U.S. patent application number 11/230162 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for specimen collection and shipping kit and container therefor.
Invention is credited to Lawrence F. Bender.
Application Number | 20070062842 11/230162 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37882978 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070062842 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bender; Lawrence F. |
March 22, 2007 |
Specimen collection and shipping kit and container therefor
Abstract
A shipping container is provided for shipping specimens from
collection sites to testing facilities. The container includes a
base for holding a specimen-containing vial during shipment. The
base includes a compartment for receiving at least one implement
used in collecting the specimen. Resealable closure means are
provided for closing and sealing the shipping container to allow
the container to be opened and inspected during shipment and
resealed for final shipment to the testing facility. A specimen
collection and shipping kit includes the container, at least one
vial and at least one collecting implement.
Inventors: |
Bender; Lawrence F.;
(Louisville, KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John R. Hoffman
P.O. Box 191
616 W. 13th Street
Jasper
IN
47547
US
|
Family ID: |
37882978 |
Appl. No.: |
11/230162 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/569 ;
206/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/5038 20130101;
B65D 2313/02 20130101; A61B 10/0096 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/569 ;
206/570 |
International
Class: |
B65D 69/00 20060101
B65D069/00 |
Claims
1. A specimen collection and shipping kit, comprising: at least one
implement for collecting a specimen; at least one vial for storing
the collected specimen; a shipping container for shipment to a
testing facility, the shipping container including a protective box
to hold the vial during shipment, a compartment for placing the
implement thereinto for shipment with the vial, and resealable
closure means for closing and sealing the shipping container to
allow the container to be opened and inspected during shipment and
resealed for final shipment to the testing facility.
2. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 1 wherein said
protective box defines a box-like base having a cavity for
receiving and holding the vial during shipment.
3. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 2 wherein said
box-like base includes a plurality of said cavities for receiving
and holding a plurality of said vials.
4. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 3 wherein said
cavities are in a cluster with said compartment located alongside
the cluster of cavities.
5. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 4 wherein said
cluster of cavities is located centrally of the box-like base, with
a pair of said compartments along opposite sides of the cluster of
cavities.
6. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 1 wherein said
vial includes a cup-like body and a lid to cover and close the
body.
7. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 1 wherein said
shipping container comprises a one-piece structure fabricated of
foldable sheet material.
8. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 7 wherein said
sheet material comprises corrugated cardboard or plastic.
9. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 7 wherein said
shipping container includes an inner flap foldable over the
protective box and the vial held thereon.
10. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 9 wherein at
least a portion of said inner flap is at least translucent td
afford visualization of the vial therebeneath.
11. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 9 wherein
said inner flap is foldable over the compartment and the implement
placed therewithin.
12. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 11 wherein at
least a portion of said inner flap is at least translucent to
afford visualization of the vial and the implement
therebeneath.
13. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 9 wherein
said shipping container includes an outer flap foldable over the
inner flap and providing said resealable closure means.
14. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 13 wherein
said outer flap includes a first releasable seal and at least a
second reseal.
15. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 14 wherein
said shipping container includes indicia means respectively
correlated to said first releasable seal and said second reseal to
be filled in by a user to indicate the protocol in effecting the
seal and reseal.
16. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 15 wherein
said indicia means are on the inner flap.
17. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 9 wherein
said inner flap comprises a first inner flap, and including a
second inner flap foldable over the first inner flap.
18. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 17 wherein
said shipping container includes an outer flap foldable over the
inner flaps and providing said resealable closure means.
19. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 1 wherein
said shipping container includes indicia means thereon including
indicia to be filled in by a user to indicate the protocol in
initially packing the container and subsequently inspecting the
container.
20. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 19 wherein
said indicia means include indicia to be filled in by a user to
indicate the contents of the container.
21. The specimen collection and shipping kit of claim 1 wherein
said shipping container includes indicia means thereon including
indicia to be filled in by a user to indicate the contents of the
container.
22. A shipping container for shipping specimens from collection
sites to testing facilities, comprising: a base for holding a
specimen-containing vial during shipment, the base including a
compartment for receiving at least one implement used in collecting
the specimen; and resealable closure means for closing and sealing
the shipping container to allow the container to be opened and
inspected during shipment and resealed for final shipment to the
testing facility.
23. The shipping container of claim 22 wherein said base is a
box-like structure having a cavity for receiving and holding the
vial during shipment.
24. The shipping container of claim 23 wherein said box-like base
includes a plurality of said cavities for receiving and holding a
plurality of said vials.
25. The shipping container of claim 24 wherein said cavities are in
a cluster with said compartment located alongside the cluster of
cavities.
26. The shipping container of claim 25 wherein said cluster of
cavities is located centrally of the box-like base, with a pair of
said compartments along opposite sides of the cluster of
cavities.
27. The shipping container of claim 22 wherein said shipping
container comprises a one-piece structure fabricated of foldable
sheet material.
28. The shipping container of claim 27 wherein said sheet material
comprises corrugated cardboard or plastic.
29. The shipping container of claim 27 wherein said shipping
container includes an inner flap foldable over the base, the
specimen-containing vial in the base and the implement-containing
compartment.
30. The shipping container of claim 29 wherein said shipping
container includes an outer flap foldable over the inner flap and
providing said resealable closure means.
31. The shipping container of claim 30 wherein said outer flap
includes a first releasable seal and at least a second reseal.
32. the shipping container of claim 31 wherein said shipping
container includes indicia means respectively correlated to said
first releasable seal and said second reseal to be filled in by a
user to indicate the protocol in effecting the seal and reseal.
33. The shipping container of claim 32 wherein said indicia means
are on the inner flap.
34. The shipping container of claim 29 wherein said inner flap
comprises a first inner flap, and including a second inner flap
foldable over the first inner flap.
35. The shipping container of claim 34 wherein said shipping
container includes an outer flap foldable over the inner flaps and
providing said resealable closure means.
36. The shipping container of claim 22 wherein said shipping
container includes indicia means thereof including indicia to be
filled in by a user to indicate the protocol in initially packing
the container and subsequently inspecting the container.
37. The shipping container of claim 36 wherein said indicia means
include indicia to be filled in by a user to indicate the contents
of the container.
38. The shipping container of claim 22 wherein said shipping
container includes indicia means thereon including indicia to be
filled in by a user to indicate the contents of the container.
39. A shipping container for shipping specimens from collection
sites to testing facilities, comprising: a base for holding a
collected specimen; and a resealable closure means for closing and
sealing the base to allow the container to be opened and inspected
during shipment and resealed for final shipment to the testing
facility.
40. The shipping container of claim 39 wherein said base is a
box-like structure for receiving and holding the collected
specimen.
41. The shipping container of claim 39 wherein said shipping
container comprises a one-piece structure fabricated of foldable
sheet material.
42. The shipping container of claim 41 wherein said sheet material
comprises corrugated cardboard or plastic.
43. The shipping container of claim 41 wherein said shipping
container includes an inner flap foldable over the base and the
collected specimen held in the base.
44. The shipping container of claim 43 wherein said shipping
container includes an outer flap foldable over the inner flap and
providing said resealable closure means.
45. The shipping container of claim 44 wherein said outer flap
includes a first releasable seal and at least a second reseal.
46. The shipping container of claim 45 wherein said shipping
container includes indicia means respectively correlated to said
first releasable seal and said second reseal to be filled in by a
user to indicate the protocol in effecting the seal and reseal.
47. The shipping container of claim 46 wherein said indicia means
are on the inner flap.
48. The shipping container of claim 43 wherein said inner flap
comprises a first inner flap, and including a second inner flap
foldable over the first inner flap.
49. The shipping container of claim 48 wherein said shipping
container includes an outer flap foldable over the inner flaps and
providing said resealable closure means.
50. The shipping container of claim 39 wherein said shipping
container includes indicia means thereof including indicia to be
filled in by a user to indicate the protocol in initially packing
the container and subsequently inspecting the container.
51. The shipping container of claim 50 wherein said indicia means
include indicia to be filled in by a user to indicate the contents
of the container.
52. The shipping container of claim 39 wherein said shipping
container includes indicia means thereon including indicia to be
filled in by a user to indicate the contents of the container.
53. A blank formed from a single sheet of material to be folded
into a specimen collection and shipping container, comprising: a
generally rectangular bottom panel having first and second opposite
sides and third and fourth opposite sides with all sides being
mutually perpendicular to each other; a platform panel attached to
the first side of the bottom panel along longitudinal fold lines
whereby the platform panel is foldable over the bottom panel in an
elevated position, the platform panel being configured for holding
a specimen-containing vial during shipment; an inner panel attached
to the third side of the bottom panel along longitudinal fold lines
whereby the inner panel is foldable over the platform panel and the
vial held thereby; and an outer panel attached to the second side
of the bottom panel along longitudinal fold lines whereby the outer
panel is foldable over the inner panel.
54. The blank of claim 53 wherein said platform panel is of a
smaller size than the bottom panel whereby a compartment is formed
along at least one side of the platform panel to create a
compartment for receiving an implement used in the collection of a
specimen.
55. The blank of claim 53 wherein said inner panel comprises a
first inner panel, and including a second inner panel attached to
the fourth side of the bottom panel along longitudinal fold lines
whereby the second inner panel is foldable over the first inner
panel.
56. The blank of claim 53, including a closure panel attached to a
free end of said outer panel along at least one longitudinal fold
line whereby the closure panel is foldable over an outside of the
bottom panel.
57. The blank of claim 53 wherein said elevated platform panel is
blanked with a plurality of apertures to form cavities for holding
a plurality of specimen-collecting vials.
58. A blank formed from a single sheet of material to be folded
into a specimen collection and shipping container, comprising: a
generally rectangular bottom panel having first and second opposite
sides and third and fourth opposite sides with all sides being
mutually perpendicular to each other; an inner panel attached to
the third side of the bottom panel along longitudinal fold lines
whereby the inner panel is foldable over the bottom panel in a
box-like configuration; an outer panel attached to the second side
of the bottom panel along longitudinal fold lines whereby the outer
panel is foldable over the inner panel; and a closure panel
foldable over an outside of the bottom panel.
59. The blank of claim 58 wherein said inner panel comprises a
first inner panel, and including a second inner panel attached to
the fourth side of the bottom panel along longitudinal fold lines
whereby the second inner panel is foldable over the first inner
panel.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to the art of specimen or
sample collection and shipping the collected specimens or samples
while maintaining custodial protocol.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A wide variety of specimens, samples, cultures or the like
are being collected for transport to a laboratory, testing facility
or other site remote from the collection site. Such procedures are
used in a wide variety of applications. For instance, specimens or
cell cultures may be collected from a person and shipped to a
laboratory for tests relating to the diagnosis and treatment of
illnesses or for DNA research, paternity testing, transplant
matching or the like. The tests may involve detection of highly
infectious and potentially fatal diseases such as acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis, hepatitis or the like.
Other areas of specimen collection and shipment involve animal
research and testing such as for mastitis in commercial dairy herds
or mad cow disease in any type of cattle. Mosquitos and/or mosquito
larva is collected for testing. In fact, entire bird carcasses are
collected and shipped to laboratories.
[0003] One of the fastest growing specimen collection and shipping
applications is in the area of microbiological surface sampling and
testing. These procedures are carried out in homes, offices and a
wide range of other buildings and even in cars, boats, trucks,
RV's, trailers and the like. The specimens involve airborne
bacteria and fungi which settle on surfaces and can be easily
collected. One of the most prominent applications in recent years
involves the testing for "black mold" in homes, offices or other
buildings.
[0004] In all of the above specimen collection and shipment
applications, the specimens are collected at a location which is
different from and, usually, quite remote from the testing or
verification facilities. This requires the specimens to be shipped
in safe and secure containers. Heretofore, such containers
typically have been very complicated and expensive and not
applicable for cheap mass production and mass usage. Another
problem is that a fail-safe protocol system is not provided, so
that the custody and handling of the specimen containers can be
easily tracked. This is particularly true with present homeland
security regulations which might require a shipping container to be
opened and inspected. The protocol of such inspections must be
maintained, and the container must somehow be resealed,
particularly when shipping hazardous or infectious specimens. Still
another problem involves disposal of the actual tools, appliances
or implements used in collecting the specimens. These implements,
obviously, become contaminated and proper disposal of the
implements becomes a very serious problem. The present invention is
directed to solving this myriad of problems and satisfying needs in
the area of specimen collection and shipment which is not available
in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object, therefore, of the invention is to provide a new
and improved specimen collection and shipping kit.
[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide a new and
improved shipping container for shipping specimens from collection
sites to laboratories, testing facilities or the like.
[0007] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, a shipping
container is provided for shipping specimens from collection sites
to testing facilities. The container includes a base for holding a
specimen-containing vial during shipment. In one embodiment of the
invention, the base includes a compartment for receiving at least
one implement used in collecting the specimen. Resealable closure
means are provided for closing and sealing the shipping container
to allow the container to be opened and inspected during shipment
and resealed for final shipment to the testing facility.
[0008] As disclosed herein, the base of the shipping container is a
box-like structure having a cavity for receiving and holding the
vial during shipment. The box-like base may include a plurality of
the cavities for receiving and holding a plurality of the vials. In
the illustrated embodiment, a cluster of the cavities is located
centrally of the box-like base, with a pair of the compartments
along opposite sides of the cluster of cavities.
[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the shipping
container is formed as a one-piece structure fabricated of foldable
sheet metal material, such as corrugated cardboard or plastic. An
inner flap is foldable over the base and the vials held therein, as
well as over the compartment and the implements held therein. An
outer flap is foldable over the inner flap and provides the
resealable closure means. The outer flap includes a first
resealable seal and at least a second reseal.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the shipping
container includes indicia means respectively correlated to the
first resealable seal and the second reseal, to be filled in by a
user to indicate the protocol in effecting the seal and reseal. As
disclosed herein, the indicia means is provided on the outer flap
as well as the inner flap of the one-piece foldable container.
[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention, the inner
flap comprises a first inner flap, and a second inner flap is
foldable over the first inner flap. It is contemplated that at
least the inner flap may be fabricated of transparent material to
allow for visualization of the vial therebeneath.
[0012] The invention also contemplates a specimen collection and
shipping kit. Specifically, the kit includes at least one implement
for collecting a specimen. At least one vial is provided for
storing the collected specimen. The box-like base of the container
receives and protects the vial. The compartment in the base
receives the implement for shipment with the vial to the testing
facility.
[0013] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The features of this invention which are believed to be
novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The
invention, together with its objects and the advantages thereof,
may be best understood by reference to the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference numerals identify like elements in the figures and in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shipping container
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of vials
positionable into the container of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of collection
implements positionable into the container of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIGS. 4-15 are sequential views of fabricating and forming
the container of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 16 is a plan view, on an enlarged scale, of the outside
of the outside closure flap of the container in FIG. 1, showing
details of the chain of custody indicia means and the resealable
closure means;
[0020] FIG. 17 is a view similar to that of FIG. 16, but showing
the indicia means and resealable closure means on an inside flap of
the container;
[0021] FIGS. 18-29 are views similar to that of FIGS. 4-15, but
showing a second embodiment of the invention; and
[0022] FIGS. 30-41 are views similar to that of FIGS. 4-15, but
showing a third embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Referring to the drawings in greater detail, FIGS. 1-17 show
a first embodiment of the invention and which will be described
first, below. FIGS. 18-29 show a second embodiment of the
invention. FIGS. 30-41 show a third embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] Before proceeding with a description of the first
embodiment, certain terms will be used herein in a generic sense to
include equivalent structures, lacking an appropriate generic term.
For instance, the phrase "vial" is used herein to describe any
structure capable of appropriately holding the particular specimen
collected. For instance, a "vial" herein is meant to include such
structures as testing tubes, flexible pouches or any similar
structure used to appropriately enclose a particular specimen for
handling and shipping purposes. The term "testing facility" is used
herein to indicate any facility whatsoever, such as laboratories or
the like, where a specimen might be shipped for further analysis
after collection. The term "implement" or "collection implement" is
used herein to describe a wide range of apparatus for collecting
specimens whether the specimens are solids, liquids, gaseous or
particulate or powder in nature. For instance, collection
implements may include collection plates, collection filters,
funnels, gloves, adhesive tape, scissors, forceps, brushes,
spatulas, sterile pouches, swabs, ties, glasses, labels, breathing
masks, sanitizing wipers, scales and refrigerants. The terms
"implements" or "collection implements" are intended to include
items used in the collection of specimens, such as protective gear
including gloves, face masks and the like. Some or all of these
implements can become contaminated during the process of collecting
various specimens.
[0025] With those understandings, reference is made to FIG. 1 which
shows a shipping container, generally designated 10, according to a
first embodiment of the invention. Container 10 includes a base or
protective box, generally designated 12, a first inner flap or
panel 14 foldable over the protective box, a second inner flap or
panel 16 foldable over the first inner flap 14, an outer flap or
panel forming a lid 18 foldable over the inner flaps, and a
resealable closure means in the form of a resealable closure flap
or panel 20 for closing and sealing shipping container 10 to allow
the container to be opened and inspected during shipment and
resealed for final shipment to the testing facility, as will be
explained hereinafter. Also as will be seen hereinafter, the
resealable closure flap 50 performs a dual function of providing
indicia means to be filled in by a user to indicate the protocol in
effecting the seal and resealing of the container.
[0026] The base or protective box 12 of container 10 includes a
plurality of cavities 22 for receiving a plurality of vials
(described below in relation to FIG. 2) during shipment. At least
one compartment 24 is formed by protective box 12 for placing
collection implements (described below in relation to FIG. 3) into
the container for shipment with the vials to the testing facility.
In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, a cluster (six) of cavities
22 is located generally centrally of protective box 12, and a pair
of compartments 24 are formed along opposite sides of the cluster
of cavities.
[0027] The invention not only contemplates a shipping container 10
as described above in relation to FIG. 1, but the invention
contemplates the provision of a self-contained kit which includes
all of the items necessary for use in collecting a specimen or
specimens and ship the specimens to a testing facility, along with
the collection implements which might have become contammated
during the collection process. To that end, reference is made to
FIG. 2 wherein a plurality of vials, generally designated 26, are
shown. Each vial includes a cup-like body 26a and a lid 26b to
cover and close the body. The body and/or the lid may be textured
so that the vial can be marked as to its content identity and site
identity. Alternatively, a marking tape may be applied to the vial
for identification purposes. A plurality of vials often are
required for collecting specimens in various collection processes.
For instance, if a test is to be conducted for "black mold" in a
building, specimens may be collected from different rooms, and the
plurality of vials would be so marked to indicate from which room
the specimen in the respective vial has been collected. A plurality
of vials would be required for collecting and shipping medical
biopsy specimens such as testing for gastrointestinal disorders.
Specimens would be collected from such locations as the esophagus,
the stomach and the duodenum. The various specimens are placed in
vials 26 which, in turn, are placed in cavities 22 in the
protective box of container 10. Preferably, the vials are sized to
be held snugly in the cavities during shipment.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a plurality of collection implements, generally
designated 28, which might be used in collecting the specimens
which are placed in vials 26. The collection implements can take a
very wide variety of configurations ranging from simple swabs to
more complicated forceps or syringes. One of the major problems
with collection and shipping containers of the prior art is that a
user is stuck with the task of disposing the collection implements
which could be contaminated with caustic or highly infectious
specimens. Typically, a user ships the collected specimens off to
the testing facility and is left with the collection implements for
proper disposal. Often, there are no local disposal facilities and
a user has a tendency of disposing of the collection implements in
an improper or unsafe manner. According to the invention, container
10 not only has a plurality of cavities 22 for receiving and
securely holding vials 26 and the specimens therewithin, but the
base or protective box 12 of the container has the compartments 24
for receiving the collection implements which also can be shipped
with the specimens to the testing facility which is particularly
equipped with proper disposal facilities and procedures. In other
words, there cannot be a better facility for disposal of the
collection implements than the very facility which is equipped to
dispose of the potentially contaminating specimens.
[0029] FIGS. 4-15 show the steps in forming container 10 (FIG. 1)
from a flat blank, generally designated 30 in FIG. 4. The blank is
stamped from a sheet of appropriate material, such as corrugated
cardboard or plastic. Plastic would be preferred where the
container will be exposed to the weather, other liquids, acids or
other caustic materials. All of the dotted lines 32 in FIGS. 4-10
represent scored lines to form longitudinal fold lines where the
flat material of blank 30 is weakened to allow bending of the
various portions of the blank along the dotted lines. FIG. 4
clearly shows where protective box 12, first inner flap or panel
14, second inner flap or panel 16, outer flap or lid 18 and the
resealable closure flap or panel 20 are located within the
configuration of flat blank 30. The various flaps extend radially
away from a center wall 32 which forms the bottom wall of
protective box 12. The protective box is given a depth by means of
a flange 14a which runs along the inner edge of the first inner
flap 14. The second inner flap 16 similarly has an inside flange
16a. The outer flap or lid 18 has an inside flange 18a. The outer
flap or lid also has a pair of side flanges 18b and an outside
flange 18c. A pair of tabs 34 project outwardly from opposite ends
of inside flange 18a of lid 18.
[0030] Still referring to blank 30 of FIG. 4, protective box 12
includes a platform panel 36 which has a plurality of holes or
apertures 22 which define the cavities for receiving vials 26.
Platform 36 is elevated above bottom wall 32 by means of an inside
flange 36a, an outside flange 36b and a pair of side flanges 36c. A
pair of tabs 38 project outwardly from opposite ends of inside
flange 36a, and a pair of tabs 40 project outwardly from opposite
ends of outside flange 36b. Strips of pressure sensitive adhesives
are applied at 42 on inside flange 14a, at 44 on inside flange 16,
and at 46 on inside flange 18a. Adhesive strips 42,44 are permanent
adhesives which function to maintain the shape of the container. A
releasable adhesive strip is applied at 48 on each side flange 18b
of lid 18. Releasable Velcro discs 49 are applied at opposite ends
of each releasable adhesive strip 48. The releasable adhesive
strips 48 and Velcro discs 49 help to maintain the shape of the
container by preventing flanges 18b of lid 18 from flaring
outwardly. Separate tape could be used, but the tape would have to
be provided and cut to open the container, whereas releasable
adhesive strips 48 and Velcro discs 49 provide self-contained means
on the container, itself. Platform 36 could be moved to one side or
the other to vary the sizes of compartments 24 to accommodate
different sizes of collection implements, or the platform could be
moved all the way to one side to form only one compartment.
[0031] FIGS. 5-15 show the steps in forming container 10 from blank
30. Specifically, inner flaps 14 and 16 are bent upwardly in
relation to bottom wall 32 as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. Tabs 34 and 38
then are bent upwardly along opposite edges of the inner flaps as
seen in FIG. 7. The lid then is formed by bending side flanges 18b
and outside flange 18c upwardly relative to outer flap 18 as seen
in FIG. 8. Inside flange 18a of the outer flap then is bent
upwardly as seen in FIG. 9, whereupon tabs 34 can be pressed into
engagement with adhesives 42 and 44 (not visible in the depiction)
as seen in FIG. 9.
[0032] Outside flange 36b and side flanges 36c then are bent
generally perpendicular to platform 36 as seen in FIG. 10. Inside
flange 36a then is bent upwardly as seen in FIG. 11, which swings
platform 36 over into a position generally parallel to and spaced
from bottom wall 32. Tabs 40 at opposite ends of outside flange 36b
of platform 36 are bent outwardly and adhered to adhesive 46. This
depiction of FIG. 11 corresponds to that of FIG. 1 described above.
In essence, flanges 36a, 36b and 36c about the periphery of
platform 36 maintain the platform elevated above bottom wall 32 so
that vials 26 can be positioned into and through the holes 22 which
define the cavities for the vials. It also can be understood that
the side walls of the base or protective box 12 are formed by
inside flange 36a of platform 36, inside flange 14a of inner flap
14, inside flange 16a of inner flap 16 and inside flange 18a of
outer flap 18.
[0033] In essence, the condition of container 10 in FIGS. 1 and 11
is the "usage stage" of the container. After the specimens are
collected by implements 28 and placed in vials 26, the vials are
closed and are positioned into cavities 22 in elevated platform 36.
The collection implements also are placed into the container,
directly into compartments 24 along opposite sides of the
vial-containing platform. Before proceeding, it can be seen that a
pair of Velcro disks 52 are attached to the outsides of inside
flange 14a of inner flap 14 and inside flange 16a of inner flap 16.
Only the Velcro disks on the outside of flange 14a are visible in
FIG. 11.
[0034] After the filled vials 24 are snugly positioned within
cavities 22, and after the collection implements 28 are positioned
into compartments 24, the first inner flap 14 is bent or folded
over the top of protective box 12 as seen in FIG. 12. The other
inner flap 16 then is folded over inner flap 14 as seen in FIG. 12.
The outer flap or lid 18 then is closed as shown in FIG. 14. The
resealable closure flap 20 then is closed and sealed as shown in
FIG. 15, whereupon container 10 now is ready to be shipped to a
testing facility, along with the filled vials and the collection
implements stored within the container.
[0035] FIG. 16 shows the details of the top side of resealable
closure flap 20. As viewed in FIG. 16, outside edge 20a of flap 20
is a free edge of the flap as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 11 and 14.
Inside edge 20b of the flap is integrally joined with flange 18a of
outer flap or lid 18. Therefore, closure flap 20 can pivot or fold
about inside edge 20b.
[0036] FIG. 16 shows five parallel seal strips of adhesive
indicated by phantom lines 60. The adhesive strips are applied to
the bottom side of closure flap 20 as viewed in FIG. 16. The seal
strips are covered by removable release strips. A plurality of tear
strips or strings 62 are accessible to a user at the top side of
closure flap 20, with one tear strip 62 running along and
immediately inside each seal strip 60, i.e., away from free edge
20a of the resealable closure flap 20.
[0037] The use of the resealable closure flap 20 in FIG. 16 now
will be described. After vials 26 and collection implements 28 have
been placed into cavities 22 and compartments 24, respectively, of
shipping container 10, the container then is closed as described
above in relation to FIGS. 12-14. The user removes the release
strip from the adhesive strip 60 which forms "Seal #1" in FIG. 16
and adheres closure flap 22 to the outside surface of bottom wall
32 of the container. The user then fills in indicia 64 on the
outside surface of closure flap 20 to indicate the name of the user
who sealed the container, along with the date of such sealing.
Indicia 64 is on a side (outside) of flap 20 opposite the side
(inside) on which seal strips 60 are located. The container now is
ready to be shipped to the testing facility. However, during
transit, container 10 most likely will be inspected by the carrier,
or by Home Land Security agencies or other agencies. The first
inspector pulls on "Tear Strip #1". The tear strip can be a portion
of the material of flap 20, or the tear strip can be a tear string.
In any event, pulling on the tear strip, in effect, separates seal
#1 from the remainder of the flap and allows the closure flap to be
opened. Either before or after removing Tear Strip #1, the
inspector fills in indicia 66 to indicate the person who opened
Seal #1 and the date of such opening.
[0038] After the first inspection is completed, the release strip
is pulled off of Seal #2, and flap 20 again can be sealed to secure
container 10. The inspector fills in indicia 68, including his or
her name and the date, and the "chain of custody" or protocol of
unsealing and resealing container 10 is maintained throughout
transit of the container to the testing facility.
[0039] It can be seen in FIG. 16 that the inside surface of the
resealable closure flap 20 is provided with five seals, namely,
Seals #1-Seal #5 and Tear Strips #1-#5. This allows container 10 to
be initially sealed by the person collecting the specimen, and four
intermediate inspections of the container can be made, leaving tear
strip #5 for opening by the ultimate testing facility.
[0040] FIG. 17 shows that the second inner flap 16 can be provided
to open and reseal the container and allow for total visualization
of vials 26 in cavities 22 and collection implements 28 in
compartments 24. Like the resealable closure flap 20, inner flap 16
has parallel strips of adhesive 60, along with parallel tear strips
62 between the seal strips. The seal strips are adhesive strips on
the inside surface of flap 16, covered by removable release strips.
The seal strips face the outside surface of inner flap 14 when the
container is closed. Tear strips 62 are accessible on the outside
surface of flap 16. Again, indicia means 64-68 are provided, to be
filled in by various individuals to maintain the "chain of custody"
or protocol in effecting the sealing and resealing of flap 16.
[0041] While it is not a necessity to provide both the outside flap
20 as well as inner flap 16 as resealable closure flaps with
custodial prototype indicia 64/66, it is a very desirable
arrangement. The two flaps provide a redundancy for safety
purposes. In addition, outer flap 20 an be used primarily by the
transit carrier, whereas inner flap 16 can be used by interim
inspectors, particularly when an inspector must inspect the actual
content of vials 26 or implements 28.
[0042] The invention contemplates that inner flaps 14 and 16 be
fabricated of transparent or at least translucent material so that
the contents of cavities 22, compartments 24 and/or vials 26 can be
visualized without opening the flaps. In fact, the entire container
could be fabricated of such material. For instance, with
translucent material, such as corrugated plastic, the container
could be held up to a light or run over a lighted table to see the
outline of the container contents. Transparent material would allow
visualization completely through the material.
[0043] FIGS. 18-29 show a second embodiment of the invention in the
form of a shipping container, generally designated 10A (FIG. 25).
The container and its method of fabrication are quite similar to
that of container 10 described above in relation to FIGS. 1 and
4-17. Consequently, like reference numerals have been applied in
FIGS. 18-29 corresponding to like components described above in
relation to the first embodiment. In addition, the description of
those like components and the similar fabrication steps will not be
repeated in detail.
[0044] Suffice it to say, the difference between shipping container
10A and shipping container 10 is that platform 36A of container 10A
is wider than platform 36 of container 10. In essence, the side
flanges 36c along platform 36 of the first embodiment have been
eliminated. Consequently, there are no compartments 24 (FIG. 1) in
the second embodiment of FIGS. 18-29. The second embodiment would
be used in situations where there are no collection implements
which should be shipped along with the specimens to the testing
facility. For instance, bacteria or fungi may be collected off of
surfaces in a home, office or other building by wiping the surfaces
with a small piece of gauze. The entire gauze piece then is placed
in a single vial 26 and sent to the testing facility. In addition,
although six cavity-forming holes 22 are stamped out of both
platforms 36 and 36A in both embodiments, it can be seen that
platform 36A of the second embodiment is larger than platform 36 of
the first embodiment and, therefore, more cavities 22 can be
stamped in platform 36a for receiving standard sized vials 26, if
desired.
[0045] Otherwise, the fabrication of container 10A is substantially
identical to container 10, wherein a blank 30 (FIG. 18) is stamped
of sheet material and folded or bent as shown in FIGS. 19-25 to
form the open container 10A which, then, is closed as shown in
FIGS. 26-29 for shipping the specimens/vials to the testing
facility. The use of the resealable closure flap 20 and the chain
of custody indicia involving the parallel sealing strips and
parallel tear strips are the same as described above in relation to
the first embodiment.
[0046] FIGS. 30-41 show a third embodiment of a shipping container,
generally designated 10B in FIG. 37. Again, like reference numerals
have been applied in FIGS. 30-41 corresponding to like components
described above in relation to the first and second embodiments.
Also, the description of those components and the steps in
fabricating container 10B will not be repeated when the
descriptions are the same as in the first two embodiments.
[0047] Suffice it to say, shipping container 10B of the third
embodiment eliminates platforms 36 and 36A of the first two
embodiments of the shipping containers 10 and 10A, respectively.
The result is that a large cavity 22A is formed when the container
is folded during fabrication as seen in FIG. 37. The closing and
sealing of container 10B is the same as in the previous embodiments
as can be seen in FIGS. 38-41.
[0048] Shipping container 10B would be used in situations wherein
the collected specimens are too large for vials 26 and/or the
collection implements 28 are too large for compartments 24. For
example, an entire bird carcass can be placed into shipping
container 10B and shipped to a testing laboratory.
[0049] It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central
characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,
therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and
not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the
details given herein.
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