EP3233648B1 - Convection based temperature assured packaging system - Google Patents
Convection based temperature assured packaging system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3233648B1 EP3233648B1 EP16765832.7A EP16765832A EP3233648B1 EP 3233648 B1 EP3233648 B1 EP 3233648B1 EP 16765832 A EP16765832 A EP 16765832A EP 3233648 B1 EP3233648 B1 EP 3233648B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- packaging system
- panels
- facing
- channel member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
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- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 48
- 239000011449 brick Substances 0.000 description 16
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 4
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- 239000012782 phase change material Substances 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000011089 carbon dioxide Nutrition 0.000 description 2
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- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
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- 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
- B65D81/3813—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 rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container
- B65D81/3823—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 rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
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Definitions
- This invention relates to a packaging system for shipping temperature sensitive products. More particularly, this invention relates to a packaging system for shipping temperature sensitive products that reduces or eliminates the need for side refrigerant components and improves thermal performance.
- This six-sided configuration is inefficient in terms of packing out the product and the refrigerants.
- refrigerants inserted along the sides of the product shipper between the products and the outer container can fall over and otherwise change position within the shipper.
- the use of side refrigerants also results in increased weight and shipping cost.
- US 2014/0083650 A1 discloses a packaging system for shipping a temperature sensitive payload, the packaging system comprising a housing comprising a bottom panel, a top panel located above and in spaced vertical alignment with the bottom panel, side panels extending vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel, and end panels extending vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel, the housing defining a product compartment for holding a payload, wherein the packaging system further comprises one or more bottom cooling layers located between the bottom panel and the payload and one or more top cooling layers located between the payload and the top panel.
- U.S. Patent No. 2,533,773 discloses a container having holes through which air can flow from the outside to the inside of the container. These air holes provide air circulation, which may be suitable for ventilation purposes, but would not be suitable if used in a container for shipping a temperature sensitive payload in hot ambient conditions.
- U.S. Patent No. 2,632,311 discloses a box having dry ice in the lid.
- the dry ice cools the air which then flows down through air spaces 16 in the interior walls.
- Insulating material 13 is located between the interior walls and a metal outer basket 2. Sullivan does not provide any channels to allow air warmed by the ambient air to flow upward.
- US 2006/0174648 A1 describes a shipping container that uses a fan to generate forced air circulation.
- the container may have rectangular posts that define holes 36b that enable unimpeded air circulation about the contents 30.
- the present invention is designed to solve the problems described above.
- the present invention is a packaging system that utilizes a convection based cooling approach to eliminate the need for side refrigerants and increase packaging efficiency.
- the invention also reduces the amount of refrigerants required.
- a packaging system comprising a housing defining a product compartment for holding a temperature sensitive payload, one or more bottom cooling layers and one or more top cooling layers.
- the housing comprises a bottom panel, a top panel located above and in spaced vertical alignment to the bottom panel, side panels extending vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel, and end panels extending vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel.
- the bottom cooling layers are located between the bottom panel and the payload.
- the top cooling layers are located between the payload and the top panel.
- the hollow vertical posts are disposed within the product compartment adjacent the side panels or end panels.
- the packaging system comprises one or more channel members affixed to interior surfaces of the side panels and/or end panels to facilitate convective air circulation within the product compartment.
- Each channel member has an open top end and an open bottom end and defines a plurality of vertical channels.
- the channel member may be made of folded and glued corrugated board, and may comprise an inner facing panel and an outer facing panel connected by side panels and defining an interior space.
- An internal panel is disposed within the interior space and is folded in accordion fashion along vertical inner fold lines and along vertical outer fold lines.
- the inner facing panel, the outer facing panel and the internal panel define a series of alternating inner channels and outer channels which function as vertical flow paths that alternate between upward flow and downward flow. Relatively warmer air rises through the outer channels until the air exits the channel member and is cooled by the top cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled air then falls through the inner channels.
- the shape and configuration of the channel members may be configured to optimize the air flow through the channel members.
- each of the bottom cooling layers comprises multiple refrigerant components arranged edge to edge to form a layer within the packaging system.
- Each refrigerant component may comprise a phase change material (such as water) and a protective outer container.
- each of the top cooling layers comprises a layer of refrigerant components arranged edge to edge to form a top refrigerant layer located immediately adjacent the payload, and at least one layer and preferably three layers of frozen components arranged edge to edge to form a top frozen layer disposed between the top refrigerant layer and the top panel.
- Each frozen component may comprise a phase change material and a protective outer container.
- the packaging system 10 comprises a housing 12 that functions as a protective enclosure for the packaging system contents.
- the housing 12 comprises a bottom panel 14, a top panel 16, two side panels 18 and two end panels 20.
- the side panels 18 and the end panels 20 extend vertically between the bottom panel 14 and the top panel 16 to form the housing 12.
- the bottom panel 14 as well as the lower portions of the side panels 18 and the end panels 20 may fit within a bottom tray 22.
- the packaging system 10 may be wrapped in transparent wrapping (not shown) and placed on a pallet 70.
- the bottom tray 22 comprises a bottom wall 23 and four side walls 24 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 23.
- the bottom panel 14 is disposed within the bottom tray 22.
- Each outer panel that is, the bottom panel 14, the top panel 16, the two side panels 18 and the two end panels 20, may be made of a rigid molded polyurethane (PUR) inner core, preferably about 2 3 ⁇ 4 inches (7 centimeters) thick, enclosed within an outer corrugated cardboard shell.
- PUR polyurethane
- Each outer panel may be configured to interlock with each orthogonally adjacent outer panel.
- Corner board 54 may be glued or otherwise adhered to the adjoining edges of each pair of orthogonally oriented outer panels.
- the housing 12 defines a product compartment 40 in which a payload 56 may be placed for shipping.
- a payload 56 may be stacked product containers 57.
- FIG 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the packaging system 10 of Figure 1 shown with the lid or top panel 16 removed.
- the top panel 16 is configured to interlock with each orthogonally adjacent outer panel, in this case, the two side panels 18 and the two end panels 20.
- the top panel 16 is the last of the six outer panels to be added to the packaging system 10.
- Figure 3 is an exploded view of the packaging system 10 of Figure 1 . From the bottom up, the product compartment 40 is filled with a spacer 26, two refrigerant layers 28, the payload 56, one refrigerant layer 28 and three frozen layers 30.
- the spacer 26 is disposed on top of and adjacent the bottom panel 14.
- the spacer 26 may comprise a sheet 27 and spaced apart stubs 29 extending about 1 1/4 inches (3.175 centimeters) downward (as shown in the figure) or preferably upward from the sheet 27.
- the spacer 26 may be made of any suitable material, including without limitation extruded plastic or corrugated.
- Each of the two bottom refrigerant layers 28, located between the spacer 26 and the payload 56, may comprise a single unitary structure or, more commonly, multiple refrigerant components (sometimes referred to as "bricks") arranged edge to edge to form a "layer" within the packaging system 10.
- two refrigerant layers 28 are disposed immediately under the payload 56.
- the payload 56 may be stacked product containers 57.
- the product containers 57 may comprise corrugated cardboard boxes for holding laboratory specimens, pharamceuticals, innoculations, or any other suitable payload that requires a temperature assured environment.
- top refrigerant layer 28 is disposed immediately above the product containers 57. Like the two bottom refrigerant layers 28, the top refrigerant layer 28 may comprise a single unitary structure or, preferably, multiple refrigerant components ("bricks") arranged edge to edge to form a layer.
- bricks refrigerant components
- each frozen layer 30 may comprise a single unitary structure or, more commonly, multiple horizontally arranged frozen components ("bricks") that form a layer within the packaging system 10. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3 three frozen layers 30 are disposed immediately above the top refrigerant layer 28.
- the cooling layers i.e., the refrigerant layers 28 and/or the frozen layers 30, absorb heat.
- the refrigerant bricks and the frozen bricks may comprise a foam material having a low weight and high absorbency, a phase change material, and a protective outer container.
- the refrigerant bricks may comprise a foam material that has been infused with water chilled to about 5C (41F) and contained within a plastic brick-shaped enclosure.
- the frozen bricks may comprise a foam material that has been infused with water chilled to about -20C (-4F) and contained within a plastic brick-shaped enclosure.
- the bricks may be rectilinear and shaped like a flattened brick or they may be any suitable three-dimensional shape.
- the refrigerant bricks and frozen bricks may be similar to those sold under the trademarks PolarPack® and U-tek® by Tegrant Diversified Brands, Inc.
- packaging system 10 has been described as having two refrigerant layers 28 below the payload 56 and one refrigerant layer 28 and three frozen layers 30 above the payload 56, it should be understood that this is just one embodiment of the invention, and that the number of refrigerant layers 28 and frozen layers 30 below and above the payload 56 can vary depending on the cooling requirements and shipping time.
- packaging system 10 described herein does not include cooling components located around the sides of the payload 56, the disclosure should not be interpreted as necessarily excluding such side cooling components.
- a foam cushioning layer (not shown in the figures) may be placed between the topmost frozen layer 30 and the top panel 16.
- a foam cushioning layer may be placed between the topmost frozen layer 30 and the top panel 16.
- the packaging system 10 comprises multiple vertical posts 34 located within the product compartment 40 adjacent the side panels 18 and/or the end panels 20.
- the vertical posts 34 may be hollow wound paper posts like those sold by Sonoco Products Company of Hartsville, SC under the trademark SONOPOST®.
- the vertical posts 34 may be made of extruded plastic or any suitable material.
- FIG 4 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging system 10 of Figure 1 taken along line 4-4 showing six vertical posts 34 adhered to a side panel 18.
- the vertical inner edge 44 of each vertical post 34 may abut the interior contents of the packaging system 10, such as the refrigerant layers 28, frozen layers 30 and product containers 57.
- Each vertical post 34 has an open top end 46 ( Figures 3 and 6 ) and an open bottom end and defines a vertical inner space 58 within the post 34.
- Adjacent pairs of vertical posts 34 define vertically oriented channels 60 between the vertical posts 34 that may be about one inch (2.54 centimeters) deep when measured from the inner surface of the side panel 18 or end panel 20 to the product containers 57.
- the vertical posts 34 may be pre-glued or otherwise affixed to the side panels 18 and the end panels 20.
- each vertical post 34 may be any suitable cross sectional shape, including circular or rectangular, but triangular is preferred.
- each vertical post 34 comprises an outer facing side 36 adjacent either a side panel 18 (as shown in the figure) or an end panel 20 and two angled sides 38 extending from opposing vertical edges 42 of the outer facing side 36 and meeting along an elongated vertical inner edge or apex 44.
- the vertical posts 34 are one inch (2.54 centimeters) deep when measured from their outer facing side 36 to their apex 44.
- the packaging system 10 takes advantage of the principle of convective air movement by creating flow spaces around the outer perimphery of the product compartment 40 for air to circulate.
- the bottom spacer 26 separates the bottom refrigerant layers 28 from the bottom panel 14, creating a horizontally oriented space within which air can flow. Without the bottom spacer 26 cool air that settles near the bottom of the product compartment 40 could stagnate, reducing the ability of the system 10 to maintain all the product containers 57 and their contents within a desirable temperature range.
- the vertical posts 34 serve at least two functions. First, they reduce the amount of contact between the product containers 57 and the outer panels. In designs where the product containers abut the side panels and end panels more heat enters the product containers. Adding vertical posts 34 separates the product containers 57 from the side panels 18 and end panels 20, significantly reducing the areas of contact between the product containers 57 and the side panels 18 and the end panels 20 and thus the transfer of heat from the exterior to the product containers 57.
- the vertical posts 34 help facilitate convective air circulation within the product compartment 40 by creating inner spaces 58 within the posts 34 and channels 60 between the posts 34 (and between the side panels 18 and the end panels 20 and the product containers 57) for the movement of air.
- the product compartment 40 contains a certain amount of air. The air moves within the product compartment 40 because air at different locations has different temperatures and densities. Cooler air (i.e., air cooled by the frozen layers 30) has a higher density and tends to drop down within the product compartment 40. Conversely, as the air at the bottom of the product compartment 40 warms, the warmed air tends to flow upward, thereby setting up a continuously circulating flow of air within the product compartment 40.
- each vertical post 34 facilitates this process by providing inner spaces 58 within which the warm air can flow upward and channels 60 within which the cooler air can flow downward. Accordingly, each vertical post 34 should be spaced from the top panel 16 and the bottom panel 14 a sufficient distance to facilitate the flow of warmer air through the vertical inner spaces 58 within each vertical post 34.
- the downward convective flow of cooler air against the sides of the product containers 57 helps maintain the product containers 57 at a cool temperature.
- the product containers 57 located in the middle of the product compartment 40, farthest from any refrigerant bricks or frozen bricks, can be maintained within an acceptable temperature range. Even product containers 57 at the corners of the payload 56 which are most susceptible to increases in temperature (when the ambient temperature is higher than the shipper temperature) can be maintained within an acceptable temperature range.
- a method of assembling a temperature assured packaging system may comprise the following steps: First, the vertical posts 34 may be pre-glued or otherwise affixed to the inner (product) facing surfaces of the side panels 18 and the end panels 20. The vertical posts 34 should be shorter than the side panels 18 and end panels 20 so that their open ends will be spaced from the top panel 16 and the bottom panel 14.
- the housing 12 may be assembled by first placing the bottom panel 14 into the bottom tray 22, then inserting a side panel 18 and both end panels 20 into the bottom tray 22 between the bottom tray side walls 24 and the bottom panel 14 to form the three sided enclosure shown in Figure 6 .
- the top and front of the housing 12 are left open so that the interior contents may be loaded.
- the first item loaded into the product compartment 40 is the spacer 26, which is placed on top of the bottom panel 14.
- the two bottom refrigerant layers 28 are placed onto the spacer 26, typically by arranging multiple refrigerant bricks to form two refrigerant layers 28.
- a top refrigerant layer 28 is placed on top of the product containers 57, again by arranging multiple refrigerant bricks into a layer.
- the top three frozen layers 30 are placed on top of the top refrigerant layer 28.
- the remaining side panel 18 not shown in Figure 6 is wedged between the bottom tray side wall 24 and the bottom panel 14 to form a four sided enclosure.
- the top panel 16 is placed onto the top rims of the side panels 18 and end panels 20 to form the six sided outer housing 12.
- Optional corner boards 54 may be glued or otherwise affixed to the edges of the housing 12.
- a method of maintaining a payload within a desired temperature range may comprise the following steps:
- Figure 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portion of a packaging system according to the invention.
- the packaging system 70 may comprise a housing 72 comprising a bottom panel 74 (shown partially in Figure 7 ), a top panel (not shown), side panels 78 and end panels 80 extending vertically between the bottom panel 74 and the top panel.
- the housing 72 defines a product compartment 82 for holding a payload (not shown).
- the packaging system 70 may comprise one or more bottom cooling layers located between the bottom panel 74 and the payload and one or more top cooling layers located between the payload and the top panel.
- the packaging system 70 shown in Figure 7 comprises channel members 84 to facilitate convective air circulation within the product compartment 82.
- Each channel member 84 may be adhered or otherwise affixed to one of the side panels 78 or end panels 80.
- Each channel member 84 has an open top end 86 and an open bottom end 88 and defines a plurality of vertical channels 90, 91 within the channel member 84.
- the packaging system 70 comprises four channel members 84, with one channel member 84 affixed to each of the side panels 78 and end panels 80.
- Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 7 taken along line 8-8, showing a channel member 84 affixed to a side panel 78.
- the channel member 84 may be made of folded and glued corrugated board, and may comprise an inner facing panel 92 and an outer facing panel 94 connected by side panels 96 to define an interior space 97.
- the flutes in the corrugated board may run horizontally to enable more precise folding.
- the channel member 84 may be at least one inch (2.54 centimeters) deep as measured from the inner facing panel 92 to the outer facing panel 94, and preferably between one and one and one-half inches (3.8 centimeters) deep.
- the channel member 84 may include an outer layer 99 of paperboard or similar material wrapped around the inner facing panel 92, outer facing panel 94 and side panels 96.
- One or more internal panels 98 are disposed within the interior space 97 and extend between the inner facing panel 92 and the outer facing panel 94 and the top end 86 and bottom end 88 of the channel member 84.
- the one or more internal panels 98 is a single internal panel 98 folded in accordion fashion.
- the internal panel 98 is folded along vertical inner fold lines 100 which define inner apexes 100 and along vertical outer fold lines 102 which define outer apexes 102.
- the inner apexes 100 contact the inner facing panel 92 and the outer apexes 102 contact the outer facing panel 94.
- the inner facing panel 92, the outer facing panel 94 and the internal panel 98 define a series of alternating inner channels 90 and outer channels 91 which function as vertical flow paths that alternate between upward flow and downward flow.
- the channel member 84 may be thought of as comprising a plurality of adjacent, laterally arranged, inner and outer tubes 104, 106 having a triangular cross sectional shape, with each adjacent pair of inner and outer tubes 104, 106 sharing a common wall 108.
- Each inner tube 104 has a triangular cross sectional profile and comprises an inner facing base 106 and two angled sides 108.
- the inner facing base 108 extends from one inner apex 100 to an adjacent inner apex 100 and is part of the channel member inner facing panel 92.
- the angled sides 108 extend from adjacent inner apexes 100 to a common outer apex 102.
- Each outer tube 110 has a triangular cross sectional profile and comprises an outer facing base 112 and two angled sides 108 which it shares with two inner tubes 104.
- the outer facing base 112 extends from one outer apex 102 to an adjacent outer apex 102 and is part of the channel member outer facing panel 94.
- the angled sides 108 extend from different outer apexes 102 to a common inner apex 100.
- the outer base 112 is adjacent the housing 72 in the assembled packaging system 70.
- the inner tubes 104 and the outer tubes 110 define a series of alternating inner channels 90 and outer channels 91 which function as vertical flow paths that alternate between upward flow and downward flow as indicated by the arrows in Figure 7 . It is believed that, in a fashion similar to that of the previous embodiment, warm air rises through the outer channels 91 until the air exits the channel members 84 and is cooled by the top cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled air then falls through the inner channels 90.
- the shape and configuration of the channel members 84 should be optimized to allow air to flow through the channel members.
- Figure 9 is a partial cutaway perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a portion of a packaging system according to the invention.
- the packaging system 120 may comprise a housing 72 comprising a bottom panel 74 (shown partially in Figure 9 ), a top panel (not shown), side panels 78 and end panels 80 extending vertically between the bottom panel 74 and the top panel.
- the housing 72 defines a product compartment 82 for holding a payload (not shown).
- the packaging system 120 may comprise one or more bottom cooling layers located between the bottom panel 74 and the payload and one or more top cooling layers located between the payload and the top panel.
- the packaging system 120 comprises channel members 124 adhered or otherwise affixed to one of the side panels 78 or end panels 80.
- Each channel member 124 has an open top end 126 and an open bottom end 128 and defines a plurality of large outer channels 130 and small inner channels 132.
- the packaging system 120 comprises four channel members 124, with one channel member 124 affixed to each of the side panels 78 and end panels 80, although only one channel member 124 is shown in the figure.
- Figure 10 is a close-up view of a portion of the packaging system 120 of Figure 9 .
- the channel member 124 may comprise a plurality of corrugated structures, folded and glued together.
- the channel member 124 may include an outer layer of paperboard or similar material wrapped around the corrugated structures.
- the channel member 124 defines a series of adjacent, laterally spaced outer channels 130 having a rectangular cross section and designed to carry warmed air upward and a series of adjacent, laterally spaced inner channels 132 having a rectangular cross section and designed to carry cooled air downward.
- the outer channels 130 may be larger in cross sectional area than the inner channels 132.
- each outer channel 130 may have a lateral dimension (width) (i.e., the dimension parallel to the wall to which the channel member 124 is attached) that is greater than the lateral dimension of each inner channel 132.
- each outer channel 130 may have a width that is twice the width of each inner channel 132.
- the depth of each outer channel 130 i.e., the dimension perpendicular to the wall to which the channel member 124 is attached) may be the same as the depth of each inner channel 132.
- the packaging system 10 may be used to package and ship temperature sensitive products. Typically these products have a specified or required temperature range that must be maintained during a specific shipping duration and while the packaging system is subject to various ambient temperature conditions. For example, a product may be expected to be shipped for 120 hours and be exposed to ambient temperatures of between 30C and 45C (86F and 113F), but have a temperature tolerance of between 0 C and 15 C (32F and 59F). A packaging system according to the present disclosure may be designed to accommodate these requirements.
- the packaging system may be used in any industry where temperature sensitive products are shipped, including but not limited to the pharmaceutical and food industries.
- the packaging system is particularly useful where the user (e.g., the product manufacturer) desires a packaging system having no side refrigerants that can be shipped long distances, including from continent to continent.
- the use of present packaging system can supplant the use of multiple smaller parcel shipments.
- the packaging system 10 can accommodate a full pallet load of products or product containers 57. Accordingly, a typical packaging system 10 may be about 48 inches (122 centimeters) wide by 48 inches (122 centimeters) deep by 56 inches (142 centimeters) tall. The packaging system 10 may be placed on a wooden or other type of pallet and moved with a forklift truck.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part application of United States Patent Application No.
13/752,894 filed on January 29, 2013 61/705,995 filed on September 26, 2012 - This invention relates to a packaging system for shipping temperature sensitive products. More particularly, this invention relates to a packaging system for shipping temperature sensitive products that reduces or eliminates the need for side refrigerant components and improves thermal performance.
- Current pallet shippers for use with temperature sensitive products use side refrigerant components in addition to top and bottom refrigerant components to surround the products on six sides. These types of pallet shippers generally are assembled by loading the products into the shipper and then inserting refrigerants around the products.
- This six-sided configuration is inefficient in terms of packing out the product and the refrigerants. For example, refrigerants inserted along the sides of the product shipper between the products and the outer container can fall over and otherwise change position within the shipper. The use of side refrigerants also results in increased weight and shipping cost.
- Yet eliminating side refrigerants can result in the products getting too warm. For temperature sensitive products, such as those which must be maintained at a temperature not exceeding 15C (59F), eliminating the side refrigerants has heretofore been an unacceptable option.
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US 2014/0083650 A1 discloses a packaging system for shipping a temperature sensitive payload, the packaging system comprising a housing comprising a bottom panel, a top panel located above and in spaced vertical alignment with the bottom panel, side panels extending vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel, and end panels extending vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel, the housing defining a product compartment for holding a payload, wherein the packaging system further comprises one or more bottom cooling layers located between the bottom panel and the payload and one or more top cooling layers located between the payload and the top panel. -
U.S. Patent No. 2,533,773 discloses a container having holes through which air can flow from the outside to the inside of the container. These air holes provide air circulation, which may be suitable for ventilation purposes, but would not be suitable if used in a container for shipping a temperature sensitive payload in hot ambient conditions. -
U.S. Patent No. 2,632,311 discloses a box having dry ice in the lid. The dry ice cools the air which then flows down throughair spaces 16 in the interior walls. Insulating material 13 is located between the interior walls and a metal outer basket 2. Sullivan does not provide any channels to allow air warmed by the ambient air to flow upward. -
US 2006/0174648 A1 describes a shipping container that uses a fan to generate forced air circulation. The container may have rectangular posts that define holes 36b that enable unimpeded air circulation about thecontents 30. - The present invention is designed to solve the problems described above.
- The present invention is a packaging system that utilizes a convection based cooling approach to eliminate the need for side refrigerants and increase packaging efficiency. The invention also reduces the amount of refrigerants required.
- In one aspect of the invention a packaging system is provided that comprises a housing defining a product compartment for holding a temperature sensitive payload, one or more bottom cooling layers and one or more top cooling layers. The housing comprises a bottom panel, a top panel located above and in spaced vertical alignment to the bottom panel, side panels extending vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel, and end panels extending vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel. The bottom cooling layers are located between the bottom panel and the payload. The top cooling layers are located between the payload and the top panel. The hollow vertical posts are disposed within the product compartment adjacent the side panels or end panels.
- In a key aspect of the invention, the packaging system comprises one or more channel members affixed to interior surfaces of the side panels and/or end panels to facilitate convective air circulation within the product compartment. Each channel member has an open top end and an open bottom end and defines a plurality of vertical channels.
- The channel member may be made of folded and glued corrugated board, and may comprise an inner facing panel and an outer facing panel connected by side panels and defining an interior space. An internal panel is disposed within the interior space and is folded in accordion fashion along vertical inner fold lines and along vertical outer fold lines. The inner facing panel, the outer facing panel and the internal panel define a series of alternating inner channels and outer channels which function as vertical flow paths that alternate between upward flow and downward flow. Relatively warmer air rises through the outer channels until the air exits the channel member and is cooled by the top cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled air then falls through the inner channels. The shape and configuration of the channel members may be configured to optimize the air flow through the channel members.
- In a refinement each of the bottom cooling layers comprises multiple refrigerant components arranged edge to edge to form a layer within the packaging system. Each refrigerant component may comprise a phase change material (such as water) and a protective outer container.
- In another refinement each of the top cooling layers comprises a layer of refrigerant components arranged edge to edge to form a top refrigerant layer located immediately adjacent the payload, and at least one layer and preferably three layers of frozen components arranged edge to edge to form a top frozen layer disposed between the top refrigerant layer and the top panel. Each frozen component may comprise a phase change material and a protective outer container.
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Figure 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a packaging system according to the invention. -
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the packaging system ofFigure 1 shown with the lid removed. -
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the packaging system ofFigure 1 . -
Figure 4 is a cross- sectional view of the packaging system ofFigure 1 taken along line 4-4. -
Figure 5 is a close up view taken fromFigure 4 . -
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a partially assembled packaging system according to the invention. -
Figure 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portion of a packaging system according to the invention. -
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFigure 7 taken along line 8-8. -
Figure 9 is a partial cutaway perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a portion of a packaging system according to the invention. -
Figure 10 is a close up view of a portion of the embodiment ofFigure 9 . - While this invention may be embodied in many forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail one or more embodiments with the understanding that this disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.
- Turning to the drawings, there is shown in the figures one embodiment of the present invention, a packaging system for temperature sensitive products. As best shown in
Figures 1 and3 , thepackaging system 10 comprises ahousing 12 that functions as a protective enclosure for the packaging system contents. Thehousing 12 comprises abottom panel 14, atop panel 16, twoside panels 18 and twoend panels 20. Theside panels 18 and theend panels 20 extend vertically between thebottom panel 14 and thetop panel 16 to form thehousing 12. Thebottom panel 14 as well as the lower portions of theside panels 18 and theend panels 20 may fit within abottom tray 22. Thepackaging system 10 may be wrapped in transparent wrapping (not shown) and placed on apallet 70. - As best shown in
Figure 3 thebottom tray 22 comprises abottom wall 23 and fourside walls 24 extending upward from the periphery of thebottom wall 23. Thebottom panel 14 is disposed within thebottom tray 22. Preferably there are spaces between the periphery of thebotton panel 14 and thetray side walls 24 for accommodating the lower portions of theside panels 18 and theend panels 20. - Each outer panel, that is, the
bottom panel 14, thetop panel 16, the twoside panels 18 and the twoend panels 20, may be made of a rigid molded polyurethane (PUR) inner core, preferably about 2 ¾ inches (7 centimeters) thick, enclosed within an outer corrugated cardboard shell. Each outer panel may be configured to interlock with each orthogonally adjacent outer panel.Corner board 54 may be glued or otherwise adhered to the adjoining edges of each pair of orthogonally oriented outer panels. - The
housing 12 defines aproduct compartment 40 in which apayload 56 may be placed for shipping. Typically but without limitation thepayload 56 may be stackedproduct containers 57. -
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of thepackaging system 10 ofFigure 1 shown with the lid ortop panel 16 removed. Like the other outer panels, thetop panel 16 is configured to interlock with each orthogonally adjacent outer panel, in this case, the twoside panels 18 and the twoend panels 20. As explained further below, thetop panel 16 is the last of the six outer panels to be added to thepackaging system 10. -
Figure 3 is an exploded view of thepackaging system 10 ofFigure 1 . From the bottom up, theproduct compartment 40 is filled with aspacer 26, tworefrigerant layers 28, thepayload 56, onerefrigerant layer 28 and threefrozen layers 30. - The
spacer 26 is disposed on top of and adjacent thebottom panel 14. Thespacer 26 may comprise asheet 27 and spaced apart stubs 29 extending about 1 1/4 inches (3.175 centimeters) downward (as shown in the figure) or preferably upward from thesheet 27. Thespacer 26 may be made of any suitable material, including without limitation extruded plastic or corrugated. - Each of the two bottom refrigerant layers 28, located between the
spacer 26 and thepayload 56, may comprise a single unitary structure or, more commonly, multiple refrigerant components (sometimes referred to as "bricks") arranged edge to edge to form a "layer" within thepackaging system 10. In the embodiment shown inFigures 1 and3 tworefrigerant layers 28 are disposed immediately under thepayload 56. - As noted above, the
payload 56 may be stackedproduct containers 57. Theproduct containers 57 may comprise corrugated cardboard boxes for holding laboratory specimens, pharamceuticals, innoculations, or any other suitable payload that requires a temperature assured environment. - A top
refrigerant layer 28 is disposed immediately above theproduct containers 57. Like the two bottom refrigerant layers 28, the toprefrigerant layer 28 may comprise a single unitary structure or, preferably, multiple refrigerant components ("bricks") arranged edge to edge to form a layer. - Three
frozen layers 30 are disposed on top of the toprefrigerant layer 28. Like therefrigerant layers 28, eachfrozen layer 30 may comprise a single unitary structure or, more commonly, multiple horizontally arranged frozen components ("bricks") that form a layer within thepackaging system 10. In the embodiment shown inFigures 1 and3 threefrozen layers 30 are disposed immediately above the toprefrigerant layer 28. - The cooling layers, i.e., the
refrigerant layers 28 and/or thefrozen layers 30, absorb heat. Generally speaking, the refrigerant bricks and the frozen bricks may comprise a foam material having a low weight and high absorbency, a phase change material, and a protective outer container. For example, the refrigerant bricks may comprise a foam material that has been infused with water chilled to about 5C (41F) and contained within a plastic brick-shaped enclosure. Similarly, the frozen bricks may comprise a foam material that has been infused with water chilled to about -20C (-4F) and contained within a plastic brick-shaped enclosure. The bricks may be rectilinear and shaped like a flattened brick or they may be any suitable three-dimensional shape. The refrigerant bricks and frozen bricks may be similar to those sold under the trademarks PolarPack® and U-tek® by Tegrant Diversified Brands, Inc. - Although the
packaging system 10 has been described as having tworefrigerant layers 28 below thepayload 56 and onerefrigerant layer 28 and threefrozen layers 30 above thepayload 56, it should be understood that this is just one embodiment of the invention, and that the number ofrefrigerant layers 28 andfrozen layers 30 below and above thepayload 56 can vary depending on the cooling requirements and shipping time. In addition, although thepackaging system 10 described herein does not include cooling components located around the sides of thepayload 56, the disclosure should not be interpreted as necessarily excluding such side cooling components. - Optionally, a foam cushioning layer (not shown in the figures) may be placed between the topmost
frozen layer 30 and thetop panel 16. However, in some applications it is desirable to have a space or clearance of about 1 ½ inches (3.8 centimeters) between the topmostfrozen layer 30 and thetop panel 16. - In addition, the
packaging system 10 comprises multiplevertical posts 34 located within theproduct compartment 40 adjacent theside panels 18 and/or theend panels 20. Thevertical posts 34 may be hollow wound paper posts like those sold by Sonoco Products Company of Hartsville, SC under the trademark SONOPOST®. Alternatively thevertical posts 34 may be made of extruded plastic or any suitable material. -
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of thepackaging system 10 ofFigure 1 taken along line 4-4 showing sixvertical posts 34 adhered to aside panel 18. The verticalinner edge 44 of eachvertical post 34 may abut the interior contents of thepackaging system 10, such as therefrigerant layers 28,frozen layers 30 andproduct containers 57. Eachvertical post 34 has an open top end 46 (Figures 3 and6 ) and an open bottom end and defines a verticalinner space 58 within thepost 34. Adjacent pairs ofvertical posts 34 define vertically orientedchannels 60 between thevertical posts 34 that may be about one inch (2.54 centimeters) deep when measured from the inner surface of theside panel 18 orend panel 20 to theproduct containers 57. Thevertical posts 34 may be pre-glued or otherwise affixed to theside panels 18 and theend panels 20. -
Figure 5 is a close up view of a portion ofFigure 4 . Thevertical posts 34 may be any suitable cross sectional shape, including circular or rectangular, but triangular is preferred. In a triangular cross sectional profile design such as that shown inFigure 5 , eachvertical post 34 comprises an outer facingside 36 adjacent either a side panel 18 (as shown in the figure) or anend panel 20 and twoangled sides 38 extending from opposingvertical edges 42 of the outer facingside 36 and meeting along an elongated vertical inner edge orapex 44. Preferably thevertical posts 34 are one inch (2.54 centimeters) deep when measured from their outer facingside 36 to theirapex 44. - The functions of the
vertical posts 34 are explained in the next section. - It is theorized that the
packaging system 10 takes advantage of the principle of convective air movement by creating flow spaces around the outer perimphery of theproduct compartment 40 for air to circulate. Thebottom spacer 26 separates the bottom refrigerant layers 28 from thebottom panel 14, creating a horizontally oriented space within which air can flow. Without thebottom spacer 26 cool air that settles near the bottom of theproduct compartment 40 could stagnate, reducing the ability of thesystem 10 to maintain all theproduct containers 57 and their contents within a desirable temperature range. - The
vertical posts 34 serve at least two functions. First, they reduce the amount of contact between theproduct containers 57 and the outer panels. In designs where the product containers abut the side panels and end panels more heat enters the product containers. Addingvertical posts 34 separates theproduct containers 57 from theside panels 18 andend panels 20, significantly reducing the areas of contact between theproduct containers 57 and theside panels 18 and theend panels 20 and thus the transfer of heat from the exterior to theproduct containers 57. - Second, the
vertical posts 34 help facilitate convective air circulation within theproduct compartment 40 by creatinginner spaces 58 within theposts 34 andchannels 60 between the posts 34 (and between theside panels 18 and theend panels 20 and the product containers 57) for the movement of air. When thepackaging system 10 is assembled, theproduct compartment 40 contains a certain amount of air. The air moves within theproduct compartment 40 because air at different locations has different temperatures and densities. Cooler air (i.e., air cooled by the frozen layers 30) has a higher density and tends to drop down within theproduct compartment 40. Conversely, as the air at the bottom of theproduct compartment 40 warms, the warmed air tends to flow upward, thereby setting up a continuously circulating flow of air within theproduct compartment 40. Thevertical posts 34 facilitate this process by providinginner spaces 58 within which the warm air can flow upward andchannels 60 within which the cooler air can flow downward. Accordingly, eachvertical post 34 should be spaced from thetop panel 16 and the bottom panel 14 a sufficient distance to facilitate the flow of warmer air through the verticalinner spaces 58 within eachvertical post 34. - Simulation tests indicate that the air within the
vertical posts 34 warms up due to the large contact surface between the outer facingside 36 of thevertical posts 34 and theside panels 18 andend panels 20. Air present in theair channels 60 between thevertical posts 34 can also warm up, but generally not as much as the air within thevertical posts 34, because the air between thevertical posts 34 is not as confined. As the air within thevertical posts 34 warms up it rises up within theinner spaces 58 of thevertical posts 34 and exits at the open top ends 46 of thevertical posts 34, where the air is exposed to thefrozen layers 30 and the toprefrigerant layer 28. As the warm air contacts thefrozen layers 30 and toprefrigerant layer 28, the air cools down and begins to fall through theair channels 60 between thevertical posts 34 along the sides of theproduct containers 57 facing theside panels 18 andend panels 20. - The downward convective flow of cooler air against the sides of the
product containers 57 helps maintain theproduct containers 57 at a cool temperature. Theproduct containers 57 located in the middle of theproduct compartment 40, farthest from any refrigerant bricks or frozen bricks, can be maintained within an acceptable temperature range. Evenproduct containers 57 at the corners of thepayload 56 which are most susceptible to increases in temperature (when the ambient temperature is higher than the shipper temperature) can be maintained within an acceptable temperature range. - In another aspect of the invention a method of assembling a temperature assured packaging system is provided. The method may comprise the following steps:
First, thevertical posts 34 may be pre-glued or otherwise affixed to the inner (product) facing surfaces of theside panels 18 and theend panels 20. Thevertical posts 34 should be shorter than theside panels 18 andend panels 20 so that their open ends will be spaced from thetop panel 16 and thebottom panel 14. - The
housing 12 may be assembled by first placing thebottom panel 14 into thebottom tray 22, then inserting aside panel 18 and bothend panels 20 into thebottom tray 22 between the bottomtray side walls 24 and thebottom panel 14 to form the three sided enclosure shown inFigure 6 . The top and front of thehousing 12 are left open so that the interior contents may be loaded. - The first item loaded into the
product compartment 40 is thespacer 26, which is placed on top of thebottom panel 14. - Next, the two bottom refrigerant layers 28 are placed onto the
spacer 26, typically by arranging multiple refrigerant bricks to form tworefrigerant layers 28. - Next the
product containers 57 are stacked within theproduct compartment 40 on top of the two bottom refrigerant layers 28. - A top
refrigerant layer 28 is placed on top of theproduct containers 57, again by arranging multiple refrigerant bricks into a layer. - The top three frozen layers 30 (typically made of multiple frozen bricks) are placed on top of the top
refrigerant layer 28. - The remaining
side panel 18 not shown inFigure 6 is wedged between the bottomtray side wall 24 and thebottom panel 14 to form a four sided enclosure. - The
top panel 16 is placed onto the top rims of theside panels 18 andend panels 20 to form the six sidedouter housing 12. -
Optional corner boards 54 may be glued or otherwise affixed to the edges of thehousing 12. - Finally, optional stretch film may be wrapped around the
housing 12. - In still another aspect of the invention a method of maintaining a payload within a desired temperature range is provided. The method may comprise the following steps:
- (a) loading the payload into a packaging system comprising a housing having a bottom, top and vertical sides, cooling layers disposed above and below the payload, hollow vertical posts disposed between the payload and the vertical sides of the housing, the vertical posts defining inner spaces within the vertical posts and channels between adjacent vertical posts;
- (b) allowing relatively warmer air to rise within the inner spaces of the vertical posts until it exits the vertical posts and is cooled by the cooling layers above the payload to form cooled air; and
- (c) allowing the cooled air to fall through the channels while contacting the payload.
-
Figure 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portion of a packaging system according to the invention. As in the previous embodiment, thepackaging system 70 may comprise ahousing 72 comprising a bottom panel 74 (shown partially inFigure 7 ), a top panel (not shown),side panels 78 andend panels 80 extending vertically between thebottom panel 74 and the top panel. Thehousing 72 defines aproduct compartment 82 for holding a payload (not shown). Also like the previous embodiment but not shown inFigure 7 , thepackaging system 70 may comprise one or more bottom cooling layers located between thebottom panel 74 and the payload and one or more top cooling layers located between the payload and the top panel. - Instead of hollow vertical posts, the
packaging system 70 shown inFigure 7 compriseschannel members 84 to facilitate convective air circulation within theproduct compartment 82. Eachchannel member 84 may be adhered or otherwise affixed to one of theside panels 78 orend panels 80. Eachchannel member 84 has an opentop end 86 and an openbottom end 88 and defines a plurality ofvertical channels channel member 84. Preferably thepackaging system 70 comprises fourchannel members 84, with onechannel member 84 affixed to each of theside panels 78 andend panels 80. -
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFigure 7 taken along line 8-8, showing achannel member 84 affixed to aside panel 78. Thechannel member 84 may be made of folded and glued corrugated board, and may comprise an inner facingpanel 92 and an outer facingpanel 94 connected byside panels 96 to define aninterior space 97. The flutes in the corrugated board may run horizontally to enable more precise folding. Thechannel member 84 may be at least one inch (2.54 centimeters) deep as measured from the inner facingpanel 92 to the outer facingpanel 94, and preferably between one and one and one-half inches (3.8 centimeters) deep. Thechannel member 84 may include anouter layer 99 of paperboard or similar material wrapped around the inner facingpanel 92, outer facingpanel 94 andside panels 96. - One or more
internal panels 98 are disposed within theinterior space 97 and extend between the inner facingpanel 92 and the outer facingpanel 94 and thetop end 86 andbottom end 88 of thechannel member 84. In the figures the one or moreinternal panels 98 is a singleinternal panel 98 folded in accordion fashion. Theinternal panel 98 is folded along verticalinner fold lines 100 which defineinner apexes 100 and along verticalouter fold lines 102 which defineouter apexes 102. Preferably theinner apexes 100 contact the inner facingpanel 92 and theouter apexes 102 contact the outer facingpanel 94. - The inner facing
panel 92, the outer facingpanel 94 and theinternal panel 98 define a series of alternatinginner channels 90 andouter channels 91 which function as vertical flow paths that alternate between upward flow and downward flow. - The
channel member 84 may be thought of as comprising a plurality of adjacent, laterally arranged, inner andouter tubes outer tubes common wall 108. - Each
inner tube 104 has a triangular cross sectional profile and comprises aninner facing base 106 and twoangled sides 108. Theinner facing base 108 extends from oneinner apex 100 to an adjacentinner apex 100 and is part of the channel memberinner facing panel 92. The angled sides 108 extend from adjacentinner apexes 100 to a commonouter apex 102. - Each outer tube 110 has a triangular cross sectional profile and comprises an outer facing
base 112 and twoangled sides 108 which it shares with twoinner tubes 104. The outer facingbase 112 extends from oneouter apex 102 to an adjacentouter apex 102 and is part of the channel member outer facingpanel 94. The angled sides 108 extend from differentouter apexes 102 to a commoninner apex 100. Theouter base 112 is adjacent thehousing 72 in the assembledpackaging system 70. - The
inner tubes 104 and the outer tubes 110 define a series of alternatinginner channels 90 andouter channels 91 which function as vertical flow paths that alternate between upward flow and downward flow as indicated by the arrows inFigure 7 . It is believed that, in a fashion similar to that of the previous embodiment, warm air rises through theouter channels 91 until the air exits thechannel members 84 and is cooled by the top cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled air then falls through theinner channels 90. The shape and configuration of thechannel members 84 should be optimized to allow air to flow through the channel members. -
Figure 9 is a partial cutaway perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a portion of a packaging system according to the invention. As in the previous two embodiments, thepackaging system 120 may comprise ahousing 72 comprising a bottom panel 74 (shown partially inFigure 9 ), a top panel (not shown),side panels 78 andend panels 80 extending vertically between thebottom panel 74 and the top panel. Thehousing 72 defines aproduct compartment 82 for holding a payload (not shown). Also like the previous embodiment but not shown inFigure 9 , thepackaging system 120 may comprise one or more bottom cooling layers located between thebottom panel 74 and the payload and one or more top cooling layers located between the payload and the top panel. - The
packaging system 120 compriseschannel members 124 adhered or otherwise affixed to one of theside panels 78 orend panels 80. Eachchannel member 124 has an opentop end 126 and an openbottom end 128 and defines a plurality of largeouter channels 130 and smallinner channels 132. Preferably thepackaging system 120 comprises fourchannel members 124, with onechannel member 124 affixed to each of theside panels 78 andend panels 80, although only onechannel member 124 is shown in the figure. -
Figure 10 is a close-up view of a portion of thepackaging system 120 ofFigure 9 . Thechannel member 124 may comprise a plurality of corrugated structures, folded and glued together. Thechannel member 124 may include an outer layer of paperboard or similar material wrapped around the corrugated structures. - The
channel member 124 defines a series of adjacent, laterally spacedouter channels 130 having a rectangular cross section and designed to carry warmed air upward and a series of adjacent, laterally spacedinner channels 132 having a rectangular cross section and designed to carry cooled air downward. Theouter channels 130 may be larger in cross sectional area than theinner channels 132. For example, eachouter channel 130 may have a lateral dimension (width) (i.e., the dimension parallel to the wall to which thechannel member 124 is attached) that is greater than the lateral dimension of eachinner channel 132. For example, as best shown inFigure 10 , eachouter channel 130 may have a width that is twice the width of eachinner channel 132. The depth of each outer channel 130 (i.e., the dimension perpendicular to the wall to which thechannel member 124 is attached) may be the same as the depth of eachinner channel 132. - It is believed that, in a fashion similar to that of the previous embodiments, warm air rises through the outer channels 130 (because they are closer to the exterior walls of the packaging system 120) until the air exits the
outer channels 130 and is cooled by the top cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled air then falls through theinner channels 132 until the air exits thebottom end 128 of thechannel member 124. The shape and configuration of thechannel members 124 may be optimized to allow air to flow through thechannel members 124. - The
packaging system 10 may be used to package and ship temperature sensitive products. Typically these products have a specified or required temperature range that must be maintained during a specific shipping duration and while the packaging system is subject to various ambient temperature conditions. For example, a product may be expected to be shipped for 120 hours and be exposed to ambient temperatures of between 30C and 45C (86F and 113F), but have a temperature tolerance of between 0 C and 15 C (32F and 59F). A packaging system according to the present disclosure may be designed to accommodate these requirements. - The packaging system may be used in any industry where temperature sensitive products are shipped, including but not limited to the pharmaceutical and food industries. The packaging system is particularly useful where the user (e.g., the product manufacturer) desires a packaging system having no side refrigerants that can be shipped long distances, including from continent to continent. The use of present packaging system can supplant the use of multiple smaller parcel shipments.
- The
packaging system 10 can accommodate a full pallet load of products orproduct containers 57. Accordingly, atypical packaging system 10 may be about 48 inches (122 centimeters) wide by 48 inches (122 centimeters) deep by 56 inches (142 centimeters) tall. Thepackaging system 10 may be placed on a wooden or other type of pallet and moved with a forklift truck. - It is understood that the embodiments of the invention described above are only particular examples which serve to illustrate the principles of the invention. Modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention are contemplated which do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined by the foregoing teachings and appended claims. It is intended that the claims cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments that fall within their scope.
Claims (9)
- A packaging system (70) for shipping a temperature sensitive payload, the packaging system (70) comprising:a housing (72) comprising a bottom panel (74), a top panel (16) located above and in spaced vertical alignment with the bottom panel (74), side panels (78) extending vertically between the bottom panel (74) and the top panel (16), and end panels (80) extending vertically between the bottom panel (74) and the top panel (16), the housing (72) defining a product compartment (82) for holding a payload;one or more bottom cooling layers (28) located between the bottom panel (74) and the payload;one or more top cooling layers (28, 30) located between the payload and the top panel (16); characterized in that the packaging system (70) further comprises :four channel members 84, with one channel member 84 affixed to each of the side panels 78 and end panels 80, each channel member (84) comprising an inner facing panel (92), an outer facing panel 94 connected to the inner facing panel (92) by side panels (96), and one or more internal panels (98) disposed between the inner facing panel (92) and the outer facing panel (94);the inner facing panel (92), the outer facing panel (94) and the one or more internal panels (98) defining a series of alternating inner channels (90) and outer channels (91) configured to allow vertical air circulation in vertical flow paths that alternate between upward flow through the outer channels (91) and downward flow through the inner channels (90), each inner channel (90) and each outer channel (91) having a triangular shaped cross section.
- The packaging system (70) of claim 1 wherein:
the one or more internal panels (98) form two sides (108) of each of a series of alternating inner tubes (104) and outer tubes (110). - The packaging system (70) of claim 2 wherein:
the one or more internal panels (98) is a single internal panel (98) folded in accordion fashion. - The packaging system (70) of claim 3 wherein:the internal panel (98) is folded in accordion fashion along vertically oriented inner fold lines (100) which define inner apexes (100) and along vertically oriented outer fold lines (102) which define outer apexes (102);each of the inner tubes (104) has a triangular cross sectional profile and comprises an inner facing base (106) and two angled sides (108), the inner facing base (106) is a part of the channel member inner facing panel (92) and extends from an inner apex (100) to an adjacent inner apex (100), each angled side (108) is a part of the internal panel (98), and the angled sides (108) extend from adjacent inner apexes (100) to a common outer apex (102); andeach of the outer tubes (110) has a triangular cross sectional profile and comprises an outer facing base (112) adjacent the housing (72) and two angled sides (108), the outer facing base (112) is a part of the channel member outer facing panel (94) and extends from an outer apex (102) to an adjacent outer apex (102), each angled side (108) is a part of the internal panel (98), and the angled sides (108) extend from different outer apexes (102) to a common inner apex (100).
- The packaging system (70) of claim 2 wherein:
each adjacent pair of tubes (104), (106) shares a common angled side (108). - The packaging system (70) of claim 1 wherein:
a lower portion of each channel member (84) is interposed between the bottom cooling layers (28) and either a side panel (18) or an end panel (20). - The packaging system (70) of claim 1 wherein:
the distance between the inner panel (92) and the outer panel (94) is at least 2.54 centimeters. - The packaging system (70) of claim 1 wherein:
the channel member (84) includes an outer layer (99) of material wrapped around the inner facing panel (92), the outer facing panel (94) and the side panels (96). - The packaging system (70) of claim 1 wherein:
the channel member (84) is spaced from the top panel (16) and from the bottom panel (74) a sufficient distance to allow air to flow through the channel member (84).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP19159959.6A EP3508434B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-18 | Convection based temperature assured packaging system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/661,478 US9573754B2 (en) | 2012-09-26 | 2015-03-18 | Convection based temperature assured packaging system |
PCT/US2016/023163 WO2016149627A1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-18 | Convection based temperature assured packaging system |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP19159959.6A Division EP3508434B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-18 | Convection based temperature assured packaging system |
EP19159959.6A Division-Into EP3508434B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-18 | Convection based temperature assured packaging system |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3233648A1 EP3233648A1 (en) | 2017-10-25 |
EP3233648A4 EP3233648A4 (en) | 2018-10-10 |
EP3233648B1 true EP3233648B1 (en) | 2019-04-17 |
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EP16765832.7A Active EP3233648B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-18 | Convection based temperature assured packaging system |
EP19159959.6A Active EP3508434B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-18 | Convection based temperature assured packaging system |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP19159959.6A Active EP3508434B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-18 | Convection based temperature assured packaging system |
Country Status (5)
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EP (2) | EP3233648B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2016232755C1 (en) |
ES (2) | ES2732775T3 (en) |
SG (1) | SG11201706988VA (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016149627A1 (en) |
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US11499770B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2022-11-15 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Shipping system for storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive materials |
US11511928B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2022-11-29 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Shipping system for storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive materials |
Family Cites Families (11)
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US1688023A (en) * | 1926-04-24 | 1928-10-16 | Glacifer Company | Refrigerating unit |
US2325371A (en) * | 1941-08-23 | 1943-07-27 | Leonard F Clerc | Refrigerated shipping container |
US2632311A (en) * | 1947-07-25 | 1953-03-24 | Frozen Food Foundation Inc | Insulated container for delivery of frozen foods |
US2533773A (en) * | 1949-07-16 | 1950-12-12 | Ottawa River Paper Company | Ventilated corrugated board container |
KR100360780B1 (en) * | 2000-07-28 | 2002-11-18 | 변무원 | Ice Heat Condensing Tank |
AU2003266934A1 (en) * | 2002-09-28 | 2004-04-19 | Maersk Container Industri As | Temperature control apparatus |
WO2004071885A2 (en) * | 2003-02-13 | 2004-08-26 | Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. | Insulated cargo containers |
US20060174648A1 (en) * | 2005-01-26 | 2006-08-10 | Gary Lantz | Insulated shipping container and method |
US20110248038A1 (en) * | 2010-04-09 | 2011-10-13 | Minnesota Thermal Science, Llc | Passive thermally controlled bulk shipping container |
US9513067B2 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2016-12-06 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Convection based temperature assured packaging system |
US9873547B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2018-01-23 | Tippmann Companies Llc | Heat transfer system for warehoused goods |
-
2016
- 2016-03-18 SG SG11201706988VA patent/SG11201706988VA/en unknown
- 2016-03-18 EP EP16765832.7A patent/EP3233648B1/en active Active
- 2016-03-18 EP EP19159959.6A patent/EP3508434B1/en active Active
- 2016-03-18 AU AU2016232755A patent/AU2016232755C1/en active Active
- 2016-03-18 ES ES16765832T patent/ES2732775T3/en active Active
- 2016-03-18 ES ES19159959T patent/ES2913001T3/en active Active
- 2016-03-18 WO PCT/US2016/023163 patent/WO2016149627A1/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
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AU2016232755B2 (en) | 2018-11-15 |
WO2016149627A1 (en) | 2016-09-22 |
EP3508434B1 (en) | 2022-03-09 |
ES2913001T3 (en) | 2022-05-30 |
EP3233648A4 (en) | 2018-10-10 |
ES2732775T3 (en) | 2019-11-25 |
EP3233648A1 (en) | 2017-10-25 |
SG11201706988VA (en) | 2017-09-28 |
AU2016232755A1 (en) | 2017-08-03 |
EP3508434A1 (en) | 2019-07-10 |
AU2016232755C1 (en) | 2019-07-25 |
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