CN220077306U

CN220077306U - Vacuum insulation container body, vacuum insulation container, and container

Info

Publication number: CN220077306U
Application number: CN202090001071.2U
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·比尔森; I·P·沙梅尔; P·A·丹尼尔
Original assignee: Oyster Heat Co ltd
Current assignee: Oyster Heat Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-15
Filing date: 2020-11-16
Publication date: 2023-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2030-11-16
Also published as: GB201916711D0

Abstract

The vacuum insulation container (1) comprises a container body (2) and a container cover (3), wherein the container body (2) is formed by an inner body shell (8) and an outer body shell (6), and both are made of metal materials. A core (7) is provided between the inner body shell (8) and the outer body shell (6), and a seal (11) is connected to flanges (12) of the inner body shell (8) and the outer body shell (6) so as to define an intermediate vacuum space (10) surrounding the core (7). A compressible gasket (17) is provided to protect the seal (11). The cover (103) has two pairs of fasteners (122) hingedly connected to opposite sides of the cover (103). Each fastener (122) is releasably connected to the body (102) with the cover in a closed position relative to the body.

Description

Vacuum insulation container body, vacuum insulation container, and container

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to heat-insulating containers, and particularly to a vacuum heat-insulating container. The present disclosure may additionally or alternatively relate to fasteners for containers.

Background

An insulated container is a container designed to maintain the temperature within the container at a constant level by preventing heat transfer into or out of the container.

Box-like insulated containers, commonly referred to as chillers or cold boxes, are commonly used in the home market. Typically, a cooling package is placed inside the container to maintain a low temperature. Such coolers conventionally comprise an inner and an outer shell of plastic with a hard insulating foam arranged between the shells.

Vacuum insulated shipping containers are sometimes used in the commercial marketplace to ship heat sensitive products, such as fresh produce. These are typically rectangular boxes lined with vacuum insulation panels along each side of the container. This may be achieved by using a separate panel along each wall, or by using one or more flat panels folded to conform to the wall.

The vacuum insulation panel includes a flexible barrier layer formed from a plurality of layers of metallized foil that encapsulates a rigid high porous core supporting the barrier layer. One technique that can make conventional vacuum insulated panels is by assembling these components in a low pressure environment and then sealing the foil barrier around all edges of the core by a thermal welding process to maintain a low internal pressure after the panel is removed from the low pressure manufacturing environment.

The vacuum insulated shipping container provides significantly improved insulation and reduced weight compared to conventional insulated cold boxes. However, vacuum insulation panels are very fragile and are easily perforated, thereby breaking the vacuum. Furthermore, while the panels have good insulating properties at their centers, this reduces the edges or folds of insulation along the thermal bridge much lower.

Cylindrical vacuum insulated containers, known as vacuum bottles, typically include an inner shell and an outer shell of steel or sometimes glass, within which a vacuum is provided. Such containers do not include a filler material, but rather the housing itself provides structural integrity. Smaller vacuum bottles are used at home to keep beverages warm or cool, while larger vacuum bottles are used for industrial purposes, such as storing liquefied gas.

Vacuum bottles have very good structural strength, but the use of metal shells results in a thermal bridge at the neck of the bottle. Furthermore, because the housing provides structural integrity, the vacuum bottle is available in only a cylindrical shape, thereby limiting the ways in which this type of container can be used.

There is a need for an improved vacuum insulated container.

Disclosure of Invention

Viewed from a first aspect, the present utility model provides a vacuum insulation container body comprising: an inner body shell and an outer body shell, wherein each of the inner body shell and the outer body shell is preferably made of a metallic material; a core portion disposed between the inner body case and the outer body case; and a seal connecting the inner body shell and the outer body shell. The inner body shell, the outer body shell and the seal define an intermediate space around the core, wherein the sealed volume is at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. Each of the inner and outer body shells includes a flange bonded to the seal, and the flanges of the inner and outer body shells are preferably both in a common plane.

The above configuration provides significant advantages over existing vacuum insulated containers. The use of a metal shell instead of a membrane significantly increases the structural integrity of the container. In addition, solid metal (solid metal) walls are impermeable to air and vapor and therefore do not suffer from film diffusion, thereby increasing the life of the vacuum. The use of flanges in a common plane has been found to provide the most effective seal.

The intermediate space is preferably a vacuum space. For example, the intermediate space may be at a pressure of less than 500 mbar, preferably less than 100 mbar, more preferably less than 10 mbar.

Each of the inner and outer body shells is preferably steam impermeable and/or gas impermeable.

One or both of the inner and outer body shells may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The aluminum or aluminum alloy may contain at least 50 wt.% aluminum, alternatively at least 75 wt.% aluminum, and further alternatively at least 90 wt.% aluminum, further alternatively at least 95 wt.%, further alternatively at least 99 wt.%, and further alternatively at least 99.5 wt.%.

The average thickness of one or both of the inner and outer body shells may be less than 1.5mm, alternatively less than 1.2mm, further alternatively less than 1mm, and further alternatively less than 0.8mm. When aluminum is used for at least one of the housings, this is considered to be relatively thin, at least for aluminum.

One or both of the inner and outer body shells may have an average thickness of greater than 0.1mm, alternatively greater than 0.2mm, and further alternatively greater than 0.4 mm.

The average thickness of one or both of the inner and outer body shells may be about 0.6mm.

The thickness of the outer body shell may be greater than the thickness of the inner body shell. This may save material and weight while still providing a container that is still surprisingly effective and robust.

One or both of the inner and outer body shells may comprise a single layer of homogeneous material. For example, one or both of the inner and outer body shells may have been formed by a deep drawing process. One or both of the inner and outer body shells may be a self-supporting structure, i.e. capable of retaining its shape under its own weight, preferably when separated from the remainder of the container part.

One or both of the inner and outer body shells may include a bottom and a wall. The wall may be connected to the flange by a rounded edge. The wall may surround or enclose the bottom, and the bottom may be connected to the wall by a rounded edge. The bottom may be substantially flat and may be substantially rectangular, preferably having a rounded rectangular shape. The wall may have a rounded rectangular cross-section, preferably in a plane parallel to the bottom. The base may be substantially parallel to the plane of the flange. The wall may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom.

The core may comprise porous and/or breathable material. For example, the core may be formed of one of polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, and silica, such as precipitated silica and fumed silica. Fumed silica is most preferred. The core may comprise a porosity (or void fraction) of greater than 50%, and optionally greater than 75%, and further optionally greater than 85%.

The inner and outer body shells may be in a spaced apart relationship. For example, the inner and outer body shells may be spaced apart by at least 5mm, and further optionally by at least 10mm. The inner and outer body shells may be spaced less than 50mm apart, alternatively less than 40mm, further alternatively less than 30mm.

The seal may be substantially vapor impermeable and/or gas impermeable. The seal may be formed of a flexible material and is preferably not formed of a solid metal. The seal may comprise a metallized foil and may optionally comprise multiple layers of metallized foil. The metallized foil may include one or more layers of metal coated polymeric film. The metal may include aluminum.

The seal may be formed substantially in a single plane and the seal may be cut from a single sheet.

The vacuum insulation container body may include a gasket. The gasket may be mounted to the flange, optionally with a seal between the gasket and the flange. The gasket may be configured to protect the seal, preferably against puncture.

The gasket may be formed of a non-metallic material. The gasket may be formed of a compressible material, optionally an elastic material. The gasket may be formed of a gas impermeable material. The material is preferably compressible, elastic and impermeable to air.

The gasket may be configured to deform to the surface to provide an airtight seal. However, in the case where the vacuum insulation container is not required to be hermetically sealed, the airtightness is not necessary.

In a preferred embodiment, the present solution may provide a vacuum insulated container comprising a vacuum insulated container body as described above and a container lid, preferably wherein the container lid is configured to engage the vacuum insulated container body.

The container lid may be configured to engage the vacuum insulated container body to define an interior air volume. The container lid and the container body may be configured to engage to isolate the interior air volume from the external environment.

The container cover may be a vacuum insulation container cover.

The container cap may include an inner cap housing and an outer cap housing, and a core portion disposed between the inner cap housing and the outer cap housing. The container lid may include a seal connecting the inner lid housing and the lid housing, and the inner lid housing, the outer lid housing, and the seal may define an intermediate space around the core, wherein the sealed volume may be at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. Each of the inner cap housing and the outer cap housing may include a flange coupled to the seal, and the flanges of the inner cap housing and the outer cap housing may both be in a common plane. The inner cap housing and the outer cap housing may each be made of a metal material.

The flange of the cover may be configured to engage with the flange of the vacuum insulation container body.

The container lid may have a similar structure to the vacuum insulated container body and may include any one or more or all of the features discussed above with respect to the vacuum insulated container.

One or both of the body and the cover may include a reinforcing frame configured to reinforce the flange of the corresponding housing. The flange may be made of metal and may comprise aluminum or an aluminum alloy, which may be aluminum or an aluminum alloy as described above.

One of the body or the cover, preferably the reinforcing frame of the cover, may comprise a shroud portion which may be configured to cover the interface between the cover and the body when the cover is in a closed position relative to the body.

The seal may be formed of a flexible material.

Alternatively, the seal is not formed of solid metal.

The seal may be formed as a layer having a thickness of less than about 0.3mm, alternatively less than 0.25mm, with a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.2mm being an exemplary range of thicknesses.

The seal may be formed as a multi-layer structure comprising a plurality of individual vapor/gas barrier layers, for example a metal such as aluminum, each individual barrier layer optionally being about 100 nanometers thick or in the range of about 70 to 90 nanometers.

There may be a distinction between a vapor/gas barrier layer (e.g., an aluminum layer) within the seal layer construction and any additional layers/thicknesses designed for, e.g., puncture protection.

Such vapor/gas barrier layers may be laminated with a polymer layer therebetween.

It is beneficial when each barrier layer is relatively thin, otherwise diffusion may disadvantageously occur laterally between sublayers of the film. Some examples employ a multilayer film or foil composed of multiple layers of very thin aluminum (each aluminum layer being only about 100 nanometers thick or slightly thinner).

Each of these aluminum layers alone may not represent 100% of the barrier layer, but advantageously and surprisingly, the sum of their lamination with the polymer layer between them provides excellent barrier protection while having minimal heat transfer across the structure.

The seal may be formed as a layer of less than about 50% of the thickness of at least one of the inner and outer body shells, for example less than about 33%, about 10% to 50%, 15% to 33% or 15% to 25% or 10% to 17% of such thickness is an example of where this ratio is located.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum insulation container body, comprising:

an inner body case and an outer body case, both of which are made of a metal material;

A core portion disposed between the inner body case and the outer body case; and

a seal connecting the inner and outer body shells,

wherein the inner body shell, the outer body shell and the seal define an intermediate space around the core, the intermediate space being at a pressure below atmospheric pressure; and

the core comprises the entire or substantially the entire intermediate space and is filled with or serves as a thermally insulating core material.

The intermediate space may be a single intermediate space below atmospheric pressure and completely enclose the core as a single enclosed volume.

A shroud may be provided and associated with the housing for shielding the seal, the shroud optionally including a flange extending around the periphery of the housing and at least partially external to the periphery of the seal.

When provided, the shield may extend around the periphery of the gasket to shield the gasket.

A seal connecting the inner and outer body shells,

wherein each of the inner and outer body shells includes a flange bonded to the seal,

the seal is a flexible seal comprising a flexible material.

In this case, the flanges may lie in a common plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which adjacent walls of the inner and outer body shells extend.

The flexible seal may be flat and may extend directly between the flanges.

Another aspect includes a vacuum insulation container comprising:

a vacuum insulation container body according to any one of the foregoing aspects of the present invention; and

a vacuum insulation container cover configured to engage the container body.

In this case, the vacuum insulation container cover may include:

an inner cap housing and an outer cap housing, wherein the inner cap housing and the outer cap housing are both made of a metal material;

a core portion disposed between the inner cover case and the outer cover case; and

A seal connecting the inner cap housing and the cap housing,

wherein the inner cap housing, the outer cap housing, and the seal define an intermediate space around the core, the intermediate space being at a pressure below atmospheric pressure; and

wherein each of the inner cap housing and the outer cap housing includes a flange bonded to the seal, the flanges of the inner cap housing and the outer cap housing both being in a common plane.

Alternatively, the vacuum insulation container cover may include:

a core portion disposed between the inner cap housing and the outer cap housing; and

a seal connecting the inner cap housing and the cap housing,

wherein each of the inner cap housing and the outer cap housing includes a flange coupled to the seal,

the seal connecting the inner cap housing and the outer cap housing is a flexible seal comprising a flexible material.

The container may include one or more fasteners for releasably connecting the lid to the body and preferably for maintaining the lid in a closed position relative to the body. The fastener may be configured to engage one or both of a structural frame of the body and a structural frame of the cover. This prevents the fastener from damaging the flange and/or seal of the cover or body.

In one embodiment, the at least one fastener may include at least one pair of fasteners hingedly connected to opposite sides of the cover. Each fastener may be releasably connected to the body with the cover in a closed position relative to the body. Each fastener may be configured to be reattachably released from the cover when the cover is rotated about the fastener beyond a predetermined angle relative to the closed position. Thus, the fastener may act as a hinge or as a latch, and furthermore, if an excessive opening force is applied, the fastener may release the lid to prevent damage to the body and/or flange of the lid and/or the seal.

While this design of fastener is advantageous when applied to the vacuum insulated container described, it can be used with any type of container.

Thus, viewed from a further aspect, the present solution also provides a container comprising a body and a lid having at least one pair of fasteners hingedly connected to opposite sides of the lid, wherein each of the fasteners is releasably connected to the body when the lid is in a closed position relative to the body, and wherein each of the fasteners is configured to be reattachably released from the body when the lid is rotated about the fastener beyond a predetermined angle relative to the closed position.

The predetermined angle of the cover relative to the closed position may be greater than 80 ° and less than 135 °.

In this aspect, the vessel may be a vacuum insulated vessel.

The fastener may be configured to prevent further opening of the lid when the lid reaches a predetermined angle relative to the closed position. That is, when the angle relative to the closed position is below the predetermined angle, the resistance to angular rotation may be below a first threshold, and when the angle relative to the closed position is equal to the predetermined angle, the resistance to angular rotation may be above a second, higher threshold.

Each fastener may include a first stop, and the cover may include a second stop corresponding to each first stop. The respective first and second stops may be configured to engage each other so as to limit rotation about the hinged connection between the cover and the respective fastener. When the angle with respect to the closed position is equal to the predetermined angle, the rotation may be limited.

The stop may allow the respective fastener and cover to form a lever arm about the fulcrum. When the fastener is not attached to the body, application of force to the lever arm may cause the lid to open. When the fastener is connected to the body, application of force to the lever arm may cause the fastener to apply a breaking force to a member formed on the body to reattachably release the fastener from the body.

The body may include at least one pair of deformable members corresponding to at least one pair of fasteners. Each fastener may be releasably connected to a respective deformable member.

Each fastener may be configured to be reattachably released from the cover by deforming the corresponding deformable member when the cover is rotated beyond a predetermined angle relative to the closed position. For example, each fastener may include an engagement member configured to engage the deformable member. The engagement member may be offset from the fulcrum, and rotation about the fulcrum may cause the engagement member to deform the deformable member, which may cause the engagement member to break away from the deformable member. The fastener may be configured such that the fastener is released from the body when the engagement member is disconnected from the deformable member.

In one example, each fastener includes a hinge pin. The fastener may be hingedly connected to the cover by a hinge pin. The hinge pins may be configured to be received by grooves formed in the respective deformable members. Thus, the hinge pin can serve as an engagement member. Deforming may include deforming a wall of the hinge pin slot. Alternatively, a pin separate from the hinge may be used to engage with a groove of the deformable member.

Each fastener may comprise means for securing the engagement member to the deformable member, in particular by retaining the engagement member within the recess. The means for securing may be configured such that the fastener is released from the body when the engagement member is disconnected from the deformable member.

In one example, each fastener includes a locking pin configured to be releasably connected to the body, and preferably to the corresponding deformable member. The detents may be configured to be connected to the deformable members by deforming the respective deformable members. The locking pin may be received by a recess in the deformable member when the fastener is connected to the body. The body may include a stop to prevent the latch from moving in one direction. The stop pin may be used as the fulcrum.

The cap and the body may each include a compressible gasket. The compressible gasket may be configured to engage each other when the cover is in the closed position. The fastener may be configured to compress the washers against one another when connected to the body.

The predetermined angle of the cover relative to the closed position may be greater than 80 ° and may optionally be greater than 90 °. The predetermined angle of the cover relative to the closed position may be less than 180 ° and optionally less than 135 °.

As described above, the container may be a vacuum insulated container, and either or both of the lid and body may optionally include any one or more or all of the features of the lid and body discussed above with respect to the first aspect or other aspects thereof.

Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a vacuum insulation container part, comprising: forming the inner and outer shells from a metallic material such that each of the inner and outer shells includes a flange; assembling the inner and outer shells around the core such that the flanges of the inner and outer shells are in a common plane; and bonding a seal to the flange of each of the inner and outer shells to form an intermediate space around the core.

In one embodiment, the method may further comprise evacuating the intermediate space to a pressure below atmospheric pressure after forming. For example, the gas within the intermediate space may be evacuated via a hole formed in the seal or in one of the inner and outer shells. The method may further comprise sealing the aperture after evacuating the gas.

This is the current method. A vacuum may also be drawn through the entire "ring" opening between the two flanges, and then a barrier film applied after the target pressure is reached.

In another embodiment, the intermediate space around the core may be formed at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. For example, after assembling the inner shell and the outer shell around the core and before bonding the seal to the flange, the method may include applying a sub-atmospheric pressure to the intermediate space, such as by subjecting a gap between the flanges of the inner shell and the outer shell to the sub-atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the bonding of the seal to the flange may be performed in an environment at a pressure below atmospheric pressure.

The seal may be bonded to the flange by an adhesive, which may be a pressure and/or heat reactive adhesive.

Alternatively, one or both of the inner and outer shells may be formed by a deep drawing process.

The container component may be a lid of the container or may be a body of the container and may optionally include any or all of the features of the lid and body discussed above with respect to earlier aspects of the present solution. The method may further include mounting at least one pair of fasteners to the cover. Each fastener may include any one or more or all of the features of the fastener discussed above with respect to the earlier aspects of the present disclosure.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present solution provides a method of using a container comprising a body and a lid, the method comprising: connecting the lid to the body in a closed position using at least one pair of fasteners hingedly connected to opposite sides of the lid; releasing a first fastener of each pair of fasteners on a first side of the cover; opening the container to a predetermined angle relative to the closed position by rotating the lid about a second fastener of each pair of fasteners on a second side of the lid; and rotating the cover beyond a predetermined angle relative to the closed position, thereby releasing the second fastener of each pair of fasteners from the body.

The method may further include reattaching the cover to the body using at least one pair of fasteners after releasing the second fastener of each pair of fasteners from the body.

The container may include any one or more or all of the features of the container discussed above with respect to the earlier aspects of the present solution.

Drawings

Certain preferred embodiments of the present scheme will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1a and 1b show a first embodiment of a vacuum insulated container comprising a body and a lid in a closed position and an open configuration, respectively;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the vacuum insulated container of the first embodiment in a closed configuration, highlighting the interface surface between the lid and the body;

fig. 3 is a sectional view of the vacuum insulation container of the first embodiment in a closed position.

Fig. 4 and 5 are partial sectional views of a seal member of a main body of a vacuum insulation container of a first embodiment, respectively, in which a gasket is not shown;

fig. 6 and 7a are detailed views of an interface between a cover and a main body of the vacuum insulation container of the first embodiment;

FIG. 7b shows a variation of the first embodiment with a modified structural frame member or shroud;

FIG. 7c shows a variation of the first embodiment to provide a modified inner shell of its lid;

FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of a vacuum insulated container comprising a body and a lid in a closed position;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section through a vacuum insulated container of a second embodiment in a closed configuration;

FIGS. 10a and 10b are partial cross-sectional views showing fasteners of the vacuum insulated container of the second embodiment in locked and unlocked configurations, respectively;

FIG. 10c is a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge operation of the fastener of the vacuum insulation container of the second embodiment;

FIG. 10d is a partial cross-section of an overstretched hinge operation of a fastener that rescues the vacuum insulated container of the second embodiment;

FIG. 10e is a perspective view showing the latching operation of the fastener of the vacuum insulation container of the second embodiment; and

fig. 10f is a perspective view of a hinge action of a fastener to rescue the vacuum insulation container of the second embodiment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 7c show a first embodiment of an insulated container 1.

Fig. 1a and 1b show a body 2 and a cover 3 of an insulated container 1, the body 2 and the cover 3 being assembled together by mechanical fasteners (not shown) along an interface 21 shown in fig. 2.

The main function of the insulated container 1 is to maintain the temperature of the internal air volume 4 of the insulated container 1, and any contents, for a period of time, independent of the temperature of the external ambient environment 5.

Referring to fig. 3, both the main body 2 and the cover 3 are constructed of a multi-layered wall structure including an outer shell 6, a core 7, and an inner shell 8.

The inner and outer shells 6, 8 are made of thin thermally conductive aluminium. The thickness of the inner shell 6 and the outer shell 8 is about 0.6mm, contributing to the structural integrity of the container 1. The inner shell 6 and the outer shell 8 are manufactured by a deep drawing process, wherein a metal blank is radially punched into a mould by the mechanical action of a press.

The core 7 is constructed of a porous material that provides a mechanical structure when the chamber structure is evacuated to a low pressure. In a preferred embodiment fumed silica is used for the core 7.

The low pressure impedes heat transfer by conduction and convection. In addition to providing stability to the shells 6, 8, the core 7 also limits movement of the remaining gas molecules, further preventing heat transfer by convection.

An optional Phase Change Material (PCM) module 9 may be added to the base of the internal air volume 4, which serves as a thermal energy reservoir. The direct contact between the PCM module 9 and the aluminium inner structural shell 8 provides a rapid transfer of thermal energy between the inner air volume 4 of the container and the PCM module 9 by conduction along the aluminium inner shell 8 and subsequent convection into the inner air volume 4. This efficient energy transfer results in a more uniform temperature distribution within the interior air volume 4.

Referring now to fig. 4, in order to produce optimal insulating properties of the intermediate vacuum space 10 between the outer structural shell 6 and the inner structural shell 8, the gas within the porous structure of the insulating core 7 must be evacuated.

The inner and outer shells 6, 8 and the core 7 are assembled at atmospheric pressure, and the chamber seal 11 is bonded to the shells 6, 8 to form an intermediate vacuum space 10, the chamber seal 10 being bonded to the flange using a pressure sensitive adhesive pre-applied to the seal 10.

The intermediate vacuum space 10 is then evacuated to a target pressure through the small hole left in the chamber seal 11, and then sealed after the target pressure is reached. Alternatively, however, the intermediate vacuum chamber 10 may be evacuated by applying a target pressure to the entire "ring" opening between the two flanges 12 prior to application of the chamber seal 11.

Typically, the intermediate vacuum space 10 is evacuated to about 1 mbar, as further pressure drops below this point provide little additional insulation benefit due to the adiabatic bridging elsewhere in the insulated container 1.

The intermediate vacuum space 10 is kept under vacuum by means of a chamber seal 11 applied to the horizontal flange surfaces 12 of the inner structural shell 6 and the outer structural shell 8. In this embodiment, the chamber seal 10 comprises a multilayer metallized film comprised of laminated layers of metal coated polymer films, wherein the coated metal typically comprises aluminum. The chamber seal 11 minimizes diffusion of steam and gases into the intermediate vacuum space 10 during the service life of the insulated container 1.

At the location of the horizontal flange 12, the space between the outer structural shell 6 and the inner structural shell 8, known as the thermal insulation bridge, directly affects the thermal insulation properties of the vacuum chamber 10. The wider bridge reduces the heat transfer between the inner air volume 4 and the outer surroundings 5.

The surface area of the chamber seal 11 constitutes less than 1% of the total surface area of the intermediate vacuum space 10, which means that the internal pressure variations due to gas diffusion through the chamber seal 11 are considerably reduced compared to prior art vacuum insulation panels which are entirely enclosed by a multilayer metallized foil.

Referring now to fig. 5, the entire surface of the chamber seal 11 is covered with a compressible gasket 14, which protects the multi-layer metallized foil of the chamber seal 11 due to the fragility of the multi-layer metallized foil. The chamber seal 11 is substantially flat. The compressible gasket 14 is substantially flat. The seal 11 and compressible gasket 14 of each housing are substantially continuously engaged with each other at a substantially flat interface between the flanges 12 of each housing.

The chamber seal 11 is flexible. In this example, the chamber seal 11 has a thickness of about 100 microns, although different thicknesses are also contemplated. In the multilayer metallized foil, the metal layer present is aluminum, although other materials are contemplated. The chamber seal 11 may include a plurality of separate vapor/gas barrier layers (e.g., aluminum) plus other material (e.g., polymer) layers that may be combined, for example, for puncture protection, in one example, each of the separate vapor/gas barrier layers being less than 100 nanometers thick. The polymer layer may be laminated between barrier layers and vice versa.

In this embodiment, the average thickness of the at least one housing 6, 8 is about 0.6mm, and the flexible chamber seal 11 is less than 20%, such as about 15-20%, of the thickness of the at least one housing 6, 8.

Furthermore, the exposed flange edges of the housing 6 may optionally be covered by a structural frame 15 secured to the housing 6 by an adhesive. This protects the structural integrity of flange 12 and chamber seal 11.

The chamber seal 11, flange 12, gasket 14, and structural frame 15 are collectively referred to as a vacuum seal 16, and the general construction principles and geometry of the vacuum seal 16 may be consistent in various embodiments of the design, although minor variations in geometry may be achieved depending on the container shape and other requirements.

Referring now to fig. 6, it can be seen that the overall shape of the inner and outer shells 6, 8 of the lid 3 and body 2, respectively, is adapted to the functional requirements of the lid 3 and body 2. Furthermore, the cover 3 employs a vacuum seal 16 having a similar configuration to the vacuum seal 16 of the main body 2, except that the optional structural frame 15 has a slightly different shape, as will be discussed below.

To form the sealed interior air space 4, the lid 3 and the body 2 are put together such that the vacuum seals 16 of the lid 3 and the body 2 are aligned with each other. When a downward mechanical force 18 is applied to the cap 3 pressing it against the body 2, the sealing surfaces 17 of the compressible gasket 14 meet.

Fig. 7a shows the cap 3 and the body 2 assembled together. The flexible nature of gasket 14 allows minor irregularities in flange geometry to be absorbed, allowing the container to retain an airtight seal 19.

The structural frame 15 of the cover 3 is optionally provided with a lip 20 around the outer periphery of the structural frame 15. When the cover 3 and body 2 are assembled together, the lip 20 extends vertically downwardly beyond the flange 12 of the body 2. The lip 20 allows the vacuum seal 16 of the lid 3 and body 2 to be aligned. The lip 2 also covers the airtight seal 18 preventing external physical contact.

In the variant shown in fig. 7b, the structural frame 15 of the cover 3 and the structural frame 15 of the body 2 can each completely overlap (a) with their respective gaskets 14 in a direction perpendicular (e.g. vertical) to the direction in which their respective gaskets 14 extend (e.g. horizontal). Thus, good physical shielding protection for each gasket is ensured.

Furthermore, when the cover 3 is positioned above the main body 2, the structural frames 15 of the cover 3 and the main body 2 may nest (overlap) with each other in the upward/downward direction. In this case, the lip 21 of the structural frame 15 of the body 2 may nest within the lip 20 of the structural frame 15 of the cover 3. This may help to keep, for example, falling rain, snow or other potentially unwanted material away from the gasket 14, while also providing good physical protection for the gasket 14 and the chamber seal 10, and also to help to position the cover 3 on the body 2.

Fig. 7b also shows an optional downwardly extending portion 22 of the structural frame 15 of the body, which may optionally be incorporated to provide additional support to the body 2 in the region of the gasket 14 and the chamber seal 11. Thus, in a configuration in which the cover 3 is placed over the main body 2, the structural frame 15 of the main body 2 may have a larger vertical extent than the structural frame of the cover 3.

When present, the optional structural frame 15 may extend completely or substantially completely around the outer perimeter of the cover 3 and body 2.

Fig. 7c shows a variant of the first embodiment, in which the positioning means or member 23 is incorporated into the cover 3. The positioning member 23 may be formed as a rib 23 when present. The ribs 23 may extend completely or substantially completely around the lid 3 near the peripheral outer edge of the inner shell 8 of the lid 3 and may extend from the inner shell 8 of the lid 3, positioned to overlap the inner shell 8 of the body 2, adjacent to the body or in engagement with the body, to assist in well positioning the lid 3 on the body 2. This may thus help to place the cap 3 on the body 2 in its desired engagement configuration, with full engagement between the gaskets 14, when the cap 3 and the gasket 14 of the body 2 have substantially the same cross-section as each other at their sealing interface surfaces.

The structural frame 15 of fig. 7a, 7b and 7c may alternatively be referred to as a shroud or shroud member. They function well for performing a protective function on the gasket 14 and the chamber seal 11.

Fig. 8 to 10f show a second embodiment of an insulated container 101.

The structure of the insulated container 101 of the second embodiment is similar to that of the insulated container 1 of the first embodiment and may in particular include similar flexible seals and gaskets as well as inner and outer shell portions having flanges in a common plane (for each of the body and the cover). Therefore, the features already described will not be described again, but only those different from the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used but 100 is added to denote features present in both embodiments.

Fig. 8 shows an insulated container 101 comprising a body 102 and a cover 103, wherein the cover 103 is fastened to the body 102 by an even number of fasteners 122. Fasteners 122 are placed in equal numbers on opposite sides of insulated container 101. In use, opposite sides of the container 101 represent the latch side 123 and the hinge side 124, and these sides are interchangeable. For the purposes of these figures, the latch side 123 is shown on the left and the hinge side 124 is shown on the right.

Referring to fig. 9, each fastener 122 is permanently mounted to the cover 103, and the fasteners 122 are identical for both the latch side 123 and the hinge side 124. The design of insulated container 101 is laterally symmetrical about centerline 125.

Fig. 10a shows how the fastener 122 functions when located on the latch side 123. The fastener 122 includes two pins mounted to the fastener body 127. The fastener 122 interfaces with the mounting block 131 via two pins 128, 129, each of which provides a specific function. Hinge pin 128 provides an axis of rotation for fastener 122 to rotate relative to cover 103. The locking pin 129 mechanically locks the position of the fastener 122 relative to the mounting block 131. The mounting block 131 is constructed of a semi-flexible material that allows plastic deformation under high loads without causing permanent deformation of the mounting block 131.

The process of latching the fastener 122 includes a manual rotational force 132 applied by a user to the fastener 122 toward the mounting block 131. When the latch 129 reaches the mounting block 131, it engages the compression ramp 133 of the mounting block 131, causing the fastener 122, and thus the cap 103, to be pulled downwardly, thereby applying a downward compressive force 118 from a manual rotational force 132 applied by the user. This downward force 118 acts on the opposing washers 114 of the cover 103 and body 102. The compressive force 118 results in a tight seal along the gasket interface surface 119.

Fig. 10b shows the fastener in the fully open position 134 when the fastener 122 has reached a predetermined maximum angle of rotation relative to the cover 103. In this embodiment, the maximum angle slightly exceeds 90 degrees (about 95 degrees) from the locked position. The maximum angle is controlled by a hard stop mechanical interface 135 between the fastener 122 and a stop 130 provided on the cover 103. In the present embodiment, the stopper 130 is formed as a part of the structural frame 115 of the cover 103. After the fastener 122 reaches the fully open position 134, its additional upward or rotational force 136 will cause the entire cover 103 to be lifted from the body 102.

Fig. 10c depicts how the fastener 122 functions when on the hinge side 124. The hinge pin 128 is located in the hinge pin rest track 138. On the side of the insulated container 101 that serves as the hinge side 124, the hinge pin rest track 138 provides support for the hinge pin 128 during normal rotation of the lid 103. When the cover 103 reaches a predetermined maximum rotation angle, as shown in fig. 10d, the rotational hard stop interface 135 between the fastener 122 and the stop 130 will prevent further rotation.

Referring to fig. 10d, in the event that the cover 103 is subjected to excessive mechanical lateral forces 140 once it reaches its maximum rotation angle, the hinge pin 128 will begin to apply pressure to the hinge pin disengagement compression edge 139 of the mounting block 131. When the pressure is high enough, this will result in a temporary elastic deformation of the compression edge 139, allowing the cover 103 and fastener 122 to over-rotate and disengage from the body 102 of the insulated container 101.

In this action, the latch stop surface 141 engages the latch 129 to cause the fastener body 127 to act as a lever arm that concentrates the rotational force at the hinge pin on the hinge pin disengaging compression edge 139.

Thus, the fastener 122 can function as a latch as shown in fig. 10e, or as a hinge as shown in fig. 10 f. This advantageously allows the insulated container 101 to be hingedly opened from either side. Further, the breakaway function of the fastener 122 prevents excessive opening force from being applied to the fastener 122. This is important because excessive loads may damage the flange 112 of the housing 106, risking damage to the chamber seal 111.

Although not shown in the drawings, the container 1, 101 of the above-described first and second embodiments may be provided with a handle or a carrying strap to facilitate lifting of the container 1, 101.

Claims

1. A vacuum insulation container body comprising:

a seal connecting the inner and outer body shells,

Wherein each of the inner and outer body shells includes a flange bonded to the seal, the flanges of the inner and outer body shells both being in a common plane.

2. The vacuum insulation container main body according to claim 1, wherein the inner body shell and the outer body shell are each made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

3. A vacuum insulation container main body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner main body shell and the outer main body shell each have an average thickness of less than 1.5mm, for example having an average thickness of 0.6 mm.

4. The vacuum insulation container main body according to claim 1, wherein the inner main body shell and the outer main body shell each include a bottom portion and a wall extending from the bottom portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom portion.

5. The vacuum insulation container main body according to claim 4, wherein the plane of the flange is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the walls of the inner and outer body shells extend.

6. The vacuum insulation container body as claimed in claim 1, wherein the core comprises one of polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, precipitated silica, and fumed silica.

7. The vacuum insulation container body as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing member is formed of a multi-layered metallized foil.

8. The vacuum insulation container main body according to claim 1, further comprising:

a gasket mounted to both of the flanges with the seal between the gasket and the flanges.

9. The vacuum insulation container main body according to claim 1, wherein the seal is formed of a flexible material.

10. The vacuum insulation container main body according to claim 1, wherein the seal is not formed of a solid metal.

11. The vacuum insulated container body of claim 1, wherein the seal is formed as a layer of an exemplary range of thickness less than 0.3mm, optionally less than 0.25mm, 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

12. The vacuum insulation container body according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is formed in a multi-layered structure including a plurality of individual barrier layers made of, for example, a metal such as aluminum, each individual barrier layer being 100 nanometers thick or in the range of 70 to 90 nanometers thick; optionally wherein at least one polymer layer is present in the multilayer structure.

13. A vacuum insulation container body as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seal is formed as a layer of less than 50% of the thickness of at least one of the inner and outer body shells, for example less than 33% of such thickness, the ratio being exemplified by 10% to 50%, 15% to 33% or 15% to 25% or 10% to 17%.

14. A vacuum insulation container body comprising:

a seal connecting the inner and outer body shells,

15. The vacuum insulation container main body according to claim 14, wherein the intermediate space is an entire intermediate space which is below atmospheric pressure and completely surrounds the core as an entire closed volume.

16. A vacuum insulated container body as claimed in claim 14, wherein a shroud is provided in association with the outer shell for shielding the seal, the shroud optionally including a flange extending around and at least partially outboard of the periphery of the outer shell.

17. The vacuum insulation container body of claim 16, the shield extending around an outer periphery of the gasket to shield the gasket when claim 16 is dependent on claim 14 and claim 14 is dependent on claim 8.

18. A vacuum insulation container body comprising:

a seal connecting the inner and outer body shells,

the seal is a flexible seal comprising a flexible material.

19. The vacuum insulation container main body according to claim 18, wherein the flange is located in a common plane substantially perpendicular to a direction in which adjacent walls of the inner main body casing and the outer main body casing extend.

20. A vacuum insulation container body as claimed in claim 18 or 19 wherein the flexible seal is planar and extends directly between the flanges.

21. A vacuum insulation container comprising:

the vacuum insulation container main body according to any one of claims 1 to 20; and

a vacuum insulation container cover configured to engage the container body.

22. The vacuum insulation container of claim 21 wherein the vacuum insulation container cover comprises:

a seal member connecting the inner lid housing and the lid body housing,

23. The vacuum insulation container of claim 21 wherein the vacuum insulation container cover comprises:

a seal member connecting the inner lid housing and the lid body housing,

24. The vacuum insulated container of claim 22, wherein the flange of the vacuum insulated container lid is configured to engage with the flange of the vacuum insulated container body, optionally indirectly through a respective seal and further optionally through a gasket associated with the respective flange.

25. The vacuum insulation container of claim 21 wherein the housing of at least one of the lid and the body includes a positioning member for assisting in positioning the lid and the body relative to each other; the positioning member optionally includes a rib formed on the inner shell of the cap.

26. A vacuum insulated container according to claim 21 when claim 21 is dependent on claim 16, wherein a lip is provided for shielding the seal of the lid (and optionally the gasket of the lid when present) which is at least partially embedded or overlapped within the shroud of the body of the container, the lip optionally comprising a flange extending around the periphery of the lid.

27. A container comprising a body and a lid having at least one pair of fasteners hingedly connected to opposite sides of the lid, wherein each of the fasteners is releasably connected to the body when the lid is in a closed position relative to the body, and wherein each of the fasteners is configured to re-connectively release the lid from the body when the lid is rotated about the fasteners beyond a predetermined angle relative to the closed position.