Abstract:
A multi-panel sterilization assembly that includes a barrier panel formed of a permeable material, a fold protection panel, and at least one panel attachment means. The barrier panel has a first end and a second end opposite the first end such that the barrier panel has a length that is the distance from the first end to the second end and a midpoint along the length generally delineating the barrier panel into a content receiving region and a content covering region. Panel attachment means are located between the first end and the midpoint of the barrier panel at a pre-determined position to identify the content receiving region. The fold protection panel is in juxtaposed communication with the barrier panel, and has a proximal end generally adjacent the barrier panel, a distal end generally opposite the proximal end, and a length that is the distance between these ends, such that, after the barrier panel has been folded at or near the barrier panel's midpoint so its second end is brought near its first end and its edges brought together and secured by the panel attachment means to form a package, the fold protection panel folds at or near the pre-determined fold line to cover at least a portion of the edges of the folded barrier panel.
Abstract:
A method of using a sterilization wrap system including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the exterior panel being substantially opaque or having a first level of translucence, and an interior panel including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the interior panel having a level of translucence that is higher than the translucence of the exterior panel, the panels being joined together over at least a portion of their surfaces. Also disclosed is inspection of the sterilization wrap system for exterior panel breaches by looking for light passing through a panel facing the viewer.
Abstract:
A continuous process for making a multi-panel sterilization assembly, the process including the steps of: providing a moving, continuous base web; providing a plurality of subassemblies; applying the subassemblies in position on the moving, continuous base web to define repeating portions that incorporate the subassemblies and alternating portions that lack such subassemblies; providing side tabs; applying the side tabs in position on the moving, continuous base web with respect to at least one edge of the portions that incorporate the subassemblies; attaching the subassemblies and the side tabs to the moving, continuous base web to form a continuous work-piece; and separating the continuous work-piece into individual multi-panel sterilization assemblies, each multi-panel sterilization assembly comprising a barrier panel, a fold protection panel and at least one side tab.
Abstract:
A multi-panel sterilization assembly that includes a barrier panel formed of permeable material having barrier properties, side tabs that include grip portions for folding or unfolding the barrier panel; and a fold protection panel. The barrier panel has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first edge and a third edge, each such edge being generally perpendicular to the first end, and a second edge that is generally opposite the first end. A longitudinal axis extending from at least the first end to the second end of the barrier panel such that it bisects the assembly into a first assembly portion and a substantially equal second assembly portion. The first assembly portion extends from the longitudinal axis to include the first edge of the barrier panel and the side tab and defines a respective center of mass, and the second assembly portion extends from the longitudinal axis to include the third edge of the barrier panel and the side tab and defines a second respective center of mass, whereby the center of mass of the first assembly portion is closer to the first edge than to the longitudinal axis and the center of mass of the second assembly portion is closer to the third edge than to the longitudinal axis.
Abstract:
A multi-panel sterilization assembly that includes a barrier panel formed of permeable material having barrier properties, side tabs that include grip portions for folding or unfolding the barrier panel; and a fold protection panel. The barrier panel has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first edge and a third edge, each such edge being generally perpendicular to the first end, and a midpoint to generally delineate the barrier panel into a content receiving region extending from approximately the first end to the midpoint and a content covering region extending from the midpoint to approximately the second end. The side tabs are located between the first end and the midpoint of the barrier panel and at or near the first edge and the third edge. The fold protection panel is in juxtaposed communication with the barrier panel such that after folding the content covering region and the first and third edges over the content receiving region, the fold protection panel covers them.
Abstract:
A multi-pane! sterilization assembly that includes a barrier panel formed of a permeable material, barrier panel bolsters at or adjacent at least a portion of two edges of the barrier panel, a fold protection panel, and at least one panel attachment means. The barrier panel has a first end and a second end opposite the first end such that the barrier pane! has a length that is the distance from the first end to the second end and a midpoint along the length generally delineating the barrier panel into a content receiving region and a content covering region. The barrier panel bolsters prevent the edges of the barrier panel from folding back onto itself, i.e. back towards the unfolded position, during unfolding of the barrier panel after sterilization.
Abstract:
A disposable flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly incorporating an integrated fastening system. The disposable flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly includes a barrier panel formed from a sheet of barrier material having at least one panel edge. The barrier panel is configured to be folded around content to be sterilized to form a package. The assembly further includes a fold protection panel extending from the barrier panel. The fold protection panel includes a proximal end generally adjacent the barrier panel and a distal end generally opposite the proximal end such that the distal end of the fold protection panel covers the one or more panel edges of the barrier panel after the barrier panel is in the folded configuration. The integrated fastening system is barrier panel attachment means located on a portion of the barrier panel for securing one or more panel edges of the barrier panel in a folded configuration around content to be sterilized. The barrier panel attachment means are configured to secure the one or more panel edges in a folded configuration.