Bag Hanger for Cleanroom Environments
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024513352
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-22
- Filing Date
- 2022-08-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing clean environment systems, such as RABS and isolators, face challenges in retaining wiper products securely and efficiently, leading to contamination risks and inefficiencies in product handling.
A bag hanger system with a main bracket body and legs, featuring a mounting mechanism and an open-ended slot, designed to securely suspend bags within clean environments, allowing easy access and sterilization.
The hanger system facilitates secure, easy handling and sterilization of bags within clean environments, reducing contamination risks and enhancing operational efficiency in RABS and isolators.
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 240,204, filed September 2, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 333,640, filed April 22, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein. [Background technology]
[0002] A clean environment is an area that is designed, maintained, and controlled to prevent particulate and microbial contamination of products. Clean environments include, for example, limited access barrier systems (RABS), clean rooms, and isolators. Clean environments generally have different levels of cleanliness ranging from Class 100 (i.e., having 100 particles of 0.5 microns or larger per cubic foot of air) to Class 10,000.
[0003] Clean environments are used for a variety of purposes, including the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and electronic devices such as semiconductors. Often, clean environments are used to work on very expensive and complex products, and it is not unusual to have millions of dollars of product in a clean environment at any given time. Clean environments must maintain a high level of cleanliness or risk significant financial loss. If a product being developed or manufactured in a clean environment becomes contaminated, the entire product within the clean environment must often be discarded.
[0004] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") requires companies to ensure that all elements of the manufacturing environment and manufacturing process have been proven acceptable to FDA requirements and industry standards. FDA requires companies to operate in accordance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP). To do this, companies are required to ensure that the products, personnel, training, materials, procedures, and systems used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products have been rigorously tested. In light of the rigorous standards that cleanrooms must meet, companies are very reluctant to introduce new products into their cleanrooms that have not been extensively tested and proven reliable.
[0005] As shown in US Patent Nos. 10279976, 10138448, and US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0085982, and US Patent Application No. 17 / 202,781, sterile wiper products have been developed for use in clean environments. The wipers are contained in an enclosure, such as a plastic bag, which can be sterilized before entering the clean environment. The enclosure can then be opened inside the clean environment to dispense the wipers contained therein. These documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, these wiper products, as well as other products, are not easily maintained in clean environments, particularly in RABS or isolators. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] The present disclosure relates generally to hangers, and more particularly to hangers for hanging bags, for example when the bags are sterilized and utilized in a clean environment, and particularly for use in clean environments having more limited space or accessed by users located outside the clean environment, such as RABS or isolators. The present disclosure further relates to bags configured to be held by the hangers. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The present disclosure relates to a bag hanger including a main bracket body having a first leg configured to mount the main bracket body on a support and a second leg extending from the first leg configured to hang a bag. The second leg has an open-ended slot accessible at a distal end of the second leg. The open-ended slot is sized to receive at least one hangable portion of a bag.
[0008] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the main bracket body is a single, integral member, the main bracket body is substantially L-shaped, the main bracket body has a substantially uniform thickness and width, the first leg includes one or more mounting holes, the open end slot is centrally located at the distal end of the second leg, and / or the main bracket body is formed of metal.
[0009] The present disclosure may also provide a bag hanger assembly including at least one bag having at least one hangable portion at one end thereof and a main bracket body. The main bracket body includes a first leg configured to mount the main bracket body on a support and a second leg extending from the first leg. The second leg has an open-ended slot accessible at a distal end of the second leg. The open-ended slot receives the at least one hangable portion of the bag, thereby suspending the bag from the main bracket body.
[0010] In one embodiment, the hangable portion of the bag is a valve with a neck and a head, the neck having a width less than the width of the open-ended slot and the head having a width greater than the width of the open-ended slot.
[0011] In another embodiment, the bag of the bag hanger assembly is for use in a clean environment.
[0012] This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the present disclosure.
[0013] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. It is to be understood that the drawings show only some examples of the present disclosure, and that other examples or combinations of various examples not specifically shown in the drawings may fall within the scope of the present disclosure. The examples will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0014] [Figure 1a] ~ [Figure 1e] 1A-1D are various views of a bag hanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hanger of the present disclosure. [Figure 3a] ~ [Figure 3c] 3A-3E are various perspective views of the hanger shown in FIGS. 1a-1e and 2, showing the hanger with a bag hanging therefrom; [Figure 4a] ~ [Figure 4b] 1 illustrates an exemplary bag for use with the hanger. [Diagram 5] 13 shows another embodiment of a hanger. [Figure 6] Shows hangers inside the isolator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] In describing the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments shown in the drawings, specific terms will be relied upon for clarity. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and each specific term includes all technical equivalents that similarly operate to accomplish a similar purpose. Several embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes, and it is to be understood that the description and claims are not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and that other embodiments not specifically shown in the drawings may also be within the scope of the disclosure.
[0016] Referring to the drawings, the present disclosure generally relates to a hanger or bracket 10 configured to hang and suspend products, particularly containers having input / output ports, e.g., valves that form an inlet or outlet for air, liquid, or gas to the container. In one embodiment, the container 20 can be a bag or pouch. The design of the hanger 10 allows for easy hanging of the bag 20, as well as easy retrieval of the bag 20 once hung on the hanger 10. The hanger 10 may be formed as a single, integral member, e.g., made of a rigid metal or other rigid material, and is easily sterilizable when used in a clean environment. In one embodiment, the hanger 10 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal, such as 316 stainless steel, to further reduce contamination. In addition, the hanger 10 may be electropolished to fill or reduce pore size so that it can be more easily sterilized and reduce contamination. Other suitable materials, such as aluminum, may be used.
[0017] The hanger 10 can be used to hold containers 20 that hold items to be used within a clean environment, such as wipes saturated with a disinfectant (e.g., bleach) used to clean surfaces and products within the clean environment. The hanger 10 allows the bag 20 to be easily suspended in the clean environment so that the bag 20 can be sterilized and used within the clean environment.
[0018] The hanger 10 includes a main bracket body 12 having a support attachment arrangement and a product support arrangement. The support attachment arrangement is configured to attach the main bracket body 12 onto a support, such as a wall 52 of a cabinet, box, isolator 50 (FIG. 6), or the like. The support attachment arrangement can be, for example, a first leg 14. The product support arrangement is configured to hang a product, such as a bag 20. The product support arrangement can be, for example, a second leg 16 extending at an angle from the first leg 14. In one example, the second leg 16 extends substantially perpendicularly at a 90 degree angle from the first leg 14 such that the main bracket body 12 has a generally L-shape. The first and second legs 14 and 16 can be substantially flat and have approximately the same width and thickness such that the main bracket body 12 has a uniform thickness and width. The first and second legs 14 and 16 can have the same or different lengths. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second legs 14, 16 are elongated and generally rectangular in shape.
[0019] The first leg 14 can have one or more attachment mechanisms 30 for attaching the first leg 14 to a support. For example, the attachment mechanism 30 can be one or more holes sized to receive corresponding fasteners, such as mounting bolts or screws that pass through the holes and into the support to securely fasten the hanger 10 to the support. In other embodiments, the hanger 10 can be attached to a wall without mounting holes, for example, by a seal suitable for use in a clean environment (FIG. 3a). In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 2, the first leg 14 is provided with two holes. The holes are vertically aligned with each other. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, the holes are offset from each other so that they are not vertically aligned. The offset embodiment provides more support in the horizontal direction, for example to prevent lateral movement that may cause a user to accidentally hit the second leg 16. However, it will be recognized that other embodiments for fastening the hanger 10 to a support are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the support attachment device need not be an elongated member with an opening. Alternatively, the support attachment device can be a strap, adhesive or other fastening mechanism that securely and fixedly attaches the product support device to the support.
[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the support extends substantially vertically and the first leg 14 extends parallel to the support, i.e., substantially vertically in this example, and is attached to the support. The hanger 10 can be placed in any suitable location within the clean environment. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when utilized in a RABS or isolator 50, the hanger 10 can be placed on a vertical wall 52 directly opposite the glove port so that a user can easily reach the hanger 10 and the bag 20 placed on the hanger 10 through the glove port. The wall 52 of the isolator can be plastic (transparent or opaque), metal or other material. Or, the wall in the clean environment can be sheet rock, wood or other material. Thus, a user can open the bag 20 to access the wiper enclosed in the bag 20, close the bag, and also remove and replace the bag as needed. Of course, the hanger can be placed in any suitable location within the clean environment. Additionally, more than one hanger may be placed in the clean environment, but the hangers 10 should be spaced far enough apart so that the bags 20 do not contact each other so that the bags can be steam sterilized once introduced into the clean environment, as discussed more fully below and shown, for example, in FIG. 6.
[0021] In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the product attachment mechanism, i.e., second leg 16, is designed to engage bag 20 for hanging. For example, the product attachment device can have an attachment mechanism, e.g., an open-ended slot 32 having an open distal end and a proximal end 38. The slot 32 is accessible at a distal end 34 of a distal portion 33 of second leg 16, as best seen in FIGS. 1a, 1c, and 2. The slot 32 can be approximately in the center of the distal end 34 of second leg 16. Thus, the slot 32 extends at least partially inwardly from the distal end 34 of second leg 16 toward the first leg 14, thereby forming the first elongated finger 17 and the second elongated finger 19 at the distal portion 33 of second leg 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 32 has a uniform width such that the insides of the fingers 17, 19 are substantially parallel to one another. However, in other embodiments, the slot 32 may be tapered or stepped so as to be slightly wider at the open distal end and narrower at the proximal end to easily receive the hangable portion 22 of the bag. In yet another embodiment, the distal ends of the fingers 17, 19 may be angled upwardly slightly, or more orthogonally, relative to the upper surface of the second leg 16 to form a tab 18, as shown in FIG. 1d. In one embodiment, the tab 18 is at an angle of approximately 15-45 degrees relative to each finger 17, 19, and more preferably approximately 20 degrees relative to each finger 17, 19. It will be appreciated that the product support device need not be an elongated member having a slot, and other suitable embodiments are suitable.
[0022] The open-ended slot 32 is sized to receive at least one hangable portion 22 of the bag 20, as best seen in FIG. 3c. The slot 32 is sized such that the hangable portion 22 may be readily slidably received within the slot 32. The slot 32 has sufficient clearance such that there is no significant resistance when the hangable portion 22 is slidably received within the slot. However, the slot 32 is small enough to securely retain the hangable portion 22. Additionally, the slot 32 (and fingers 17, 19) is long enough to prevent the hangable portion 22 from accidentally falling out of the slot 32. In one embodiment, the length of the slot 32 is greater than the diameter of the hangable portion 22, and there is a predetermined distance from the hangable portion 22 to the tab 18.
[0023] The hangable portion 22 of the bag 20 may be, for example, a valve 24 having a neck 26 and a head 28. The valve 24 is firmly and securely fixed to the bag 20. The neck 26 of the valve 24 may have a width or diameter less than the width W (FIG. 1c) of the open-ended slot 32 such that the neck 26 may be received within the slot 32. The head 28 of the valve 24 is wider than the neck 26 and wider than the width W of the slot 32 such that when the bag 20 is hung, the bottom surface of the head 28 may rest on the top surface 36 of the second leg 16 of the hanger 10, as seen in FIGS. 3a-3c. Because the slot 32 of the hanger 10 is open-ended at the distal end 34 of the second leg 16, the bag 20 may be easily placed on and removed from the hanger 10 by sliding the hangable portion 22 of the bag 20 in and out of the slot 34. The bag 20 can be fully received within the slot and come to a stop at the proximal end 38 of the slot 32. When the hangable portion 22 (e.g., head 28) contacts the proximal end 38, the proximal end 38 stops the forward progression of the bag 20. In some embodiments, the slot 32 can extend the entire length of the second leg 16, thereby allowing the bag 20 to come to rest when it contacts the support.
[0024] It should be noted that the hanger may be utilized with a suitable container 20, such as that shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0085982, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the container 20 shown in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4b is utilized.
[0025] In use, to introduce the bag 20 into a clean room, the wiper is placed between the plastic layers, and the layers are heat sealed to enclose the wiper. At the same time, a fill port 24, such as a one-way valve 24, is heat sealed to the plastic layers. The bag can be radiation sterilized, and then a disinfectant, such as sterilized bleach, can be aseptically filled into the bag through the valve or fill port 24. The bag can then be double bagged (sequentially enclosed in two bags and then sealed separately) and placed into a lined carton for delivery to the end user. At the site, the user removes the double bagging and places the container 20 into a clean environment.
[0026] A user places the bag 20 on the hanger 10 in a clean environment by sliding the neck 26 of the hangable portion 22 into the slot 32. When used in an isolator or RABS, the user opens the isolator and places the bag 20 on the hanger 10. The isolator can then be closed and sterilized (including the hanger 10 and the bag 20), for example, by vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization. Each hanger 10 holds a single bag 20 at a distance from the wall of the isolator such that the bag 20 does not contact the wall of the isolator. In particular, the proximal end 38 of the slot 32 is set at a predetermined distance from the first leg 14 such that the bag 20 cannot contact the wall of the isolator. The proximal end 38 prevents the neck 26 from moving beyond a predetermined distance when the neck 26 is fully received in the slot 32. In addition, when multiple hangers are provided, each hanger is separated such that the bags 20 do not contact each other. In these methods, the bag 20 is allowed to hang freely, allowing steam to completely surround the entire bag 20 and sterilize it.
[0027] Once the interior of the isolator has been steam sterilized, the user can access the bag 20 through the glove port of the isolator. The user can then open the bag, remove the wiper saturated in the cleaning solution, and use the wiper to clean surfaces, equipment, or products placed inside the isolator. Once the bag wiper is emptied, the user can remove it from the hanger and place a new bag, or the empty bag can be replaced for the next isolator cleaning cycle.
[0028] In embodiments having a raised tab 18, the head 28 is raised onto the tab 18 while the bag 20 is slid in and out of the slot 34. The tab 18 prevents the head 28 of the hangable portion 22 from accidentally dislodging from the slot 34, such as if the bag is accidentally bumped. It should be understood that the hangable portion 22 of the bag 20 can be any structure capable of engaging the second leg 16 of the main bracket body 12 to allow the bag 20 to be hung therefrom. Also, although the second leg 16 of the hanger 10 is shown to support a single bag 20, the length of the second leg 16 can be extended to hold and hang multiple bags 20 depending on the application to be made.
[0029] FIG. 4a shows the bag 20 in more detail. The top layer of the bag 20 includes an opening and a cover 23, such as a press and seal cover, that encloses or covers the opening. The cover 23 may have a pull tab or access tab 25 that a user can pull to open the cover to access the wiper contained within the bag. The user can then remove the wiper through the open cover and bag opening. Once the wiper is removed, the user can close the cover. As further shown, the cover 23 is positioned so that it can be opened by a user with one hand. That is, the cover 23 opens by pulling down on the access tab 25. The hanger holds the bag 20 from the top end of the bag, so that the hanger 10 supports the bag when the user is pulling the access tab 25 downward.
[0030] The hanger 10 makes it easy for a user to remove the wiper from the bag 20. Once the bag 20 is on the hanger, it hangs freely but securely from the hanger 10 without the user having to hold the bag 20. The user can then access the access tab 25 to easily open the cover 23. When the user pulls to remove the wiper, the tab 18 prevents the bag 20 from accidentally coming off the hanger 10. This is particularly useful because the user is wearing gloves, for example through a glove port on the isolator.
[0031] The proximal end 38 of the slot 32 also facilitates one-handed opening of the bag 20 in the isolator. The proximal end 38 supports the valve 24 when the user is pulling downward on the access tab 25. Thus, when the access tab 25 is open, the user can push the bag inward (towards the first leg 14) and the proximal end 38 of the slot prevents forward movement. The proximal end 38 of the slot is a predetermined distance from the first leg 14 to support that movement so that the bag has enough room to hang reliably from the hanger 10 without the hanger contacting the bag 20 or otherwise accidentally pushing the bag 20 off the hanger 10.
[0032] 4b shows an alternative embodiment, in which the peel seal cover 25 may not be provided. Instead, the user may access the wipes by having a notch or perforation in the side of the bag 20. Thus, the user may tear open the bag by pulling on the side of the pouch at the notch. Thus, in use, the technician pulls the bag along the perforation to tear open the two layers of the pouch and access the saturated wipes contained therein.
[0033] It is noted that the hanger is described to hold the bag 20 in a clean environment so that the bag can be easily steam sterilized and the wiper can be easily removed by the user for use in the clean environment. However, it will be appreciated that the hanger 10 may be utilized for any other suitable purpose. For example, the hanger 10 may hold the bag 20 as it aseptically processes the bag 20 to aseptically fill the bag 20 with a solution, such as a cleaning solution (e.g., bleach or alcohol). The hanger 10 facilitates the user aseptically filling the bag 20 with a solution. When the bag 20 is placed on the hanger, the bag 20 is suspended on the hanger 10 with the valve 24 facing upwards for easy access by the user. The bag 20 hangs freely but securely on the hanger 10 without the user having to hold the bag 20. The user can access the valve 24 with both hands if necessary to more easily fill the bag. This is particularly useful because the user is wearing gloves, for example through a glove port on an isolator. The hanger 10 makes it easy for the user to fill the bag with solution because the user can insert a tube into the valve and the hanger 10 cooperates with the head 28 to hold the valve in place on the top surface 36 of the second leg 16.
[0034] The proximal end 38 of the slot 32 also makes it easier for the user to fill the bag 20 in the isolator by supporting the valve 24 as the user fills the solution. Thus, the user can push the bag inward (towards the first leg 14) and forward movement is prevented by the proximal end 38 of the slot. The proximal end 38 of the slot is at a predetermined distance from the first leg 14 and can support that movement so that the bag has enough room to hang securely on the hanger 10 (when empty and when filled) without the support contacting the bag 20 or otherwise pushing against the bag that could otherwise accidentally push the bag 20 off the hanger 10. Once the bag is filled, the user slides it off the hanger and places a new bag on the hanger for aseptic processing.
[0035] It should be noted that the hanger 10 is shown and described for use in an isolator, however, it may have other suitable uses, such as in any area, room or location, whether or not it is a clean environment.
[0036] It is further noted that in one embodiment shown and described, the hangable portion 22 is a valve used to attach the bag 20 to the hanger 10. Additionally, the valve 24 can be used to (aseptically) fill the bag 20 with solution over the wiper. However, it will be appreciated that the hangable portion 22 need not be a valve, and can be a fastening device that does not allow for aseptic filling of the bag with solution. Also, the hanger and hangable portion need not have the shapes shown, rather the hanger can include a first fastening mechanism and the hangable portion can include a second fastening mechanism that releasably engages the first fastening mechanism, thereby allowing the bag to be freely hung by the first and second fastening mechanisms.
[0037] It should also be noted that the support attachment apparatus and the product support apparatus are shown and described as separate features of a single, integral body 12. However, the support attachment apparatus and the product support apparatus can be part of the same mechanism. For example, there can be a single leg 16 that can include one or more features (such as openings or fastening mechanisms) for attaching the second leg 16 to the support. In addition, although the support attachment apparatus and the product support apparatus are shown formed directly to one another, they can also be formed indirectly with one or more intermediate members between them.
[0038] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings that modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the various examples described may be used individually or in combination with other examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations of examples not specifically described or illustrated herein are within the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular examples described, and that the examples of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.
[0039] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the adjective "another," when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and similar terms are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
[0040] Additionally, where the method above or any method claim below does not expressly require an order that its steps be followed, or where an order is not otherwise required based on the language of the description or claims, no particular order is intended to be inferred. Similarly, if a method claim below does not explicitly recite a step referred to in the description above, it should not be assumed that the step is required by that claim.
[0041] It should be noted that the description and claims may use geometric or relational terms such as L-shaped, down, downward, top, bottom, angle, elongated, parallel, orthogonal, etc. These terms are not intended to limit the disclosure, but are generally used for convenience to facilitate explanation based on the examples shown in the drawings. In addition, the geometric or relational terms may not be precise. For example, walls may not be strictly perpendicular or parallel to each other due to, for example, surface roughness, tolerances allowed in manufacturing, etc., but may still be considered to be perpendicular or parallel. [Explanation of symbols]
[0042] 10 Hanger 12 Main bracket body 14 First leg 16 Second leg 17 First Finger 18 Tabs 19 Second Finger 20 Bags 22 Hangable part 23 Cover 24 valves 25 Access tab 26 Neck 28 Head 30 Attachment mechanism 32 Slots 33 Distal part 34 Distal end 36 Top side 38 Proximal end 50 Isolator 52 Wall
Claims
1. An L-shaped main bracket body having an L shape, a first vertical elongated leg having a lower end configured to fixedly vertically attach the main bracket body to a fixed vertical support; a second horizontal elongate leg having an upper surface extending outward from the lower end of the first vertical elongate leg substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction and configured to suspend a bag, the second horizontal elongate leg having a first elongate finger having a first inner side and a second elongate finger having a second inner side, the first inner side being parallel to the second inner side; an accessible open-ended slot formed in a distal end of the second elongated leg between a first inner side of the first elongated finger and a second inner side of the second elongated finger, the elongated open-ended slot extending inwardly from the distal end of the second elongated leg toward the first elongated leg and sized to receive at least one hangable portion of the bag; L-shaped main bracket body a bag hanger configured to be attached to a fixed vertical support in a clean environment,
2. 2. The bag hanger of claim 1, wherein the main bracket body is a single, integral member.
3. The bag hanger of claim 1 , wherein the main bracket body has a substantially uniform thickness and width.
4. 10. The bag hanger of claim 1, wherein the first leg includes one or more mounting holes configured to attach the first vertical elongated leg to a vertical support.
5. 2. The bag hanger of claim 1, wherein the open-ended slot is centrally located at the distal end of the second leg.
6. 2. The bag hanger according to claim 1, wherein the main bracket body is made of metal.
7. The bag hanger of claim 1 , wherein the bag hanger is used in a clean environment.
8. 8. The bag hanger of claim 7, wherein the clean environment comprises a limited access barrier system, a clean room, and / or an isolator.
9. at least one bag having an upper end and a lower end; at least one hangable portion at the top end of the at least one bag; A one-piece main bracket body consisting of a single integral flexure, a first vertical leg configured in a mounting position to be fixedly mounted vertically to the vertical support, the first vertical leg having a lower portion with a lower end; a second horizontal leg extending integrally and substantially horizontally outward from the lower end of the first vertical leg in the mounted position, the second horizontal leg forming a single overall bend between the first vertical leg and the second horizontal leg; an open-ended slot in the second horizontal leg accessible at a distal end of the second horizontal leg, the open-ended slot receiving the at least one hangable portion of the bag, a second end of the at least one bag not being prevented from hanging freely downwardly from the second horizontal leg in the attached position, the second elongated leg having a first elongated finger having a first interior side and a second elongated finger having a second interior side forming an open-ended slot therebetween, the first interior side being parallel to the second interior side; a unitary main bracket body including: Includes bag hanger assembly.
10. 10. The bag hanger assembly of claim 9, wherein the hangable portion is a valve having a neck and a head, the neck having a width less than a width of the open-ended slot, and the head having a width greater than the width of the open-ended slot.
11. 10. The bag hanger assembly of claim 9, wherein the bag is for use in a clean room.
12. The bag hanger assembly of claim 9, wherein the bag hanger assembly is used in a clean environment.
13. 13. The bag hanger of claim 12, wherein the clean environment comprises a limited access barrier system, a clean room, and / or an isolator.
14. A main bracket body, a support mounting device configured to fixedly mount the main bracket body to a fixed support, the support mounting device including a thin plate with an inwardly facing surface configured to contact the fixed vertical support, the support mounting device having a lower portion with a lower end; a product support device coupled to the lower end of the support mounting device and configured to suspend a product downwardly from the product support device, whereby the product support device is below the support mounting device, the product support device including a thin plate with an upper surface facing substantially perpendicular to the inward-facing surface of the support mounting device, the product having a product hangable portion above the product and a product body portion below the hangable portion, the product support device having a first elongated finger having a first inner side and a second elongated finger having a second inner side, the first inner side being parallel to the second inner side; an attachment mechanism on the product support device configured to removably receive the hangable product portion of the product, the attachment mechanism comprising an elongated open-ended slot formed at a distal end of the product support device between a first inner side of the first elongated finger and a second inner side of the second elongated finger and accessible from the distal end, the elongated open-ended slot extending inwardly from the distal end of the second elongated leg toward the support attachment device, such that the product body portion is below and unobstructed by the support attachment device; and Including the main bracket body Product including hanger.
15. 15. The product hanger of claim 14, wherein the main bracket body is a single, integral member.
16. 15. The product hanger of claim 14, wherein the main bracket body is substantially L-shaped.
17. The product hanger of claim 14 , wherein the main bracket body has a substantially uniform thickness and width.
18. The product hanger of claim 14 , wherein the support attachment device includes one or more attachment holes.
19. 15. The product hanger of claim 14, wherein the open-ended slot is centrally located at the distal end of the second leg.
20. The product hanger of claim 14 , wherein the main bracket body is formed from metal.
21. an enclosed housing having a fixed vertical support; 1. An L-shaped bag hanger assembly comprising: a first elongated leg extending substantially vertically with an upper end portion having an upper end and a lower end portion having a lower end, the first elongated leg having an inwardly facing surface disposed against the support; an opening in the upper end portion of the first vertical leg; a fastening device that passes through the opening and into the vertical support, fixedly attaching the bag hanger assembly to the vertical support with the inwardly facing surface of the first leg in contact with the vertical support; a second leg integral with the first leg and extending perpendicularly outward from the lower end of the first leg to form the L-shape, the second elongated leg having a substantially horizontally extending upper surface, the second elongated leg having a first elongated finger with a first inner side and a second elongated finger with a second inner side, the first inner side being parallel to the second inner side; an accessible open-ended slot formed at a distal end of the second elongated leg between a first inner side of the first elongated finger and a second inner side of the second elongated finger, the open-ended slot sized to receive at least one hangable portion of the bag to vertically hang the bag; an L-shaped bag hanger assembly including: A sealed clean environment including:
22. 22. The clean environment of claim 21, wherein the support comprises a wall.
23. 22. The clean environment of claim 21, wherein the clean environment comprises a limited access barrier system, a clean room, and / or an isolator.
24. 22. The clean environment of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of bag hanger assemblies, said plurality of bag hanger assemblies being spaced apart from one another to allow sterilization of said plurality of bag hanger assemblies.
25. 22. The clean environment of claim 21, wherein the first leg, the second leg, and the slot are each elongated.
26. 22. The clean environment of claim 21, wherein the distal end of the second leg is angled upward.
27. 22. The clean environment of claim 21, wherein the distal end is configured to engage the bag and retain the bag on the second leg.
28. 22. The clean environment of claim 21, wherein the first leg is fixedly positioned relative to the second leg.
29. 22. The clean environment of claim 21, wherein the sealed housing has an access panel with an open position that allows access to an interior of the sealed housing and a closed position that denies access to the interior of the housing.