Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
  • B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
  • B65D81/3888—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation wrappers or flexible containers, e.g. pouches, bags
  • B65D81/3897—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation wrappers or flexible containers, e.g. pouches, bags formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
  • B65D75/002—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers in shrink films
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
  • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
  • F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
  • F28D20/02—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using latent heat
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
  • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
  • F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
  • F28D20/02—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using latent heat
  • F28D20/026—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using latent heat with different heat storage materials not coming into direct contact

Definitions

• the present disclosure generally relates to food products and storage. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to packaging including phase change materials.
• the present disclosure relates to packaging and storage assemblies having one or more phase change materials and methods of using the packaging and storage assemblies.
• the present disclosure provides a packaging including one or more temperature barrier layers each having one or more phase change materials.
• the phase change material can be stored within the temperature barrier layer.
• the layer includes a second phase change material stored within the temperature barrier layer.
• the packaging can include a second temperature barrier layer having a second phase change material.
• the packaging includes a layer including at least one of a reflective material and an insulating material.
• the packaging can include a multilayer film having an outer layer including a reflective material, a middle layer including an insulating material, and an inner temperature barrier layer including the phase change material.
• the phase change material includes sodium sulfate decahydrate.
• the phase change material can include a mixture of water and varying amounts of propylene glycol and/or calcium chloride. The concentration of the phase change materials in the temperature barrier layers can be varied to obtain a desired melting point for specific temperature conditions.
• the present disclosure provides a packaged product including a temperature sensitive product and a packaging including at least one temperature barrier layer having a phase change material surrounding the temperature sensitive product.
• the phase change material can be stored within the temperature barrier layer.
• the temperature sensitive product can be a food product.
• the food product can be a nutritional composition.
• the packaging material includes a second phase change material stored within the temperature barrier layer.
• the packaging can include a second temperature barrier layer having a second phase change material.
• the packaging can include a layer including at least one of a reflective material and an insulating material.
• the packaging can include a multilayer film having an outer layer including a reflective material, a middle layer including an insulating material, and an inner temperature barrier layer including the phase change material.
• the present disclosure provides a container assembly including a support, a temperature sensitive product positioned on the support, and a packaging including at least one temperature barrier layer having a phase change material surrounding the temperature sensitive product and the support.
• the temperature sensitive product can be a food product.
• the food product can be a nutritional composition.
• the support is a pallet or a slip sheet.
• the phase change material is stored within the temperature barrier layer.
• the packaging can includes a second phase change material stored within the same temperature barrier layer.
• the packaging can also include a second temperature barrier layer having a second phase change material.
• the packaging can include a layer including at least one of a reflective material and an insulating material.
• the packaging can include a multilayer film having an outer layer including a reflective material, a middle layer including an insulating material, and an inner temperature barrier layer including the phase change material.
• the present disclosure provides a storage assembly including a storage unit, a temperature sensitive product located within the storage unit, and a packaging including at least one temperature barrier layer having a phase change material attached to at least one wall of the storage unit.
• the temperature sensitive product can be a food product.
• the food product can be a nutritional composition.
• the storage unit can be a trailer, refrigerator, freezer, cargo container or a combination thereof.
• the present disclosure provides a temperature sensitive product located outside a storage unit (such as: on a dock, roadside, or area exposed to the elements) and a packaging including at least one temperature barrier layer having a phase change material.
• the temperature sensitive product can be a food product.
• the food product can be a nutritional composition.
• the phase change material can be stored within the temperature barrier layer.
• the layer can also include a second phase change material stored within the same temperature barrier layer.
• the packaging can include a second temperature barrier layer having a second phase change material.
• the packaging can include a layer including at least one of a reflective material and an insulating material.
• the packaging can include a multilayer film having an outer layer including a reflective material, a middle layer including an insulating material, and an inner temperature barrier layer including the phase change material.
• the present disclosure provides a moving storage assembly including, a transporter, a storage unit and attached to the transporter, a temperature sensitive product located within the storage unit, and a packaging including at least one temperature barrier layer having a phase change material attached to at least one wall of the storage unit.
• the temperature sensitive product can be a food product.
• the food product can be a nutritional composition.
• the storage unit can be a trailer, refrigerator, freezer, cargo container or a combination thereof.
• the transporter can be a car, truck, semi-truck, airplane, helicopter, boat, train or ship.
• the phase change material can be stored within the temperature barrier layer.
• the layer can also include a second phase change material stored within the same temperature barrier layer.
• the packaging can include a second temperature barrier layer having a second phase change material.
• the packaging can include a layer including at least one of a reflective material and an insulating material.
• the packaging can include a multilayer film having an outer layer including a reflective material, a middle layer including an insulating material, and an inner temperature barrier layer including the phase change material.
• the present disclosure provides a packaging including a multilayer film having an outer layer including a reflective material, a middle layer including an insulating material, a first temperature barrier layer including a first phase change material, and a second temperature barrier layer including a second phase change material.
• the present disclosure provides a packaging including a multilayer film having an outer layer including a reflective material, a middle layer including an insulating material, and an inner temperature barrier layer including a first phase change material and a second phase change material.
• the present disclosure provides a shrink wrap film including at least one temperature barrier layer having a phase change material.
• the shrink wrap film is constructed and arranged to conform to a surface of a temperature sensitive product.
• the phase change material can be stored within the temperature barrier layer.
• the temperature barrier layer can also comprise a second phase change material stored within the layer.
• the shrink wrap film can include a second temperature barrier layer comprising a second phase change material.
• the present disclosure provides a method of protecting a temperature sensitive product from fluctuating temperatures during storage or transport.
• the method comprises placing a temperature sensitive product in a packaging including the temperature sensitive layer having the phase change material.
• the present disclosure provides a method of protecting a temperature sensitive product from fluctuating temperatures during storage or transport.
• the method comprises placing a temperature sensitive product in a container assembly utilizing the phase change material in embodiments of the present disclosure.
• the present disclosure provides a method of protecting a temperature sensitive product from fluctuating temperatures during storage or transport.
• the method comprises placing a temperature sensitive product in a storage assembly utilizing the phase change material in embodiments of the present disclosure.
• the present disclosure provides a method of protecting a temperature sensitive product from fluctuating temperatures during storage or transport.
• the method comprises placing a temperature sensitive product in a moving storage assembly utilizing the phase change material in embodiments of the present disclosure.
• the present disclosure provides a method of reducing distribution or transporting costs of a temperature sensitive product.
• the method comprises placing a temperature sensitive product in a packaging, container assembly, storage assembly or moving storage assembly utilizing the phase change material in embodiments of the present disclosure, and transporting the temperature sensitive product from one location to another location.
• An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improved packaging for protecting temperature sensitive products from being adversely affected by temperature fluctuations.
• Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improved storage assembly for protecting temperature sensitive products from being adversely affected by temperature fluctuations during storage.
• Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improved moving storage assembly for protecting temperature sensitive products from being adversely affected by temperature fluctuations during distribution.
• FIG. 1 shows a partial view of a packaging having a phase change material in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2 shows a partial view of a packaging having two phase change materials in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3 shows a partial view of a packaging having two temperature barrier layers each including a phase change material in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 4 shows a partial view of a packaging having a temperature barrier layer including a plurality of phase change materials in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 5 shows a partial view of a storage unit wall including a packaging having a phase change material in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 6 shows a partial view of a storage unit wall including a packaging having two phase change materials in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 7 shows a partial view of a storage unit wall including a packaging having two layers each having a phase change material in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a preferred melting point range of suitable phase change materials at high temperatures in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a preferred melting point range of suitable phase change materials at low temperatures in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating a preferred melting point range of suitable phase change materials at low temperatures in another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a preferred melting point range of suitable phase change materials in a two part system in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the present disclosure relates to packaging including one or more phase change materials and storage assemblies including the phase change materials.
• the packaging can include one or more temperature barrier layers each having one or more phase change materials that can be used to protect temperature sensitive products from being exposed to fluctuating temperatures during storage.
• the temperature sensitive products can be food products such as, for example, nutritional compositions to promote the health and well-being of a consumer.
• the packaging including the phase change materials can ensure quality of the food product for consumer and ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., probiotic viability).
• the temperature barrier layers of the packaging in embodiments of the present disclosure work by having the phase change materials absorbing or emitting energy during changing temperatures surrounding the package.
• the energy absorbed or emitted in a phase transition of the phase change material is normally very high compared to energy needed for temperature rise (sensible heat). Therefore, a small amount of properly-chosen phase change materials could be used to protect a large mass of the temperature sensitive product from detrimental temperature swings.
• phase change materials as understood by the skilled artisan can be used in the temperature barrier layers of the packaging in embodiments of the present disclosure.
• suitable phase change materials can be determined according to "Phase Change Materials: Science and Applications” (2009 - ISBN: 978-0-387-84873-0), which is incorporated herein by reference.
• phase change material for any embodiments of the present disclosure is sodium sulfate decahydrate. This chemical goes through a phase change at 32 °C. During the day, with air temperatures approaching perhaps 40 °C, the chemical would melt and absorb energy from the air, thus protecting the temperature sensitive product. At night, with air temperatures dropping below 32 °C, the chemical will give the heat back by re-crystallizing. The temperature sensitive product temperature below the blanket would never exceed 32 °C.
• the phase change material can include a mixture of water and varying amounts of propylene glycol and/or calcium chloride.
• the concentrations of the phase change materials within the temperature barrier layer of the packaging can vary depending on the degree of temperature change that the packaging and the temperature sensitive product is exposed to. For example, generally speaking, a higher concentration of the phase change material will allow for exposure of the packaging and temperature sensitive product to a greater fluctuation in temperature without the temperature sensitive product being affected by the change in temperature. This is because a greater amount of energy (from a greater temperature change) can be absorbed by a higher concentration of the phase change materials within the temperature barrier layer.
• the term "nutritional composition” includes, but is not limited to, complete nutritional compositions, partial or incomplete nutritional compositions, and disease or condition specific nutritional compositions.
• a complete nutritional composition i.e. those which contain all the essential macro and micro nutrients
• Patients can receive partial or incomplete nutritional composition does not contain all the essential macro and micro nutrients and cannot be used as a sole source of nutrition for the patient.
• Partial or incomplete nutritional compositions can be used as a nutritional supplements.
• a disease or condition specific nutritional composition is a composition that delivers nutrients or pharmaceuticals and can be a complete or partial nutritional composition.
• Disease or condition specific nutritional compositions are those designed to aid with a given situation, such as Impact® sold by Nestle Nutrition to decrease postoperative infections, Diabetisource AC® sold by Nestle Nutrition for people with diabetes or hyperglycemia, and Novasource® Pulmonary sold by Nestle Nutrition for those patients with pulmonary disease or those requiring ventilator support.
• the present disclosure provides a packaging 2 including one or more temperature barrier layers 12 having one or more phase change materials 14.
• Phase change material 14 can be stored within temperature barrier layer 12 as shown by FIG. 1 such as within a pocket or passage of temperature barrier layer 12.
• Packaging 2 can be used to partially or completely surround any suitable temperature sensitive product 20 such as a food product.
• Packaging 2 can also include a layer including a reflective material and/or a layer including an insulating material. As shown by FIG. 1, packaging 2 includes a multilayer film 10 having an outer layer 16 including a reflective material, a middle layer 18 including an insulating material, and inner temperature barrier layer 12 including phase change material 14. It should be appreciated that packaging 2 can have the reflective material, insulating material and phase change material in any suitable order in multilayer film 10.
• the present disclosure provides a packaging 30 including one or more temperature barrier layers 34 having at least two phase change materials 36 and 38.
• Phase change materials 36 and 38 can each be stored within in pockets of temperature barrier layer 34 as shown by FIG. 2.
• Packaging 30 can be used to partially or completely surround any suitable temperature sensitive product 40 such as a food product.
• Packaging 30 can also include a layer including a reflective material and/or a layer including an insulating material. As shown by FIG. 2, packaging 30 includes a multilayer film 32 having an outer layer 42 including a reflective material, a middle layer 44 including an insulating material, and inner temperature barrier layer 34 including phase change materials 36 and 38. It should be appreciated that packaging 30 can have the reflective material, insulating material and phase change material in any suitable order in multilayer film 32.
• Temperature barrier layer 34 is shown in further detail.
• Temperature barrier layer 36 includes pockets 46 and 48 including phase change materials 36 and 38 stored inside each pocket 46 and 48, respectively. Any portion of a packaging can include temperature barrier layer 36 having one or more phase change materials in any one or more of the pockets.
• phase change materials are mixed together in the same pocket.
• phase change materials are placed in individual compartments so no mixing occurs.
• These pockets of two or more phase change materials can be arranged in an alternating row or column pattern or random pattern.
• the materials can serve different purposes, for example, one can help protect against freezing while the other will prevent the temperature from rising too high.
• phase change materials there are multiple phase change materials that can be used, each changing phase at different temperatures to slow the progression of temperature change of the product.
• Any two phase change materials can be in any ratio, for example, 1 : 1, 1 :2, 1 :3, 1 :4, 1 :5, 1 :6, 1 :7, 1 :8, 1 :9, 1 : 10, and arranged in any pattern (rows, columns random, or a purposeful pattern (i.e a phase change material in pockets that will protect from the heat of the sun on top of the product, and one that will protect against freezing wind on the side of the product.
• the present disclosure provides a packaging 60 including a first temperature barrier layer 64 and a second temperature barrier layer 66.
• First temperature barrier layer 64 and second temperature barrier layer 66 each have separate phase change materials 70 and 72, respectively.
• Phase change materials 70 and 72 can be stored within first temperature barrier layer 64 and second temperature barrier layer 66, respectively, as shown by FIG. 4.
• Packaging 60 can be used to partially or completely surround any suitable temperature sensitive product 68 such as a food product.
• Packaging 60 can also include a layer including a reflective material and/or a layer including an insulating material. As shown by FIG. 4, packaging 60 includes a multilayer film 62 having an outer layer 74 including a reflective material, a middle layer 76 including an insulating material, intermediate layer 64 including phase change material 70 and inner temperature barrier layer 66 including phase change material 72. It should be appreciated that packaging 60 can have the reflective material, insulating material and phase change material in any suitable order in multilayer film 62.
• the present disclosure provides a container assembly including a support, a temperature sensitive product positioned on the support, and a packaging including at least one temperature barrier layer having a phase change material surrounding the temperature sensitive product and the support.
• the temperature sensitive product can be a food product.
• the food product can be a nutritional composition.
• the support can be a pallet or slip sheet on which one or more of the temperature sensitive products is placed for storage or transport.
• the pallet or slip sheet is wrapped with a "chemical blanket" designed to go through a temperature phase transition around a relevant temperature (e.g., distribution temperature).
• FIG. 5 showing a partial view of a wall of a storage unit
• the present disclosure provides a storage assembly including a storage unit 100, a temperature sensitive product 110 located within storage unit 100 having a wall 112, and a packaging 102 including at least one temperature barrier layer 104 having a phase change material 106 attached to wall 112 of storage unit 100.
• Packaging 102 can be attached to and line all of the walls of storage unit 100.
• Packaging 102 can also include an additional layer 114 including at least one of a reflective material and an insulating material.
• Temperature sensitive product 110 can be a food product.
• the food product can be a nutritional composition.
• storage unit 100 can be a trailer, refrigerator, freezer, cargo container or a combination thereof that can be readily moved or transported.
• FIG. 6 shows a partial view of a wall of a storage unit
• the present disclosure provides a storage assembly including a storage unit 120 having a wall 132, a temperature sensitive product 130 located within storage unit 120, and a packaging 122 including at least one temperature barrier layer 124 having a first phase change material 126 and a second phase change material 128 attached to wall 132 of storage unit 120.
• First phase change material 126 and second phase change material 128 can be stored within layer temperature barrier 124.
• Packaging 122 can be attached to and line all of the walls of storage unit 120.
• Packaging 122 can also include an additional layer 134 including at least one of a reflective material and an insulating material.
• Temperature sensitive product 130 can be a food product.
• the food product can be a nutritional composition.
• storage unit 120 can be a trailer, refrigerator, freezer, cargo container or a combination thereof.
• FIG. 7 showing a partial view of a wall of a storage unit
• the present disclosure provides a storage assembly including a storage unit 150 having a wall 162, a temperature sensitive product 160 located within storage unit 150, and a packaging 152 including a first temperature barrier layer 154 and a second temperature barrier layer 156 attached to wall 162 of storage unit 150.
• First temperature barrier layer 154 and second temperature barrier layer 156 have a first phase change material 170 and a second phase change material 172, respectively, stored within each layer.
• Packaging 152 can also include an additional layer 164 including at least one of a reflective material and an insulating material.
• Temperature sensitive product 160 can be a food product.
• the food product can be a nutritional composition.
• storage unit 150 can be a trailer, refrigerator, freezer, cargo container or a combination thereof.
• the present disclosure provides a moving storage assembly including, a transporter, a storage unit and attached to the transporter, a temperature sensitive product located within the storage unit, and a packaging including at least one temperature barrier layer having a phase change material attached to at least one wall of the storage unit.
• the temperature sensitive product can be a food product.
• the food product can be a nutritional composition.
• the storage unit can be a trailer, refrigerator, freezer, cargo container or a combination thereof.
• the transporter can be a car, truck, semi-truck, airplane, helicopter, boat, train or ship capable of moving the storage unit.
• the phase change material can be stored within the temperature barrier layer.
• the temperature barrier layer can also include a second phase change material stored within the layer.
• the packaging can include a second temperature barrier layer having a second phase change material.
• the packaging can include a layer including at least one of a reflective material and an insulating material.
• the packaging can include a multilayer film having an outer layer including a reflective material, a middle layer including an insulating material, and an inner layer including the phase change material.
• the present disclosure provides a shrink wrap film including at least one temperature barrier layer having a phase change material.
• the shrink wrap film is constructed and arranged to conform to a surface of a temperature sensitive product.
• the phase change material can be stored within the temperature barrier layer.
• the temperature barrier layer can also comprise a second phase change material stored within the layer.
• the shrink wrap film can include a second temperature barrier layer comprising a second phase change material.
• the shrink wrap film can be constructed and arranged for a single use (e.g., can be mailed or cut off at a distribution center). For example, the shrink wrap film can produced on rolls that can be conveniently unwound and wrapped around the temperature sensitive products or pallets containing the products.
• the temperature barrier layer can include an indicator of the phase or transition change of the phase change material.
• the indicator can be a color or design change of the temperature barrier layer. This allows a user to see the temperature condition inside a storage unit or trailer quickly and easily.
• the packaging having temperature barrier layer can be used to insulate a trailer (e.g., in walls of trailer or liner inside trailer).
• the packaging having temperature barrier layer can be use inside the walls of a carton (e.g., reusable carton).
• the packaging having temperature barrier layer can be in the form of reusable "blankets" to cover/wrap pallets or as hanging curtains/separators in storage unit or trailer.
• the present disclosure provides a method of maintaining a constant temperature of a temperature sensitive product.
• the method comprises warming or heating the temperature sensitive product to a specified temperature, and [0070]
• a suitable phase change material will maintain temperature of the warmed or heated temperature sensitive product over time.
• one or more warmed or heated temperature sensitive products are placed on a support (e.g., palate) and wrapped in the packaging having the temperature sensitive product. This allows the temperature from the center of pallet to reach the outer temperature sensitive products and equilibrate the temperature throughout the wrapped products so that all of the temperature sensitive products can achieve the same temperature during storage and distribution.
• the present disclosure provides a method of maintaining a constant temperature of a temperature sensitive product.
• the method comprises cooling or freezing the temperature sensitive product to a specified temperature, and placing the temperature sensitive product in a packaging comprising at least one temperature barrier layer comprising a phase change material, time for temperature from center of pallet and outer to get closer/equilibrate.
• a suitable phase change material will maintain temperature of the cooled or frozen temperature sensitive product over time.
• one or more cooled or frozen temperature sensitive products are placed on a support (e.g., palate) and wrapped in the packaging having the temperature sensitive product. This allows the temperature from the center of pallet to reach the outer temperature sensitive products and equilibrate the temperature throughout the wrapped products so that all of the temperature sensitive products can achieve the same temperature during storage and distribution.
• the present disclosure provides a method of reducing distribution or transporting costs of a temperature sensitive product.
• the method comprises placing a temperature sensitive product in a packaging, container assembly, storage assembly or moving storage assembly utilizing the phase change material in embodiments of the present disclosure, and transporting the temperature sensitive product from one location to another location.
• Advantages of using the packaging, container assembly, storage assembly or moving storage assembly having the phase change materials include reduced costs achieved by using fewer reefers (e.g., refrigerated containers/refrigerated vehicles) during the transporting of the temperature sensitive product.
• the reduced costs can be achieved by less fuel usage for a reefer during the transporting of the temperature sensitive product in the reefer.
• the reduced costs can be achieved by not having to have someone attend to a reefer used during the transporting of the temperature sensitive product in the reefer. Palates having temperature sensitive products and left out on a dock (e.g., sitting out) can be protected from freezing - the packaging having the phase change material freezes before product contained therein.
• the reduced costs can also be achieved by fewer temperature sensitive products becoming unusable during the transporting of the temperature sensitive product.
• the temperature sensitive products can be transported during hot days and cold night without adversely impacting the products (protects against temperatures that might cause the product to freeze at night/melt during day).
• the packaging, container assembly, storage assembly and moving storage assembly keep product temperature change minimal to avoid damaging the product.
• the reversible packaging can include an absorption layer (e.g., black or dark layer) on one side, a shiny or reflective layer on the other side and a temperature barrier layer having the phase change material in the middle.
• the absorption layer facing outward can be designed to absorb radiation.
• the shiny reflective layer facing outward can be designed to reflect radiation.
• the absorption layer can face outward with the reflective layer facing inward.
• the reflective layer can face outward with the absorption layer facing inward.
• a passive insulation layer can also be placed between the temperature barrier layer and the absorption or reflective layer
• Glauber's salt goes thru phase transition at 32°C, which seems about ideal.
• the characteristics of Glaubert's salt are as follows:
• Heat of melting is 252 kJ/kg.
• ice to water is 334 kJ/kg.
• 252 - Heat of melting sodium sulfate decahydrate (kJ/kg)
• a packaging a temperature barrier layer should be created between the ideal temperature and the dangerous temperature (e.g., temperature at which the product will become ruined).
• the dangerous temperature e.g., temperature at which the product will become ruined.
• the change or transition from one form to another form e.g., solid to liquid
• FIG. 8 shows a hypothetical situation for suitable temperature barrier layer designed a temperature sensitive product.
• the temperature barrier layer will protect the temperature sensitive product from being exposed to undesirable higher temperatures.
• the sinusoidal line 200 represents the fluctuation of ambient temperature over a period of several days.
• the shaded region represents the appropriate phase transition temperature (“PTT").
• the temperature barrier layer should prevent the temperature sensitive product from being exposed to a temperature above approximately 37 °C shown by dashed line 202.
• the lowest dashed line 204 represents the average temperature during storage or distribution, which in this case is 30 °C.
• the temperature barrier layer should include a sufficient amount of a phase change material having a transition phase (e.g., melting point) between 30 °C and 37 °C.
• Glaubert's salt (having a melting point of 32 °C as shown by dashed line 206) could work as the phase change material of the temperature barrier layer in this case.
• FIG. 9 shows the PTT to protect a temperature sensitive product from freezing.
• the temperature barrier layer will protect the temperature sensitive product from being exposed to undesirable lower temperatures.
• the sinusoidal line 210 represents the fluctuation of ambient temperature over a period of several days.
• the temperature barrier layer should prevent the temperature sensitive product from being exposed to a temperature below approximately - 4 °C shown by dashed line 212.
• the higher dashed line 214 represents the average temperature during storage or distribution, which in this case is 0 °C.
• the temperature barrier layer should include a sufficient amount of a phase change material having a transition phase (e.g., melting point) between 0 °C and - 4 °C. A selection of 10% propylene glycol/90% water could work as the phase change material of the temperature barrier layer in this case.
• the ice cream product can be nominally kept at - 30 °C.
• the ice cream product should not be allowed to get above - 22 °C.
• the line 220 represents the fluctuation of ambient temperature over a period of several days.
• the temperature barrier layer should prevent the temperature sensitive product from being exposed to a temperature above approximately - 22 °C shown by dashed line 222.
• the lowest dashed line 226 represents the average continuous temperature during storage or distribution, which in this case is - 30 °C.
• the middle dashed line 224 represents the overall average temperature during storage or distribution, which in this case is - 27 °C.
• the temperature barrier layer should include a sufficient amount of a phase change material having a transition phase between - 22 °C and - 27 °C.
• a selection of 40 % propylene glycol solution or 22% CaCl 2 could work as the phase change material of the temperature barrier layer in this case (see Table 1).
• an ethanol/water or NaCl/water solution may work as the phase change material.
• phase change materials Another application of the phase change materials is to keep a temperature sensitive product from both extreme lows and extreme highs during storage.
• two temperature barrier layers each having a different phase change material (or two phase change materials in the same layer) can be used in the packaging. Protection against high temperatures would offered by an appropriately selected solid phase change materials (e.g., solid at ideal distribution temperature). Protection against low temperatures would be offered by an appropriated selected liquid phase change materials (e.g., liquid at ideal distribution temperature). This may be particularly useful if a product has a narrow acceptable temperature window or if a product is shipped from a cold environment to a warm environment, or vice versa.
• sinusoidal line 300 represents the temperature fluctuation during storage or distribution.
• Downward sloping line 310 represents the average daily temperature.
• one temperature barrier layer should prevent the temperature sensitive product from being exposed to a temperature above approximately 37 °C shown by dashed line 302.
• the dashed line 304 represents the average temperature during storage or distribution, which in this case is 27 °C.
• the temperature barrier layer should include a sufficient amount of a phase change material having a transition phase (e.g., melting point) between 27 °C and 37 °C.
• a phase change material having a transition phase at 32 °C would work as shown by dashed line 306.
• the second temperature barrier layer should prevent the temperature sensitive product from being exposed to a temperature below approximately - 4 °C shown by dashed line 312. Dashed line 308 the lower end of the average daily temperature of 5 °C. As a result, the second temperature barrier layer should include a sufficient amount of a phase change material having a transition phase (e.g., freezing point) between - 4 °C and 5 °C.
• a transition phase e.g., freezing point
• phase change material selections should be adequate. Acceptable regions of the transition phases for suitable phase change materials are shaded in FIG. 11.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Wrappers (AREA)
• Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=44120917

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (12)

Families Citing this family (32)

Family Cites Families (18)

• 2011
  • 2011-03-16 WO PCT/US2011/028643 patent/WO2011116076A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2011-03-16 MX MX2012010697A patent/MX2012010697A/es not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2011-03-16 CN CN2011800241981A patent/CN103038143A/zh active Pending
  • 2011-03-16 RU RU2012144051/12A patent/RU2012144051A/ru not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2011-03-16 US US13/635,281 patent/US20130062355A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2011-03-16 CA CA2793370A patent/CA2793370A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2011-03-16 AU AU2011227321A patent/AU2011227321A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2011-03-16 SG SG2012068227A patent/SG184070A1/en unknown
  • 2011-03-16 EP EP11710627A patent/EP2547600A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2011-03-16 JP JP2013500176A patent/JP2013522134A/ja not_active Withdrawn
  • 2011-03-16 BR BR112012023447A patent/BR112012023447A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2012
  • 2012-10-16 ZA ZA2012/07757A patent/ZA201207757B/en unknown

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events