초록 ▼

A container system and a method for transporting hazardous materials is disclosed. One embodiment of the container system includes a soft-sided outer shell and an inner frame. The outer shell is at least partially collapsible when unsupported. The outer shell may include a plurality of vertical wall

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

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A container system, comprising: a soft-sided outer shell, said outer shell comprising a plurality of vertical walls and bottom integrally formed and having an inner layer formed of watertight material, said vertical walls and bottom forming an open top which is covered by a l

What is claimed is: 1. A container system, comprising: a soft-sided outer shell, said outer shell comprising a plurality of vertical walls and bottom integrally formed and having an inner layer formed of watertight material, said vertical walls and bottom forming an open top which is covered by a lid adapted to be selectively secured to said vertical walls, wherein said outer shell is at least partially collapsable by an unorganized reduction in volume when unsupported; and an inner frame having rigid walls; wherein said inner frame is adapted to support said outer shell when said inner frame is inserted inside said outer shell; wherein said inner frame is at least partially collapsable. 2. The container system according to claim 1, further comprising hazardous material positioned within said outer shell. 3. The container system according to claim 2, wherein said hazardous material includes an organ. 4. The container system according to claim 1, wherein said outer shell satisfies IATA 602 requirements for an outer packaging when supported from within by said inner frame. 5. The container system according to claim 1, wherein said soft-sided outer shell includes vent holes. 6. The container system according to claim 1, further comprising a fastener to secure said lid to said vertical walls. 7. The container system according to claim 6, wherein said fastener is a zipper. 8. The container system according to claim 1, wherein said bottom is structurally reinforced. 9. The container system according to claim 1, wherein said outer shell includes an outer fabric layer and foam insulation for thermally insulating an interior of said shell from an external environment. 10. The container system according to claim 9, wherein said outer fabric includes polyester. 11. The container system according to claim 1, wherein said inner frame comprises: a pair of opposing, rigid longitudinal walls; and a pair of opposing, collapsable side walls, each of said side walls linking an end of one of said longitudinal walls to an end of the other of said longitudinal walls, said side walls adapted to collapse to allow a reduction in a distance between said longitudinal walls. 12. The container system according to claim 11, wherein said inner frame further comprises: a rigid bottom pivotably engaged to one of said pair of opposing rigid walls, said rigid bottom adapted to selectively pivot between a first open position and a second collapsed position. 13. The container system according to claim 11, wherein said inner frame further comprises a fastener to secure said side walls in a collapsed position. 14. The container system of claim 1, wherein said outer shell is capable of withstanding an internal pressure which produces a pressure differential of not less than 95 kPa (0.95 bar, 13.8 lb/in2) in the range or −40° C. to +55° C. (−40° F. to 130° F.). 15. A method of transporting hazardous material, comprising: providing a container system according to claim 1; and positioning hazardous material into said container system. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said hazardous material includes an organ. 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said container system satisfies IATA 602 requirements for an outer packaging. 18. The method according to claim 15, wherein said soft-sided outer shell of said container system includes vent holes. 19. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: removing said hazardous material from said container system; and collapsing said container system. 20. A method of transporting hazardous material, comprising: providing a container system according to claim 1; and inserting said inner frame into said outer shell; and positioning hazardous material into said outer shell in an assembled configuration. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein said hazardous material includes an organ. 22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: removing said hazardous material from said outer shell; removing said inner frame from said outer shell; collapsing said inner frame; and collapsing said outer shell. 23. The method according to claim 20, wherein said inserting said inner frame into said outer shell satisfies IATA 602 requirements for an outer packaging. 24. The method according to claim 20, wherein said soft-sided outer shell of said container includes vent holes. 25. A container system, comprising: a soft-sided outer shell, said outer shell comprising a plurality of vertical walls and bottom integrally formed and having an inner layer formed of watertight material, said vertical walls and bottom forming an open top which is covered by a lid adapted to be selectively secured to said vertical walls, wherein said outer shell is at least partially collapsible by an unorganized reduction in volume when unsupported; and an inner frame having a pair of opposing, rigid longitudinal walls and a pair of opposing side walls; wherein each of said opposing side walls links an end of one of said longitudinal walls to an end of the other of said longitudinal walls, wherein each of said side walls comprises a vertical crease to allow a reduction in a distance between said longitudinal walls; and wherein said inner frame is adapted to support said outer shell when said inner frame is inserted inside said outer shell. 26. The container system according to claim 25, wherein said inner frame further comprises a rigid bottom pivotably engaged to one of said pair of opposing rigid walls, said rigid bottom adapted to selectively pivot between a first open position and a second collapsed position. 27. The container system according to claim 25, wherein said inner frame further comprises a fastener to secure said side walls in a collapsed position. 28. The container system according to claim 25, wherein said outer shell satisfies IATA 602 requirements for an outer packaging when supported from within by said inner frame. 29. The container system of claim 25, wherein said outer shell is capable of withstanding an internal pressure which produces a pressure differential of not less than 95 kPa (0.95 bar, 13.8 lb/in2) in the range or −40° C. to +55° C. (−40° F. to 130° F.).