TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to body bags and cadaver bags and post-mortem bags.

BACKGROUND ART

A body bag is a non-porous bag designed to contain a corpse. It is used for the storage and the transport of a corpse. Body fluids may leak from the corpse therefore the body bag has to be non-porous. The dimensions of a standard body- bag are generally around 30 inches by 100 inches. Classic body bags are usually manufactured using 8 mil vinyl because this construction is resistant to punctures and still pliable in cold temperatures.

Body bags are typically available in an envelope style zipper opening configuration. If a corpse is bulky, as in an obese decreased, users may find it difficult to load the corpse into this configuration. Another body bag configuration is a centre opening straight zipper configuration. Again, if a corpse is bulky, users may find it difficult to load the corpse into this configuration. Yet another body bag 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. Again, if a corpse is bulky, users may find it difficult to load the corpse into this configuration.

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved body bag that permits easier loading of a bulky or obese corpse. SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a body bag. In a preferred embodiment, the body bag comprises a tray for receiving a corpse, a flap member for covering the tray and a re-closable closure means for sealing the corpse within the body bag. The tray has an elongated flat base and a raised circumferential rim. The rim is formed by circumferential walls with curved corners. The tray has two lengths and two widths, an outer surface and an inner surface. The flexible flap member is connected to one length of the tray. The flap member is elongated, planar, having curved corners, an outer surface, an inner surface and peripheral side edges. The re-closable closure means connected to the peripheral side edges of the flap member and to the rim of the tray. Advantageously, each width of the tray has a high arched-shaped rim wall to permit the tray to accommodate a bulky corpse; and each length of the tray has a low rim wall to permit easier loading of the corpse on to the tray. In use, after the corpse has been loaded on to the tray, the flexible flap member is maneuverable to cover the tray, and the user can manipulate the closure means to close the body bag to contain said corpse. Preferably, the flap member is made of a sheet material comprising at least one layer of a fluid impermeable material. Preferably, the tray is constructed from panels of rigid material covered with the same sheet material. Preferably, the rigid material is made of cardboard. Preferably, the layer of a fluid impermeable material is a plastic material. Preferably, the flap member is connected to the tray by heat sealing their plastic materials. Preferably, the plastic material is a self-destructing plastic so as to permit access by biodegradation agents thereby to obtain a natural destruction of the tissues.

In a more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an absorbent pad coupled to the inner surface of base of the tray. Advantageously, the absorbent pad serves to absorb fluids leaking from the corpse. In a still more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of outer handles or hand grips attached to the outer surface of the tray. Advantageously, the outer handles or hand grips allow personnel to lift and to move the body bag.

In a yet still more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a covered observation window housed in the flap member. The observation window comprises a frame and a transplant sheet of impermeable material. Advantageously, the observation window permits inspection of a corpse contained within the body bag.

In another yet still more preferred embodiment, the flap member is constructed of a transparent plastic. Advantageously, a transparent flap member permits the viewing of the complete corpse.

In a most preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprising an open ended storage pouch attached to the outer surface of the rim of said tray.

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 perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the opened body bag;

FIG. 2 shows a length side view (the length side without the flap member) of a still more preferred embodiment of the body bag;

FIG. 3 shows the perspective view of a yet still more preferred embodiment of the opened body bag; and

FIG. 4 shows the perspective view of a most preferred embodiment of the opened body bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a body bag. In a preferred embodiment, the body bag comprises a tray for receiving a corpse, a flexible flap member 30 for covering the tray and a re-closable closure means 32 for sealing the corpse within the body bag. The tray has an elongated flat base 18 and a raised circumferential rim 20. The rim 20 is formed by circumferential walls with curved corners. The tray has two lengths and two widths, an outer surface and an inner surface. The flexible flap member 30 is connected to one length of the rim 20 of the tray. The flap member 30 is elongated, planar, having curved corners, an outer surface, an inner surface and peripheral side edges. The re-closable closure means 32 is connected to the peripheral side edges of the flap member 30 and to the rim 20 of the tray. Advantageously, each width of the tray has a high arched-shaped rim wall to permit the tray to accommodate a bulky corpse; and each length of the tray has a low rim wall to permit easier loading of the corpse on to the tray. In use, after the corpse has been loaded on to the tray, the flexible flap member 30 is maneuverable to cover the tray, and the user can manipulate the closure means 32 to close the body bag to contain the corpse. The two high arched-shaped width walls increases the volume enclosable by the body bag. The rounded high arched walls and the flap member 30 give the closed body bag a generally cylindrical shape and a larger space to store an obese corpse. Advantageously, the curved corners configuration of the body bag permits easier sealing of the flap member 30 to the rim 20 of the body bag.

Preferably, the flap member 30 is made of a sheet material comprising at least one layer of a fluid impermeable material. Preferably, the tray is constructed from panels of rigid material covered with the same sheet material. Preferably, the rigid material is made of cardboard. Preferably, the layer of a fluid impermeable material is a plastic material. In one embodiment, the flap member 30 and tray are made of plastic sheet material thus allowing the flap member 30 to be attached or connected to the tray by heat sealing their plastic materials together. Preferably, the plastic material is a self-destructing plastic so as to permit access by biodegradation agents thereby to obtain a natural destruction of the tissues.

In a more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises an absorbent pad coupled to the inner surface of base 18 of the tray. Advantageously, the absorbent pad serves for absorbing fluids leaking from the corpse.

In a still more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a plurality of outer handles 42 or hand grips attached to the outer surface of the tray. Advantageously, the outer handles 42 or hand grips allow personnel to lift and to move the body bag.

In a yet still more preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a covered observation window 46 housed in the flap member 30. The observation window 46 comprises a frame and a transplant sheet of impermeable material. Preferably, the observation window is aligned with the head and the upper torso of the corpse. Advantageously, the observation window 46 permits inspection of a corpse contained within the body bag. In another yet still more preferred embodiment, the whole flap member 30 is constructed of a transparent plastic. Advantageously, a transparent flap member 30 permits the viewing of the complete corpse.

In a most preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprising an open ended storage pouch 48 attached to the outer surface of the rim 20 of the tray. 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.

In one embodiment, the absorbent pad comprises a single liquid impervious back- sheet layer being comprised of a plastic film, the plastic film not permitting water, water vapor or fluid to pass through; a one-way liquid permeable top-sheet layer; and a core of absorbent material interposed between the back-sheet layer and the top-sheet layer. The absorbent pad serves to entrap and to retain fluids. In another embodiment, the one-way liquid permeable top-sheet layer is a one-way porous barrier film that allows fluids to flow into the core of absorbent material and restricts back flow of fluid. In yet another embodiment, the core of absorbent material comprises a plurality of layers of cellulosic material. Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, the core of absorbent material is a material selected from the group consisting of cellulosic material, natural sponges, and synthetic sponges.

The one-way liquid permeable top-sheet layer is a one-way porous barrier film that allows fluids to flow into the absorbent material and restrict back flow of fluid. Any non-absorbent flexible film that provides a substantially one-way flow of fluids may be used.

The absorbent material can be a cellulosic pad or any equivalent inert absorbent material, such as particulate absorbent material for increased surface area and absorbency. Readily available materials may be used such as cotton with varying thickness to increase moisture absorbing capacity. The absorbent pad may or may not be removably affixed to the inner surface of the base 18 of the tray. Other absorbent materials may be incorporated into the absorbent pad, such as, a flat pouch containing charcoal to further enhance the absorbing capacity. In addition, the absorbent material may also be impregnated with an anti-viral agent, a bacteriostatic agent or a fungicidal agent.

The flexible sheet material used to construct the body bag should be leak proof, preventing leakage and seepage of bodily fluids. Various materials can be used to construct the flexible sheet material. Different materials may be selected to comply with the occupational safety and health regulations of individual countries. The flexible material allows the body bag to be compactable. An example of 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.

The layer of fluid impermeable material preferably has a thickness ranging from 4 to 30 mils. Suitable materials for the layer of fluid impermeable material include pliable films which are tough, strong and 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 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.

The flexible sheet material should have a thickness sufficient to maximize protection from and to resist puncture from any sharp objects contained within the closed body bag, preferably in the thickness range of 4 mils to 30 mils.

In another embodiment, the sheet material 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 sheet material 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 for the sheet material and has a 600 lb. lifting capacity. Another embodiment uses 10-gauge Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA) for the sheet material. 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 environmentally friendly chlorine burn requirements. In another embodiment, the sheet material can be made of chemical resistant materials.

In one embodiment, the re-closable closure means 32 is a fluid tight re-closable closure. The closure means 32 is operable to seal the flap member 30 to the rim 20 of the tray to prevent leakage of fluids. Preferably, the re-closable closure means 32 is a re-closable zipper or zip fastener. In use, when the zipper is zipped the body bag is closed, and when unzipped, the flap member 30 is manipulated 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.

The outer handles 42 can have various constructions. Preferably, the outer handles 42 are extra-strong carry handles or hand grips suitable for handling by two to six persons. Alternatively, the outer handles 42 can be padded and radio-frequency welded directly onto the flexible sheet material of the tray for comfortable handling during transport. Alternatively, the inner handles 42 can have foam inserts for handling comfort.

Alternatively, in another construction, the outer handles 42 can be riveted webbing style handles. One advantage is that 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 outer handles 42 are riveted and stitched with nylon thread on to the tray. Alternatively, the outer handles 42 can be exterior sewn or riveted webbing style handles. In another most preferred embodiment, the body bag further comprises a sealed pouch attached to the outer surface of the body bag. The sealed pouch contains an electronic tag. A suitable electronic tag is a radio-frequency identification (RPID) tag. Advantageously, the RFID tag enables electronic tracking of the body bag. In yet another embodiment, the sheet material further comprises a layer of material impregnated with anti-septic chemicals. Advantageously, this may serve to kill susceptible micro-organisms. In yet another embodiment, the sheet material further comprises a layer of material impregnated with a member selected from the group consisting of an anti- viral agent, a fungicidal agent and a bacteriostatic agent.

The tray is constructed from panels of rigid material covered with a flexible sheet material. The panels are connected or sealed or sewn together. The seams are sealed for superior resistance to leakage during transport. If the flexible sheet material is made of plastic, 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 tray is elongate-shape, longer in length in relation to its width, to permit the loading of a corpse thereon. Thus suitable shapes for the tray are oblongate shape, hexagonal shape, oval-shape and rectangular shaped; preferably with rounded ends or curved ends to permit easier closure of the body bag. 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 hereinafter claimed.