DK179853B1

DK179853B1 - Transportation Box

Info

Publication number: DK179853B1
Application number: DKPA201700525A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Friis Helle
Original assignee: 3+ Trading Ivs
Priority date: 2017-09-26
Filing date: 2017-09-26
Publication date: 2019-08-01
Also published as: WO2019063051A1; DK201700525A1

Abstract

A transportation box comprising a bottom member and a plurality of upright side portions extending therefrom is disclosed. The box comprises an insulation material. The Box comprises an outer structure and an inner insulation structure detachably attached to the outer structure. The insulation structure is a one-piece body shaped and configured to be overlapping in an overlapping zone when the insulation structure is closed and encases the space defined be the enclosing insulation structure. The insulation structure is a foam material provided as a bendable construction that can be arranged inside the outside structure of the transportation box and fit this geometry.

Description

Transportation Box

Field of invention

The present invention generally relates to a box for transporting and storing items such as foodstuffs. The present invention more particularly relates to a box that can be recycled.

Prior art

It is known to produce transportation boxes in foam material for the purpose of insulating the items being transported. This is in particular important when foodstuffs are transported in transportation boxes.

The typical prior art transportation box is made in a foam material lined with a protective foil material (e.g. a metallic foil). Therefore, these boxes are very difficult to reuse. Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide an alternative transportation box that can be recycled.

Moreover, the prior art transportation boxes take up a lot of space. Consequently, it would be desirable to provide an alternative transportation box that takes up less space than the prior art transportation boxes.

From US 6,443, 309 B1, a transportation box is known. The transportation box comprises a bottom member and four upright side portions extending therefrom, wherein the box comprises an outer structure and an inner insulation structure detachably attached to the outer structure. In one embodiment, the inner insulation structure is a basically X-shaped onepiece body. In another embodiment, the insulation structure is shaped to be overlapping in an overlapping zone, when the insulation structure is closed and encases the space defined by the enclosing insulation structure. The parts making up the inner insulation structure is joined together by heat-sealing.

The prior art transportation boxes made in foam material are furthermore typically produced by injection moulding. As the size of the mould defines the size of the box, it is required to have various moulds in order to provide boxes of different sizes. Accordingly, it would be desirable to be able to produce a transportation box in an alternative way that enables the production of boxes of different sizes.

Another type of transportation box is known from KR 20160056368 A, which box has an insulation structure made from a rigid material having fold lines to enable folding of the isolation structure to fit the transportation box. To hinder leakage, the insulation structure is further provided with a foil at the edges located between the sides of the insulation structure. However, the rigid insulation structure may result in the content of the box being damaged during transportation as the insulation structure does not fit around the content of the box.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a transportation box that can be recycled.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a transportation box that takes up less space than the prior art transportation boxes.

It is furthermore an object of the present invention to provide transportation boxes that can be produced in different sizes in an easy manner.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a transportation box as defined in claim 1 and by a method as defined in claim 10. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent sub claims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The transportation box according to the invention is a transportation box comprising a bottom member and a plurality of upright side portions extending therefrom, wherein the box comprises an insulation material, wherein the box comprises an outer structure and an inner insulation structure detachably attached to the outer structure, wherein the insulation structure is a punched one-piece body shaped and configured to be overlapping in an overlapping zone when the insulation structure is closed and encases the space defined by the enclosing insulation structure, and wherein the insulation material is a foam material provided as a bendable construction that can be arranged inside the outside structure of the transportation box and fit this geometry.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a transportation box that can be recycled. By selecting an insulation material with good insulation properties, it is possible to provide a transportation box that takes up less space than the prior art transportation boxes. The invention furthermore makes it possible to provide transportation boxes that can be produced in different sizes in an easy manner.

The transportation box according to the invention is a transportation box comprising a bottom member and a plurality of upright side portions extending therefrom. The bottom member and a plurality of upright side portions extending therefrom may have any suitable size and geometry. It may, however, be advantageous that the bottom member and a plurality of upright side portions extending therefrom are rectangular and configured to constitute a box having a rectangular cross section.

The box comprises an insulation material. The insulation material is preferably a foam material provided as a bendable construction that can be arranged inside the outside structure of the box and fit this geometry. The insulation material may be selected among several types of foam materials. The foam material is suitably such which have bendable characteristics having regard to the thickness and the physical and chemical properties of the foam material. By the term bendable is meant that the used foam material can be bended without the need for preformed folding lines, and, thus, can be wrapped or folded around the content of the transportation box, thereby, avoiding introducing thermal bridges or gaps that might damage the content of the transportation box. The foam material may suitably be selected from solid closed cell or open cell foams which can be characterised by certain physical and chemical features. Closed cell foams do not have interconnected pores and have higher compressive strength due to their structure, are general denser and typically air or gas inflated to provide improved insulation. Furthermore, closed cell foams tend to have higher dimensional stability, low moisture absorption coefficients and improved strength than the open cell foams. Open cell foams have pores interconnected to each other forming a network which provides softness. Open cell foams may be filled with surrounding gas, but may also be filled with air, to obtain suitable insulation properties. Open cell foams also include bio-foams (e.g. made from vegetable material like wheat gluten producing a sustainable and biodegradable foam) and foam rubbers. Thus, specific examples of suitable foam materials are polyurethane foams (e.g. greenfoams and grünepunktfoam”, “ecofoams”), polyethylene foams (e.g. Low-Density and High-Density Polyethylene, i.e. LDPE and HDPE), bio-foams, foamed bioplastics (made from organic materials like e.g. vegetable fats and oils, starches, cellulose and biopolymers), and recyclefoam (e.g. made from polystyrene). Suitable types of foam materials are i.a. sold under the trade names Ethafoam, Stratocell, CelluCushion, Opti-Step, Cellu Float, and Cell-Aire. The foam material may also comprise other components, like e.g. hydrogarbon gas, talc, glycerol monostearate (GMS), UV stabilisers and colour concentrates.

Physical and chemical properties which influence the properties of the insulation material are e.g. nominal density (e.g. 20-30 kg/m³, compressive strength, compressive creep (e.g. below 10%), cell size (e.g. more than 20 cells/25 mm), tensile strength (e.g. from 120-200 KPa), tensile elongation (e.g. 50-70%), thermal stability (e.g. less than 2 % in 24 hours at 70°C), water absorption (e.g. less than 2 vol.% after 24 hours), tear strength (e.g. 10-20 N7cm), and thermal conductivity (e.g. 0.05-0.06 W/mK). When selecting the foam material used as insulation material it is to be understood that one or more of the physical and chemical properties mentioned may be taken into consideration.

The insulation material used in connection with the present invention may suitable have a thickness of from 0.5-2 cm, however, depending on the actual use and size of the insulation material.

The box comprises an outer structure that may be made in any suitable material including cardboard, wood, metal or plastic.

The box comprises an inner insulation structure detachably attached to the outer structure. Hereby, the insulation structure can be detached from the box and be recycled or burned.

It may be an advantage that the outer structure is made of a first material and that the inner insulation structure is made of another material.

Accordingly, the box may be provided with an insulating material arranged as an inside structure and with an outside structure of a material that is cost-efficient and suitable for constituting the outside of the box.

It may be advantageous that the outer structure comprises a bottom member and four side portions extending basically perpendicular to the bottom member and a lid configured to be attached to the side portions.

Hereby, the outer structure can be formed to constitute a box having a rectangular cross section. Accordingly, the box is easy to store in a manner in which as little space as possible is wasted. The lid can be used to effectively close the box.

It may be advantageous that the outer structure comprises a bottom member and four side portions extending basically perpendicular from the bottom member and a lid configured to be moveably attached to the side portions. Hereby, the position of the lid and thus the size of the inner space can be changed to fit the size (height) of the items to be transported.

It may be an advantage that the height of the side members basically corresponds to the height of the lid.

Hereby, the total height of the box can be varied within a large range.

It may be advantageous that the box is provided with a stop arrangement configured to restrict the displacement of the lid along the thickness axis of the box.

Hereby, the lid can be prevented from being pressed further towards the bottom member of the box once the stop arrangement engages with the lid.

It may be beneficial that the stop arrangement comprises one or more elongated stop members extending between the bottom member and the lid.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a simple and strong stop arrangement.

It may be an advantage that the box comprises an attachment structure for attaching the one or more elongated stop member(s).

Hereby, it is possible to keep the elongated stop members in the desired position.

It may be advantageous that the stop arrangement comprises one or more stop member protruding from the inside wall of the lid.

Hereby, it is possible to prevent the lid from being moved further towards the bottom member of the box in a simple and reliable manner.

It may be beneficial that the outer structure comprises a bottom member and four side portions extending basically perpendicular from the bottom member and a plurality of top portions rotatably attached to the distal end of at least some of the side portions.

Hereby, the outer structure can be formed to constitute a box with a rectangular cross section making it easy to store the box in an efficient manner without wasting space. The top portions can be used to close the box.

It may be beneficial that the top portions are sealed/closed by tape when the box is closed.

It may be advantageous that the punched insulation material is basically X-shaped and comprises a rectangular central portion and four rectangular side members extending in extension of each of the four edges of the central portion.

Hereby, it is possible to form a box-shaped insulation structure from the insulation material. Accordingly, the insulation structure can be arranged to fit the inside geometry of the outer structure of the box. Thus, space can be saved.

It is a great advantage that the insulation material is shaped and configured to be overlapping in an overlapping zone when the insulation material is closed and encases the space defined by the closed insulation material.

Accordingly, efficient insulation can be provided since thermal bridges can be reduced or even be eliminated by providing an overlapping zone.

The space is configured to receive items to be stored and/or transported (e.g. foodstuffs). When thermal bridges can be reduced or even eliminated, the foodstuffs may be kept cold or hot by means of the box according to the invention.

It may be an advantage that the box comprises a bottom member and side portions made in cardboard.

It may be advantageous that a watertight bag is arranged in the box inside the space defined by the insulation material.

Hereby, it is possible to protect the insulation material against water and moisture. Accordingly, ice may be put into the bag in order to cool down or keep a low temperature in the box.

It may be beneficial that the bag is provided with an opening in the top portion of the bag. Hereby, it is easy to fill items into the bag.

It may be an advantage that the bag is detachably arranged inside the insulation material. Hereby, it is possible to separate the structures of the box and reuse or recycle them.

The method of the invention is a method for producing a box according to the invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

- punching an insulation structure by means of a punching unit;

- forming a one-piece basically X-shaped insulation material having a rectangular central portion and four rectangular side members extending in extension of each of the four edges of the central portion;

- arranging the insulation material on the inside of a structure comprising the bottom member and a plurality of upright side portions in a manner in which the insulation material is configured to be overlapping in an overlapping zone when the insulation material is closed.

Hereby, it is possible to produce the box according to the invention in a simple and efficient manner.

It may be an advantage that the method comprises the following step:

- providing a roll of processed insulation from an unprocessed insulation roll.

Hereby, it is possible to use insulation from an unprocessed insulation roll and form insulation having the desired geometry enabling formation of an insulation structure that fits the inside geometry of the outer structure of a box.

The machine according to the invention is a machine for carrying out the method according to the invention, wherein the machine comprises a processing unit for forming a processed insulation structure from unprocessed insulation provided on a roll.

It may be an advantage that the insulation roll is rotatably arranged on a stand.

It may be beneficial that a number of rotatably mounted rollers are arranged to pull insulation from an insulation roll in a predefined direction.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic, perspective top view of a prior art box;

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a small-sized prior art box;

Fig. 2B shows a perspective view of a medium-sized prior art box;

Fig. 2C shows a perspective view of a large-sized prior art box;

Fig. 3A shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a transportation box according to the invention before insulation is arranged in it;

Fig. 3B shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a transportation box according to the invention provided with insulation material;

Fig. 3C shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a lid being mounted on a transportation box according to the invention;

Fig. 3D shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of the box shown in Fig. 3C in a configuration in which the lid is attached to the box;

Fig. 4A shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a box according to the invention in a semi-open configuration;

Fig. 4B shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of the box shown in

Fig. 4A in a closed configuration;

Fig. 4C	10 shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of the box shown in Fig. 4A in an open configuration, wherein an insulation material is arranged in the box;
Fig. 4D	shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of the box shown in Fig. 4C in a closed configuration, wherein the top portions of the box are sealed by means of tape;
Fig. 5A	shows a schematic, top view of a first insulation member of a box according to the invention;
Fig. 5B	shows a schematic, top view of a second insulation member of a box according to the invention;
Fig. 5C	shows a schematic, top view of a third insulation member of a box according to the invention;
Fig. 6A	shows a schematic, perspective view of a transportation box according to the invention in an open configuration;
Fig. 6B	shows a schematic, perspective view of the transportation box shown in Fig. 6A in a closed configuration;
Fig. 7	shows a schematic, perspective, top view of a machine according to the invention;
Fig. 8	shows a schematic, top view of the machine shown in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9	shows a schematic, perspective, top view of a machine according to the invention;
Fig. 10	shows a schematic, top view of the machine shown in Fig. 9;
Fig. 11A	shows a schematic, perspective, top view of a transportation box without a lid according to the invention;
Fig. 11B	shows a schematic, perspective, top view of the transportation box shown in Fig. 11A with a bag;
Fig. 11C	shows a schematic, perspective, top view of the transportation box shown in Fig. 11B provided with a lid;
Fig. 12A	shows a cross-sectional view of a box according to the invention in a first configuration;
Fig. 12B	shows a cross-sectional view of the box shown in Fig. 12A in a second configuration;
Fig. 12C	shows a cross-sectional view of the box shown in Fig. 12A in a third configuration;
Fig. 12D	shows a cross-sectional view of the box shown in Fig. 12A

provided with a band for banding the box 2;

Fig. 12E shows a perspective view of the box shown in Fig. 12 D;

Fig. 12F shows a cross-sectional view of three boxes according to the invention arranged on the top of each other;

Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a box according to the invention and

Fig. 14 shows another cross-sectional view of a box according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, transportation boxes 2 of the present invention are illustrated in Fig. 3D and Fig. 4D.

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic, perspective top view of a prior art transportation box 10. The box 10 comprises a base structure 12 constituting a container provided with a space 18 configured to receive items to be stored and/or transported (e.g. foodstuffs). The base structure 12 has a bottom plate and four side walls extending therefrom. The base structure 12 is typically made in a foam material such as expanded polystyrene. Some of the prior art boxes are made in an expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam insulator encased inside a metallised sleeve. These boxes composed of several materials are difficult to recycle since the metallised sleeve is very difficult to separate from the insulation material during the recycling process.

The box 10 comprises a lid 14 provided with a protruding structure 16 configured to be received by a corresponding receiving structure 20 provided in the top portion of the base structure 12.

Foam insulator boxes 10 like the one shown in Fig. 1 are typically moulded. As the size of the mould defines the size of the box, it is necessary to have various moulds in order to provide boxes of different sizes. Accordingly, it would be desirable to be able to produce a transportation box in an alternative way that enables production of boxes of different sizes.

Fig. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a small-sized prior art box 10 having the same proportions as the box shown in Fig. 1. The box 10 comprises a base structure 12 having a bottom plate and four side walls extending therefrom. The box 10 furthermore comprises a lid 14 adapted to be attached to the open top portion of the box 10.

Fig. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a medium-sized prior art box 10' having the same proportions as the box shown in Fig. 1. The box 10' has a base structure 12 comprising a bottom plate and four side walls extending therefrom. The box 10' further comprises a lid 14 configured to be attached to the open top portion of the box 10'.

Fig. 2C illustrates a perspective view of a large-sized prior art box 10' having the same proportions as the one shown in Fig. 1. The box 10'' is provided with a base structure 12 comprising a bottom plate and four side walls extending therefrom. The box 10'' is further provided with a lid 14 shaped to be attached to the open top portion of the box 10''.

Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of a transportation box 2 according to the invention before insulation is arranged in it. The box 2 has a bottom member 4 and side portions 6, 6' protruding therefrom. The bottom member 4 and the side portions 6, 6' define an inner space 18 in which items to be stored or transported can be arranged. The bottom member 4 and the side portions 6, 6' are preferably constructed as a onepiece body. The bottom member 4 and the side portions 6, 6' may be produced in any suitable material including cardboard, three, metal or plastic.

It may be an advantage to produce the bottom member 4 and the side portions 6, 6' in cardboard.

Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of a transportation box 2 corresponding to the one shown in Fig. 3A provided with an insulation material 8.

The insulation material 8 may be any suitable, bendable/flexible insulator material.

The insulation material 8 may be foamed polyurethane (PUR).

The insulation material 8 may be polyethylene, preferably provided as a resilient closed-cell foam.

The insulation material 8 encases the space 18 provided in the box 2. Hereby, the insulation material 8 can insulate items arranged inside the space 18 and thereby minimise heat transfer between the items and the surroundings. Accordingly, the box 2 can keep items stored and transported in the box 2 cool or warm.

The box 2 comprises a bottom member 4 and side portions 6, 6' protruding from the bottom member 4. It may be an advantage that the bottom member 4 and the side portions 6, 6' are made as a one-piece body e.g. in cardboard, three, metal or plastic.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the bottom member 4 and the side portions 6, 6' are made in cardboard.

The insulation material 8 is overlapping in an overlapping zone 9. Hereby, the insulation material 8 is sealed.

Fig. 3C illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of a lid 14 being mounted on a transportation box 2 according to the invention.

The box 2 has a bottom member 4 and side portions 6, 6' protruding from the bottom member 4. The lid 14 is being moved down towards the box 2 as indicated with the arrow in order to provide a firm attachment of the lid

14.

Fig. 3D illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of the box 2 shown in Fig. 3C in a configuration in which the lid 14 has been pressed downwards and is attached to the box 2. The lid 14 may be attached to the base structure of the box 2 by means of additional attachment means such as tape or mechanical attachment elements. Hereby, it is possible to prevent the lid 14 from being removed from the base structure of the box 2 unintentionally.

Fig. 4A illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of a box 2 according to the invention in a semi-open configuration. The box 2 comprises a plateshaped bottom member 4 and plate-shaped side portions 6, 6' protruding from the bottom member 4. The bottom member 4 and the side portions 6, 6' define an inner space in which items to be stored or transported can be arranged. The bottom member 4 and the side portions 6, 6' constitute a one-piece body. The bottom member 4 and the side portions 6, 6' may be produced in any suitable material including cardboard, three, metal or plastic. It may, however, be an advantage that the bottom member 4 and the side portions 6, 6' are made in cardboard. Plate-shaped top portions 22, 22' are rotatably attached to the distal end of the side portions 6, 6'. The top portions 22, 22' can be rotated in order to close the box 2 as shown in Fig. 4B.

Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of the box 2 shown in Fig. 4A in a closed configuration. The top portions 22, 22' have been rotated in order to close the box 2. Accordingly, the bottom member 4, the side portions 6, 6' and the top portions 22, 22' define a closed inner space 18 in which items to be stored or transported can be arranged.

Fig. 4C illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of the box 2 shown in Fig. 4A in an open configuration, wherein an insulation material 8 is arranged in the box 2. The insulation material 8 defines a closed inner space 18 in which items to be stored or transported can be arranged.

The box 2 comprises a plate-shaped bottom member 4, plate-shaped side portions 6, 6' protruding from the bottom member 4 and plate-shaped top portions 22, 22' which are rotatably attached to the distal end of the side portions 6, 6'. The top portions 22, 22' can be rotated in order to close the box 2 as shown in Fig. 4D.

Fig. 4D illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of the box 2 shown in Fig. 4C in a closed configuration, wherein the top portions 22, 22' of the box 2 are sealed by means of tape 24 covering the distal end area of both top portions 22, 22'. The insulation material 8 is arranged inside the box 2 and extends along the inside periphery (surface) of the box 2. The tape 24 prevents the box 2 from being opened by rotating the top portions 22, 22'.

Fig. 5A illustrates a schematic, top view of a first insulation member 8 of a box according to the invention. The insulation member 8 comprises a basically square central portion 24 and four basically square side members 26, 26', 28, 28' extending in extension of each of the four edges of the central portion 24. The insulation member 8 is configured to be bent along four attachment zones indicated by dotted lines.

Fig. 5B shows a schematic, top view of a second insulation member 8 of a box according to the invention. The insulation member 8 comprises a rectangular central portion 24 and four rectangular side members 26, 26', 28, 28' extending in extension of each of the four edges of the central portion 24. The insulation member 8 is configured to be bent along four attachment zones indicated by dotted lines.

Fig. 5C illustrates a schematic, top view of a third insulation member 8 of a box according to the invention. The insulation member 8 comprises an essentially square central portion 24 and four rectangular side members 26, 26', 28, 28' extending in extension of each of the four edges of the central portion 24. The insulation member 8 is configured to be bent along four attachment zones indicated by dotted lines.

The insulation members 8 shown in Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B and Fig. 5C are adapted to be arranged inside boxes of different sizes and/or geometries.

Fig. 6A illustrates a schematic, perspective view of a transportation box 2 according to the invention in an open configuration. The transportation box 2 comprises an outer structure made in cardboard. The outer structure comprises side portions 6, 6' extending from a bottom portion (not visible) and top portions 22, 22', 22'' rotatably attached to the distal end of the side portions 6, 6'. The transportation box 2 comprises an insulation member 8 having side members 28, 28' extending above the side portions 22, 22', 22''. Accordingly, the side members 28, 28' of the insulation member 8 can be folded and overlap each other like illustrated in and explained with reference to Fig. 3B.

Fig. 6B shows a schematic, perspective view of the transportation box 2 shown in Fig. 6A in a closed configuration. The side portions 22, 22' of the box 2 are arranged horizontally in order to close the box 2. The distal end of the side portions 22, 22' may be taped together in order to prevent the box from being opened unintentionally.

Fig. 7 illustrates a schematic, perspective, top view of a machine 30 according to the invention. The machine 30 is configured to produce processed insulation 32 from an insulation roll 36. The insulation roll 36 is arranged on a stand 46 arranged in the right side. Two rotatably mounted rollers 38, 38' are arranged to pull insulation 34 from the insulation roll 36. The direction of motion 44 is indicated by an arrow.

The machine 30 comprises a punching unit 40 arranged and configured to punch the insulation 34 in order to provide processed insulation 32 having a desired and predefined geometry. Accordingly, the punching unit 40 cuts away portions 50 of the insulation 34. The punching unit 40 may furthermore provide perforations in the insulation 34 in order to separate adjacent portions of insulation 34 from each other.

The processed insulation 32 is arranged on a roll rotatably mounted on a stand 48. A conveyor belt 42 is arranged below the punching unit 40 in order to receive and transport cut-away portions 50 of the insulation 34.

The machine 30 may be configured to process a roll of cardboard instead of the insulation roll 36. In case the machine 30 is configured to process a roll of cardboard instead of the insulation roll 36, the machine 30 can produce cardboard portions that can be assembled to form a cardboard box.

Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic, top view of the machine 30 shown in Fig. 7. At the right-hand side, an insulation roll 36 is arranged on a stand 46. Insulation 34 is moved to the left along the direction of motion 44 indicated by an arrow. The machine 30 comprises rollers 38 arranged to move the insulation 34 along the direction of motion 44. The machine 30 comprises a punching unit 40 arranged between the rollers 38 and a stand 48 carrying the processed insulation 32. The punching unit 40 provides cut-away portions 50 in the insulation 34. A conveyor belt 42 is arranged below the punching unit 40 in order to receive and transport cut-away portions 50 of the insulation 34. A punching arrangement may be integrated in the rollers 38 instead of having a separate punching unit 40.

Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic, perspective, top view of a machine 30' according to the invention. The machine 30' comprises a stand 46' adapted to carry processed insulation (on a roll) 52. The machine 30' comprises processing units 54, 54' configured to press insulation material 52 into a shaped structure fitting the inside geometry of the boxes 2, 2' from the processed rolled-up insulation 52.

The machine 30' moreover comprises a conveyor belt 42' configured to receive and transport the boxes 2, 2' formed by a forming unit (not shown). The boxes 2, 2' may be formed from plate-shaped structures delivered on pallets to a factory. Insulation may by arranged in the boxes 2, 2' by means of the machine 30' in a fast manner.

Fig. 10 illustrates a schematic, top view of the machine 30' shown in Fig.

9. It can be seen that the processed insulation 52 is arranged on a roll rotatably mounted on the stand 46'. The machine 30' comprises processing units 54, 54' adapted to form insulation into a form that fits the inside structure of the boxes 2, 2'. The assembled boxes 2, 2' are arranged on a conveyor belt 42' configured to receive and transport the boxes 2, 2' formed by forming unit (not shown). It is possible to arrange insulation in the boxes 2, 2' by means of the machine 30'.

Fig. 11A illustrates a schematic, perspective, top view of a transportation box 2 without a lid according to the invention. The box 2 comprises a plate-shaped bottom portion (not shown) and four side portions 6, 6' extending perpendicular to the bottom portion and an insulation portion comprising a central portion (see Fig. 5A-5C) and four side members 26, 26', 28, 28'. The side members 26, 26', 28, 28' may be longer than shown in Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B in order to provide a large overlap.

Fig. 11B illustrates a schematic, perspective, top view of the transportation box 2 shown in Fig. 11A provided with a bag 56 having an opening 58. The bag 56 may preferably be a watertight bag 56. Hereby, items arranged in the bag 56 (e.g. ice) will not be brought in contact with the other parts of the box 2. The bag 56 may be closed by any suitable closing mechanism including mechanical closing structures such as a clamp or a string.

Fig. 11C illustrates a schematic, perspective, top view of the transportation box 2 shown in Fig. 11B provided with a lid 14. The box 2 is closed and ready to be transported/stored. The lid 14 may be secured to the remaining part of the box 2 by means of tape or other mechanical attachment members.

The structures of the box 2 can easily be recycled as the different portions are detachably arranged. Accordingly, cardboard, insulation and bags may be separated through an easy and simple sorting method.

Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C illustrate cross-sectional views of a box according to the invention, wherein the box is in three different configurations.

The box 2 comprises an outer structure having a bottom member 4 and four side portions 6, 6' (only two of them are visible) extending basically perpendicular to the bottom member 4 and a lid 14 slidably attached to the side portions 6, 6'. The height H2 of the lid 14 basically corresponds to the height H1 of the side portions 6, 6'. Alternatively, the height H2 of the lid 14 is slightly larger than the height H1 of the side portions 6, 6'. In another embodiment according to the invention, the height H2 of the lid 14 is slightly smaller than the height H1 of the side portions 6, 6'.

An insulation structure 8 is arranged inside the space defined by the outer structure. The insulation structure 8 encases the space defined by the enclosing insulation structure 8. The insulation structure 8 is a one-piece body overlapping in an overlapping zone 9 when the insulation structure 8 is closed and encases the space defined by the enclosing insulation structure 8. The overlapping zone 9 is provided basically symmetrically with respect to the center line L of the box 2.

When Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C are compared, it can be seen that in Fig. 12A, the lid 14 is attached to the distal portion of the side portions 6, 6'. Therefore, the lid 14 is only overlapping the side portions 6, 6' in a narrow area in Fig. 12 A. In this configuration, the space inside the box 2 is close to maximum.

In Fig. 12B, however, the lid 14 has been pressed further along the thickness axis X towards the bottom member 4 of the box 2. The space inside the box 2 is smaller than in Fig. 12A. This space may be sufficient, if it is not required to fill up the box 2. The lid 14 is overlapping the side portions 6, 6' in a larger area than in Fig. 12 A.

In Fig. 12C, the lid 14 has been pressed even further along the thickness axis X towards the bottom member 4 of the box 2. The space inside the box 2 is smaller than in Fig. 12A and in Fig. 12B. This space may be sufficient, if only a small volume is required. The lid 14 is overlapping the side portions 6, 6' in a larger area than in Fig. 12 A and in Fig. 12B. The more the lid 14 is overlapping the side portions 6, 6', the better the outer structure is insulating.

Fig. 12D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a box according to the invention. The box 2 basically corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 12C. A band for banding the box 2 has been attached to the box 2. Hereby, it is possible to close the box 2 without using tape. Accordingly, it is easier to recycle the outer structure 4, 6, 6', 14.

Fig. 12E illustrates a perspective view of the box 2 shown in Fig. 12D. The box 2 comprises a lid 14 attached to the side portions 6, 6' of the outer structure of the box 2. A first band 60 and a second band 60' are used for banding the box 2. Hereby, the need for tape to close the box is eliminated. Accordingly, the outer structure 14, 6, 6' can be recycled in an easy manner.

Fig. 12F illustrates a cross-sectional view of three boxes 2, 2', 2'' according to the invention arranged on the top of each other. Each box 2, 2', 2'' comprises a lid 14 slidably attached to the side portions of the box

2. Inside the boxes 2, 2', 2'', items 62, 62', 62'' are encased by insulation material 8 formed as a one-piece body and shaped to overlap in an overlapping zone as the insulation structure 8 is closed and encases the space defined by the enclosing insulation structure 8. It can be seen that the lid 14 can be arranged in any suitable position along the side portions of the box 2, 2', 2'' depending of the total height of the items 62, 62', 62'' stored in the box 2, 2', 2''.

Fig. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a box 2 according to the invention. The box 2 comprises an outer structure having a bottom member 4 and four side portions 6, 6' (only two of them are visible) extending basically perpendicular to the bottom member 4 and a lid 14 slidably attached to the side portions 6, 6'. The height of the lid 14 basically corresponds to the height of the side portions 6, 6'.

Inside the box 2, items 62, 62', 62'' are encased by insulation material 8 formed as a one-piece body and shaped to overlap in an overlapping zone as the insulation structure 8 is closed and encases the space defined by the enclosing insulation structure 8. The box 2 comprises a stop arrangement comprising two elongated stop members 72, 72' extending between the bottom member 4 and the lid 14. The elongated stop members 72, 72' are attached to the inside of the side members 6, 6' by means of attachment structures 66, 66' shaped by pressing in areas of the lower part of the side portions 6, 6'. Hereby pressed-in areas 64, 64' are formed. The elongated stop members 72, 72' prevent the lid 14 from being pressed further towards the bottom member 4 of the box 2. This is a major advantage if the items 62, 62', 62'' are fragile (e.g. transport of layer cakes).

Fig. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another box 2 according to the invention. The box 2 comprises an outer structure having a bottom member 4 and four side portions 6, 6' of which only two are visible. The side portions 6, 6' extend basically perpendicular to the bottom member 4. The box comprises a slidably attached lid 14 configured to be moved along the length of the side portions 6, 6'. The height of the lid 14 basically corresponds to the height of the side portions 6, 6'.

Inside the box 2, items 62, 62', 62'' are encased by insulation material 8 formed as a one-piece body and shaped to overlap in an overlapping zone 9 as the insulation structure 8 is closed and encases the space defined by the enclosing insulation structure 8. The box 2 comprises a stop arrangement comprising two stop members 70, 70 arranged in the side portions 6, 6', respectively.

The stop members 70, 70' are shaped by pressing in areas of the side portions 6, 6'. Hereby pressed-in areas 68, 68' are formed. The stop members 70, 70' prevent the lid 14 from being pressed further towards the bottom member 4 of the box 2 when the distal portion of the side members 6, 6' engages the stop members 70, 70'.

List of reference numerals

2, 2', 2''	Box
4	Bottom member
6, 6'	Side portion
8	Insulation
9	Overlapping zone
10, 10', 10''	Box
12	Base structure
14	Lid
16	Protruding structure
18	Space
20	Receiving structure
22, 22', 22''	Top portion
24	Central portion
26, 26'	Side member
28, 28'	Side member
30, 30'	Machine
32	Processed insulation
34	Insulation
36	Insulation roll
38, 38'	Roller
40	Punching unit
42, 42'	Conveyor belt
44	Direction
46, 46', 48	Stand
50	Cut-away portion
52	Processed insulation (on a roll)
54, 54'	Processing unit
56	Bag
58	Opening
60, 60'	Band (for banding)
62, 62', 62''	Item
64, 64'	Pressed-in area
66, 66'	Attachment structure

68, 68'	Pressed-in area
70, 70'	Stop member
72, 72'	Elongated stop structure
L	Center line
H1, H2	Height
X	Thickness axis

Claims

Patent claims

A transport box (2) comprising a bottom part (4) and several upright side parts (6, 6 ') extending therefrom, the box (2) comprising an insulating material (8), the box (2) comprising an outer structure (4, 6, 6 ', 14, 22, 22', 22 '', 22 '' ') and an internal insulation structure (8, 24, 26, 26', 28, 28 ') that is removably attached to the outer structure (4, 6, 6 ', 14, 22, 22', 22 '', 22 '' '), characterized in that the insulating structure (8, 24, 26, 26', 28, 28 ') is a punched out continuous part shaped and arranged to overlap in an overlapping zone (9) when the insulating structure (8, 24, 26, 26 ', 28, 28') is closed and encloses the space (18) formed by the closing insulating structure (8, 24, 26, 26 ', 28, 28'), and in that the insulating structure (8, 24, 26, 26 ', 28, 28') is a foam material provided as a flexible structure which can be arranged inside the outer structure of the transport box (2) and fit its geometry.

Box (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating material (8) is substantially X-shaped and comprises a rectangular central part (24) and four rectangular side parts (26, 26 ', 28, 28'), which extends in extension of each of the four corners of the central part (24).

Box (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-2, characterized in that a waterproof bag (56) is arranged in the box (2) inside the space (18) formed by the insulating material (8).

Box (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer structure (4, 6, 6 ', 14, 22, 22', 22 '', 22 '' ') comprises a bottom part ( 4) and four side portions (6, 6 ') extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom portion (4) and a lid (14) adapted to be movably attached to the side portions (6, 6').

Box (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the height (H1) of the side parts (6, 6 ') substantially corresponds to the height (H2) of the lid (14).

Box (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the box (2) is provided with a stop function (66, 66 ', 70, 70', 72, 72 ') arranged to limit the displacement of the lid (14) along the height axis (X) of the box (2).

Box (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the stop function (66, 66 ', 70, 70', 72, 72 ') comprises one or more elongate stop parts (72, 72') extending between the bottom part (4 ) and the lid (14).

Box (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the box (2) comprises a fastening structure (66, 66 ') for fastening the one or more elongate stop parts (72, 72').

Box (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the stop function (66, 66 ', 70, 70', 72, 72 ') comprises one or more stop parts (70, 70') projecting from the lid (14) inner wall.

A method of manufacturing a box (2) according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

- punching an insulating structure (34) using a punching unit (40), thereby forming a continuous, substantially X-shaped insulating material (8) having a rectangular central part (24) and four rectangular side parts (26, 26 ', 28, 28') extending in extension of each of the four corners of the central portion (24);

- arranging the insulating material (8) in the interior of a structure comprising a bottom part (4) and several upright side parts (6, 6 ') in a manner such that insulating material (8) is arranged to overlap in an overlapping zone ( 9), when the insulating material (8) is closed.

A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

providing a roll of processed insulation (32) from an unprocessed roll of insulation (36).

Machine (30, 30 ') for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 10-11, characterized in that the machine (30, 30') comprises a process unit (54, 54 ') for forming a processed insulation structure ( From an unprocessed insulation provided on a roll (36).