Transport container for hazardous material

Abstract

A container system and a method for transporting hazardous materials is disclosed. One embodiment of the container system includes a soft-sided outer shell and an inner frame. The outer shell is at least partially collapsible when unsupported. The outer shell may include a plurality of vertical walls integrally formed with a bottom and an open top. A lid may be adapted to be selectively secured to the vertical walls to close the outer shell. A fastener, such as a zipper, may be provided to secure the lid to the vertical walls. The inner frame has rigid walls and is adapted to support the outer shell when the inner frame is inserted inside the outer shell. The inner frame is at least partially collapsible. One embodiment of the method includes providing a soft-sided container that is at least partially collapsible when unsupported. Hazardous material is positioned into the container. The hazardous material supports the container from within and causes the container to assume an at least partially assembled configuration. In another embodiment of the method, a soft-sided outer shell that is at least partially collapsible when unsupported is provided. An inner frame is inserted into the outer shell. Hazardous material for transport, for example, is then positioned into the outer shell in an assembled configuration.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 629,322, filed Jul. 28, 2003, hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates, in general, to containers. More particularly, the invention provides containers that may be used to efficiently transport material such as bio-hazardous material.BACKGROUND[0003]The following discussion of the background of the invention is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding the invention and is not admitted to describe or constitute prior art to the present invention.[0004]Transportation of material often requires specialized packaging to ensure security of the material being transported as well as safety for personnel handling the material. For example, the transport of biohazardous material, such as organs for transplant patients, requires that the material be maintained in an environment suitable to prevent contamination of the materi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a container system for safely transporting hazardous materials. The container is made up of a soft-sided outer shell and an inner frame that supports the outer shell. The inner frame is at least partially collapsible when unsupported, allowing for efficient return of the container to its source with less cargo space. The container system can be collapsed and expanded as needed, making it easy to transport and position the hazardous material. The soft-sided outer shell satisfies IATA (602) requirements for outer packaging. The container system can be used in combination with other structures or elements, such as an aircraft. The soft-sided outer shell is at least partially collapsible when unsupported, and the inner frame is at least partially collapsible. The soft-sided outer shell includes a bottom, plurality of walls, and a lid that can be selectively secured to the walls. The inner frame includes a pair of rigid longitudinal walls and a pair of collapsible side walls that link the end of one wall to the end of the other wall. The soft-sided outer shell and inner frame are designed to provide a safe and efficient way to transport and position hazardous materials.

Problems solved by technology

The hardening of the containers ensures that the materials are not released to the external environment, thereby posing a threat to personnel in the vicinity.

The insulated containers, however, represent a significant waste in cargo space when they are empty.

However, this can be an expensive proposition since such containers are typically specially constructed for a particular use and can represent a significant investment.

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