ARTICLE CARRIER

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a system, device or apparatus for cryogenically storing, transporting and/or shipping a liquid, such as blood, under cryogenic temperatures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may be inventions.

Medical practitioners or professions may refrigerate or freeze blood for storage and/or transportation to a medical facility. When transporting blood, the blood may be refrigerated and stored in a blood bag. Less-dense blood plasma is often frozen at cryogenic temperatures. At cryogenic temperatures, the blood bags may shatter during transport because the storage devices that store the blood bags are brittle at cryogenic temperatures. Blood bag manufacturers may provide an overwrap bag that is made of material that is more cryogenically friendly, i.e., less brittle, and does not shatter at cryogenic temperatures. The overwrap bag is placed over the blood bag and contains the blood within the blood bag if the blood bag shatters. The overwrap bag, however, does not prevent the blood bag from shattering and does not maintain the integrity and usability of the blood that has been released.

Often, the blood bag is placed into a metallic case for transport. The metallic case holds the blood bag while in storage and during transportation. The metallic case holds the shape of the blood bag and protects the blood bag from external damage, such as cuts and punctures. The metal case, however, does not protect the blood bag from shocks and vibrations. Any impact to the metallic case also causes the blood bag to slide and impact the inner surfaces of the case which may cause the blood bag to become damaged. Additionally, carrying systems for multiple metal cases can become heavy and bulky.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system, device or apparatus to carry a plurality of articles, such as blood bags, that is lighter, easier to load, and easier to ship to an end user.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a carrying bag. In various embodiments, the carrying bag is configured to transport a plurality of biomaterials in a cryogenic environment.

In various embodiments, the carrying bag comprises a plurality of panels joined to define a plurality of pockets including a first pocket and a second pocket, each of the plurality of pockets configured to receive an article for carrying, the first pocket having a first front panel and first back panel from the plurality of panels, the second pocket having a second front panel and a second back panel from the plurality of panels, the first back panel joined to the second front panel to form two or more joints, the first back panel and the second front panel defining an interstitial void of flexible dimension therebetween.

In various embodiments, the carrying bag comprises: a first side panel comprising a first handle; a second side panel comprising a second handle; and a plurality of pockets comprising a first side pocket, a second side pocket, and a plurality of middle pockets disposed between the first side pocket and the second side pocket, each of the plurality of pockets configured to form an opening that converges into a cavity of the respective pocket from a first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area in response to separating the first handle from the second handle.

A method of loading a cryogenic articles transport assembly is also disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the method comprises: transitioning a carrying bag from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the open configuration comprising a plurality of pockets configured to receive an article therein, the open configuration including an opening to each of the plurality of pockets of the carrying bag that converges into a cavity from a first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being smaller than the first cross-sectional area; loading a plurality of cassettes into the carrying bag, each of the plurality of cassettes disposed in the cavity defined by one of the plurality of pockets; and transitioning the carrying bag from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

A method of manufacturing a carrying bag for transporting cryogenic articles is also disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the method comprises: forming a first flat pattern for a first side pocket; forming a second flat pattern for a second side pocket; forming a plurality of a third flat pattern for a plurality of middle pockets, each of the first flat pattern, the second flat pattern, and the third flat pattern comprising a front panel and a back panel; and assembling, by an assembly step, the first flat pattern, the second flat pattern, and the plurality of the third flat pattern to form the carrying bag, the carrying bag comprising a plurality of pockets, the plurality of pockets including the first side pocket, the second side pocket, and the plurality of middle pockets, each of the plurality of pockets defining an interstitial void of flexible dimension therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the following detailed description and claims in connection with the following drawings. While the drawings illustrate various embodiments employing the principles described herein, the drawings do not limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a carrying bag for transporting biomaterials, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a carrying bag for transporting biomaterials, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a carrying bag for transporting biomaterials, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a carrying bag for transporting biomaterials, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a change in shape for a carrying bag for transporting biomaterials in response to opening the carrying bag, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flat pattern for a side pocket of a carrying bag, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flat pattern for a middle pocket of a carrying bag, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of manufacturing a carrying bag, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of a carrying bag during manufacturing thereof, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a carrying bag for transporting biomaterials, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of transporting a plurality of biomaterials with a carrying bag, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a carrying bag in a closed configuration, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a carrying bag in an open configuration, in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of various embodiments herein refers to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. It should also be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to “a,” “an” or “the” may include one or more than one and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural. Further, all ranges may include upper and lower values and all ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined.

Disclosed herein is a carrying bag for receiving items to be placed in a container. For example, a cryogenic storage or shipping container may receive items for subjection to cryogenic conditions. In some instances, the items are blood bags containing blood, though other items may be considered. The items are placed in carriers, such as cassettes. In some instances, there is one blood bag in each cassette. The cassettes can then be placed in the cryogenic conditions of the container. In various instances, a structure for retaining and carrying multiple blood bag and cassette pairs may be desired. In some instances, a carrying bag, which can be a soft bag having multiple slots for receiving cassettes, can be provided for transporting the cassettes. The carrying bag may open in an accordion or concertina style so that each cassette is stored in its own slot, and each cassette is easily accessible, even when a user is wearing bulky gloves or other protective equipment.

In various embodiments, the carrying bag disclosed herein is more robust, lighter, and/or easier to ship relative to typical transport systems for cryogenic articles. For example, a carrying bag disclosed herein, in accordance with various embodiments, can be folded into a shipping configuration to reduce a cost of shipping from a manufacturer to an end user. Then, upon receipt by the end user, the carrying bag can easily transition into a loading configuration to load various cassettes configured to carry a biomaterial article, such as a blood bag. The carrying bags disclosed herein may eliminate having to use metal cassettes and other complex heavier protection systems for blood bags, in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the carrying bags disclosed herein can still accommodate the metal cassettes. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

Finally, while extensive reference is made to “blood bags” herein, one may appreciate that similar systems, methods, and apparatuses may be implemented for other articles, in accordance with various embodiments. For example, other articles can include different biomaterials, fragile objects, vials, tubes, ampoules, substances, and/or the like and still be within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective cross-sectional view of a cryogenic articles transport assembly 100 is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. The cryogenic articles transport assembly 100 comprises a carrying bag 110, a cassette 122 in a plurality of cassettes 120, and a blood bag 132 disposed within the cassette 122, the blood bag 132 being one of a plurality of blood bags 130. The cassette 122 is configured to house the blood bag 132. In this regard, the cassette 122 is configured to protect and/or support the blood bag 132 during transportation of the plurality of blood bags 130 via the cryogenic articles transport assembly 100. In this regard, the blood bag 132 can be placed (or at least partially placed) within the cassette 122, and the cassette can protect the blood bag 132 from external forces during transport of the cassette 122, in accordance with various embodiments.

In various embodiments, as described further herein, the carrying bag 110 can comprise a plurality of panels (e.g., a plurality of textile panels, a plurality of polymeric materials, or the like). In various embodiments, the carrying bag 110 can comprise a plurality of textile panels. A “textile panel” as referred to herein includes any panel made from one or more fiber-based materials, which can include fibers, yarns, filaments, threads, fabrics, or the like. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard. Each of the plurality of textile panels of the carrying bag 110 can be formed from weaving, felting, knitting, or any other textile manufacturing method known in the art.

Although described further herein as being manufactured from textile panels, the carrying bag 110 is not limited in this regard. For example, the carrying bag 110 can be made from a plurality of panels that are made from a polymeric material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene siren (ABS), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polybutylene (PB-1), polyethylene (PE, MDPE, HDPE, etc.), polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), or un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC)) that is able to withstand cryogenic temperatures and still be within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, while reference to cryogenic temperatures is made throughout, one may appreciate that the systems, methods, and devices may be adapted for different temperature ranges, such as ambient temperatures, hot temperatures, cool but non-cryogenic temperatures, or other temperatures.

In various embodiments, the carrying bag 110 disclosed herein is made of a plurality of textile panels, each of the plurality of textile panels made of cellulose fibers (e.g., white cellulose or any other plant-based fiber). That is, in various embodiments, the carrying bag 110 is light weight, high strength, high stiffness, biodegradable, and/or resistant to brittleness. Further, the carrying bag 110 is not susceptible to shattering at cryogenic temperatures. In various embodiments, the carrying bag 110 is configured for ease of assembly and/or ease of transport. In various embodiments, the carrying bag 110 disclosed herein may be produced at a lower cost relative to typical bags for transporting a plurality of envelopes containing blood bags. In various embodiments, the carrying bag 110 disclosed herein may be produced with fewer components relative to typical blood bag transport bags. In various embodiments, the carrying bag 110 may be easier and cheaper to transport in a non-loaded configuration relative to typical carrying bags for cryogenic materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, a perspective view (FIG. 2A) of the carrying bag 110 from FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view of the carrying bag 110 along section line A-A′ from FIG. 2A (FIG. 2B), and a cross-sectional view of the carrying bag 110 along section line B-B′ from FIG. 2B (FIG. 2C) are illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. The carrying bag 110 is configured for transporting biomaterials (e.g., blood bag 132 or any other biomaterial known in the art). The carrying bag 110 comprises a plurality of panels 201 joined to define a plurality of pockets 230. Each of the plurality of pockets 230 is configured to receive an article (e.g., a blood bag 132 from FIG. 1) for carrying. For example, the plurality of pockets 230 can comprise pockets 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238. Although illustrated herein as including eight pockets in the plurality of pockets 230, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, the carrying bag 110 disclosed herein could include any number of pockets greater than or equal to two and be within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, although illustrated as a single array of pockets, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, the carrying bag could include two arrays (or columns) of pockets or three arrays (or columns) of pockets and still be within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, the carrying bag 110 could include a single pocket and would still be within the scope of this disclosure.

As referred to herein, a “pocket” is an object/structure used to contain an article. Stated another way, a pocket comprising a structure having (or defining) a receptacle configured to receive an article. In this regard, a pocket can comprise one or more panels that form the object/structure of the pocket. The one or more panels can also define (or partially define) the receptacle that is configured to receive the article.

With reference to the coordinate axis in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, directions and respective panels in the plurality of panels 201 will be described herein as being a “front panel,” a “back panel”, and a “bottom panel.” These terms are not meant to be limiting in any manner but merely to describe a location of the panel when assembled into the carrying bag 110 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, relative to the coordinate axis (i.e., the X-Y-Z coordinate system). For example, a negative Z side of the carrying bag 110 is referred to herein as a front side, a positive Z side of the carrying bag 110 is referred to herein as a back side, a negative Y side of the carrying bag 110 is referred to herein as a bottom side, and a positive Y side of the carrying bag 110 is referred to herein as a top side of the carrying bag 110. Stated another way, a pocket with a front panel and a back panel would have the front panel spaced apart in the negative Z direction from the back panel, and the back panel would be spaced apart from the front panel in the positive Z direction. When the front panel is coupled to the back panel by a bottom panel, the bottom panel is disposed on the negative Y side of the carrying bag 110. Similarly, the negative X direction can be a first lateral side of the carrying bag, the positive X direction can be a second lateral side of the carrying bag (or vice versa).

In various embodiments, the carrying bag 110 comprises side panel 210, side panel 220, and the plurality of pockets 230 disposed between the side panel 210 and the side panel 220. The side panel 210 is spaced apart longitudinally (i.e., in the Z-direction) from the side panel 220. In this regard, the side panel 210 could be considered a front panel of the carrying bag and the side panel 220 could be considered a back panel of the carrying bag 110, in accordance with various embodiments. Each of the plurality of pockets 230 are disposed between (i.e., longitudinally between) the side panel 210 and the side panel 220. In various embodiments, the carrying bag 110 further comprises one or more handles (e.g., handle 212 and handle 222). Although illustrated as comprising two handles, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, a single handle could be fixedly coupled to one side panel (e.g., side panel 210 or side panel 220), and the single handle could be configured to be removably coupled to the opposite side panel (e.g., side panel 210 if the single handle is fixedly coupled to the side panel 220 or vice versa). Stated another way, a single handle could be configured as a strap that is fixedly coupled to one side and removably coupled to the other side, and still be within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many different carrying type arrangements could be envisioned by one skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited in this manner.

In various embodiments, the carrying bag 110 comprises the handle 212 (e.g., a first handle) coupled to a top portion of the side panel 210 and a handle 222 (e.g., a second handle) coupled to a top portion of the side panel 220. In various embodiments, the handle 212 and the handle 222 can be configured to be coupled together to form a closed configuration for the carrying bag. For example, the carrying bag 110 can comprise one or more fasteners 281 configured to secure the handle 212 to the handle 222. A “fastener” as referred to herein is any device that attaches one component (e.g., the handle 212) to another component (e.g., the handle 222). In various embodiments, each of the one or more fasteners 281 can comprise a male component and a female component that is configured to be coupled to the male component (e.g., a snap button, a bolt and nut, a zipper, magnets with opposing poles, Velcro, or any other male and female fastener combination known in the art). In various embodiments, each of the one or more fasteners can comprise a single component (e.g., a clip configured to be secured to an opposing handle, a string configured to tie one handle to another, or the like). The present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

In various embodiments, the one or more fasteners 281 can comprise a magnet 282 coupled to the handle 212 and a magnet 283 coupled to the handle 222. The magnet 282 can be disposed longitudinally opposite (i.e., in the Z-direction) the magnet 283. The magnet 282 can comprise a pole that is opposite the magnet 283 (e.g., magnet 282 can have a south pole in response to magnet 283 having a north pole, and vice versa). Stated another way, the magnet 282 can generate an attractive force towards the magnet 283 as they are translated closer to one another, in accordance with various embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 2B, each of the plurality of pockets 230 is coupled to an adjacent pocket from the plurality of pockets 230 to facilitate separation of each of the adjacent pockets in a manner that provides relatively easy access to each of the adjacent pockets. For example, the pocket 231 includes a front panel 241 and a back panel 242 (e.g., from the plurality of panels 201). Similarly, the pocket 232 includes a front panel 251 and a back panel 252 (e.g., from the plurality of panels 201). The front panel 251 is joined to the back panel 242 to form two or more joints 260 (e.g., seams 261, 262). The back panel 242 and the front panel 251 define an interstitial void 209 therebetween. Although illustrated as being an interstitial void 209 measuring at a distance of approximately 0 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the Z-direction) in FIG. 2B, the interstitial void 209 between the pocket 231 and the pocket 232 increases in response to separating the handle 212 from the handle 222 as described further herein. In this regard, since the two or more joints 260 (e.g., seams 261, 262) of the pocket 231 and the pocket 232 is on a top portion and a bottom portion of the pocket 231 and the pocket 232, the vertically in-between portions of the pocket 231 and the pocket 232 can separate in an accordion-like manner as described further herein in response to transitioning the carrying bag 110 from a closed configuration (or state) to an open configuration (or state) (e.g., as shown in interstitial void 209 of the carrying bag 110 from FIG. 3).

With continued reference to FIG. 2B, each handle (e.g., handle 212 and handle 222) extends vertically from a respective side panel (e.g., front panel 241 of the carrying bag 110 for handle 212 and back panel 299 of the carrying bag 110 for handle 222) above the opening defined by the respective side pocket (e.g., pocket 231 for handle 212 and pocket 238 for handle 222). In various embodiments, the plurality of pockets 230 comprise a plurality of middle pockets (e.g., pockets 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237). As described further herein, each of the plurality of middle pockets can be formed from a common flat pattern (e.g., flat pattern 503 from FIG. 5). In this regard, each of the plurality of middle pockets can comprise: a front panel (e.g., front panel 251 for pocket 232); and a back panel (e.g., back panel 252 for pocket 232), the front panel coupled to the back panel of a first adjacent pocket (e.g., front panel 251 coupled to the back panel 242 of pocket 231) in the plurality of pockets 230, the back panel (e.g., back panel 252 for pocket 232) coupled to a second adjacent pocket (e.g., a front panel of pocket 233) in the plurality of pockets 230. In this regard, each of the plurality of pockets 230 can be coupled to adjacent pockets of the plurality of pockets 230 in a similar manner to facilitate a carrying bag 110 capable of an accordion-style opening, in accordance with various embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 2C with like numerals depicting like elements, a view within the pocket 231 of the plurality of pockets 230 of the carrying bag 110 is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, the two or more joints 260 can further comprise the seam 263 and the seam 264 that further join the back panel 242 of the pocket 231 to the front panel 251 of the pocket 232 from FIG. 2B. In this regard, a top portion 249 of the back panel 242 can include joints in a vertical direction (e.g., seam 263 and seam 264) and a joint in the horizontal direction. In various embodiments, the seam 263 and the seam 264 can help facilitate a smoother transition into a cavity defined by the pocket 231 relative to an embodiment without the seam 263 and the seam 264, in accordance with various embodiments.

With combined reference now to FIGS. 2B and 2C, the seam 261 that couples the back panel 242 to the front panel 251 extends in a lateral direction (i.e., the X-direction) from a first lateral side of the pocket 231 to a second lateral side of the pocket 232. In this regard, the seam 261 can define, or partially define, a bottom joint of the back panel 242 (and a corresponding bottom joint of a front panel 251 of an adjacent pocket 232). Similarly, the seam 262 coupling the back panel 242 to the front panel 251 extends in the lateral direction from the first lateral side of the pocket 231 to the second side of the pocket 232 and defines, or partially defines, a top joint of the back panel 242 (and a corresponding top joint of the front panel 251 of the adjacent pocket 232). The seam 261 is disposed vertically opposite the seam 261. In this regard, as described further herein, a gap between the back panel 242 of the pocket 231 and the front panel 251 of the pocket 232 can comprise an interstitial void 209 of flexible dimension that facilitates easier access to the pocket 231 and the pocket 232, in accordance with various embodiments. Stated another way, each of the plurality of pockets 230 can at least partially define one or more of the interstitial void 209 (e.g., each side pocket from the plurality of pockets 230 only partially defines one of an interstitial void 209, whereas each middle pocket from the plurality of pockets 230 partially defines two of an interstitial void, one between a first adjacent pocket and a second between a second adjacent pocket).

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of pockets 230 can comprise two or more joints 270 that couple a respective front panel (e.g., front panel 241 for pocket 231) to a respective back panel (e.g., back panel 242 for pocket 231) and at least partially define a cavity 208 therebetween. For example, the two or more joints 270 can comprise a seam 271 (e.g., a first pocket seam) and a seam 272 (e.g., a second pocket seam). The seam 271 can extend in a vertical direction and define a first side joint for the pocket 231. Similarly, the seam 272 can extend in a vertical direction and define a second side joint for the pocket 231. The first side joint is disposed on an opposite side in the lateral direction (i.e., the X direction) from the second side joint.

In various embodiments, the bottom panel 243 can be continuous (i.e., formed from a single sheet) with the front panel 241 and the back panel 242. Stated another way, as described further herein, the front panel 241, the back panel 242, and the bottom panel 243 of the pocket 231 can be formed from a single sheet of material (e.g., a single textile sheet), in accordance with various embodiments. Although described as having the bottom panel 243 as being formed from a single textile sheet with the front panel 241 and the back panel 242, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, the bottom panel 243 could be a side panel and replace seam 271 or seam 272, and the seam that is replaced could become a bottom seam where the bottom panel 243 was and would still be within the scope of this disclosure. However, such a configuration would likely have to utilize a higher part count relative to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-C, in accordance with various embodiments.

In various embodiments, although each of the two or more joints 260 and each of the two or more joints 270 are illustrated and described as seams (e.g., seam 261, 262, 263, 264 for the two or more joints 260 and seams 271, 272 for the two or more joints 270), the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, the seam 262 could be continuous between a first pocket and a second pocket (e.g., pocket 231 and pocket 232 could be made from a continuous textile panel that is folded where seam 262 is), in accordance with various embodiments. Additionally, in various embodiments, each of the seams (e.g., seam 261, 262, 263, 264, 271, 272) could be a different type of joint (e.g., an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or a consolidated joint between two adjacent polymeric panels for coupling adjacent panels when the panels are made from a polymeric material or a thermoplastic material, or the like). The present disclosure is not limited in this regard and various alternative joints between the front panel of a first pocket and the back panel of a second pocket would be readily envisioned by one skilled in the art and still be within the scope of this disclosure.

With combined reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C, in various embodiments, the front panel of each of the plurality of middle pockets (e.g., pockets 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237) is coupled to the back panel of an adjacent of the plurality of middle pockets (e.g., back panel of pocket 232 for front panel of pocket 233, back panel of pocket 234 for front panel of pocket 234, and so on) along a bottom seam (e.g., seam 261 coupling a front panel 251 of pocket 232 to a back panel 242 of pocket 231). Similarly, the front panel of each of the plurality of middle pockets (e.g., pockets 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237) is coupled to the back panel of an adjacent of the plurality of middle pockets (e.g., back panel of pocket 232 for front panel of pocket 233, back panel of pocket 234 for front panel of pocket 234, and so on) along one or more top seams (e.g., seam 262 and optionally seam 263 and seam 264 coupling a front panel 251 of pocket 232 to a back panel 242 of pocket 231).

Although FIG. 2C is illustrated with respect to the pocket 231 (a side pocket) being coupled to a middle pocket (pocket 232 from FIG. 2B), each of the middle pockets (e.g., pockets 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237) can include similar structure. For example, each of the plurality of middle pockets (e.g., pockets 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237) can comprise a first pocket seam that couples the front panel to the back panel in accordance with seam 271. Similarly, each of the plurality of middle pockets (e.g., pockets 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237) can comprise a second pocket seam that couples the front panel to the back panel in accordance with seam 272. In this regard, each of the plurality of middle pockets can comprise the first pocket seam that extends in a vertical direction and defines a first side edge for the respective middle pocket, the second pocket seam that extends in the vertical direction and defines a second side edge for the respective middle pocket, and the first side edge being disposed on an opposite side in a lateral direction (i.e., X-direction from the second side edge) as shown in FIG. 2C, in accordance with various embodiments.

In various embodiments, for an ease of assembly, each of the two or more joints 260 and each of the two or more joints 270 can comprise a straight stitch. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard, and various alternative stitches are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in various embodiments, each of the two or more joints 260 and the two or more joints 270 can comprise a straight stitch, a zig-zag stitch, a chain stitch, a cross-stitch, a pad stitch, a running stitch, a saddle stitch, a slip stitch, a stoating stitch, or any other type of stitch known in the art.

Referring back to FIGS. 2A and 2B, each handle (e.g., handle 212 and handle 222) can comprise two or more joints 290 (e.g., an inner perimeter seam 291 and an outer perimeter seam 292). In this regard, the first panel of the handle 212 can be coupled to the second panel of the handle 212 by the two or more joints 290. For example, the inner perimeter seam 291 can couple the first panel of the handle 212 to the second panel of the handle 212 along a handhole cutout 295 and define a perimeter (or edge) of the handhole cutout 295. Similarly, the outer perimeter seam 292 can couple the first panel of the handle 212 to the second panel of the handle 212 along at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the handle 212 and define the outer perimeter (or edge) handle 212. In various embodiments, the outer perimeter of the handle 212 is defined by the outer perimeter seam 292 and a top crease 293 defined by a fold location between the first panel and the second panel of the handle 212. In various embodiments, a separate stitch (e.g., a straight stitch or the like) can be provided along the top crease 293 to facilitate a fold along the top crease 293. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

In various embodiments, for an ease of assembly, each of the two or more joints 290 for each handle (e.g., handle 212 and handle 222) can comprise an overcast stitch (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). In this regard, the overcast stich can seal the edges and prevent fraying, in accordance with various embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard, and various alternative stitches are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in various embodiments, each of the two or more joints 290 for each handle (e.g., handle 212 and handle 222) can comprise a straight stitch, a zig-zag stitch, a chain stitch, a cross-stitch, a pad stitch, a running stitch, a saddle stitch, a slip stitch, a stoating stitch, or any other type of stitch known in the art.

With reference now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the carrying bag 110 from FIGS. 1-2B is illustrated during a transitioning from a closed configuration (or state) to an open configuration (or state), in accordance with various embodiments. With combined reference to FIGS. 2B and 3, in various embodiments, each of the plurality of pockets 230 comprises a mouth 302. In the open configuration, the mouth 302 of each of the plurality of pockets 230 converges (i.e., funnels) into the respective pocket. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, in the open configuration, the mouth 302 of the pocket 231 converges into a cavity at least partially defined between the front panel 241 and the back panel 242 of the pocket 231). Similarly, in the open configuration, the mouth 302 of the pocket 232 converges into a cavity at least partially defined between the front panel 251 and the back panel 252 of the pocket 232. Stated another way, in the open configuration, the mouth 302 for each of the plurality of pockets 230 is configured to form an opening that converges into a cavity (e.g., cavity 208 for pocket 231 as shown in FIG. 2C) from a first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area, the first cross-sectional area measured within a plane defined by a top edge of a respective front panel and a respective back panel of the pocket, and the second-cross-sectional area measured within a plane defined by a terminus of the seam 271 and the seam 272 and parallel to the plane defined for the first cross-sectional area. In this regard, a top portion of the front panel or a top portion of the back panel can be utilized to guide a respective cassette 122 from FIG. 1 into a respective cavity of a pocket, in accordance with various embodiments.

In the open configuration, the mouth 302 includes an opening defined between a top portion of a respective front panel (e.g., front panel 241 for pocket 231 or front panel 251 for pocket 232) and a top portion of a respective back panel (e.g., back panel 242 for pocket 231 or back panel 252 for pocket 232). In this regard, in the open configuration, the top portion of the back panel (e.g., back panel 242 for pocket 231 or back panel 252 for pocket 232) defines an obtuse angle with a bottom portion of the back panel, and the top portion of the front panel (e.g., front panel 241 for pocket 231 or front panel 251 for pocket 232) defines an obtuse angle with a bottom portion of the front panel. Accordingly, the opening of the mouth 302 of the respective pocket includes an opening angle that can be between 10 degrees and 180 degrees, or between 30 degrees and 150 degrees, or between 45 degrees and 135 degrees. The opening angle is measured between a plane defined by a surface of the top portion of the front panel (e.g., front panel 241 for pocket 231 or front panel 251 for pocket 232) and a plane defined by a surface of the top portion of the back panel (e.g., back panel 242 for pocket 231 or back panel 252 for pocket 232) for the respective pocket (e.g., pocket 231, pocket 232, or the like).

With combined reference to FIG. 2B and FIG. 3, responsive to separating the handle 212 from the handle 222, the interstitial void 209 between adjacent pockets in the plurality of pockets 230 (e.g., the pocket 231 and the pocket 232) can comprise a convex-style gap measured in the Z-direction between the front panel 251 of the pocket 232 and the back panel 242 of the pocket 231 as measured at different locations vertically between the a first of the two or more joints 260 and a second of the two or more joints 260 (e.g., between seam 261 and the seam 262). In this regard, responsive to the interstitial void 209 widening, and the carrying bag 110 transitioning into an open configuration as shown in FIG. 3, the mouth 302 corresponding to each of the plurality of pockets 230 can transition to an open state. A “convex-style gap” as referred to herein comprises bounded surfaces of a void that form a convex shape. For example, back panel 242 of the pocket 231 and the front panel 251 of the pocket 232 can at least partially bound the interstitial void 209. Accordingly, the back panel 242 of the pocket 231 and the front panel 251 of the pocket 232 can at least partially define the convex-style gap that forms when opening the carrying bag 110 as shown in FIG. 3.

Although described herein with respect to the pocket 231 and the pocket 232, each of the plurality of the pockets 230 can be coupled to an adjacent pocket in the plurality of pockets 230 as described with respect to pocket 231 and pocket 232. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard. However, in various embodiments, at an opposite side, (e.g., for pocket 238), the front panel and the back panel in the above description would be switched for the nomenclature of the carrying bag 110 to be maintained.

Referring back to FIG. 2A, in various embodiments, the plurality of pockets 230 for an assembly of the carrying bag 110 can comprise a side pocket (e.g., a first side pocket such as pocket 231), a side pocket (e.g., a second side pocket such as pocket 238), and a plurality of middle pockets (e.g., pockets 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237) disposed between the first side pocket (e.g., pocket 231) and the second side pocket (e.g., pocket 238). As described further herein, each of the side pockets (e.g., pocket 231 and pocket 238) can be formed from a flat pattern (e.g., flat pattern 403 in FIG. 4) and each of the plurality of middle pockets 236 can be formed from a flat pattern of a single sheet of material (e.g., flat pattern 503 in FIG. 5)

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a flat pattern 403 for a side pocket 400 (FIG. 4) and a flat pattern 503 for a middle pocket 500 (FIG. 5) are illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. A “flat pattern” as referred to herein is a flat shape (i.e., a two-dimensional shape) of a component (e.g., a textile sheet, a thermoplastic sheet, a polymeric sheet, or the like) prior to being assembled. In various embodiments, with a textile panel, the flat pattern 403, 503 can be used as a template from which the component (e.g., the side pocket 400 from FIG. 4 or the middle pocket 500 from FIG. 5) is traced onto a textile panel prior to being cut out and assembled. In various embodiments, with a thermoplastic panel, the flat pattern 403, 503 can be utilized as an initial shape prior to forming (i.e., heating, molding, and/or consolidating) the respective component (e.g., prior to forming the side pocket 400 or the middle pocket 500).

With combined reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4, and 5, the carrying bag 110 can be formed from a first of a side pocket 400, a second of the side pocket 400, and optionally one or more of a middle pocket 500 disposed therebetween. Stated another way, the carrying bag 110 can be assembled from joining only two distinct part numbers (e.g., two of the side pocket 400 from FIG. 4 and one or more of the middle pocket 500 from FIG. 5), which can greatly reduce a part count for the carrying bag 110 relative to other biomaterial transport assemblies. In various embodiments, for a carrying bag with only two pockets, the carrying bag could be formed from a single distinct part number, namely two of the side pocket 400, in accordance with various embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the side pocket 400 and the middle pocket 500 can each comprise a set of panels (e.g., set of panels 401 for side pocket 400 and set of panels 501 for middle pocket 500) from the plurality of panels 201 that form the carrying bag 110 from FIGS. 2A and 2B. The set of panels 401 for the side pocket 400 can comprise a panel 410 (e.g., a pocket adjacent panel, a front panel, a back panel, or the like), a panel 420 (e.g., a handle adjacent panel, a front side panel of the carrying bag 110 from FIGS. 2A and 2B, a back side panel of the carrying bag 110, or the like), a handle panel 440 (e.g., an inner handle panel, a first handle panel, or the like), optionally a bottom panel 430, and optionally a handle panel 450 (e.g., an outer handle panel, a second handle panel, or the like). In various embodiments, the middle pocket 500 comprises a panel 510 (e.g., a front panel, a forward panel, or the like), a panel 520 (e.g., a back panel, an aft panel, or the like), and optionally a bottom panel 530.

Although the set of panels 401, 501 each are illustrated with the bottom panel 430, 530, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, the panel 410, 510 and the panel 420, 520 could define an edge therebetween instead of having the bottom panel 430, 530 therebetween and still be within the scope of this disclosure. In various embodiments, by having a bottom panel (e.g., bottom panel 430 for side pocket 400 and bottom panel 530 for middle pocket 500) for each of the plurality of pockets 230 from FIGS. 2A and 2B, the carrying bag 110 can provide better access to each of the plurality of pockets 230 relative to having an edge. In this regard, the bottom panel 430, 530 for each respective pocket of the carrying bag 110 from FIGS. 2A and 2B can further facilitate opening of the carrying bag 110 in an accordion-like manner relative to pockets that are formed by edges, in accordance with various embodiments.

Although the handle for the side pocket 400 (e.g., handle 212 or handle 222 from FIGS. 2A and 2B) is illustrated as being formed from handle panel 440 and handle panel 450, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, the handle for the side pocket 400 could be formed from a single panel (e.g., handle panel 440), or more than two handle panels and still be within the scope of this disclosure. In various embodiments, by having two or more handle panels (e.g., handle panel 440 and handle panel 450) for each of the side pocket 400, the resultant handle of the carrying bag on each respective side (e.g., handle 212 on the first side of the carrying bag 110 and the handle 222 on the second side of the carrying bag 110 from FIGS. 2A and 2B) can be stronger and more robust (i.e., thicker) relative to an embodiment of the side pocket 400 with a single handle panel.

In various embodiments, the set of panels 401 and the set of panels 501 can each be formed from a single sheet of material (e.g., sheet 405 for the side pocket 400 and sheet 505 for middle pocket 500). In various embodiments, the sheet 405 and the sheet 505 may each also be referred to as a panel. In this regard, each of the plurality of pockets 230 from FIG. 2A can be formed from a panel (e.g., sheet 405 for the side pocket 400 and sheet 505 for the middle pocket 500) that includes a set of sub-panels (e.g., the set of panels 401 for side pocket 400 and set of panels 501 for middle pocket 500). In this regard, as previously stated, a part count for assembly of the carrying bag 110 can be greatly reduced relative to typical cryogenic carrying apparatuses. However, although illustrated as being formed from a single sheet of material, the side pocket 400 and the middle pocket 500 are not limited in this regard. For example, the handle panels 440, 450 from the side pocket 400 can be separate and distinct components prior to assembly, the panel 410 and the panel 420 from the side pocket 400 could be separate and distinct components prior to assembly, the panel 510 and the panel 520 from the middle pocket 500 could be separate and distinct components prior to assembly, or the like, in accordance with various embodiments.

In various embodiments, a perimeter of each of the sheet 405 and the sheet 505 can be stitched in order to provide an edge that is neat, tidy and/or less likely to fray. In various embodiments, as described previously herein, the handle panel 440 can be folded over the handle panel 450 prior to stitching the perimeter, in accordance with various embodiments. In this regard, the outer perimeter of the handle 212, 222 that is formed from the flat pattern 403 can be two panels thick in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, a stitch for the perimeter of each of the sheet 405 and the sheet 505 can comprise an overcast stitch. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard and various alternative stitches, such as those described previously herein, are within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a method 600 of manufacturing a carrying bag (e.g., carrying bag 110 from FIGS. 1-2C) for transporting cryogenic articles is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. The method comprises forming a first flat pattern for a first side pocket (step 602), forming a second flat pattern for a second side pocket (step 604), forming a plurality of a third flat pattern for a plurality of middle pockets (step 606), and assembling, by an assembly step, the first flat pattern, the second flat pattern, and the plurality of the third flat pattern to form the carrying bag (step 608). With combined reference to FIGS. 2B and 6, the carrying bag 110 formed from the method 600 comprises a plurality of pockets 230, the plurality of pockets 230 including the first side pocket (e.g., pocket 231), the second side pocket (e.g., pocket 238), and the plurality of middle pockets (e.g., pockets 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237), and each of the plurality of pockets defining an interstitial void of flexible dimension (e.g., interstitial void 209 from FIG. 3) therebetween.

In various embodiments, the first flat pattern, the second flat pattern, and the third flat pattern are each formed from a textile sheet. However, as described previously herein, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, each of the first flat pattern, the second flat pattern, and the third flat pattern in the method 600 could be made of one or more plies of thermoplastic material and still be within the scope of this disclosure.

With combined reference now to FIGS. 4 and 6, the first flat pattern for the first side pocket and the second flat pattern for the second side pocket from step 602 and step 604 can each comprise a common flat pattern (e.g., flat pattern 403). In this regard, a part count for the carrying bag 110 from FIGS. 1-2C) can be reduced compared to having different flat patterns for the first side pocket and the second side pocket. Although described herein as having a common flat pattern, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, one skilled in the art could utilize different flat patterns for one side pocket relative to the opposite side pocket, and still be within the scope of this disclosure.

In various embodiments, as described previously herein, the flat pattern 403 for use in steps 602, 604 can comprise a panel 410 (e.g., a pocket adjacent panel) and a panel 420 (e.g., a carrying bag front panel or a carrying bag back panel). The flat pattern 403 can further comprise at least one handle panel (e.g., handle panel 440 and optionally handle panel 450). In various embodiments, the assembly step (e.g., step 608) can comprise forming a first handle for the first side pocket from the first flat pattern (e.g., flat pattern 403); and forming a second handle for the second side pocket from the second flat pattern (e.g., flat pattern 403). In this regard, to form a respective handle, the handle panel 450 can be folded over a fold line 445 defined between the handle panel 440 and the handle panel 450, and the handle panel 440 can be coupled to the handle panel 450 (e.g., via any stitch pattern known in the art as described previously herein, via consolidation for a thermoplastic material, or the like). In various embodiments, a perimeter of a handle aperture 441 of the handle panel 440 can be joined (e.g., via sewing or the like) to a perimeter of the handle aperture 451. Similarly, an outer perimeter (or a portion of an outer perimeter) of the handle panel 440 can be joined (e.g., via sewing or the like) to an outer perimeter of the handle panel 450 (or a portion of an outer perimeter). In this regard, in response to joining the perimeter of the handle aperture 441 to the perimeter of the handle aperture 451 and joining at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the handle panel 440 to at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the handle panel 450, a respective handle (e.g., handle 212 or handle 222) for the carrying bag 110 from FIGS. 2A, 2B can be formed. Although described as joining the respective perimeters of the handle panel 440 and the handle panel 450, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, for a thermoplastic material, a combination of heat and pressure between the handle panel 440 and the handle panel 450 could join the handle panel 440 to the handle panel 450 to form a unitary handle for the respective handle (e.g., handle 212 or handle 222) for the carrying bag 110 from FIGS. 2A, 2B, in accordance with various embodiments.

With combined reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the plurality of the third flat pattern for a plurality of middle pockets in step 606 can be in accordance with the flat pattern 503. In this regard, the flat pattern 503 can comprise a panel 510 (e.g., a front panel) and a panel 520 (e.g., a back panel). With combined reference now to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the assembly step 608 can further comprise joining, by a joining step, (i) the front panel of each of the plurality of the third flat pattern (e.g., panel 510 of flat pattern 503) to one of the back panels of the first flat pattern (e.g., panel 410 of flat pattern 403) or the back panel of an adjacent of the plurality of the third flat pattern (e.g., panel 510 of flat pattern 503), and (ii) the back panel of one of the plurality of the third flat pattern (e.g., panel 520 of flat pattern 503) to the front panel of the second flat pattern (e.g., panel 410 of flat pattern 403 on an opposite side from the first flat pattern). In various embodiments, this joining step can be performed along a lower joint (e.g., seam 261 from FIG. 2C) and an upper joint (e.g., seam 262 from FIG. 2C). With brief reference to FIG. 2C, the lower joint extends laterally across the front panel or the back panel of each of the plurality of the third flat pattern (e.g., in the X-direction for seam 261), the upper joint extends laterally across the front panel or the back panel of each of the plurality of the third flat pattern (e.g., in the X-direction for seam 262), the lower joint spaced apart vertically (i.e., in the Y-direction) from the upper joint. In this regard, as described previously herein, the coupling arrangement between adjacent pockets can facilitate an opening that converges into a cavity of a respective pocket to facilitate an ease of loading an article within the carrying bag during use thereof.

With brief reference now to FIG. 7, during the assembly step (e.g., step 608 of method 600), adjacent panels that are being joined together (e.g., back panel 242 being joined to front panel 251) can be aligned prior to joining the adjacent panels together (e.g., via lower joint 702 and upper joint 704). In various embodiments, on the upper side, the adjacent panels can be further joined by vertical joint 706 and vertical joint 708. In various embodiments, the vertical joint 706 is spaced apart laterally (i.e., in the X-direction) from the vertical joint 708. The vertical joints can help facilitate the converging opening into a respective pocket as described previously herein. In various embodiments, while the joining of adjacent panels is being performed, one of the respective flat patterns (e.g., the flat pattern 403 in FIG. 7) can allow one of the panels to be oriented in a manner to provide access to create a respective joint. For example, the front panel 241 can form an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the back panel 242, which can facilitate access to a lower edge of the front panel 241 and allow the lower joint to be created (e.g., via sewing), in accordance with various embodiments.

With reference back to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the joining step within the assembly step (e.g., step 608) can further comprise joining the front panel and the back panel together for each of the first flat pattern, the second flat pattern, and the plurality of the third flat pattern to form the plurality of pockets of the carrying bag. In this regard, after joining panels from adjacent pockets together as described previously herein and as shown in FIG. 7, each of the plurality of pockets can be formed by joining the front panel to the back panel for each of the plurality of pockets. For example, for the flat pattern 403, the panel 410 can be joined to the panel 420 (e.g., along vertical seam 271 and along vertical seam 272 as shown in FIG. 2C). In this regard, in response to joining the panel 410 to the panel 420, the bottom panel 430 can form a bottom side of the pocket 231 from FIGS. 2A-C (e.g., bottom panel 243 from FIG. 2C), the vertical seam 271 can form a first lateral side edge of the pocket 231 and the vertical seam 272 can form a second lateral side edge of the pocket 231. In various embodiments, each of the vertical seams for a respective pocket (e.g., vertical seam 271 and vertical seam 272 for pocket 231) can begin a vertical distance above the bottom seam 261 or begin approximately vertically even with the bottom seam 261. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard. In various embodiments, by having a beginning of the vertical seam 271 and the vertical seam 272 spaced apart vertically from the bottom seam 261, the interstitial void of flexible dimension (e.g., interstitial void 209 from FIG. 3) can have more flexibility.

In various embodiments, the joining step of the assembly step (e.g., step 608) further comprises sewing (i) the front panel of each of the plurality of the third flat pattern (e.g., flat pattern 503) to one of the back panels of an adjacent of the plurality of the third flat pattern (e.g., flat pattern 503) or the back panel of the first flat pattern (e.g., panel 410 of flat pattern 403), and (ii) the back panel of one of the plurality of the third flat pattern (e.g., panel 520 of flat pattern 503) to the front panel of the second flat pattern (e.g., panel 410 of a second of flat pattern 403) to form each of the lower joint and each of the upper joint.

In various embodiments, the method 600 can further comprise coupling one or more fasteners to at least one of the first handle and the second handle (step 610). With combined reference to FIGS. 2A and 6, step 610 can comprise coupling a first fastener (e.g., magnet 282) to the handle 212 and coupling a second fastener (e.g., magnet 283) to the handle 222, the first fastener disposed longitudinally opposite (i.e., in the Z-direction) from the second fastener. In various embodiments a second set of fasteners can be spaced apart laterally from the first set of fasteners. In this regard, a first upper corner of the handle 212 can couple to a first upper corner of the handle 222 and a second upper corner of the handle 212 can couple to a second upper corner of the handle 222 to form a closed configuration of the carrying bag 110, in accordance with various embodiments. Although illustrated with four fasteners (e.g., two sets of fasteners configured to be coupled to each other), the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, a single set of fasteners could be utilized, or more than two sets of fasteners could be utilized and would still be within the scope of this disclosure. In various embodiments, each of the one or more fasteners 281 can be sewn into the respective handle (e.g., handle 212 or handle 222). However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard and various other coupling methods could be contemplated by one skilled in the art (e.g., an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like), and still be within the scope of this disclosure. In various embodiments, the one or more fasteners 281 are configured to couple the first handle to the second handle to form a closed configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a method 900 of loading a plurality of cryogenic articles (e.g., blood bags or the like) into a transport assembly (e.g., carrying bag 110 from FIGS. 1-2B), is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. With combined reference to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the method 900 comprises transitioning a carrying bag 110 from a closed configuration 1002 (FIG. 10) to an open configuration 1102 (FIG. 11) (step 902). In the open configuration 1102 as shown in FIG. 11, the carrying bag 110 comprises a plurality of pockets 230, each of the plurality of pockets 230 configured to receive an article (e.g., cassette 1104) therein. The open configuration 1102 includes an opening to each of the plurality of pockets 230 of the carrying bag 110 that converges into a cavity from a first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being smaller than the first cross-sectional area. For example, the pocket 237 includes an opening 1106 that converges into a cavity from a first cross-sectional area A1 to a second cross-sectional area A2, the second cross-sectional area A2 being smaller than the first cross-sectional area A1. In this regard, the opening 1106 can form a funnel that can guide the article (e.g., cassette 1104) into the cavity of the respective pocket (e.g., pocket 237), in accordance with various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the method 900 can further comprise loading a plurality of cassettes (e.g., a plurality of the cassette 1104) into the carrying bag 110 (step 904). In this regard, each of the plurality of cassettes can be disposed in a respective cavity defined by one of the plurality of pockets 230. In various embodiments, the method 900 further comprises transitioning the carrying bag from the open configuration 1102 (FIG. 11) to the closed configuration 1002 (FIG. 10) (step 906).

In various embodiments, the transitioning of the carrying bag 110 from the open configuration 1102 to the closed configuration 1002 further comprises coupling a first handle (e.g., handle 212) of the carrying bag 110 to a second handle (e.g., handle 222) of the carrying bag 110.

In various embodiments, responsive to the transitioning of the carrying bag 110 from the open configuration 1102 to the closed configuration 1002, the first cross-sectional area (e.g., first cross-sectional area A1) is reduced to be substantially equal to the second cross-sectional area (e.g., second cross-sectional area A2). In various embodiments, in the closed configuration 1002, the cross-sectional area A1 and the cross-sectional area A2 can be near zero. Near zero as referred to herein can be less than 5 square inches (32 square centimeters), or less than 1 square inch (2.5 square centimeters), or the like. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard. “Substantially equal” as referred to herein refers to within 10% of an average value, or within 5% of an average value.

In various embodiments, the method 900 further comprises disposing the carrying bag 110 into a cryogenic container (step 908) and transporting the cryogenic container from a first location to a second location (step 910). Accordingly, as described previously herein, the carrying bag 110 can facilitate the transport of biomaterials, such as a blood bag or the like while maintaining the biomaterials at cryogenic temperatures, in accordance with various embodiments.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein regarding specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is or is not explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Finally, any of the above-described concepts can be used alone or in combination with any or all the other above-described concepts. Although various embodiments have been disclosed and described, one of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure.

Accordingly, the description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the principles described or illustrated herein to any precise form. Many modifications and variations are possible considering the above teaching.

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