CN117222585A

CN117222585A - box-in-box conveyor

Info

Publication number: CN117222585A
Application number: CN202280029616.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·波灵格尔; B·欧内尔
Original assignee: Fast Opart Co ltd
Current assignee: Fast Opart Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-11
Filing date: 2022-03-09
Publication date: 2023-12-12
Also published as: JP2024510974A; GB2619685A; EP4291511A1; GB202315231D0; AU2022234303A1; WO2022192405A1; US20220289450A1

Abstract

Methods, systems, devices, and/or apparatus for transporting containers are provided herein. The shipping container includes an outer enclosure having a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure has a plurality of panels and various configurations. Phase change material inserts may be received within the plurality of panels. The inner capsule defines a payload region configured to hold a payload.

Description

Box-in-box conveyor

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/159,859, filed 3/11 at 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present specification relates to a system, apparatus and/or method for securing and/or stabilizing a payload within a shipping container as the shipping container is moved during shipping and/or storage to protect the payload.

Background

In the health, medical, pharmaceutical and/or life sciences industries, secure storage of payloads in a temperature and water tight environment is an important aspect of the industry. Typically, when transporting the payload, the transporter packages the payload into a non-reusable enclosure, such as a cardboard box, and a transport material, such as polystyrene foam containers and/or dry ice, may be packaged around the payload to maintain temperature. The conveyor may place or scoop dry ice particles or blocks into an inner package made of an insulating material such as polystyrene foam and around the payload to maintain the temperature of the payload. The carrier may place the inner package within an outer enclosure, such as a rigid carton, and partially seal the outer enclosure. Due to this configuration, the payload floats within the shipping material and may move or shift during transportation when the shipping container is jostled, redirected, and/or otherwise moved, which may cause the payload to be unstable during transportation.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system, apparatus, and/or method for shipping containers that stabilizes the payload within the shipping container to protect the payload.

Disclosure of Invention

Generally, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is embodied in shipping containers. The shipping container includes an outer enclosure having a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure has a plurality of panels and a plurality of phase change material inserts received within the plurality of panels. The plurality of panels define a payload area configured to hold a payload.

These and other embodiments may optionally include a base and a cover. The cover may be removable to access the inner enclosure when the inner enclosure is within the cavity of the outer enclosure. Each of the plurality of panels may have an angled edge forming a channel. The channel may be configured to slidably receive a phase change material insert.

The plurality of panels may include a top panel, a plurality of side panels, and a bottom panel. The bottom panel may be opposite the top panel. The edges of the plurality of side panels may border the edges of the top panel as well as the edges of the bottom panel. The plurality of side panels may be positioned between the top panel and the bottom panel. The plurality of panels and the plurality of phase change material inserts may be removable.

The outer enclosure may be made of an insulating nonmetallic material that may be designed to withstand shock and vibration at low temperatures. The thermally insulating nonmetallic material may be a polycarbonate or other polymer. The plurality of panels may be positioned along or adjacent to the inner surface of the wall of the outer enclosure and may be made of a non-metallic material.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is embodied in a shipping container. The shipping container includes an outer enclosure having a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure has a top tray, a bottom tray, and a nested enclosure positioned between the top tray and the bottom tray. The nested enclosure has a payload region configured to receive a payload.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is embodied in a shipping container. The shipping container has an outer enclosure with a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure has a plurality of concave walls defining a payload area configured to receive a container.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is embodied in a shipping container. The shipping container includes an outer enclosure having a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure includes a plurality of shelves. The plurality of brackets define a receiving area configured to receive a payload.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is embodied in a shipping container. The shipping container includes an outer enclosure. The outer enclosure has a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure has a top cover and a base. The shipping container includes a plurality of posts. The plurality of posts are positioned on and upstanding along the base of the inner enclosure. The plurality of columns define a payload area to receive a payload.

A method is also disclosed. The method may be used to maintain a payload area of the shipping container within a predetermined temperature range during shipping of the payload in the shipping container. The method may include various aspects. For example, the method may include providing an outer enclosure having side walls and a base defining a cavity in the outer enclosure. The inner capsule may be inserted into a cavity of the outer capsule and may define a payload area inside the inner capsule. Phase change material may also be inserted into the shipping container. The payload may be placed in the payload area of the inner enclosure and a cover may be attached on top of the outer enclosure to cover the cavity of the outer enclosure containing the inner enclosure. The payload region may be cooled by a phase change material to maintain the payload region within a predetermined temperature range.

In various embodiments, the method includes one or more further aspects. For example, the phase change material may be interposed between the inner and outer enclosures. The predetermined temperature range may be less than 0 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be less than about 0 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between 25 degrees celsius and-80 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between about 25 degrees celsius and about-80 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between-150 degrees celsius and-190 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between about-150 degrees celsius and about-190 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be less than about-150 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be below-150 degrees celsius. The inner enclosure may have a plurality of panels defining a payload area. The payload may be stabilized by multiple panels of the inner envelope. Each panel of the plurality of panels may have an angled edge forming a channel, and the method may include slidably inserting a phase change material insert into the channel.

The method may be implemented with various configurations of inner enclosures. For example, the inner capsule may have a top tray, a bottom tray, and a nested capsule positioned between the top tray and the bottom tray, the nested capsule defining a payload area, wherein the payload is stabilized by the nested capsule of the inner capsule. The inner envelope may include a plurality of concave walls defining a payload area. The inner enclosure may have a plurality of shelves defining a payload area configured to receive a payload. The inner enclosure may have a top cover and a base; and a plurality of posts positioned on and upstanding along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts defining a payload area to receive a payload.

As previously mentioned, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is embodied in shipping containers. The shipping container may have different configurations. For example, the shipping container may have an outer enclosure with side walls and a base, wherein the side walls and the base define a cavity in the outer enclosure. The shipping container may have a cover attachable to a side wall of the outer enclosure to cover the cavity in the outer enclosure. The shipping container may have an inner enclosure disposed within the cavity and configured to provide a payload area for a payload within the inner enclosure.

The inner envelope of the shipping container may be constructed in various ways. For example, the inner enclosure may include a plurality of panels that define a payload area. The inner enclosure may include a top tray, a bottom tray, and a nested enclosure positioned between the top tray and the bottom tray, the nested enclosure defining a payload area. The inner envelope may include a plurality of concave walls defining a payload area. The inner enclosure may include a plurality of shelves defining a payload area configured to receive a payload. The inner enclosure may include: a base; a plurality of posts positioned on and upstanding along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts defining a payload area to receive a payload; and a top cover opposite the base, wherein the posts extend between the top cover and the base.

Drawings

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. The components shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the present invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a shipping container having multiple panels and multiple phase change material inserts according to one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a close-up perspective view of a panel and phase change material insert of the shipping container of FIG. 1A in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a shipping container with nested containers according to one aspect of the invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a shipping container with a star-shaped inner enclosure in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a shipping container having an inner enclosure with multiple shelves according to one aspect of the invention.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a shipping container having an inner enclosure with posts according to one aspect of the invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates a method for maintaining a payload area of a shipping container within a predetermined temperature range during transportation of a payload in the shipping container in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description

Disclosed herein are systems, apparatuses, and/or methods for a shipping container (or "carrier") that maintains a temperature within a payload area and stabilizes a payload within the payload area. The carrier may be designed with an outer envelope and an inner envelope within the cavity of the outer envelope to stabilize and protect a payload placed within the payload area of the inner envelope. The outer and/or inner envelope may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material, such as a hardened material, such as polycarbonate, polyethylene or other polymers, which protects the payloads of the payloads from environmental factors, such as impact and vibration. The material may be designed to withstand low temperatures such that exposure to extremely cold temperatures does not embrittle the material and is susceptible to shock and vibration occurring during storage and/or transportation.

Other benefits and advantages may include the use of phase change materials. The use of phase change material maintains the temperature within the payload area of the transporter and thus the temperature of the payload positioned within the payload area. By using phase change materials, the carrier can maintain and/or manage the temperature within the payload area. The temperature within the payload area may not be limited to a single temperature range, for example, when dry ice is used as the temperature control medium, it is not limited to the temperature of dry ice. Instead, the transporter may flexibly maintain the temperature of the payload at a variety of different temperature ranges that may be set using the phase change material as a temperature control medium.

Fig. 1A shows an exploded view of the transporter 100. The transporter 100 maintains a temperature controlled environment for payloads within a payload area. The carrier 100 may include an outer enclosure 102 and an inner enclosure 104. The outer enclosure 102 may be shaped as a rectangular cube having a base 114, a removable cover 116, and a plurality of side walls 118. In addition, the outer enclosure 102 may be made of an insulating, metallic or non-metallic material, such as polycarbonate or other polymer. The outer enclosure 102 may be designed to withstand shock and vibration at cryogenic temperatures that occur during transportation and/or storage.

The base 114, the cover 116, and/or the plurality of side walls 118 may form or define a cavity 110 that receives the inner capsule 104 within the cavity 110. The cover 116 may be removable to allow access to the inner capsule 104. The cover 116 may be coupled to the plurality of side walls 118 via one or more hinges, latches, and/or connectors, and/or may be sized and shaped to rest on the plurality of side walls 118 to enclose and/or surround the cavity 110. This allows the cover 116 to be removable and/or movable between an open position and a closed position to provide access to the cavity 110 and the contents within the cavity 110.

The inner capsule 104 and payload may be placed within the cavity 110. A cover 116 may be placed on top of the inner capsule 104 to prevent ingress and seal or partially seal the payload within the inner capsule 104 and/or cavity 110. Thus, during storage and transport, the outer enclosure 102 may protect the inner enclosure 104 and the payload placed within the cavity 110 from shock and/or vibration.

The carrier 100 includes an inner enclosure 104. The inner capsule 104 may include a plurality of panels 106 and/or a plurality of Phase Change Material (PCM) inserts 108. The plurality of face plates 106 and/or PCM inserts 108 may be positioned along and/or adjacent to the base 114, the plurality of side walls 118, and/or the inner surface of the cover 116 within the cavity 110. The plurality of face plates 106 and/or PCM inserts 108 define a payload region 112 that may receive and enclose a payload disposed within the payload region 112.

The plurality of panels 106 may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material, such as polycarbonate or other thermally insulating non-metallic material that can withstand cryogenic temperatures. The plurality of panels 106 may include a bottom panel, a plurality of side panels, and a top panel opposite the bottom panel. Each of the plurality of face plates 106 may have one or more inwardly angled edges 120 forming a channel 122 that may slidably receive a corresponding PCM insert 108, for example, as shown in fig. 1B. The edge of each of the plurality of side panels may border the edge of the top panel and the edge of the bottom panel and may be positioned between the top panel and the bottom panel to form the inner envelope 104 and define the payload area 112.

PCM insert 108 includes a phase change material, which is a substance that releases and/or absorbs sufficient energy to provide useful heat and/or cooling upon phase transition. The phase change material may be transformed between a solid and a liquid. Different phase change materials may be designed to maintain temperatures within payload region 112 at different temperature ranges and/or temperature bands, and/or within different temperature ranges and/or temperature bands.

The corresponding PCM insert 108 may be slid into the channel 122 to integrate the PCM insert 108 with the corresponding face plate 106. For example, an edge of the PCM insert 108 may slide into the channel 122 such that the PCM insert 108 is positioned within the channel 122 and secured to the face plate 106. When the PCM insert 108 is received within the plurality of panels 106 and/or the PCM insert 108 is inserted into the cavity of the outer capsule 102 to form the inner capsule 104, a payload area 112 is defined that may receive and enclose the payload. Each of the PCM inserts 108 and each of the plurality of face plates 106 may be similarly shaped as frusta, such as pyramids, to allow interchangeability between various components, and thus allow the plurality of face plates 106 and/or PCM inserts 108 to be removable and interchangeable with one another.

In another aspect of the invention, fig. 2 shows a transporter 200. Transporter 200 maintains a temperature controlled environment for payloads within a payload area. The transporter 200 includes an outer enclosure (not shown) and an inner enclosure 201. The inner capsule 201 is positioned in the cavity of the outer capsule and stores or surrounds the payload placed therein.

The inner capsule 201 has a top tray 202, a bottom tray 204, and a nested capsule or container ("nested container") 206 therein. The top tray 202 may be positioned opposite the bottom tray 204, and the nested containers 206 may be positioned between the top tray 202 and the bottom tray 204. The sides of the top tray 202 and the sides of the bottom tray 204 may interface with and substantially contact the side walls of the outer enclosure such that the top tray 202 and the bottom tray 204 do not move within the cavity of the outer enclosure when placed therein. This secures the inner enclosure 201 within the outer enclosure such that the inner enclosure 201 remains stationary within the outer enclosure during transport.

The top tray 202 and/or the bottom tray 204 may have one or more handles 208. The one or more handles 208 may be openings in the side walls of the top tray 202 and/or the bottom tray 204. The one or more handles 208 allow a user to grasp or insert their hand through openings in the side walls of the top tray 202 and/or the bottom tray 204 to hold, lift, move, or otherwise position the inner capsule 202 within and/or remove the inner capsule 202 from the cavity of the outer capsule. In some embodiments, the top tray 202 and/or the bottom tray 204 may or may not be removed from the cavity of the outer enclosure. For example, the bottom tray 204 may be fixed within, integrally molded with, or formed integrally with the outer enclosure and cannot be separated from the bottom or sides of the cavity of the outer enclosure.

The top tray 202 may have one or more openings 210 at the base of the top tray 202. One or more openings 210 may be positioned in the center of the top tray 202 and may be sized and shaped similar to the nested containers 206. The one or more openings 210 allow for insertion of containers or payloads into the payload area 212 of the nested containers 206 without removing the top tray 202.

The nesting containers 206 may be integrally formed with the bottom tray 204 and/or the top tray 202, fixed to the bottom tray 204 and/or the top tray 202, or removable from the bottom tray 204 and/or the top tray 202. The nested containers 206 may be centrally positioned between the top tray 202 and the bottom tray 204. The nesting container 206 may have a smaller circumference than the top tray 202 and/or the bottom tray 204 to allow dry ice or other cooling material or substance to be placed between the nesting container 206 and the side walls of the outer enclosure. That is, the nesting receptacle 206 may not contact or border with a side wall of the outer enclosure.

The nesting receptacle 206 may be formed from a plurality of side walls 216 that define the payload area 212. The plurality of side walls 216 may surround and/or enclose a payload placed or positioned within the payload area 212. The plurality of side walls 216 may have one or more leaf springs 218 or portions thereof cut from each of the side walls 216 and/or coupled or otherwise fastened to each of the side walls 216 and angled, bent or folded inwardly to contact the walls of the payload placed, positioned or received within the payload area 212. The one or more leaf springs 218 may be compressible or flexible to absorb shock or other movement of a payload positioned therein while being sufficiently rigid to secure or stabilize the payload within the side wall 216 of the nesting container 206. The nesting receptacle 206 may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material, such as polycarbonate, to withstand cryogenic temperatures.

The inner capsule 201 may have one or more centralizers 214. One or more centralizers 214 may be positioned on the inner surface of the top tray 202 and/or the bottom tray 204. One or more centralizers 214 may be formed from the first wall and the second wall. The two walls may be integrally formed and the second wall may be perpendicular to the first wall and may form a right angle, wherein the second wall and the first wall are joined together, molded together, or otherwise positioned adjacent to each other to form a corner. One or more centralizers 214 may be positioned around the perimeter of side walls 216 of nested containers 206 when nested containers 206 are resting between top tray 202 and/or bottom tray 204. One wall may be molded, fixed, or positioned on top tray 202 and/or bottom tray 204, while the other wall is positioned parallel to and adjacent a portion of the nested containers. The walls that are positioned parallel to and adjacent to the portion of the nested containers may contact only a small portion of the payload, approximately along less than 15% of the walls of the nested containers. The one or more centralizers 214 may be along only some of the walls of the nested container, but not all of the walls of the nested container. One or more centralizers 214 allow the nested containers 206 to be positioned in the center of the bottom tray 204 and below the one or more openings 210 of the top tray 202 so that dry ice or other substances can be placed around the nested containers 206 to maintain the payload at cryogenic temperatures.

In another aspect of the invention, fig. 3 shows a carrier 300 having a star-shaped inner envelope 304. The transporter 300 maintains a temperature controlled environment for payloads within a payload area. The carrier 300 includes an outer envelope 302 and an inner envelope 304. The outer envelope 302 may be made of one or more layers. These layers may include a layer of insulating foam and/or a layer of polycarbonate or other polymer or nonmetal which can withstand low temperature. The outer enclosure 302 may have a plurality of walls defining a cavity 303. The cavity 303 may be sized and shaped to receive the inner capsule 304. For example, the cavity 303 may be defined by a plurality of walls formed in a rectangular, small compartment, or other polygonal shape.

The inner capsule 304 may be positioned in the cavity 303 of the outer capsule 302. The inner capsule 304 may have a plurality of walls 310 or vanes (hereinafter "walls") and a plurality of vertices 308, wherein two adjacent walls join or intersect. The wall 310 and/or the apex 308 may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material, such as a polycarbonate or polymer shape. A plurality of walls 310 are located between two or more vertices 308 of the plurality of vertices 308. In some embodiments, the inner capsule 304 includes four vertices and four walls that are concave, form a star, and contact the payload 306 at the innermost curved portion 314.

The wall 310 of the inner envelope 304 encloses or surrounds the payload 306 disposed therein. The walls 310 may be concave such that the payload 306 does not contact substantially the entire surface of each of the walls 310. Instead, these concave walls may contact payload 306 only along the innermost curved portion 314 of the concave wall. The innermost curved portion 314 of the concave wall secures, stabilizes and orients the payload 306 in the center of the inner capsule 304.

The inner enclosure 304 may be positioned and oriented within the outer enclosure 302 such that the plurality of vertices 308 are positioned in corners of the outer enclosure 302 where two adjacent walls join or intersect. This secures and centers the inner capsule 304 within the cavity 303 of the outer capsule 302. Thus, since the container 306 is positioned within the inner capsule 304 and stabilized within the inner capsule 304, and the inner capsule 304 is fixed and centered within the cavity 303, the payload 306 remains stabilized in the center of the cavity 303 of the outer capsule 302. Further, since the inner capsule 304 may be concave with its apex in the corners of the outer capsule 302, dry ice or other cooling material may be placed in the interstitial spaces 316 between the inner capsule 304 and the walls of the outer capsule 302 and between the inner capsule 304 and the payload 306.

In another aspect of the invention, fig. 4 shows a carrier 400 having one or more brackets 406 that together form an inner enclosure 404. The transporter 400 maintains a temperature controlled environment for payloads within a payload area. The carrier 400 includes an outer enclosure 402 and an inner enclosure 404. The outer enclosure 402 may be made of one or more layers. These layers may include a layer of insulating foam and/or a layer of polycarbonate or other polymer or nonmetal which can withstand low temperature. The outer enclosure 402 may have a plurality of walls 412 defining a cavity 403. The cavity 403 may be sized and shaped to receive the inner capsule 404. For example, the cavity 403 may be defined by a plurality of walls 412 formed as rectangles, compartments (cubics), or other polygons.

The inner capsule 404 may be positioned in the cavity 402 of the outer capsule 403. The inner capsule 404 may have a plurality of brackets 406. The plurality of brackets 406 may be formed from a plurality of vanes 408 and walls 410 therebetween. For example, the bracket may be formed by a first vane angled inwardly from a corner of the cavity 403 of the outer enclosure 402, a second vane angled inwardly from a second corner of the cavity 403 of the enclosure 402, and a wall 410 coupled to, integrally formed with, and/or formed between the first and second vanes. The inner capsule 404 may have two or more brackets 406 positioned opposite each other in cavities 403 on opposite walls of the outer capsule 402. In some embodiments, two or more brackets 406 may be positioned on each wall of the outer enclosure 402.

Each wall 410 may be concave and have an inwardly curved portion. Each vane 408 may have a proximal portion coupled to wall 410 adjacent wall 412 of outer capsule 402 and a distal portion directed toward the center of cavity 403 and contacting a payload that may be received within inner capsule 404. Dry ice or other material that maintains a cryogenic temperature may be placed within interstitial spaces 414 between one or more blades 408, one or more walls 410 of one or more brackets 406, and/or walls 412 of outer enclosure 402.

One or more of the brackets 406 may be compressible or flexible and may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material, such as polycarbonate or other polymer that resists brittleness at low temperatures. When a payload is placed between one or more brackets 406 within the inner capsule 404, the payload may exert a force on the one or more brackets 406. The one or more brackets 406 may flex slightly inward or exert opposing forces to maintain the position of the payload within the inner capsule 404, thereby stabilizing the payload within the payload area of the inner capsule 404.

In another aspect of the invention, fig. 5 shows a carrier 500 having one or more posts 512. The transporter 500 maintains a temperature controlled environment for payloads within a payload area. The carrier 500 includes an outer enclosure 502 and an inner enclosure 504. The outer enclosure 502 and/or the inner enclosure 504 may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material, such as polycarbonate or other polymer that is subjected to low temperature. The outer enclosure 502 may have a plurality of walls defining a cavity 503. The plurality of walls may be positioned to form a rectangular cavity within them to receive the inner capsule 504 and payload.

The inner enclosure 504 may have a top cover 506 and a base 508. The base 508 may be fixed, integrally formed with the outer enclosure 502, and/or otherwise positioned at the bottom of the outer enclosure 502. The walls of the base 508 may be adjacent to and/or in contact with the side walls of the outer enclosure 502 such that the base 508 does not move or change position within the bottom of the outer enclosure 502. In some embodiments, a gap exists between the walls of the base 508 and the side walls of the outer enclosure 502 such that dry ice or other substance material may be placed therebetween. The base 508 may have a recess or cavity 510 therein. The recess or cavity 510 may be filled with dry ice or other substance material to cool the payload received into the payload area 514 from below.

The top cover 506 of the inner enclosure 504 may be removable and may slide within the cavity 503 of the outer enclosure 502 to fit over the top of the base 508 and enclose, and/or define a payload area 514 that receives a payload when inserted therein. The top cover 506 of the inner enclosure 504 may similarly have a plurality of walls sized and shaped similar to the cavity 503 of the outer enclosure 502 such that the plurality of walls of the top cover 506 are adjacent to the walls of the outer enclosure 502.

The carrier 500 may have one or more posts 512. One or more posts 512 may be formed from a first wall and a second wall. The two walls may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material such as polycarbonate or other polymer. The two walls may be integrally formed and the second wall may be perpendicular to the first wall and may form a right angle, wherein the second wall and the first wall are joined together, molded together, or otherwise positioned adjacent to each other to form a corner. One or more posts 512 may be positioned upright and parallel to the wall of the top cover 506 and around the perimeter of the cavity 510 of the base 508. One or more posts 512 may be fastened, molded, or otherwise coupled to the base 508 and may define a payload area 514 that receives a payload when the payload is inserted into the inner enclosure 504. In some embodiments, one or more posts 512 may be positioned on a cover (not shown) that is positioned on top of the top cover 506 and extends downward toward the base 508.

When a payload is inserted, one or more columns 512 may receive one or more corners of the payload such that one or more columns 512 contact only a portion of the walls of the payload, such as less than about 15% of each wall of the payload. The one or more posts 512 stabilize the payload within the payload region 514 such that the payload does not push or otherwise move during transport of the transporter 500. One or more voids or interstitial spaces may exist between the payload within payload region 514 and the walls of inner enclosure 504 and/or outer enclosure 502 to allow dry ice or other substance material to be placed therebetween to maintain a cryogenic temperature. Further, when positioned within payload area 514, dry ice or other substance material may be positioned within cavity 510 and/or on top of the payload.

Referring now to fig. 6, a method 600 is provided. The method may be used to maintain a payload area of the shipping container within a predetermined temperature range during shipping of the payload in the shipping container. The method may include providing an outer enclosure (block 602). The outer enclosure may have side walls and a base defining a cavity in the outer enclosure. The method may include inserting an inner capsule into a cavity of an outer capsule (block 604). In each case, the inner envelope defines a payload area inside the inner envelope. The method may include inserting a phase change material into a shipping container (block 606). The phase change material may be liquid nitrogen or another refrigerant. The phase change material may be solid carbon dioxide (e.g., dry ice). The phase change material may be frozen water (e.g., ice), or any other material suitable for maintaining the payload area of the shipping container within a predetermined temperature range.

The method may include placing a payload into a payload area of an inner enclosure (block 608) and attaching a cover on top of the outer enclosure to cover a cavity of the outer enclosure containing the inner enclosure (block 610). The method may include cooling the payload region with a phase change material to maintain the payload region within a predetermined temperature range (block 610).

In connection with the method, aspects of the different embodiments may be combined. For example, the phase change material may be interposed between the inner and outer enclosures. The predetermined temperature range may be less than 0 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be less than about 0 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between 25 degrees celsius and-80 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between about 25 degrees celsius and about-80 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between-150 degrees celsius and-190 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between about-150 degrees celsius and about-190 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be less than about-150 degrees celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be below-150 degrees celsius. The inner capsule may have a plurality of panels defining a payload area, wherein the payload is stabilized by the plurality of panels of the inner capsule. Each of the plurality of panels may have an angled edge forming a channel. The phase change material may be slidably inserted into the channel. The inner capsule may have a top tray, a bottom tray, and a nested capsule positioned between the top tray and the bottom tray, the nested capsule defining a payload area, wherein the payload is stabilized by the nested capsule of the inner capsule. The inner envelope may have a plurality of concave walls defining a payload area. The inner enclosure may have a plurality of shelves defining a payload area configured to receive a payload. The inner enclosure may have a top cover and a base; and a plurality of posts positioned on and upstanding along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts defining a payload area to receive a payload.

Exemplary embodiments of methods/systems have been disclosed in an illustrative manner. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout this document should be interpreted in a non-limiting manner. While minor modifications to the teachings herein will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is intended to limit all such embodiments which reasonably fall within the scope of the herein-assigned advances in the art, and the scope of the invention should not be limited except in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A shipping container comprising:

an outer enclosure having a cavity; and

an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure and having a plurality of panels and a plurality of phase change material inserts received within the plurality of panels, the plurality of panels defining a payload area configured to retain a payload.

2. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the outer enclosure comprises a base and a cover, wherein the cover is removable to access the inner enclosure when the inner enclosure is positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure.

3. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein each panel of the plurality of panels has an angled edge forming a channel, wherein the channel is configured to slidably receive a phase change material insert of the plurality of phase change material inserts.

4. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a top panel, a plurality of side panels, and a bottom panel opposite the top panel, wherein the top panel is opposite the bottom panel, and edges of the plurality of side panels border edges of the top panel and edges of the bottom panel, wherein the plurality of side panels are positioned between the top panel and the bottom panel.

5. The shipping container of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of panels is removable and each of the plurality of phase change material inserts is removable.

6. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the outer enclosure is made of an insulating nonmetallic material designed to withstand shock and vibration at cryogenic temperatures.

7. The shipping container of claim 6, wherein the thermally insulating nonmetallic material is polycarbonate or other polymer.

8. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are positioned along or adjacent to an inner surface of the wall of the outer enclosure and are made of a non-metallic material.

9. A shipping container comprising:

an outer enclosure having a cavity; and

an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure and having a top tray, a bottom tray, and a nested enclosure positioned between the top tray and the bottom tray, the nested enclosure having a payload area to receive a payload.

10. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the top tray has an opening to allow the container to be placed within the nested enclosure.

11. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the nested enclosure has one or more inwardly angled leaf springs configured to contact and stabilize the payload within the nested enclosure.

12. The shipping container of claim 11, wherein the leaf spring, the top tray and the bottom tray are non-metallic.

13. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the top tray or the bottom tray has one or more centralizers that receive and center the nested enclosure on the top tray or the bottom tray.

14. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the top tray and the bottom tray are shaped to fit within the shipping container and to interface with each of the plurality of walls of the outer wall when inserted into the cavity of the outer enclosure.

15. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the top tray or the bottom tray has one or more handles to allow a user to grasp or hold the top tray or the bottom tray.

16. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the bottom tray is secured within the outer enclosure, integrally molded or formed with the outer enclosure, and is not separable from the outer enclosure.

17. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the nesting enclosure is integrally formed with or secured to the bottom tray or the top tray.

18. A shipping container comprising:

an outer enclosure having a cavity; and

an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure and having a plurality of concave walls defining a payload area to receive a container.

19. The shipping container of claim 18, wherein the inner enclosure has a plurality of apices, wherein two adjacent walls of the plurality of concave walls intersect, wherein each apex of the plurality of apices contacts a corner of the cavity of the outer enclosure.

20. The shipping container of claim 19, wherein the inner enclosure is star-shaped with four vertices and four concave walls.

21. The shipping container of claim 18, wherein the inner enclosure is non-metallic and is configured to contact the container at an innermost curved portion of each of the plurality of concave walls when the container is placed within the payload area of the inner enclosure.

22. The shipping container of claim 18, wherein the outer enclosure has a layer of insulating material or a layer of polycarbonate to withstand cryogenic temperatures.

23. A shipping container comprising:

an outer enclosure having a cavity; and

an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure and having a plurality of brackets defining a receiving area configured to receive a container.

24. The shipping container of claim 23, wherein the plurality of brackets comprises a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first bracket has a first blade, a second blade, and a concave wall positioned between the first blade and the second blade.

25. The shipping container of claim 24, wherein the first vane is positioned within a corner of the cavity of the outer enclosure and projects inwardly toward the center of the cavity, and the second vane is positioned within a second corner of the cavity opposite the first corner of the cavity of the outer enclosure and projects inwardly toward the center of the cavity of the outer enclosure.

26. The shipping container of claim 24, wherein the first blade, the second blade, and the concave wall are made of a non-metallic material.

27. The shipping container of claim 24, wherein the first bracket is positioned adjacent a first wall of the outer enclosure and the second bracket is positioned adjacent a second wall of the outer enclosure, the second wall being opposite the first wall of the outer enclosure.

28. The shipping container of claim 23, wherein the outer enclosure is made of one or more layers of insulating material or polycarbonate material.

29. A shipping container comprising:

an outer enclosure having a cavity;

an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure and having a top cover and a base; and

a plurality of posts positioned on and upstanding along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts defining a payload area to receive a payload.

30. The shipping container of claim 29, wherein the plurality of posts comprises a first post and a second post opposite the first post, wherein the first post receives a first corner of the payload and the second post receives a second corner of the payload opposite the first corner of the payload.

31. The shipping container of claim 30, wherein the plurality of posts contact a portion of the wall of the payload and stabilize the payload such that the payload does not move during transport.

32. The shipping container of claim 29, wherein the plurality of posts are fastened, molded, or otherwise coupled to the base.

33. The shipping container of claim 29, wherein the plurality of posts are made of a non-metallic material.

34. A method for maintaining a payload region of a transport container within a predetermined temperature range during transport of a payload in the transport container, the method comprising:

providing an outer enclosure having side walls and a base, the side walls and the base defining a cavity in the outer enclosure;

inserting an inner capsule into the cavity of the outer capsule, wherein the inner capsule defines a payload area inside the inner capsule;

inserting a phase change material into the shipping container;

placing a payload into the payload region of the inner enclosure;

attaching a cover to the top of the outer enclosure to cover the cavity of the outer enclosure containing the inner enclosure; and is also provided with

The payload region is cooled by the phase change material to maintain the payload region within a predetermined temperature range.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the phase change material is interposed between the inner enclosure and the outer enclosure.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the predetermined temperature range is between about 25 degrees celsius and about-80 degrees celsius.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein the inner enclosure comprises a plurality of panels defining the payload area, wherein the payload is stabilized by the plurality of panels of the inner enclosure.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein each panel of the plurality of panels has an angled edge forming a channel, the method further comprising slidably inserting the phase change material insert into the channel.

39. The method of claim 34, wherein the inner capsule comprises a top tray, a bottom tray, and a nested capsule positioned between the top tray and the bottom tray, the nested capsule defining the payload area, wherein the payload is stabilized by the nested capsule of the inner capsule.

40. The method of claim 34, wherein the inner enclosure comprises a plurality of concave walls defining the payload area.

41. The method of claim 34, wherein the inner enclosure comprises a plurality of shelves defining the payload area configured to receive a payload.

42. The method of claim 34, wherein the inner enclosure has a top cover and a base; and a plurality of posts positioned on and upstanding along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts defining the payload area to receive a payload.

43. A shipping container comprising:

an outer enclosure having side walls and a base, wherein the side walls and the base define a cavity in the outer enclosure; and

a cover attachable to the side wall of the outer enclosure to cover the cavity in the outer enclosure;

an inner enclosure disposed within the cavity and configured to provide a payload area for a payload within the inner enclosure.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the inner enclosure comprises a plurality of panels defining the payload area.

45. The system of claim 43, wherein the inner enclosure comprises a top tray, a bottom tray, and a nested enclosure positioned between the top tray and the bottom tray, the nested enclosure defining the payload area.

46. The system of claim 43, wherein the inner enclosure comprises a plurality of concave walls defining the payload area.

47. The system of claim 43, wherein the inner enclosure comprises a plurality of shelves defining the payload area configured to receive the payload.

48. The system of claim 43, wherein the inner enclosure comprises:

a base;

a plurality of posts positioned on and upstanding along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts defining the payload area to receive a payload; and

a top cover opposite the base, wherein the plurality of posts extend between the top cover and the base.