure lisa drawing of a sample canter according to the present invention open and ready for use; and Figure 2 is a schematic of the construction of a sample canter according to the present invention. A sample canter 1 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The sample canter 1 is formed from a cardboard sheet 2 and a cellulose film liner 3. The cardboard sheet 2 is folded and is sealed together at lateral edges 4. The cardboard sheet 2 is folded and cut at a midline 6 extending between the lateral edges 4, forming a lower end of the canter 1. The cut does not extend through the film liner 3. When in use, the canter 1 is open at an upper end 7. This is achieved by tearing off a perforated portion of the cardboard sheet 2, as discussed in further detail below. A fold line 8 is provided on the cardboard sheet at a midpoint between the lateral edges 4, extending from the lower end to the upper end 7. This allows the canter 1 to be folded to form a cuboid container in the manner shown in Figure 1 and discussed below. A window 5 is provided in the cardboard sheet 2 to provide view of the film liner. The film liner 3 is located inside the canter 1 and forms a watertight container for urine collection. The film liner is sealed to the cardboard sheet 2 adjacent the upper end 7 of the canter 1 and along the lateral edges 4 but is otherwise unsealed. When in use, the canter 1 is opened to form a container in the manner shown in Figure 1. The cardboard sheet 2 forms a cuboid that is open at the upper end 7 and the lower end. The film liner 3 forms a sealed bag within the cuboid that is sealed to the cuboid along the lateral edges 4, closed at the lower end, and open at the upper end 7. A person may then collect urine within the canter 1. The construction of the canter 1 is shown schematically in Figure 2. First an appropriately shaped cardboard sheet 2 is provided. The cardboard sheet 2 is provide with fold lines along the lateral edges 4, at a midpoint between and parallel to the lateral edges, and a cutline 12 is provided extending between the lateral edges 4 at a midpoint between a first end 9 and a second end 10 of the carboard sheet. A window 5 is cut through the cardboard sheet 2. The film liner 3 is provided on an upper side of the cardboard sheet 2. A tab 11 is formed at the first end 9 and the second end of the cardboard sheet 2. A perforated tear line 12 is provided at an inner edge of each tab 11. The film liner 3 is sealed to the cardboard sheet 2 along the lateral edges 4 of the cardboard sheet. The film liner 3 extends along the length of the cardboard sheet 2 from the inner edge of each tab 11 and is sealed to the cardboard sheet at those points. Otherwise, the film liner 3 is not affixed to the cardboard liner. The film liner 3 is appropriately shaped to allow it form a container when the canter 1 is opened out in the manner shown in the final image of Figure 2. This may be achieve by having a folded portion provided centrally in the film liner 3 when it is affixed in position on the cardboard sheet 2 or in any other manner apparent to the person skilled in the art. The cardboard sheet 2 is folded in half along the cut line 12, the tabs 11 are sealed to one another, and the lateral edges 4 are sealed together where they are in contact. Sealing the lateral edges 4 together also acts to seal the film liner 3 together along the lateral edges. Doing this forms a flat and unfolded canter 1 as shown in the fourth image of Figure 2. This canter 1 can then be easily stored and provided to a user. The film liner 3 is formed from a biodegradable but waterproof cellulose film, such as the compostable film provided under the trade name Natureflex by Futamura. The cardboard sheet 2 is fully recyclable and, if printed, any such printing is provided in such a manner that the cardboard sheet 2 remains recyclable. There is no need or requirement for further lamination or treating of the cardboard sheet 2 in any manner that would prevent its recycling. When a user wishes to use the canter 1 they will first tear off the tabs 11 in the manner shown in the fifth image of Figure 2. They will then open the canter 1 out in the manner shown in the final image of Figure 2. This will form a usable canter 1. The film liner 3 will open out to form a water proof bag that is open at an upper end and sealed at a lower end.
Claims
25Claims1. A sample canter blank for a patient to collect a sample consisting of:a cardboard sheet having a cellulose film liner adhered to a first side;wherein the cardboard sheet has a first end, a second end, and lateral edges extending 5 between the first end and the second end;the cellulose film liner extends from one lateral edge to the other lateral edge and is adhered to the cardboard sheet around the edges of the cellulose film liner;a cut line is provided on the cardboard sheet midway between the first end and the second and extending between the lateral edges; wherein10 in an assembled configuration the cardboard sheet is folded at the cut line to bring the first end to the second end to enclose the film liner, the first end is sealed to the second end, the lateral edges are sealed, a perforation is provided laterally across the first end and the second end, and the cardboard sheet but not the film liner is cut along the cut line; wherein: the cellulose film liner is mounted to the cardboard sheet such that, when in the assembled15 configuration, the cellulose film liner forms a liquid container open adjacent the first end and the second end of the carboard sheet; andin the assembled configuration the perforation is provided beyond an outer edge of the cellulose film liner such that tearing the perforation only tears the cardboard sheet and not the cellulose film liner.
202. A sample canter blank for a patient to collect a sample consisting of:a cardboard sheet having a cellulose film liner adhered to a first side and printed information on a surface of the cardboard sheet;wherein the cardboard sheet has a first end, a second end, and lateral edges extending 25 between the first end and the second end;the cellulose film liner extends from one lateral edge to the other lateral edge and is adhered to the cardboard sheet around the edges of the cellulose film liner;a cut line is provided on the cardboard sheet midway between the first end and the second and extending between the lateral edges; wherein30 in an assembled configuration the cardboard sheet is folded at the cut line to bring the first end to the second end to enclose the film liner, the first end is sealed to the second end, the lateral edges are sealed, a perforation is provided laterally across the first end and the second end, and the cardboard sheet but not the film liner is cut along the cut line; wherein:the cellulose film liner is mounted to the cardboard sheet such that, when in the assembled configuration, the cellulose film liner forms a liquid container open adjacent the first end and the second end of the carboard sheet; andin the assembled configuration the perforation is provided beyond an outer edge of the 5 cellulose film liner such that tearing the perforation only tears the cardboard sheet and not the cellulose film liner.10253. A sample canter blank for a patient to collect a sample consisting of:a cardboard sheet having a cellulose film liner adhered to a first side and an additional film layer to form a window over an aperture in the cardboard sheet;and wherein the cardboard sheet has a first end, a second end, and lateral edges extending between the first end and the second end;the cellulose film liner extends from one lateral edge to the other lateral edge and is adhered to the cardboard sheet around the edges of the cellulose film liner;a cut line is provided on the cardboard sheet midway between the first end and the second and extending between the lateral edges; whereinin an assembled configuration the cardboard sheet is folded at the cut line to bring the first end to the second end to enclose the film liner, the first end is sealed to the second end, the lateral edges are sealed, a perforation is provided laterally across the first end and the second end, and the cardboard sheet but not the film liner is cut along the cut line; wherein: the cellulose film liner is mounted to the cardboard sheet such that, when in the assembled configuration, the cellulose film liner forms a liquid container open adjacent the first end and the second end of the carboard sheet; andin the assembled configuration the perforation is provided beyond an outer edge of the cellulose film liner such that tearing the perforation only tears the cardboard sheet and not the cellulose film liner.
4. A sample canter blank for a patient to collect a sample consisting of:30 a cardboard sheet having a cellulose film liner adhered to a first side, printedinformation on a surface of the cardboard sheet, and an additional film layer to form a window over an aperture in the cardboard sheet;and wherein the cardboard sheet has a first end, a second end, and lateral edges extending between the first end and the second end;the cellulose film liner extends from one lateral edge to the other lateral edge and is adhered to the cardboard sheet around the edges of the cellulose film liner;a cut line is provided on the cardboard sheet midway between the first end and the second and extending between the lateral edges; wherein5 in an assembled configuration the cardboard sheet is folded at the cut line to bring the first end to the second end to enclose the film liner, the first end is sealed to the second end, the lateral edges are sealed, a perforation is provided laterally across the first end and the second end, and the cardboard sheet but not the film liner is cut along the cut line; wherein: the cellulose film liner is mounted to the cardboard sheet such that, when in the assembled10 configuration, the cellulose film liner forms a liquid container open adjacent the first end and the second end of the carboard sheet; andin the assembled configuration the perforation is provided beyond an outer edge of the cellulose film liner such that tearing the perforation only tears the cardboard sheet and not the cellulose film liner.
255. A sample canter according to any preceding claim, wherein the cardboard sheet comprises a tab located between the first end and the perforation and between the second end and the perforation to facilitate the perforation being torn by a user.
6. A method of manufacturing a sample canter comprising the steps of: providing a cardboard sheet having a first end, a second end, and two lateral edges extending between the first end and the second end;adhering a cellulose film liner to a first side of the cardboard sheet around the edges of the film liner such that the film liner extends from the first end to the second end andfrom a first lateral edge to the second lateral edge to cover the first side of the cardboard sheet;folding the first end of the cardboard sheet to the second end about a midpoint of the two lateral edges and cutting along the resulting fold without cutting the film liner; and30 adhering the first lateral edge to itself and adhering the second lateral edge to itself; andadhering the first end to the second end.CMCO7. A method according to claim 6, wherein a perforation is provided in the cardboard sheet along the first end and the second end.
8. A method according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein a window is provided in thecardboard sheet.
9. A method according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein a fold line is provided in the cardboard sheet adjacent each of the two lateral edges.
10. A method according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein a fold line is provided in thecardboard sheet midway between and parallel to the two lateral edges.
11. A method according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein printed information is provided on a second side of the cardboard sheet, opposing the first side.14
Citation Information
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