AND MANUFACTURE

Technical Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an ergonomic evidence bag configurable in a variety of orientations, wherein the bag can store an item of evidence, acquired by a user. The invention also relates to associated kits, and methods of use and manufacture.

Background to the Invention

Collection of an item for storage in a bag can be applied to a wide range of scenarios. As a particular example, the collection of evidence during any crime scene investigation requires meticulous protocols to ensure contaminating material does not taint any evidence acquired. Such careful collection helps ensure that the results of any subsequent forensic analysis, undertaken on the evidence, is not invalidated by the presence of contaminating material, or other undesirable chain of custody practises, which may impair the use of such evidence in any subsequent legal proceedings.

When collecting material as possible evidence, personnel will typically apply gloves, such as nitrile gloves, to prevent contaminants such as DNA, for example present in the personnel’s own skin and/or sweat, inadvertently passing onto any items being handled during collection. In terms of storage of acquired evidence, such items are commonly placed in sealable evidence bags, known in the art, wherein information relating to the chain of custody can also be recorded e.g. by marking such information via pen on a dedicated window printed on the evidence bag outer surface.

In light of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease in 2019 (COVID-19), many new hygienic measures have been implemented that focus on reduced contact between surfaces. There is a risk that evidence collection personnel wearing gloves will touch a variety of surfaces, which may increase dissemination of viral particles despite individual personnel feeling somewhat protected from such transmission due to wearing personal protective equipment. Therefore, there may be a need to consider alternative evidence collection approaches in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, certain environments can prove challenging for personnel when tasked with collecting items of interest from an (forensic) evidence perspective. For example, military users operating in warm climates may suffer difficulties in manipulating evidence bags to store items e.g. due to the bag sides sticking together. Furthermore, the requirement for such personnel to wear combat gloves may reduce their level of dexterity when trying to retrieve items and/or manipulating the evidence bags during the collection/storage process.

Therefore, there is a need for a cheap, simple-to-use bag, in particular for collection of evidence, that can potentially negate the need for a user to wear gloves, and/or be manipulated in a dextrous manner by users wearing gloves when collecting an item, while ensuring the item can be collected and stored in a manner that effectively prevents contamination by a user.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an ergonomic evidence bag comprising: a first pliant element, capable of forming a sleeve-like structure, comprising edges forming a first and second opening respectively, the first opening sealable via a sealing means; and a second pliant element, capable of forming a pocket-like structure, comprising an edge forming a third opening; wherein the first and second pliant elements are sealed together along a circumference at or proximal to the edges forming the second and third openings respectively, such that the seal between the first and second pliant elements facilitates the ergonomic evidence bag being arranged in: a) a first orientation, wherein the second pliant element extends inside the first pliant element so as to form an enclosed inverted pocket, capable of receiving a user’s hand, wherein the received user’s hand is prevented from directly contacting the first pliant element; b) a second orientation, wherein the second pliant element arranged as an inverted pocket at least partially extends out of the first opening of the first pliant element to facilitate the acquisition of an item by a user; and b) a third orientation, wherein the second pliant element extends from the first pliant element such that the first and second pliant elements form a consecutive sleeve-like structure and pocket-like structure respectively for storing an item acquired by a user.

Alternatively, the invention provides an ergonomic evidence bag comprising a pliant element having a lower region defining a base and an upper region defining a sealable opening, wherein the ergonomic evidence bag has a transverse fold line about the circumference of the ergonomic evidence bag between the lower region and the upper region, such that the fold line facilitates the ergonomic evidence bag being arranged in: a) a first orientation, wherein the lower region is arranged to extend inside the upper region of the ergonomic evidence bag, to form an enclosed inverted pocket, the enclosed inverted pocket capable of receiving a user’s hand, wherein the received user’s hand is prevented from directly contacting the upper region; b) a second orientation, wherein the lower region arranged as an inverted pocket at least partially extends out of the opening of the upper region to facilitate the acquisition of an item by a user; and c) a third orientation, wherein the lower region is arranged to extend away from the upper region to extend the ergonomic evidence bag, relative to the first orientation, for storing an item acquired by a user.

The term ‘fold line’ refers to an indentation, or similar arrangement, that permits or biases, with little manipulation from the user, the ergonomic evidence bag to be arranged in the first orientation. Preferably, the fold line is approximately equidistant between the opening and the base of the ergonomic evidence bag. This provides an ergonomic evidence bag having lower and upper regions that are approximately equal length, which may assist a user in gauging whether an item will fit in the extended ergonomic evidence bag i.e. making a mental assessment when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation. The ergonomic evidence bag is for collecting an item of potential law-enforcement and/or forensic interest. Thus, the ergonomic evidence bag includes features, as would be understood by the skilled person, such as a region or window on the outer surface of the evidence bag, known as the continuity panel, on which chain of custody information may be recorded e.g. the time and location that an item was acquired, the name of the person(s) who acquired the item etc. Envisaged items for collection for evidence may be any item that may be subjected to downstream analysis e.g. physical items such as weapons, items of clothing, bullet casing, documentation, chemical substances or biological matter, which may be subjected to testing including fingerprint, DNA and/or composition analysis.

Evidence bags are typically available in sizes up to 0.675 metres x 0.9 metres to accommodate a range of size of items collected as evidence. A common range of evidence bag size is a width of 150-400 mm and a height of 250-500 mm. Specific evidence bag sizes include 190 mm x 260 mm (i.e. small), 250 mm x 420 mm (medium) and 330 mm x 460 mm (large). Evidence bags may comprise an additional ‘lip’ of material that can fold over an opening to form a sealing means.

The material(s) used to form the bag comprises any material as understood by the skilled person that confers the desired evidence bag properties of pliability and durability. Such materials are typically thermoplastics, for example a polymeric-, plastic-, vinyl-, or fabric-based material. The material may be low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or poly-vinyl chloride (PVC). Such material(s) are typically impermeable to substances such as fluids and gases. The bag may be formed from, or comprise, any material required to meet any particular accreditation, such as an ISO accreditation, in particular to ensure the bag can withhold off-gassing items, for example those items giving off a volatile gas.

The term ‘sealable means’ with respect to the first opening can be any means known to the skilled person, for example a zip or draw-string, but in particular any means, in particular a gripping or locking means, capable of forming an airtight seal. The sealable means may be a tamper seal that uses adhesive to seal the first opening e.g. by removal of a strip of material to expose the adhesive.

It is acknowledged that conventional bags such as flimsy, lightweight plastic bags can be arranged in a similar manner to the respective orientations of the ergonomic evidence bag of the invention. These types of flimsy bags are often employed for the collection of material such as animal waste (e.g. dog faeces) in a manner that avoids contamination of an owner’s hands. However, the lightweight material of such bags enables simple manipulation of the material, thus not necessitating any particular modification to enable such manipulation, for example being formed from a plurality of pliant elements, with a seal between such elements to facilitate being arranged in a variety of orientations as described for the invention.

US6116668 A1 discloses flexible garment (10) comprising glove (12) from which extends a hollow bag (14). US5704670 A discloses glove bag (10) an enlarged cuff portion (12) with a forward end 22 integrally connected to glove portion (11). W02018/150156 A1 discloses a flexible bag (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000) for collecting animal waste, comprising a support element (10) comprising: a flexible material and a padding material (200, 30) and defining an opening (2, 370, 70) though which a user inserts their hand in use; and an outer layer covering at least part of the support element (10). The items disclosed in these documents are directed to the collection of animal waste, rather than the collection of evidence. Furthermore, these items are operated by inverted upon themselves during the waste collection process in order to store the material, and are unable to form the third orientation of the invention i.e. wherein a second pliant element extends from a first pliant element as a consecutive sleeve-like structure and pocket-like structure, providing an increased capacity available to a user collecting a particular item. Moreover, if hollow bag (14) (of US6116668 A1) and enlarged cuff portion (12) (of US5704670 A) are considered as e.g. a second pliant element, these features provide a channel for a user’s hand to be received by the glove (12) and glove bag (10) respectively (i.e. a first pliant element), rather than forming an inverted pocket that prevents the user’s hand from directly contacting a further/corresponding pliant element of the bag.

US6539549 B1 discloses a safety applicator glove system and method of use for applying insect repellent to human skin. The glove system comprises a glove/mitten (110) with a substantially absorbent outer surface to which an insect repellent can be applied. Associated with the glove/mitten (110) is a hand entry point (117) and protective sleeve/gauntlet (112, 113), capable of encapsulating the glove/mitten (110) when not in use. However, glove system (100) is directed to the application of insect repellent rather that the collection of evidence. Furthermore, even if the protective sleeve/gauntlet (112, 113) is considered as a first pliant element and glove/mitten (110) is considered as a second pliant element, Figure 5 of US6539549 B1 shows protective sleeve/gauntlet (112, 113) functioning to encapsulate the absorbent outer surface of glove/mitten (110) following the applicant to insect repellent onto a human subject. Glove/mitten (110) is not designed to extend from protective sleeve/gauntlet (112, 113) to provide an increased capacity available to a user collecting an item, in particular as hand entry point (117) would restrict any passing of an item between the protective sleeve/gauntlet (112, 113) and glove/mitten (110).

Evidence bags are well known in the field of evidence collection/storage. However, generic evidence bags have a seal formed around part of the perimeter of the bag (i.e. still allowing for an opening via which an item can be stored inside the evidence bag). Such conventional evidence bags are not formed from a plurality of pliant elements, or provided with a fold or similar arrangement, to facilitate such evidence bags being arranged in the first orientation. Given the durable material from which such evidence bags are made, it is not possible, or in the least incredibly difficult, to arrange a standard evidence bag in at least the first orientation or second orientation of the ergonomic evidence bag of the invention.

US7699196 discloses an ergonomic evidence bag comprising an outer container 12 for securement means, in which is provided a foldable interior bag 20 with an opening for receiving an item, wherein bag 20 extends from the outer container 12 when in the deployed position. However, US7699196 is directed to the problem of conveniently collecting an item (e.g. evidence) in the presence of an individual who may be a suspect, rather than directed towards the problem of providing an ergonomic evidence bag that offers the ability to collect evidence without gloves or where the level of dexterity may be impaired. Furthermore, the bag described in US7699196 is arranged to be folded prior to deployment, with any items collected being placed through the opening in the top of bag, therefore not overcoming the issue(s) of collecting items, in particular items of evidence, without using gloves or other means without the risk of contamination, as well as offering a bag that can easily be manipulated when a user’s dexterity is impaired e.g. when using heavy or cumbersome gloves.

Advantageously, the invention provides an ergonomic evidence bag that is capable of forming a container that can transition between the first and second orientation, and second and third orientation, due to the seal between the first and second pliant elements. Alternatively, the invention provides an ergonomic evidence bag that is capable of forming a container, which can transition between the first and second orientation, due to the transverse fold line about the circumference of the ergonomic evidence bag between the lower region and the upper region. Thus, the invention offers a simple-to-use, ergonomically friendly, ambidextrous, and easy-to-manipulate bag for storing an item. The manner in which the bag can be manipulated by a user enables an item to be transferred into the bag, negating the need for the user to apply gloves, without transferring a contaminant on the item, in particular a contaminant associated with the user, such as DNA present in a user’s skin/sweat. In particular, such ‘clean’ collection means as required by evidence collection protocols is achieved by the received user’s hand being prevented from directly contacting the first pliant element as a result of a shielding action of the pocket-like structure of the second pliant element (or lower region). Such collection may maximise the chances of obtaining an interpretable DNA profile from an item, which could for example be compared against a known reference DNA profile, The arrangement of the bag, in particular the inverted pocket formed in the first orientation, is particularly suited to when a user’s dexterity may be compromised, for example due to wearing heavy duty gloves that may be required for a given situation e.g. military use in the field. Therefore, this design allows for the rapid seizure of an item(s), which would benefit a user operating in a hostile environment where slower best practice recovery techniques may be otherwise unattainable. Furthermore, arranging the bag in the first orientation enables a greater ease of storage, while transitioning the bag from the first/second orientation to the third orientation ensures the bag’s capacity can be increased by the action of extending the second pliant element from the first pliant element, or by extending the lower region away from the upper region. Therefore, users do not need to carry a variety of evidence bag sizes, which is particularly advantageous from a military perspective as this reduces the financial and logistical burden in terms of procuring/carrying a range of evidence bags.

It is envisaged that if the second pliant element has a storage capacity greater than the first pliant element, a region of the second pliant can be folded over, when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation and the second pliant element extends inside the first pliant element, so as to form an enclosed inverted pocket, capable of receiving a user’s hand. This ensures that a part of the second pliant element does not extend past the sealing means associated with the first opening of the first pliant element i.e. a part of the second pliant element does not extend from the first opening of the first pliant element. As a result, the sealing means is not impaired in sealing the first opening (of particular relevance for reversible sealing means that can easily alternate between a sealed and non-sealed orientation) when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation, thus ensuring a contaminant does not enter the ergonomic evidence bag when not in use.

Alternatively, it is envisaged that if the lower region has a storage capacity greater than the upper region, a portion of the lower region can be folded over, when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation and the lower region extends inside the upper region, so as to form an enclosed inverted pocket, capable of receiving a user’s hand. This ensures that a part of the lower region does not extend past the sealable opening associated with the ergonomic evidence bag i.e. a part of the lower region does not extend from the opening of the ergonomic evidence bag. As a result, the sealable opening is not impaired in sealing (of particular relevance for a reversible sealing opening that can easily alternate between a sealed and non-sealed orientation) when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation, thus ensuring a contaminant does not enter the ergonomic evidence bag when not in use.

Preferably, the second pliant element has a reduced storage capacity, relative to that of the first pliant element, such that when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation, the second pliant element does not extend past the sealing means associated with the first opening of the first pliant element. Thus, when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation, the second pliant element can fit conveniently inside the first pliant element in a manner that cannot extend from the first opening of the first pliant element, thus providing for easy manipulation of the ergonomic evidence bag in the first orientation e.g. a user applying a small amount of force to simply invert the second pliant element into the body of the first pliant element. However, it is to be understood that a user could still, and indeed is intended/encouraged to, place his hand within the enclosed inverted pocket of the second pliant element, when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation, and in use effectively push part/all of the inverted pocket to extend out of the first opening of the first pliant element in order to acquire an item (i.e. when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the second orientation).

Alternatively, the lower region has a reduced storage capacity, relative to that of the upper region, such that when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation, the lower region does not extend past the sealable opening. Thus, when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation, the lower region can fit conveniently inside the upper region in a manner that cannot extend from the sealable opening of the ergonomic evidence bag, thus providing for easy manipulation of the ergonomic evidence bag in the first orientation e.g. a user applying a small amount of force to simply invert the lower region into the upper region. However, it is to be understood that a user could still, and indeed is intended/encouraged to, place his hand within the enclosed inverted pocket of the lower region, when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation, and in use effectively push part/all of the inverted pocket to extend out of the opening of the upper region in order to acquire an item (i.e. when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the second orientation).

Preferably, the circumference of the first pliant element is the same or slightly greater (e.g. up to 5 mm, up to 10 mm, up to 20 mm greater) than the circumference of the the second pliant element, in particular at the point at which the first and second pliant elements are sealed together along a circumference at or proximal to the edges forming the second and third openings respectively. Alternatively, the width of the upper region is the same or slightly greater (e.g. up to 5 mm, up to 10 mm, up to 20 mm), in particular at the point at which the upper and lower regions are separated by a transverse fold line about the circumference of the ergonomic evidence bag between the lower region and the upper region. This ensures the second pliant element can easily fit in the first pliant element (or lower region fit into the upper region), while the opening formed in the first orientation can easily receive a user’s hand (as well as potentially a portion of the user’s arm), and also helps ensure as great a capacity as possible when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the third orientation.

Preferably, a region of the second pliant element comprises glove-like extensions, such that when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation or second orientation, a user’s hand can be received into the glove-like extensions of the second pliant element. This offers a bag with improved dexterity, in particular when a user is required to grasp an item, by placing their hand in the glove-shaped inverted pocket formed by the second pliant, and grasping an item via the glove-like extension of the second pliant element such that the item can be drawn into the ergonomic evidence bag through the first opening of the first pliant element. Alternatively, the lower region comprises glove-like extensions, such that when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation or second orientation, a user’s hand can be received into the glove-like extensions. Further preferably, the glove-like extensions are arranged on the base of the ergonomic evidence bag. This offers an evidence bag with improved dexterity, in particular when a user is required to grasp an item, by placing their hand in the glove-shaped inverted pocket formed by lower region, and grasping an item via the glove-like extension such that the item can be drawn into the ergonomic evidence bag through the sealable opening.

Preferably, the ergonomic evidence bag further comprises at least one tab-like extension on an outer surface of the ergonomic evidence bag e.g. the first and/or second pliant element further comprises at least one tab-like extension on an outer surface of the element(s). This feature provides an element which can be grasped by one hand of a user (i.e. the free hand when the other hand is placed inside the inverted pocket of the second pliant element or the lower region), to aid manipulation of the ergonomic evidence bag, in particular when transitioning the ergonomic evidence bag from the first orientation to the second orientation, or from the first/second orientation to the third orientation.

Preferably, the ergonomic evidence bag further comprises a means for urging the first opening (or sealable opening in the case of the alternative evidence bag) in an arrangement to receive the item. The urging means may be a flexible element, such as a plastic strip or hoop, or similar functioning element, associated with the edge forming the first opening, which can be positioned in a first arrangement, for example a closed arrangement, when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation or third orientation, but which may be bent, flexed or ‘snapped’ into a second arrangement, for example an O-shape’, preferably prior to the ergonomic evidence bag being transitioned to the second orientation. This manipulation of the urging means facilitates the first opening being urged into a formation better suited to receive an item. This feature increases the ease by which the ergonomic evidence bag can be manipulated to ensure an item is acquired, in particular by helping form the first opening to facilitate an item to be drawn into the interior of the ergonomic evidence bag.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising the ergonomic evidence bag of the first aspect i.e. an evidence collection kit.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method of use of the ergonomic evidence bag according to the first aspect, or the kit of the second aspect, comprising the steps of: a user placing their hand within the inverted pocket of the second pliant element when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation; the user manipulating the ergonomic evidence bag to grasp an item via the inverted pocket of the second pliant element arranged in the second orientation; the user retracting the second pliant element, relative to the first pliant element, to arrange the ergonomic evidence bag in the third orientation, drawing the item into the ergonomic evidence bag; and sealing the first opening of the first pliant element via the sealing means.

Preferably, wherein the region of the second pliant element comprises glove-like extensions, a user’s hand can be received into the glove-like extensions of the second pliant element, in particular when the second pliant element is arranged as an inverted pocket when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation or second orientation, to facilitate grasping an item via the glove-like extension of the second pliant element.

Preferably, wherein the first and/or second pliant element further comprise at least one tab-like extension on an outer surface of the elements(s), the user grasps the at least one tab-like extension with one hand to aid manipulation of the ergonomic evidence bag i.e. when transitioning the ergonomic evidence bag from the first orientation to the second orientation, or from the first/second orientation to the third orientation. Preferably, the user can urge the first opening in an arrangement to receive the item, via the urging means, prior to the ergonomic evidence bag being transitioned to the second orientation. This may require a force being applied to the urging means that alters the arrangement of the urging means, which as a result may change the conformation of the first opening to being more amenable to receive an item i.e. facilitating the item being placed in the interior of the ergonomic evidence bag.

There is provided a method of use of the alternative ergonomic evidence bag, or associated kit, comprising the steps of: a user placing their hand within the enclosed inverted pocket, formed from the lower region, when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation; the user manipulating the ergonomic evidence bag to grasp an item via the lower region arranged in the second orientation; the user retracting the lower region, relative to the upper region, to arrange the ergonomic evidence bag in the third orientation, drawing the item into the ergonomic evidence bag; and sealing the sealable opening.

Preferably, wherein the region of the lower region comprises glove-like extensions, a user’s hand can be received into the glove-like extensions of the lower region, in particular when the lower region is arranged as an enclosed inverted pocket when the ergonomic evidence bag is arranged in the first orientation or second orientation, to facilitate grasping an item via the glove-like extension of the lower region.

Preferably, wherein the ergonomic evidence bag further comprises at least one tablike extension on an outer surface of the ergonomic evidence bag, the user grasps the at least one tab-like extension with one hand to aid manipulation of the ergonomic evidence bag i.e. when transitioning the ergonomic evidence bag from the first orientation to the second orientation, or from the first/second orientation to the third orientation.

Preferably, the user can urge the sealable opening in an arrangement to receive the item, via the urging means, prior to the ergonomic evidence bag being transitioned to the second orientation. This may require a force being applied to the urging means that alters the arrangement of the urging means, which as a result may change the conformation of the sealable opening to being more amenable to receive an item i.e. facilitating the item being placed in the interior of the ergonomic evidence bag.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an ergonomic evidence bag comprising the steps of: providing a first pliant element, capable of forming a sleeve-like structure, comprising edges forming a first and second opening respectively; providing the first opening of the first pliant element with a sealing means; providing a second pliant element, capable of forming a pocket-like structure, comprising an edge forming a third opening; sealing together the first and second pliant element along a circumference at or proximal to the edges forming the second and third openings respectively, such that the seal between the first and second pliant elements facilitates the ergonomic evidence bag being arranged in: a) a first orientation, wherein the second pliant element extends inside the first pliant element so as to form an enclosed inverted pocket, capable of receiving a user’s hand, wherein the received user’s hand is prevented from directly contacting the first pliant element, such that the ergonomic evidence bag can be arranged in a planar form when not in use; b) a second orientation, wherein the second pliant element arranged as an inverted pocket at least partially extends out of the first opening of the first pliant element to facilitate the acquisition of an item by a user; and c) a third orientation, wherein the second pliant element extends from the first pliant element such that the first and second pliant elements form a consecutive sleeve-like structure and pocket-like structure respectively for storing an item acquired by a user.

The seal formed between the first and second pliant elements may be formed by any technique known in the field e.g. heat-sealing.

Preferably, a region of the second pliant element is provided with glove-like extensions. There is provided a method of manufacturing an alternative ergonomic evidence bag comprising the steps of: providing a pliant element having a lower region defining a base and a upper region defining a sealable opening; and providing a transverse fold line about the circumference of the ergonomic evidence bag between the lower region and the upper region, such that the fold line facilitates the ergonomic evidence bag being arranged in: a) a first orientation, wherein the lower region is arranged to extend inside the upper region of the ergonomic evidence bag, to form an enclosed inverted pocket, the enclosed inverted pocket capable of receiving a user’s hand, wherein the received user’s hand is prevented from directly contacting the upper region; b) a second orientation, wherein the lower region arranged as an inverted pocket at least partially extends out of the opening of the upper region to facilitate the acquisition of an item by a user; and c) a third orientation, wherein the lower region is arranged to extend away from the upper region to extend the ergonomic evidence bag, relative to the first orientation, for storing an item acquired by a user.

The fold formed between the upper region and lower region may be formed by any technique known in the field e.g. using pressure or/and heat for form the fold.

Preferably, the lower region is provided with glove-like extensions.

Preferably, the first pliant element is provided with a means for urging the first opening in an arrangement to receive an item. Alternatively, the sealable opening in the case of the alternative arrangement is provided with a means for urging the sealable opening in an arrangement to receive an item. For example, the urging means may be a plastic strip fixed or associated in a region in close vicinity to the edge forming the first opening.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to any other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, ergonomic evidence bag and kit aspects may be applied to the method aspects and vice versa. The invention extends to an ergonomic evidence bag, kit, method of use and method of manufacture substantially as herein described, with reference to the Examples.

In all aspects, the invention may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any feature or combination of features.

The present invention will now be described, with reference to the following nonlimiting examples and Figures in which:

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the first pliant element of the ergonomic evidence bag of the first aspect;

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the second pliant element of the ergonomic evidence bag of the first aspect;

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the ergonomic evidence bag of the first aspect in the first orientation;

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the ergonomic evidence bag of the first aspect in the second orientation;

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the ergonomic evidence bag of the first aspect in the third orientation;

Figure 6 shows the alternative ergonomic evidence bag in the third orientation;

Figure 7 shows the alternative ergonomic evidence bag in the first orientation; and

Figure 8 shows the alternative ergonomic evidence bag in the second orientation. Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a front view of a first pliant element 2, capable of forming a sleevelike structure, the first pliant element 2 having edges 3 and 4 which form a first and second opening 5 and 6 respectively. The first pliant element 2 has slits 7a, 7b at edge 3. On the inside surface of first pliant element 2 is a layer of adhesive 8 to provide a sealing means. When not in use, layer of adhesive 8 is covered by a removable layer (e.g. paper) to prevent unwanted sealing of the first opening 5 of the first pliant element 2. As this embodiment represents an ergonomic evidence bag, a window 9 is shown marked on the outer surface of the first pliant element 2 on which chain of custody information may be recorded via pen.

Figure 2 shows a front view of a second pliant element 12, capable of forming a pocket-like structure, the second pliant element 12 having edge 13 which forms a third opening 14.

Figure 3 shows a front view of an ergonomic evidence bag 1, comprising the first pliant element 2 and second pliant element 12, in a first orientation according to the invention. A seal 15 is formed along the circumference between the edge 4 of the first pliant element 2 and edge 13 of the second pliant element 12 (both edges not labelled) i.e. an interior region at edge 4 of first pliant element 2 forms a seal with an exterior region at edge 13 of the second pliant element 12. This arrangement enables the second opening 6 and third opening 14 respectively (also not labelled) to co-arrange to form a connection between the first pliant element 2 and second pliant element 12. In the arrangement shown in Figure 3, the ergonomic evidence bag 1 is arranged in the first orientation, wherein the second pliant element 12 has been inverted to form an enclosed inverted pocket within the first pliant element 2 i.e. the second pliant element 12 extends inside the first pliant element 2. In this arrangement, the ergonomic evidence bag 1 can be arranged in a planer form when not in use.

Figure 4 shows the front view of an ergonomic evidence bag 1 , comprising the first pliant element 2 and second pliant element 12, in a second orientation according to the invention. In the arrangement shown in Figure 4, the second pliant element 12 is arranged as an inverted pocket that at least partially extends out of the first opening 5 of the first pliant element 2.

Figure 5 shows a front view of an ergonomic evidence bag 1, comprising the first pliant element 2 and second pliant element 12, in a third orientation according to the invention. Seal 15 is again shown, formed along the circumference between the edge 4 of the first pliant element 2 and edge 13 of the second pliant element 12 (both edges not labelled) i.e. to co-arrange the second opening 6 and third opening 14 respectively (also not labelled) to form a connection between the first pliant element 2 and second pliant element 12. In the arrangement shown in Figure 5, the ergonomic evidence bag 1 is arranged in the third orientation, wherein the second pliant element 12 extends from the first pliant element 2 such that the first pliant element 2 and second pliant element 12 form a consecutive sleeve-like structure and pocket-like structure respectively for storing an item acquired by a user. A tab 10 is shown associated with the first pliant element 2 to provide an element which can be grasped by one hand of a user to aid the transition of the ergonomic evidence bag 1 from the first orientation of Figure 3, via the second orientation of Figure 4, to the third orientation of Figure 5.

In use, in order to collect an item in a manner that avoids contamination being transferred to the item, a user firstly places one of their hands within the inverted pocket of the second pliant element 12, when the ergonomic evidence bag 1 is arranged in the first orientation. The user then manipulates the ergonomic evidence bag 1, in particular pushing the inverted pocket of the second pliant element 12 out of the first opening 5 of the first pliant element 2 i.e. the second orientation. This action enables the user to grasp the item via the inverted pocket of the second pliant element 12. The user then retracts the second pliant element 12, relative to the first pliant element 2, to draw the item into the ergonomic evidence bag 1, until the ergonomic evidence bag 1 is arranged in the third orientation, with the item contained within the ergonomic evidence bag 1. During this action, the user can hold onto tab 10 with their other hand to aid manipulation of the ergonomic evidence bag 1 in the manner described. Once the item is contained within the ergonomic evidence bag 1 i.e. held in the second pliant element 12 when formed as a pocketlike structure, the user then seals the first opening 5 of the first pliant element 2 by removing the removable layer from adhesive 8 (made more available by slits 7a, 7b enabling a fold to be made at edge 3 to further expose the removable layer) and sealing the first opening 5 of the first pliant element 2.

Figure 6 shows a front view of an ergonomic evidence bag 100 in a third orientation according to the invention. The ergonomic evidence bag 100 comprises an upper region 20 and a lower region 30, upper region 20 having an upper edge 40 defining a sealable opening 50. The ergonomic evidence bag 100 has slits 60a, 60b at upper edge 40 of upper region 20. The ergonomic evidence bag 100 has a transverse fold line 70 about the circumference of the ergonomic evidence bag 100 between the lower region 30 and the upper region 20.

On the inside surface of the upper region 20 is a layer of adhesive 80 to provide a sealing means. When not in use, layer of adhesive 80 is covered by a removable layer (e.g. paper) to prevent unwanted sealing of the sealable opening 50. A window 90 is marked on the outer surface of the upper region 20 on which chain of custody information may be recorded via pen.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 6, the ergonomic evidence bag 100 is arranged in the third orientation, wherein the lower region 30 extends away from the upper region 20 to extent the ergonomic bag 100 for storing an item acquired by a user. A tab 1000 is shown associated with the upper region 20 to provide an element which can be grasped by one hand of a user to aid the transition of the ergonomic evidence bag 100 to the third orientation of Figure 6 (from e.g. the first orientation of Figure 7).

Figure 7 shows a front view of an ergonomic evidence bag 100 in a first orientation according to the invention. In the arrangement shown in Figure 7, the ergonomic evidence bag 100 is arranged in the first orientation, wherein the lower region 30 is arranged via transverse fold line 70 to extend inside the upper region 20 of the ergonomic bag 100 to form an enclosed inverted pocket, capable of receiving a user’s hand. In this arrangement, the ergonomic evidence bag 100 can be arranged in a planer form when not in use.

Figure 8 shows the front view of an ergonomic evidence bag 100, comprising lower region 30 and upper region 20, in a second orientation according to the invention. In the arrangement shown in Figure 8, the lower region 30 is arranged as an inverted pocket that at least partially extends out of the sealable opening 50 of the upper region 20.

In use, in order to collect an item in a manner that avoids contamination being transferred to the item, a user firstly places one of their hands within the enclosed inverted pocket of the lower region 30, when the ergonomic evidence bag 100 is arranged in the first orientation. The user then manipulates the ergonomic evidence bag 100, in particular pushing the enclosed inverted pocket of the lower region 30 out of the sealable opening 50 of the upper region 20 i.e. the second orientation. This action enables the user to grasp the item via the inverted pocket of the lower region 30. The user then retracts the lower region 30, relative to the upper region 20, to draw the item into the ergonomic evidence bag 100, until the ergonomic evidence bag 100 is arranged in the third orientation, with the item contained within the ergonomic evidence bag 100. During this action, the user can hold onto tab 1000 with their other hand to aid manipulation of the ergonomic evidence bag 100 in the manner described. Once the item is contained within the ergonomic evidence bag 100 i.e. held in the lower region 30 when formed in the second orientation, the user then seals the sealable opening 50 of the upper region 20 by removing the removable layer from adhesive 80 (made more available by slits 60a, 60b enabling a fold to be made at edge 40 to further expose the removable layer) and sealing the sealable opening 50.

Various modifications to the ergonomic evidence bag 1 , 100 can be made as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, window 9, 90 may be marked on the outer surface of the second pliant element 12, or the outer surface of the lower region 30, such that it is accessible when the ergonomic evidence bag 1, 100 is in the third orientation. A region of the second pliant element 12, or the lower region 30, may comprise glove-like extensions, such that when the ergonomic evidence bag 1 , 100 is arranged in the first orientation, a user’s hand can be received into the glovelike extensions of the second pliant element 12 or lower region 30. This would enable a user to grasp an item via the glove-like extension of the second pliant element 12 or lower region 30 such that the item can be drawn into the ergonomic evidence bag 1, 100 through the first opening 5 of the first pliant element 2, or the sealable opening 50 of the upper region 20. The ergonomic evidence bag 1, 100 may comprise a means for urging the first opening 5, or sealable opening 50, in an arrangement to receive the item. The urging means may be a flexible element, such as a plastic strip or hoop, or similar functioning element, associated with the edge 3 forming the first opening 5, or upper edge 40 defining a sealable opening 50, which can be positioned in a first arrangement, for example a closed arrangement when the ergonomic evidence bag 1, 100 is arranged in the first and/or third orientation, but which may be bent, flexed or ‘snapped’ into a second arrangement, for example an O-shape’ when the ergonomic evidence bag 1, 100 is arranged in the second orientation i.e. preferably prior to the ergonomic evidence bag 1, 100 being transitioned to the third orientation. This manipulation of the urging means facilitates the first opening 5 or sealable opening 50 being urged into a formation better suited to receive an item. The urging means may be formed in particular by a plastic hoop, or similar functioning element. Tab 10, 1000 may be located on the ergonomic evidence bag 1, 100 elsewhere to that described herein. The ergonomic evidence bag 1, 100 may provide additional anti-contaminant precaution(s) for recovering evidence in a chemical or biological environment.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings, may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination. Moreover, the invention has been described with specific reference to an ergonomic evidence bag and associated kits, and methods of use and manufacture. Additional applications of the invention will occur to the skilled person.