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Title:
A BODY BAG
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2011/046509
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a body bag. In a preferred embodiment, the body bag comprises a flexible unitary planar member and a closure means (32) for closing the body bag. The flexible unitary planar member has an outer surface, an inner surface, curved comers, peripheral side edges, an elongated central portion and a wing portion (36) connected to each length of the central portion. The planar member is symmetrical in shape with two halves about an imaginary midline axis. The closure means (32) is connected to the peripheral side edges of the planar member. The closure means (32) is operable to connect the peripheral edges of the two halves together to form the body bag enclosure.

Inventors:
OEI SU KAI (SG)
Application Number:
PCT/SG2009/000486
Publication Date:
April 21, 2011
Filing Date:
December 21, 2009
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
OEI SU KAI (SG)
International Classes:
A61G17/06
Domestic Patent References:
WO2009061850A12009-05-14
WO2004050001A22004-06-17
Foreign References:
US2279694A1942-04-14
Download PDF:
Claims:
What is claimed is:

1. A body bag comprising:

a flexible unitary planar member, said member having an outer surface, an inner surface, curved corners, peripheral side edges, an elongated central portion and two foldable wing portions, said elongated central portion having two lengths and two widths, with a wing portion connected to each length of said central portion, said member is symmetrical in shape about an imaginary midline axis, with a left half and a right half; and

a closure means connected to the peripheral side edges of said planar member, said closure means is operable to connect the peripheral edges of the two halves together to form the body bag enclosure,

wherein said body bag when fully laid open is flat,

wherein a body can be accommodated to rest upon the inner surface of said central portion, and

wherein said wing portions can be flapped towards the midline to form a chamber to enclose said body, and said closure means operated to close the body bag to contain said body.

2. The body bag according to claim 1, wherein the closure means is a fluid tight re-closable closure means.

3. The body bag according claim 2, wherein said planar member is made of a flexible sheet material, said flexible sheet material comprising at least one layer of a fluid impermeable material.

4. The body bag according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of outer handles attached to the outer surface of said body bag.

5. The body bag according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of inner handles attached to the inner surface of the perimeter of said central portion.

6. The body bag according to claim 5, wherein said inner handles are arranged in two rows, with a row along each length of said central portion.

7. The body bag according to claim 6, further comprising a stretcher pole removably connected to each row of inner handles.

8. The body bag according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of wing straps for maintaining the two wing portions in a storage position.

9. The body bag according to claim 8, further comprising an absorbent pad coupled to the inner surface of said central portion, said absorbent pad for absorbing fluids.

10. The body bag according to claim 9, wherein said absorbent pad is removably coupled to said central portion.

1 1. The body bag according to claim 9, further comprising a covered access window housed in a wing portion, said access window can be opened by said personnel to collect a tissue sample from said corpse.

12. The body bag according to claim 1 1, further comprising an identification device pouch attached to the outer surface of said body bag, said pouch containing a electronic identification device.

13. The body bag according to claim 12, wherein said identification device is a radio-frequency identification tag.

14. The body bag according to claim 3, wherein said wing portions have curved sides.

15. The body bag according to claim 14, wherein said length dimension of said wing portion is longer than the length dimension of said central portion.

16. The body bag according to claim 15, wherein said body bag when fully laid open is generally flat and has a butterfly-like configuration.

17. The body bag according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of inner handles attached to the inner surface of the perimeter of said central portion.

18. The body bag according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of wing straps for maintaining the two wing portions in a storage position.

19. The body bag according to claim 3, further comprising a identification device pouch attached to the outer surface of said body bag, said pouch containing an electronic identification device.

20. The body bag according to claim 19, wherein said identification device is a radio-frequency identification tag.

21. The body bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible sheet material is made of a multi-layered chemical composite fabric.

22. The body bag according to claim 21, wherein said multi-layered chemical composite fabric is made from a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated butyl, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, combinations thereof, or multiple-layered coextruded films which include one or more layers of ethylene- vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, nylon, and polyester.

23. The body bag according to claim 21, wherein the multi-layered chemical composite fabric is resistant to at least one of Sarin, Mustard, Soman, nerve agent, Lewisite and tear gas.

24. The body bag according to claim 21, wherein the multi-layered chemical composite is resistant to toxic industrial chemicals.

25. The body bag according to claim 21, wherein the multi-layered chemical composite attenuates at least one of alpha, beta, gamma radiation.

26. The body bag according to claim 21, wherein the multi-layered chemical composite is layered with a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomeric layer.

27. The body bag according to claim 26, further comprising a polymeric abrasion- resistant fabric surface.

28. The body bag according to claim 27, wherein the polymeric abrasion-resistant fabric is polyvinyl chloride.

29. The body bag according to claim 21, further comprising an air pressure management system that filters and releases air pressure from the inside of the closed body bag.

30. The body bag according to claim 29, wherein said air pressure management system includes a unidirectional pressure relief valve and an air-purifying respirator canister.

31. The body bag according to claim 30, wherein said canister comprises a nuclear agent purifying canister.

32. The body bag according to claim 30, wherein said canister comprises a biological agent purifying canister.

33. The body bag according to claim 30, wherein said air pressure management system comprises a chemical agent purifying canister.

34. The body bag according to claim 30, wherein the air pressure management system further comprises at least one layer of adsorptive media.

35. The body bag according to claim 34, wherein the adsorptive media is activated carbon.

36. The body bag according to claim 34, wherein the adsorptive media is nuclear agent absorbent.

37. The body bag according to claim 34, wherein the adsorptive media is chemical agent absorbent.

38. The body bag according to claim 34, wherein the adsorptive media is biological absorbent.

39. The body bag according to claim 21, wherein said fluid tight re-closable closure means is a fluid tight re-closable zipper.

40. The body bag according to claim 39, wherein the zipper is made from a material selected from the group comprising of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene and neoprene.

41. The body bag according to claim 21, further comprising a covered observation window housed in a wing portion, said observation window comprising a frame and a transplant sheet of impermeable material, said observation window permitting inspection of a corpse contained within said body bag.

42. The body bag according to claim 21, further comprising an open ended storage pocket attached to the outer surface of a wing portion.

Description:
A BODY BAG

This application claims priority to PCT international application number PCT/SG2009/000375, filed on 13 th October 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of body bags, cadaver bags and postmortem bags.

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates to the art of body bags. While an array of traditional body bags exist, these traditional body bags have remained essentially unchanged and were designed to contain corpses and the bodily fluids and gases resulting from natural decay and decomposition of the corpse. Existing prior art body bags are used only when a person dies and then the corpse is loaded into the body bag.

A body bag is a non-porous bag designed to contain a corpse. Conventional body bags used by mortuary and investigative personnel are similar in materials of construction, design, seaming, and closures. Typical materials of construction include polyethylene sheeting, polyethylene laminates to woven or nonwoven support fabrics, or varying weights of supported and unsupported polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or polyurethane. Predominately rectangular in shape, seaming is accomplished via traditional needle and thread sewing, impulse welding, radio frequency welding, or other similar thermal seaming techniques. These body bags are also typically fitted with curved zipper or zip-lockā„¢-type closures located on either the side or top of the bag. Unfortunately, all traditional designs were meant to be used only after the death of the victim. Different types of body bags and methods for making them are known. Generally, one piece of rectangular material is cut to size is and folded over, or two or more rectangular portions of material are cut, and then sealed or sewn together along one long side edge and two ends, or two side edges and two ends to form the bag. In one configuration, a zipper closure is then added to the top surface of the body bag to enable a corpse to be inserted in and removed from the bag. Another configuration employs an envelope style zipper opening. Another configuration uses a centre opening straight zipper configuration. Yet another configuration is the curved "c" zipper bag. The C-style zipper curves along the top of the bag, rather than on the sides, for more secure containment of body fluids. Another configuration is the "clam shell" bag made of a scrim mesh having perimeter zipper on three sides to allow the bag to open like a clam shell. The clam shell bag allows for easy body recovery in water.

Salam (U.S. Pat, No. 6,004,034) teaches the use of a single piece of material that is cut from a roll of material, folded along fold lines and secured together along abutting short ends and mating portions to form an envelope-like body bag. While functional for traditional use, this body bag can only be used to contain a corpse.

Knight (U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,051) teaches the use of an envelope-like pouch for transporting dead human bodies comprising an outer envelope that encases and is sealed at the outer edges to a transparent inner liner within which is placed the body or bodies to be moved.

Mc Williams (U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,933) describes a tubular shaped pouch open on both ends, and constructed of a flexible multi-layered laminate including at least two polymeric sheets sandwiched around a metal foil-layer for containing bodily remains. Human remains are inserted into one end of the bag, and the ends are sealed using common heat sealing techniques or through the use of adhesives. Typically, after a patient has died in a hospital, the corpse is removed from the hospital bed, made up and loaded into a body bag, transported to the embalming room, taken out of the body bag, embalmed, made up and prepared for cremation. If the patient has died from a highly contagious disease, the multiple handling of the corpse by employees of the hospital is clearly undesirable.

In the event of a pandemic, hospital personnel would have to remove a corpse from the hospital bed, process the corpse and load the corpse into a traditional body bag, to be transported to the embalming room, taken out of the body bag, embalmed, made up and prepared for cremation. In a pandemic, the need for multiple handling of the corpse by personnel is clearly undesirable.

None of the traditional body bags are deployable for use when handling living victims. After a disaster event involving chemical, nuclear or biological agents, rescue personnel will recover numerous living victims; unfortunately, many of these victims may die shortly after the disaster. Therefore, it is useful to have a body bag that can be deployed for transporting living victims; and that can be further used to enclose the victim upon death. As used herein, the word "body" is taken to mean a body or body remain of a dead person or a dead animal, or a forensic sample. One object of the present invention is to provide an improved body bag that can be opened to accommodate a living patient; and upon death of the patient, the body bag can be closed to contain the corpse. SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a body bag. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a body bag capable of supporting and transporting a living victim, and upon death of the victim, for enclosing, containing and transporting the corpse.

In a preferred embodiment, the body bag comprises a flexible unitary planar member and a closure means for closing the body bag. The flexible unitary planar member has an outer surface, an inner surface, curved corners, peripheral side edges, an elongated central portion and two foldable wing portions. The portions are regions of the unitary member. The central portion is elongated, having two lengths and two widths, with a wing portion connected to each length of the central portion. The generally planar member is symmetrical in shape about an imaginary midline axis; therefore the planar member has two halves about the imaginary midline. The closure means is connected to the peripheral side edges of the planar member. The closure means is operable to connect or to seal the peripheral edges of the two halves together to form the body bag enclosure.

As used herein, the word "planar" is taken to mean 'generally flat' or 'has a profile substantially in the form of a plane'. As used herein, the word "victim" is taken to mean a human body or patient. In addition, the word "victim" means a person harmed, injured, killed as a result of a disaster, a catastrophe, an accident, or other event or action.

In preparation to receive a corpse, personnel can flap open or lay open the body bag on a supporting surface, whereupon a corpse can be loaded onto the inner surface of the central portion, and after the corpse has been loaded, the wing portions can be moved or flapped towards the imaginary midline axis to form a chamber to enclose the body. Personnel can then operate the closure means to connect or to seal the peripheral edges of the two halves of the body bag together to close the body bag to contain the body.

Unlike a traditional body bag, the new body bag can also be used by personnel to accommodate a living victim. In preparation to receive a living victim, the body bag is laid open and the outer surface of the elongated central portion of the body bag can be positioned to cover a victim supporting structure. An example of a victim supporting structure is a hospital bed. Once the body bag is positioned, the two flexible wing portions can be folded to abut the length of the bed. The body bag covers the mattress of the bed; and the covered bed is now ready to receive a living victim to rest upon the bed. After the death of the victim, the wing portions are unfolded and flapped centrally towards the imaginary midline axis of the planer member to enclose the corpse, and the closure means operated to close the body bag to contain the corpse. The closure means may be a permanent closure or fastener. In one alternative embodiment, the closure means is a re-closable closure means. In yet another alternative embodiment, the closure means is a fluid-tight re-closable closure means.

Planar member is made of a flexible sheet material. This flexible sheet material comprises at least one layer of a fluid impermeable material. The body bag covers the mattress of the bed. The layer of fluid impermeable material reduces contamination of the bed sheet and the mattress by the bodily fluids discharged from the victim.

In a more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of outer handles attached to the outer surface of the body bag. Advantageously, after the victim dies and the body bag is closed to contain the corpse, personnel can utilize the outer handles for lifting and moving the body bag.

In a still more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of inner handles attached to the inner surface of the perimeter of the central portion. Advantageously, these inner handles allow personnel to lift the body bag with a living human lying thereon. In an alternative construction, the inner handles are arranged in two rows, with a row along each length of the perimeter of the central portion. In another alternative construction, the inner handles are arranged in two rows, with a row along each length of the central portion, and a stretcher pole can be removably connected to each row of inner handles.

Unless the victim dies, the wing portions are not required to be unpacked by unfolding or unrolling. Therefore, in a still even more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of wing straps for maintaining the two wing portions in storage position. In use, the wing straps keep the two wing portions in rolled up or packed positions abutting the sides of the victim supporting structure. The wing strap can have various constructions. In a yet still even more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an absorbent pad coupled to the inner surface of the central portion. The absorbent pad serves for absorbing fluids. Advantageously, the absorbent pad serves to absorb and retain bodily fluids leaked from the patient and medical fluids inadvertently discharged from containers.

In a yet more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a covered access window housed in a wing portion. The access window can be opened by the personnel to collect a tissue sample from the corpse. In a most preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an identification device pouch attached to the outer surface of the body bag. The pouch contains an electronic identification device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, made by way of the examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the top view of a preferred embodiment of the inner surface of a fully laid opened body bag;

FIG. 2 shows the top view of a still more preferred embodiment of the inner surface of a fully opened body bag;

FIG. 3 shows the top view of a still even more preferred embodiment of the inner surface of a body bag in a fully laid open position;

FIG. 4 shows the top view of a yet still even more preferred embodiment of the body bag in a fully laid open position;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the body bag in a closed position;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a more preferred embodiment of the body bag in the closed position;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a yet more preferred embodiment of the body bag in the closed position;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the most preferred embodiment of the body bag in the closed position;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the body bag in the closed position;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a fully flapped open body bag;

FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the closed body bag;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the body bag with stretcher poles; FIG. 13 is a top view of the inner surface of a yet still even more preferred embodiment of the body bag; FIG. 14 is a another perspective view of a yet still even more preferred embodiment of the body bag showing the body bag resting on a bed;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a more preferred embodiment of the body bag;

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of a more preferred embodiment of the body bag; FIG. 17 is yet another perspective view of a more preferred embodiment of the body bag;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing personnel using stretcher poles to transport a living victim lying on top of the body bag; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a living victim resting on the inner surface of the body bag which has been place on top of a hospital bed in a medical ward.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. l and FIG.5, in a preferred embodiment, the body bag comprises a flexible unitary planar member and a closure means 32 for closing the body bag. The flexible unitary planar member has an outer surface 26, an inner surface 28, curved corners, peripheral side edges, an elongated central portion 34 and two foldable wing portions 36. The portions are regions of the unitary planar member. The central portion 34 is elongated, having two lengths and two widths, with a wing portion 36 connected to each length of the central portion 34. The planar member is symmetrical in shape about an imaginary midline axis that divides the planar member into two halves, a left half and a right half. The closure means 32 is connected to the peripheral side edges of the planar member. The closure means 32 is operable to connect the peripheral edges of the two halves together to form the body bag chamber or enclosure.

As used herein, the word "planar" is taken to mean 'generally flat' or 'has a profile substantially in the form of a plane'. As used herein, the word "victim" is taken to mean a human body or patient. In addition, the word "victim" means a person harmed, injured, killed as a result of a disaster, a catastrophe, an accident, or other event or action.

In preparation for the loading of a corpse, personnel can lay open the body bag on a surface, whereupon a corpse can be loaded on to the inner surface of the central portion 34. After the body has been loaded, the wing portions 36 can be manipulated towards the imaginary midline to form an enclosure for the corpse. Personnel can then manipulate the closure means 32 to connect the peripheral edges of the two halves of the body bag to close the body bag to contain the body.

Unlike a traditional body bag, the new body bag can also be used by personnel to accommodate a living victim. In preparing the body bag to receive a living victim, the outer surface of the elongated central portion 34 of the body bag can be placed to overlay a victim supporting structure such as a bed or a patient trolley, and the two flexible wing portions 36 folded to abut the length of the victim supporting structure. This allows the living victim to rest upon the covered bed or trolley. Upon the death of the victim, the wing portions 36 are unfolded and flapped towards the imaginary midline axis of the planar member so as to enclose the corpse, and the closure means 32 operated to seal the peripheral edges of the two halves of the body bag together to contain the corpse. The closure means may be a permanent closure or a re-closable closure.

The planar member is made of a flexible sheet material. This flexible sheet material comprises at least one layer of a fluid impermeable material. Advantageously, the fluid impermeable material of the body bag can reduce the contamination of the bed sheet and the mattress by any bodily fluids discharged from the victim.

Referring to FIG. 14, during a pandemic event, prior to the arrival of the patient, the body bag can be fully laid opened and the outer surface 26 of the central portion 34 positioned to overlay or cover a bed. This reduces contamination of the hospital bedding, such as the bed sheet and the mattress, by the sick patient. As illustrated in FIG. 19, a patient can lie upon the inner surface 28 of the central portion 34. The wing portions 36 are foldable to rest abutting the sides of the bed. If the patient dies, personnel can unfold the wing portions 36 and operate the closure means 32 to contain the corpse within the body bag 20.

Referring to FIG. 1 1, in a closed state, the body bag defines a tent-like compartment or enclosure with an interior chamber that can have sufficient dimensions to accommodate a corpse.

Referring to FIG. 6, in a more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of outer handles 46 attached to the outer surface 26 of the body bag. Advantageously, after the patient dies and the body bag is closed to contain the corpse (as illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17), personnel can utilize the outer handles 46 for lifting and moving the body bag. Referring to FIG. 2, in a still more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of inner handles 38 attached to the inner surface 28 of the perimeter of the central portion 34. Advantageously, these inner handles 38 allow personnel to lift the body bag with a living human lying thereon. In an alternative construction, the inner handles 38 are arranged in two rows, with a row along each length of the central portion 34. In another alternative construction, the inner handles 38 are arranged in two rows, with a row along each length of the central portion 34, and a stretcher pole 60 removably connected to each row of inner handles 38.

Unless the patient dies, the wing portions 36 are not required to be unpacked by unfolding or unrolling. Therefore, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 12, in a still even more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of wing straps 42 for maintaining the two wing portions 36 in a storage position. In use, the wing straps 42 keep the two wing portions 36 in rolled up or packed positions abutting the sides of the victim supporting structure. The wing strap 42 can have various constructions as is known in the art.

Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, in a still even more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an absorbent pad 44 coupled to the inner surface 28 of the central portion 34. Advantageously, the absorbent pad 44 serves to absorb and retain bodily fluids leaked from the patient and medical fluids inadvertently discharged from containers. The absorbent pad 44 may be based on super adsorbent polymer technology as is common in the art of fluid adsorption. Referring to FIG. 7, in a yet more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a covered access window 62 housed in a wing portion 36. The access window 62 can be opened by personnel to collect a tissue sample from the corpse. Referring to FIG. 8, in a most preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an identification device pouch 54 attached to the outer surface 26 of the body bag. The pouch 54 contains an electronic identification device. A suitable electronic identification device is a radio-frequency identification (RFED) tag. The RFID tag enables electronic tracking of the body bag.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing personnel using stretcher poles to transport a living victim lying on top of the body bag; and FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a living victim resting on the inner surface of the body bag which has been place on top of a hospital bed in a medical ward.

The body bags of the invention can be constructed in adult, pediatric and infant sizes. The body bags can be constructed in various colors such as black, yellow, orange, blue and grey to indicate the required burial customs. The configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, FIG. 10 and FIG. 13 are merely illustrative; they do not exhaustively delineate the invention that is clearly defined in the claims. In one alternative structural configuration, the wing portions of the body bag have curved sides. In another alternative configuration, the wing portions of the body bag have curved sides, and the length dimension of the wing portion is longer than the length dimension of the central portion. In yet another alternative configuration, the wing portions of the body bag have curved sides; the length dimension of the wing portion is longer than the length dimension of the central portion; and the body bag when fully laid open is generally flat and has a butterfly- like configuration. Other more preferred embodiments

In a preferred embodiment, the body bag comprises a flexible unitary planar member and a closure means 32 for closing the bag. The flexible unitary planar member has an outer surface 26, an inner surface 28, curved corners, peripheral side edges, an elongated central portion 34 and two foldable wing portions 36. The portions are regions of the unitary member. The central portion 34 is elongated, having two lengths and two widths, with a wing portion 36 connected to each length of the central portion 34. The planar member is symmetrical in shape about an imaginary midline axis; thus the planar member can be considered to have two halves about that imaginary midline. The closure means 32 is connected to the peripheral side edges of the planar member. The closure means 32 is operable to connect or to seal the peripheral edges of the two halves together to form the body bag enclosure. The closure means may be a permanent closure such as a fastener. Alternatively, the closure means is a re-closable closure means. Preferably, the closure is a fluid-tight re-closable closure means. Preferably, the fluid tight re-closable closure is a zipper.

Aside from this more preferred embodiment, the invention is capable of other more preferred embodiments and of being carried out in other various ways. For example, in a first more preferred embodiment (FIG. 6), the body bag further comprises a plurality of outer handles 46 attached to the outer surface 28 of the body bag. For example, in a second more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of inner handles 38 attached to the inner surface 28 of the perimeter of the central portion 34. For example, in a third more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of wing straps 42 for maintaining the two wing portions 36 in a storage position. For example, in a fourth more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an identification device pouch 54 attached to the outer surface 26 of the body bag. The identification device pouch 54 contains an electronic identification device. A suitable identification device is a radio-frequency identification tag. For example, in a fifth more preferred embodiment, the sheet material of the body bag is made of a polymeric, multi-layered chemical composite that are impervious to gases and liquid.

The preceding examples of more preferred embodiments are not presented in any order of preference.

Choice of materials

Body bags are traditionally used in disasters, catastrophes or accidents to contain corpses. Depending on the circumstances of the event, whether natural disaster, nuclear accident, chemical disaster, biological event or a pandemic event, body bags made from various materials may be required to contain the corpses. In addition, different materials may be selected to comply with the occupational safety and health regulations of individual countries.

A body bag for use in a natural disaster or in a pandemic event

A body bag for use in a pandemic or natural disaster should be suitable for burial or cremation. A suitable material for the flexible sheet material is a material having a minimum burst point of 280 PSI, minimum tensile grab strength of warp 300, weft 300, is tolerant of cold temperatures, and is safe disposal compliant. In addition, the flexible sheet material preferably has a cracking point of 25-32 Fahrenheit (F) degrees below zero. Furthermore, the materials for the flexible sheet material preferably contain neither chlorides nor carbons, permitting their use in crematories. Suitable materials for the layer of fluid impermeable material include pliable films which are tough, strong, have a thickness ranging from 8 to 30 mils and are fluid impermeable. A suitable material is a strong, flexible, semi-bio-degradable heavy duty P.V.C (poly- vinyl-chloride) capable of providing fluid barrier protection and blood penetration resistance. Another suitable material is a heavy duty abrasion resistant vinyl having a thickness of 18 mils to 26 mils. Another suitable material is 10 oz. vinyl. In those countries where the use of vinyl may not be compliant with the disposal regulations, alternative materials can be used. One alternative material is a polyethylene woven fabric. Another suitable material is a chlorine-free non-vinyl material that complies with environmental protection burn restrictions involving the release of chlorine gas thereby eliminating the disposal problems associated with vinyl materials. The chlorine-free material should be flexible to -70 degrees F. (-57 degrees Celsius (C)) so that it can be used in winter environments or morgue coolers without fear of the material cracking. Chlorine-free material is preferably 100% chlorine free and environmentally compliant. No PVC (poly-vinyl-chloride) material is used. One advantage of using non-vinyl materials is that it is safe to cremate or bury. In another embodiment, the body bag is made of two layers of 3 -mil polyethylene film laminated to 1000 denier scrim reinforcement material. This construction has a strength equivalent to 12 mil vinyl. If no vinyl material is used, it is environmentally compliant. It is possible to use the two layer construction but without the scrim support material. In yet another construction, the body bag is constructed of a high density polyethylene woven fabric. In another alternative embodiment, the flexible sheet material can be made of non-vinyl polyethylene material for longer shelf life and to remain flexible to -70 degrees F. The lifting capacity of the body bag should preferably be a weight capacity of 200 to 600 pounds. One embodiment uses 20-gauge Vinyl and has a 600 lb. lifting capacity. Another embodiment uses 10-gauge Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA). This material contains no PVCs and is burnable. PEVA materials retain their strength, flexibility and soft feel in cold temperatures. Non-toxic PEVA bags comply with environmental chlorine burn requirements.

During preparations for receiving a victim of a pandemic or a natural disaster, the body bag is unzipped, the wing portions 36 are flapped apart to lay open the body bag, and the body bag is placed over the mattress of the hospital bed. The wing portions 36 can be folded or rolled and packed so as to abut the sides of the bed. Alternatively, the wing portions 36 can be folded and tucked underneath the mattress so as to embrace the mattress and protect the mattress from the patient's bodily fluids. The bed is now ready for the arrival of the medical casualty. Referring to FIG. 19, a patient can lie upon the inner surface 28 of the body bag with minimal or little contamination of the hospital mattress. In the event that the patient dies, the personnel need not lift the corpse nor touch the remains; the personnel simply unpacks and unfolds the wing portions 36 and closes the body bag to contain the corpse. If desired, the patient's pillow, the small medical devices and medical disposables consumed by the decreased patient can also be disposed of by discarding them onto the central portion 34 of the body bag prior to closure of the body bag. This speeds up and simplifies the disposal of bio-hazardous waste. In addition, this can shorten the decontamination time period and allow personnel to prepare the bed quicker to accommodate the next patient. If a post-mortem is desired, at the post-mortem room, the body bag can be unzipped and the two wing portions 36 flapped opened and, if desired, folded underneath or rolled up so as to abut the sides of the post-mortem table. Personnel can then examine the corpse without lifting the corpse away from the central portion 34 of the body bag. Thus, an autopsy can be performed without the need to unload the corpse from the body bag. In addition, the absorbent pad 44 helps reduce the leakage of bodily fluids onto the post-mortem table. In yet another alternate embodiment, the flexible sheet material can have a layer of material impregnated with anti-septic chemicals. This may serve to kill susceptible micro-organisms. In yet another embodiment, the flexible sheet material can have a layer of material impregnated with an agent selected from the group consisting of an anti-viral agent, a fungicidal agent and an anti-bacteria agent.

If desired, the body bag can be made of other flexible sheet materials such as biodegradable plastics. Body bag for use in a nuclear, chemical or biological event

A body bag for use in a nuclear, chemical or biological event is preferably made of a chemical barrier fabric. Preferably, the flexible sheet material is made of a multi- layered chemical composite fabric. Preferably, the multi-layered chemical composite fabric is made from a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated butyl, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, combinations thereof, or multiple-layered coextruded films which include one or more layers of ethylene- vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, nylon, and polyester.

In one construction, the multi-layered chemical composite is resistant to at least one of Sarin nerve agent, Mustard (as in sulphur mustards and mustard gas), Soman nerve agent, nerve agent, Lewisite chemical agent and tear gas. In another construction, the multi-layered chemical composite is resistant to toxic industrial chemicals. In yet another construction, the multi-layered chemical composite attenuates at least one of alpha, beta, gamma radiation. In one embodiment, the multi-layered chemical composite is layered with a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomeric layer.

In one embodiment, the flexible sheet material further comprises a polymeric abrasion-resistant fabric surface. A suitable polymeric abrasion-resistant fabric is polyvinyl chloride. Air pressure management system

A corpse produces gases due to natural decay and decomposition. A body bag has to be fluid-tight. Therefore, there is a risk of over-pressurization during decomposition. Severe over-pressurization can lead to leakage of a gas-tight body bag holding contaminated remains. Leakage may result in contamination of the surroundings. Therefore, a body bag for use in a nuclear, chemical or biological event preferably has an air pressure management system. A body bag for use in a nuclear, chemical or biological event may be made of a chemical barrier fabric, preferably, a multi-layered chemical composite fabric. Preferably, the body bag further comprises an air pressure management system that filters and releases air pressure from the inside of the closed body bag.

Various approaches can be employed for the air pressure management system. One approach utilizes a typical one-way valve body that is fitted in the planar member and positioned such that air can be exhausted from the body bag but is prevented from reentering. Adsorptive fabric or media can be inserted within the valve body, thus creating a path of adsorptive media (such as activated carbon) through which any air must flow when exiting the enclosure. Contaminated air flows through the valve, is filtered and discharged as filtered air. Other approaches can be employed. The aim is to force any air through the adsorptive media thus filtering the air exhausted from the body bag.

A suitable air pressure management system includes a unidirectional pressure relief valve and an air-purifying respirator canister. In one construction, the canister is a nuclear agent purifying canister. In another construction, the canister is a biological agent purifying canister. In yet another construction, the canister is a chemical agent purifying canister. In an alternative embodiment, the air pressure management system further comprises at least one layer of adsorptive media. In one construction, the adsorptive media is activated carbon. In another construction, the adsorptive media is nuclear agent absorbent. In yet another construction, the adsorptive media is chemical agent absorbent. In yet another construction, the adsorptive media is biological agent absorbent.

Re-closable closure means

The re-closure closure means 32 is a fluid tight re-closable closure. A suitable re- closable closure means 32 is a re-closable zipper. In use, when the zipper is zipped the body bag is closed, and when unzipped, the wing portions 36 are flapped apart to fully open the body bag. Various types of zipper construction can be used. In one construction, the zipper is an adhesive tape backed reinforced zipper to minimize possible zipper-tear-out during handling and transport. In another construction, the zipper has dual zipper pulls to facilitate opening and closing of the device. In yet another construction, the zipper is preferably a rust resistant heavy-duty nylon zipper. Another suitable zipper is a serialized tamper resistant zipper pull seal. Yet another suitable zipper is a two-way plastic #10 waterproof zipper with metal tabs. Yet another suitable zipper is 89" heavy duty plastic with 323(lbs. / sq. in.) Another suitable zipper is a dual No. 8 padlock style zipper pull. Yet another embodiment provides a heavy duty gas tight zipper with a large ring on slider to allow for ease of zipping and unzipping when wearing gloves. The zippers are preferably waterproof, self-repairing and non-locking. In addition, tamper tabs can be provided at zip closure for lock attachments. Another suitable zipper is a nylon zipper. Advantageously, a nylon zipper does not interfere with x-ray imaging.

In yet another construction, the zipper is preferably made from a material selected from the group comprising of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene and neoprene. Alternatively, commercially available gas-tight or air-tight zippers may be used.

Observation window

In one embodiment (FIG. 9), the body has a covered observation window 50 housed in a wing portion 36. The covered observation window 50 comprises a frame and a transplant sheet of impermeable material. The covered observation window 50 permits inspection of the upper torso of a corpse contained within the body bag.

Document storage pocket

In one embodiment (FIG. 9), the body has an open ended storage pocket 52 attached to the outer surface 26 of a wing portion 36. The storage pocket 52 can store documents relating to the corpse.

Construction of the handles The inner handles 38 and the outer handles 46 can have various constructions. Preferably, the inner handles 38 and the outer handles 46 are extra-strong carry handles suitable for handling by two to six persons. Alternatively, the inner handles 38 and outer handles 46 can be padded and radio-frequency welded directly into the flexible sheet material for comfortable handling during transport. Alternatively, the outer handles 38 and the inner handles 46 can have foam inserts for handling comfort. Alternatively, the inner handles 38 and the outer handles 46 can be riveted webbing style handles. This feature avoids webbing tear out or failure during rough handling, while maintaining fluid tight integrity of the body bag. In yet another construction, the inner handles 38 and the outer handles 46 are riveted and stitched with nylon thread. Alternatively, the outer handles 46 can be exterior sewn or riveted webbing style handles.

The planar member is preferably constructed from a unitary piece of flexible sheet material. As an alternative, the planar member can be constructed from panels of flexible sheet material connected or sealed together. The seams are sealed for superior resistance to leakage during transport. One method is to completely heat sealed with no sewn seams. In an alternate method, all seams can be 100% radio-frequency heat sealed to eliminate any possible leakage. Alternatively, seams can be dielectrically sealed to prevent leakage. Alternatively, all seams are hermetically heat sealed to facilitate optimum usability and gas tight integrity.

The above embodiments are only examples for describing the present invention. They should not have any limitations on this invention, i.e. simple improvements or alterations made by persons skilled in the art within the scope defined by the claims should be understood as not going beyond the scope of the invention. While specific materials and details of construction are referred to in connection with the description of the embodiments, it will be understood that equivalent materials and other details of construction may be resorted to within the spirit of the invention as herein claimed.