EP4217670A1

EP4217670A1 - Thermally insulated transportation container having an assembly for mounting pcm units within the container

Info

Publication number: EP4217670A1
Application number: EP21789800.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christopher KRZAK; James Vann
Original assignee: Tower Cold Chain Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Tower Cold Chain Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-25
Filing date: 2021-09-24
Publication date: 2023-08-02
Also published as: GB202015163D0; WO2022064207A1; GB2599132B; GB2599132A

Abstract

A thermally insulated transportation container (1) for transporting temperature sensitive goods, said container (1) including: thermally insulated walls (la-ld) at least partly defining a storage volume for said goods; an opening member (3) for accessing the thermally insulated storage volume, the opening member (3) having a mounting assembly (11) arranged to receive and mount at least one PCM unit (10) to the opening member (3) and/or wall (1 a-1 d) and to retain the at least one PCM unit on the opening member (3) and/or wall (1 a-1 d) during use of the container, the mounting assembly (11) including a mounting member (15) on which the at least one PCM unit (10) is mountable and a locking member (25) that is movably attached to the opening member (3) or wall (1 a-1 d), and is arranged to move from a first position in which the at least one PCM unit (10) is mountable on to the mounting member (15) to a second position which, in use, locks the at least one PCM unit (10) to the opening member (3) or wall (1 a-1 d).

Description

THERMALLY INSULATED TRANSPORTATION CONTAINER HAVING AN ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING PCM UNITS WITHIN THE CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a thermally insulated transportation container for transporting temperature sensitive goods; and a method for mounting phase change material units within the container.

Thermally insulated containers are used to transport items that are sensitive to temperature and must therefore be maintained within predetermined temperature ranges, such as +2°C to +8°C and +15°C to +25°C, or close to a particular temperature such as -20°C. Such items include goods such as vaccines and drugs, biological samples, tissue cultures, chilled and frozen foods and many other products, some of which have extremely high financial value and are very sensitive to temperature changes. It is essential that such products are maintained within the appropriate temperature ranges during transportation.

Such goods can be transported in cardboard or plastic containers packed with insulative materials, such as polystyrene, and phase change materials (hereafter referred to as PCMs) that have been cooled or heated to a predetermined temperature to provide additional heating or cooling as required. Heat energy flows into or out of the container, according to the difference between the ambient temperature and the internal temperature of the container. The temporal ambient temperature profile that will be experienced by the container cannot be predicted a priori, since containers may be moved from relatively cold countries to relatively hot countries and may be left standing for a significant period of time.

If the container is exposed to excessively high or low temperatures for extended periods, the internal temperature may go outside the required range, causing damage to the contents. The requirement to open a container on its journey increases the risk of payload theft. In current containers, the number and type of PCM packs employed is calculated according to the anticipated delivery time and the ambient temperature ranges likely to be experienced during transportation. However, as delivery can take longer than anticipated and the ambient temperatures may be much higher or lower than expected, the payload temperature may go outside the required range. During transportation, shocks, collisions or vibrations can cause the goods to move within the container, particularly those located at the side walls; these might then fall to a lower part of the container, increasing the risk of being heated/cooled to a temperature outside the predetermined safe range.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that large numbers of pharmaceutical/medicinal products are rendered unusable each year because they are not transported in the correct temperature range. For the pharmaceutical industry this presents significant waste, and hence cost, and there is an environmental impact as new goods will have to be produced and transported. For recipients of the goods there are significant health risks, because it may not be evident at the endpoint of the transport that the product has been rendered unsafe. For products such as vaccines this may result in loss of efficacy.

Certain vaccines degrade at a rate that depends on ambient temperature. As the loss of efficacy increases with temperature, it is desirable to maintain the temperature within the acceptable range (e.g. 2°C to 8°C).

It has been determined by the inventors that the best temperature equilibration results in the payload of the container are achieved when the PCM units are inserted into the container in a controlled, for example regular, manner, and such that their positions are restrained during use so that they do not move during transportation. Furthermore, it is desirable to be able to insert the PCM units into the container in a quick and easy manner, so that the container can be ready for use relatively quickly. Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a thermally insulated container that mitigates at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages, or at least provides an alternative to known containers, and a method for mounting PCM units within the container. The invention provides a thermally insulated container having a means for mounting PCM units in the container in a restrained manner so that the PCMs are unlikely to move during transportation.

According to one aspect there is provided a thermally insulated container according to claim 1.

The invention provides a quick and easy way to mount PCM units to an opening member, such as a door or lid, for a thermally insulated container. The invention also prevents the PCM units from disengaging the opening member during use, which prevents the goods from being damaged during transit. Having PCM units mounted on the opening member makes use of space that may not otherwise be used for cooling purposes. Having PCM units mounted on the opening member enables the payload temperature to be more predictable and better controlled as the arrangement of the PCM units is predetermined, and typically regular. Thus it is less likely that any part of the payload will move to a temperature outside of the selected range during transit.

According to another aspect there is provided a thermally insulated transportation container for transporting temperature sensitive goods.

The container can include thermally insulated walls. The thermally insulated walls can at least partly define a storage volume for said goods.

The container can include an opening member for accessing the thermally insulated storage volume.

The opening member can have a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly can be arranged to receive and mount at least one PCM unit to the opening member.

The mounting assembly can be arranged to retain the at least one PCM unit on the opening member during use of the container.

The mounting assembly can include a mounting member on which the at least one PCM unit is mountable. The mounting member can provide a ledge on which the at least one PCM unit is mounted.

The mounting assembly can include a locking member.

The locking member can be movably attached to the opening member.

The locking member can be moved to a first position in which the at least one PCM unit is mountable on to the mounting member.

The locking member can be moved to a second position which, in use, locks the at least one PCM unit to the opening member. In the second position, the locking member can block PCM units from being mounted on to the mounting member.

The mounting assembly can be arranged to receive and mount a plurality of PCM units to the opening member and to retain the PCM units on the opening member during use of the container. The PCM units can be arranged in an array. For example, the PCM units can be arranged in at least one row on the opening member. The PCM units can be arranged in a plurality of rows on the opening member.

The locking member can be pivotally attached to the opening member. The locking member can be pivotally attached to the mounting member.

The locking member can be arranged to pivot with respect to the opening member. The locking member can pivot from the first position to the second position. The locking member can pivot from the second position to the first position. The first position can be a first rotational orientation of the locking member. The first rotational orientation can be a generally horizontal orientation. That is, a central longitudinal axis of the locking member can be orientated in a generally horizontal orientation.

The second position can be a second rotational orientation of the locking member. The second rotational orientation can be inclined to the horizontal. In some embodiments, when the locking member is in the second position, the central longitudinal axis of the locking member inclined to the horizontal by an angle in the range 1 to 20 degrees, preferably 1 to 10 degrees.

The locking member can be movable translationally with respect to the opening member. The locking member can be attached to the mounting member in a manner that enables it to move translationally with respect to the opening member. For example, the locking member can be slidably mounted to the mounting member.

The locking member can be arranged to move translationally between the first and second locking positions. The locking member can be arranged to move translationally to a third position. In at least one of the first, second and third positions, the locking member can be arranged generally horizontally. Preferably in a plurality of the first, second and third positions, the locking member is arranged generally horizontally. The locking member can be arranged to move generally vertically between the first, second and third positions.

The locking member can be arranged to pivot in a plane that is generally parallel with the plane of the opening member. The plane can be a generally vertical plane. The locking member can be arranged to move translationally in a plane that is generally parallel with the plane of the opening member. The plane can be a generally vertical plane. The locking member can overlap the at least one PCM unit and thereby locking the PCM unit to the opening member. For example, the locking member can overlap the at least PCM unit when in the second position.

The mounting member can comprise a first rib that protrudes outwards from the opening member. The first rib can provide the ledge on which the at least one PCM unit can be mounted. The first rib can protrude perpendicularly outwards from the opening member. The first rib can protrude from a major surface of the opening member. The major surface can be an inner surface of the opening member. The major surface can face towards the payload volume. The first rib can protrude outwards from the opening member in a direction that is generally towards the payload volume. The first rib can be arranged sustainably horizontally when the container is in its usual orientation. The first rib can extend along a substantial portion of the width of the opening member. At least part of the first rib can be located in a central portion of the major surface.

The locking member can be pivotally attached to the opening member and/or the mounting member by a pivot pin. The pivot pin can be located towards a central part of the locking member. The locking member can be pivotally attached to a central part of the mounting member. The locking member can be arranged to pivot about a pivot axis that is arranged substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the opening member. The locking member can be arranged to pivot in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the opening member.

The locking member can be elongate. The length of the locking member can be approximately equal to width of a row of the PCM units. The width of the row of PCM units is typically a little less than the width of the opening member. For example, the length of the locking member can be around 70% to 90% of the width of the opening member. The locking member can comprise a plate.

The locking member can be generally rectangular in plan.

The locking member can include a first recess formed in a first longitudinal edge of the locking member. The first recess can enable a first row of PCM units to be mounted on to the mounting member when the locking member is in the first position.

The length of the first recess can be approximately equal to the width of one of the PCM units in the first row.

The first recess can taper along its length, for example from a relatively shallow depth at a first end of the recess to a deeper depth at a second end of the recess. The first end of the recess can be located adjacent a first end of the locking member. The second end of the recess can be located between the first end of the locking member and the centre of the locking member. The angle of taper of the first recess can be such that when the locking member is in the first position, the edge of the first recess can be oriented substantially horizontally. When the locking member is in the first position, the first recess can overlie the mounting member. This enables PCM units to be mounted on to the mounting member.

The container can include a second mounting member.

The locking member can include a second recess formed in a second longitudinal edge of the locking member. The second recess enables a second row of PCM units to be mounted on to the second mounting member when the locking member is in the first position. The length of the second recess can be approximately equal to the width of one of the PCM units in the second row.

The second recess tapers along its length, for example from a relatively shallow depth at a first end of the recess to a deeper depth at a second end of the recess. The first end of the second recess can be located adjacent a second end of the locking member. The second end of the second recess can be located between the second end of the locking member and the centre of the locking member. The angle of taper of the second recess can be such that when the locking member is in the first position, the edge of the second recess can be oriented substantially horizontally. When the locking member is in the first position, the second recess can overlie the mounting member. This enables PCM units to be mounted on to the second mounting member.

The mounting assembly can include at least one locking element arranged to selectively lock the position of the locking member.

The locking element can be moved to a non-locking position. The locking element can be moved to a locking position. The locking element can be moved manually and/or by a tool to the non-locking position. When the locking element is in the nonlocking position the locking member can be moved between the first and second positions, for example the locking member can be pivoted between the first and second positions.

The mounting assembly can include a resilient member arranged to bias the locking element into the locking position.

The locking element can be mounted on one of the locking member and the opening member. The other of the locking member and opening member can include a locking formation. The locking element can be arranged to engage the locking formation to lock the position of the locking member.

The mounting member can include one of the locking element and locking formation. Preferably locking member includes the locking formation and the opening member and/or mounting member includes the locking element. The locking element or locking formation can be located towards an end portion of the locking member.

The locking element can be arranged to lock the position of the locking member when the locking member is at the second position. The locking element and the locking formation can be positioned such that they only lockingly engage with one another when the locking member is moved to the second position.

The locking element can comprise a pin. The pin can be retractable.

The locking formation can comprise one of an aperture and recess.

The mounting assembly include a plurality of locking elements. The mounting assembly can include a plurality of respective locking formations. A first locking element or first locking formation can be located towards a first end of the locking member. The other one of the first locking formation and the first locking element can be located on the opening member or mounting member in a corresponding position. A second locking element or second locking formation can be located towards a second end of the locking member. The other one of the second locking formation and second locking element can be located on the opening member or mounting member in a corresponding position.

The mounting assembly can include at least one limiting element arranged to limit the extent of movement of the locking member.

The at least one limiting element can be arranged to limit pivoting movement of the locking member. In some embodiments, when the locking member has rotated to its maximum extent in a first rotational direction the locking member is at the first position. In some embodiments, when the locking member has rotated to its maximum extent in a second rotational direction the locking member is at the second position.

The at least one limiting element can be arranged to limit translational movement of the locking member. In some embodiments, when the locking member has translated to its maximum extent in a first direction the locking member is at the first position. In some embodiments, when the locking member has translated to its maximum extent in a second direction the locking member is at the third position.

One of the locking member and the opening member can include the at least one limiting element and the other of the locking member and the opening member can include a limiting formation arranged to engage the limiting element. In some embodiments, the mounting member includes one of the limiting element and limiting formation. In some embodiments, the limiting element comprises a pin. In some embodiments, the limiting formation comprises a slot. The pin can be located within the slot. The pin can move within the slot.

Preferably the locking member includes the locking formation. Preferably the opening member includes the at least one locking element. Preferably the mounting member includes the at least one locking element.

Some embodiments include a plurality of limiting elements. Some embodiments include a plurality of limiting formations. Typically the number of limiting elements matches the number of limiting formations. Typically, a limiting element engages with a respective limiting formation. In some embodiments, the locking member includes a plurality of slots and the opening member and/or mounting member includes a plurality of pins, wherein each pin is located in a respective slot. In some embodiments, at least one locking element and/or at least one locking formation can be located towards a first end of the locking member. In some embodiments, at least locking element and/or at least one locking formation can be located towards a second end of the locking member.

The door or the lid can be hinged to at least one of the walls of the container. The door can have a vertical orientation in normal use. The container can include at least one support element for at least partly supporting the weight of the door in an open condition. The support element can be a ground engaging support element, such as a caster.

The mounting member can be located between first and second rows of PCM units. The first row can be an upper row. The second row can be a lower row. The first row of PCM units can be mounted on the mounting member.

The second row of PCM units can be mounted on a second mounting member. The second mounting member can comprise a second rib. The second rib can protrude outwards from the major surface of the opening member. That is, the same major surface as the first rib. The second rib can be arranged parallel to the first rib. The second rib can be located in a peripheral portion of the opening member, for example adjacent a lower edge of the opening member.

The first and second ribs define a channel in the opening member arranged to receive the second row of PCM units. The second mounting member provides a ledge on to which the second row of PCM units can be mounted.

The locking member can be arranged to overlap the first row of PCM units when in the second position, thereby locking the first row of PCM units to the opening member. For example, the locking member can be arranged to overlap lower portions of the first row of PCM units.

The locking member can be arranged to overlap the second row of PCM units when in the second position, thereby locking the second row of PCM units to the opening member. For example, the locking member can be arranged to overlap upper portions of the second row of PCM units.

The mounting system can include a third rib. The third rib can be arranged parallel with the first rib. The third rib can protrude outwards from the major surface of the opening member. That is, the same major surface as the first rib. The second rib can be located in a peripheral portion of the opening member, for example adjacent an upper edge of the opening member.

The first and third ribs define a channel in the opening member arranged to receive the first row of PCM units.

The mounting assembly can include a lip that is arranged to overlap portions of the first row of PCM units. The lip can comprise a plate attached to the third rib that is arranged to overlap upper portions of the first row of PCM units. The plate can run along the substantially the full length of the third rib.

The mounting assembly can include a lip that is arranged to overlap portions of the second row of PCM units. The lip can comprise a plate attached to the second rib that is arranged to overlap lower portions of the first row of PCM units. The plate can run along the substantially the full length of the second rib.

The mounting assembly can include at least one further mounting member.

The mounting assembly can include at least one further locking member.

The container can include at least one PCM unit, and preferably a plurality of PCM units.

The or each PCM unit can comprise a sealable substantially rigid container for storing phase change material therein. The container can include a set of PCM units for mounting to the opening member. Typically the number of PCM units in the set can be in the range 2 to 10, and preferably 4 to 8. The container can include additional PCM units mounted on at least one of the container walls, for example on at least one of a base, roof, front wall, rear wall and side wall.

The PCM units are arranged to be thermally conditioned prior to use such that the material within is uniformly in one physical state. During transit the PCM units absorb heat energy from, or supply heat energy to, their surroundings thereby causing the PCM within to change physical state over a period of time. The rigid arrangement of the PCM units also maintains temperature equilibriation of the storage volume by air conduction.

Typically a PCM is selected to change physical state at a temperature greater than or equal to -25°C. Typically a PCM is selected to change physical state at a temperature less than or equal to 25°C. Typically a PCM is selected to change physical state at a temperature in one of the following ranges: +2°C to +8°C; -25°C to -15°C; and +15 to +25°C. When it is required to maintain the temperature of the goods at around - 20°C, preferably the PCM is a salt solution such as silver nitrate eutectic salt solution chosen to give a melting point of -20°C. Preferably the phase change material is selected to have at least one of the following thermal properties: a high latent heat energy of fusion per unit volume, a high specific heat energy capacity, low density, high thermal conductivity, small volume changes on phase transformation and low vapour pressure at operating temperatures.

Since the PCM units store the phase change material, in use, and the hollow container is substantially rigid, this ensures that the overall body of the PCM units is substantially rigid even when the PCM is in a liquid or solid state. The hollow container is preferably made from a polymer such as polyethylene.

The container can be arranged to include at least one PCM unit that will freeze during use, thus liberating heat energy, and at least one PCM unit that melts during use, thus absorbing heat energy. The set of PCM units can include a first PCM unit having a first PCM arranged to change phase at a first temperature and a second PCM unit having a second PCM arranged to change phase at a second temperature, wherein the first and second temperatures are different.

For example, when it is required to maintain the temperature of the goods in the range +2°C to +8°C, the first PCM can be selected to change phase at a temperature in the range -20°C to +5°C and the second PCM can be selected to change phase at a temperature in the range +5°C to +20°C. Preferably at least one of the PCM units is water-based with a melting point around 0°C, and may include additives such as acticides and nucleating agents; and preferably at least one of the PCMs can comprise a paraffin wax which has a melting point of around +5°C.

The container can include an outer shell. The outer shell of the container can be made from polymer. The outer shell of the container can be made from reinforced glass fibre. The outer shell can be substantially rigid.

The container can include an inner liner. The inner liner can be made of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminium.

The container can include thermally insulating material located between the inner liner and the outer shell. The thermally insulating material can include foam.

The thermally insulated walls of the container can include at least one vacuum panel. Preferably each thermally insulated wall can include at least one vacuum panel.

The container can be substantially transparent to x-rays in at least one direction.

According to another aspect there is provided a method according to claim 36.

According to another aspect there is provided a method for mounting PCM units to an opening member of thermally insulated transportation container. The method can include providing a thermally insulated container for transporting temperature sensitive goods, said container including: thermally insulated walls at least partly defining a storage volume for said goods; and an opening member for accessing the thermally insulated storage volume, the opening member having a mounting assembly including a locking member moveably attached to the opening member.

The method can include moving the locking member to a first position which allows at least one PCM unit to be mounted on the opening member.

The method can include mounting at least one PCM unit on to a mounting member located on the opening member. The method can include sliding at least one PCM unit along the mounting member.

The method can include mounting at least one PCM unit on to a second mounting member located on the opening member. The method can include sliding at least one PCM unit along the second mounting member.

The method can include mounting at least one PCM unit on to a further mounting member located on the opening member. The method can include sliding at least one PCM unit along the further mounting member. The method can include locking the PCM unit to the opening member with a second locking member.

The method can include moving the locking member to a second position which, in use, locks the at least one PCM unit to the opening member.

According to another aspect there is provided a thermally insulated transportation container according to claim 37.

According to another aspect there is provided thermally insulated transportation container for transporting temperature sensitive goods, said container including: thermally insulated walls at least partly defining a storage volume for said goods; an opening member for accessing the thermally insulated storage volume; wherein at least one of the thermally insulated walls includes a mounting assembly arranged to receive and mount at least one PCM unit to the wall and to retain the at least one PCM unit on the wall during use of the container.

The mounting assembly can include a mounting member on which the at least one PCM unit is mountable.

The mounting assembly can include a locking member that is movably attached to the opening member.

The locking member can be arranged to move to a first position in which the at least one PCM unit is mountable on to the mounting member.

The locking member can be arranged to move to a second position which, in use, locks the at least one PCM unit to the wall.

The mounting assembly can be arranged in a similar fashion to the mounting assembly described in relation to the opening member. References above to the "opening member" can be replaced by "wall".

According to another aspect there is provided a method according to claim 38.

According to another aspect there is provided method for mounting PCM units to an opening member of thermally insulated transportation container, the method including: providing a thermally insulated container for transporting temperature sensitive goods, said container including: thermally insulated walls at least partly defining a storage volume for said goods; an opening member for accessing the thermally insulated storage volume; wherein at least one of the walls includes a mounting assembly having a locking member moveably attached to the wall. The method can include moving the locking member to a first position which allows at least one PCM unit to be mounted on the wall.

The method can include mounting at least one PCM unit to a mounting member on the wall.

The method can include moving the locking member to a second position which, in use, locks the at least one PCM unit to the wall.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a thermally insulated container according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a door of the thermally insulated container of Figure 1, showing a rear side of the door, which faces into the container, the door having a mounting assembly for PCM units;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the door of Fig. 2, which faces into the container ;

Fig. 4 is right side view of the door of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a left side view of the door of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of part of the mounting assembly of Fig. 2, the mounting assembly having a pivotable restraining member with a locking member in a locking position; Fig. 7 is an isometric view of part of the mounting assembly of Fig. 2, the mounting assembly having a pivotable restraining member with a locking member in an unlocked position;

Fig. 8 is a view of part of the mounting assembly of Fig. 2, with the pivotable restraining member in an open position;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view through the door and the locking member;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of part of Fig. 9;

Figures 11 to 17 illustrate a mounting sequence, showing how PCM units are mounted on to the door of Fig. 2;

Fig. 18 is an isometric view of part of a thermally insulated container according to a second embodiment of the invention with the door removed for clarity; and

Fig. 19 is a plan view of a locking member from a third embodiment of the invention.

A thermally insulated container 1 (hereinafter referred to as the container 1) according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 1 to 15.

The container 1 is designed specifically for use in transporting goods that must be maintained at a temperature of between +2°C and +8°C, such as, for example, vaccines and transplant organs. Insulated containers for different temperatures will be generally similar in construction, but may be modified as described in more detail below to maintain the required temperatures. For example, for some applications the internal temperature must be maintained in the range +15°C to + 25°C whereas for other applications, the internal temperature must be maintained in the range -25°C to -15°C. The container 1 body preferably consists of an outer shell of, for example, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) or a plastics material; an inner liner of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminium; and thermally insulating material located between the inner liner and the outer shell. The thermally insulating material has a very low thermal conductivity value. The thermally insulating material can comprise a single material, for example a can comprise a foamed plastics material, or can comprise a plurality of materials. The thermally insulating material can include at least one, and typically a plurality, of vacuum insulation panels. For example, each wall of the container 1 body can include at least one vacuum insulation panel.

The container 1 preferably has a generally cuboid shape. The container 1 includes a top wall 1a, a base 1 b, two side walls 1c and a rear wall 1d. The container 1 includes an opening member in the form of a door 3. The walls 1a, 1 b, 1c, 1d and the door 3 define an internal payload volume in which the temperature sensitive goods can be stored.

The door 3 consists of an outer shell of, for example, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) or a plastics material and thermally insulating material located within the outer shell. The thermally insulating material has a very low thermal conductivity value. The thermally insulating material can comprise a single material, for example a can comprise a foamed plastics material, or can comprise a plurality of materials. The thermally insulating material can include at least one vacuum insulation panel.

The door 3 is attached to one of the side walls 1c of the container by hinges 7, and is arranged to pivot with respect to the side wall. The door 3 can include a caster 9, to support the weight of the door. The door 3 includes a silicon seal (not shown) which has a sealing fit with the body of the box. The door 3 includes a mounting assembly 11. The mounting assembly 11 is arranged to receive and mount a set of PCM units 10 to the door 3 and to retain the PCM units on the door 3 during use of the container 1.

The mounting assembly 11 is located on an inner major face 13 of the door 3. The mounting assembly 11 includes a first mounting member in the form of a central rib 15, a second mounting member in the form of a lower rib 17, and a third mounting member in the form of an upper rib 19. The upper rib 19, central rib 15 and lower rib 17 are arranged parallel to one another. The upper rib 19, central rib 15, and lower rib 17 are arranged horizontally when the door is in its normal vertical orientation. The upper rib 19 and the central rib 15 form a first channel for receiving a first row of PCM units 10. The lower rib 17 and the central channel 15 form a second channel for receiving a second row of PCM units 10. With the door 3 in its normal vertical orientation, the central rib 15 provides a ledge on which the first row of PCM units 10 are seated, and the lower rib 17 provides a ledge on which the second row of PCM units 10 are seated. The channels are closed off at each end by vertical members 29.

An elongate plate 21 is attached to an inwardly facing surface of the upper rib 19. The plate 21 over hangs a lower edge of the upper rib 19, and thereby forms a first lip that is arranged to hold the first row of PCM units 10 to the door 3. The plate 21 overlies upper portions of the first row of PCM units 10. An elongate plate 23 is attached to an inwardly facing surface of the lower rib 17. The plate 23 over hangs an upper edge of the lower rib 17, and thereby forms a second lip that is arranged to hold the second row of PCM units 10 to the door 3. The plate 23 overlies lower portions of the second row of PCM units 10.

The mounting assembly 11 includes a moveable locking member 25 that is arranged to secure the PCM units 10 to the door 3. The locking member 25 can comprise a generally rectangular plate that is pivotally attached to the central rib 15 by a pivot pin 1. The pivot pin 27 is preferably located at approximately the centre of the locking member 25. The locking member 25 is arranged to move between a first rotational position in which the PCM units 10 can be loaded on to the door 3 and a second rotational position that locks the PCM units 10 in place. The first rotational orientation is a generally horizontal orientation. The second rotational orientation is inclined to the horizontal. When the locking member 25 is in the second position, a central longitudinal axis of the locking member is inclined to the horizontal by an angle in the range 1 to 20 degrees, preferably 1 to 10 degrees.

When the locking member 25 is in the second position, it overlaps lower portions of the first row of PCM units 10 and upper portions of the second row of PCM units 10, thereby securing the PCM units 10 to the door 3.

The length of the locking member 25 is approximately equal to the combined width of the PCM units 10 in one of the rows of PCM units.

The locking member 25 includes a first recess 31 formed in a first longitudinal edge 33 of the locking member. The first longitudinal edge 33 is typically an upper edge of the locking member 25. The first recess 31 enables the first row of PCM units to be mounted on to the central rib 15 when the locking member 25 is in the first position. The length of the first recess 31 is approximately equal to the width of one of the PCM units 10 in the first row. The first recess 31 tapers along its length from a relatively shallow depth at a first end 31a of the recess to a deeper depth at a second end 31 b of the recess. The first end 31a of the recess can be located adjacent a first end 25a of the locking member. The second end 31 b of the recess can be located between the first end 25a of the locking member and the pivot pin 1. The angle of taper of the first recess 31 can be such that when the locking member is the first position, the edge of the first recess is oriented substantially horizontally (see Figs 8 and 9). When the locking member 25 is in the first position, the longitudinal edge of the first recess 31 lies over the central rib 15. This allows the first row of PCM units 10 to be mounted on to an upper surface of the central rib 15. The locking member 25 includes a second recess 35 formed in a second longitudinal edge 37 of the locking member. The second longitudinal edge 37 is typically a lower edge of the locking member 25. The second recess 35 enables the second row of PCM units 10 to be mounted on to the lower rib 17 when the locking member 25 is in the first position. The length of the second recess 35 is approximately equal to the width of one of the PCM units 10 in the second row. The second recess 35 tapers along its length from a relatively shallow depth at a first end 35a of the recess to a deeper depth at a second end 35b of the recess. The first end 35a of the recess can be located adjacent a second end 25b of the locking member. The second end 35b of the recess can be located between the second end 25b of the locking member and the pivot pin 1. The angle of taper of the second recess 35 can be such that when the locking member is the first position, the edge of the second recess is oriented substantially horizontally. When the locking member 25 is in the first position, the longitudinal edge of the second recess 33 lies over the central rib 15. This allows the second row of PCM units 10 to be mounted on to an upper surface of the lower rib 17.

The assembly includes first and second locking elements 39,41 and first and second locking formations 43,45 that are arranged to selectively lock the position of the locking member 25. Each locking element 39,41 is movable, and typically comprises a movable locking pin. Each locking pin is located on the central rib 15. Each locking formation 43,45 comprises a hole or recess formed through the locking member 25. Of course, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the pins can be mounted on the locking member 25 and the holes formed in the rib 15. Each locking element 39,41 is arranged to engage its respective locking formation 43,45 when the locking member 25 is in its second (locking) rotational position. The first locking element 39 is located adjacent the first end 25a of the locking member. The second locking element 41 is located adjacent the second end 25b of the locking member. Each locking element 39,41 is movable from a non-locking position to a locking position, and from the locking position to the non-locking position. Each locking element 39,41 can be moved manually from the locking position to the non-locking position or can be moved by means of a tool. When each locking element 39,41 is in its non-locking position, the locking member 25 can be pivoted about pivot pin 27 between the first and second positions. When each locking element 39,41 is in its locking position, the locking member 25 is prevented from pivoting about pivot pin 1. Each locking element 39,41 has a respective spring 40 that is arranged to act on the locking element 39,41 in order to bias the respective locking element 39,41 into the locking position. Thus the locking elements 39,41 automatically engage their respective locking formations 43,45 when the locking member 25 is in the second position.

The assembly includes a plurality of limiting elements 47,49,51,53,55,57 (see Figs. 8 and 9) arranged to limit the extent of rotational movement of the locking member 25, about pivot pin 1. Six limiting elements 47,49,51,53,55,57 are shown in the Figures, however the exact number is not critical. Each limiting element 47,49,51,53,55,57 is fixed to the central rib 15, and protrudes outwards therefrom. Each limiting element, which is typically in the form of a pin, is located within a respective limiting formation 59,61,63,65,67,69 formed in the locking member. Each limiting formation 59,61,63,65,67,69 comprises a slot. As the locking member 25 rotates about pivot pin 1 , the limiting elements move within their respective slots. When the locking member 25 has rotated to its maximum extent in a first rotational direction, and each limiting element is at a first end of its respective slot, the locking member 25 is at the first position. When the locking member 25 has rotated to its maximum extent in a second rotational direction, and each limiting element is at a second end of its respective slot, the locking member is at the second position. It will be appreciated that the limiting elements 47,49,51,53,55,57 can be formed on the locking member 25 and limiting formations 59,61,63,65,67,69 can be formed on the central rib 15.

The PCM units 10 are typically in the form or a phase change material panel (PCMP). Each PCM unit 10 comprises a hollow container made from a polymer such as polyethylene and is filled with a PCM. The PCM used is dependent on the temperature characteristics that the payload requires. For example, when the goods being transported need to be kept at a temperature in the range +2°C to +8°C, the following PCMs can be used: filtered water, preferably having two acticides: DB20, which is fast acting, and MBS, which is slower acting; and a paraffin wax (for example, mostly n-tetradecane). Each PCM unit 10 is filled via an opening in the container, which is then sealed with a foil seal and covered with a protective polythene cap. Alternatively, the cap can be spun welded to the container body, or can comprise a screw cap or bung.

Each container is substantially planar in that it has a large surface area when viewed in plan and a relatively small depth.

An advantage of the invention is that for each of the temperature ranges +2°C to +8°C; -25°C to -15°C; +15°C to +25°C it is only necessary to have one set of PCM panels (one different set for each temperature range) for any destination, that is regardless as to whether the container is being sent to a relatively hot country or a relatively cold country. This is because of the thermal stability achieved by the invention.

In use, prior to loading the container 1, each of the PCM units 10 is conditioned by cooling (or heating) to predetermined temperatures. For example, PCM units 10 containing a PCM that changes phase at 0°C are cooled to a temperature of around - 20°C and the PCM units 10 containing a PCM that changes phase at +5°C are cooled to a temperature of around +6 °C. The PCMPs 10 are then loaded into the insulated container 1.

The PCM units 10 are then loaded on to the door 3. The loading sequence is illustrated in Figures 9 to 15, which provides two rows of three PCM units 10. It will be appreciated that the number of PCM units 10 that can be fitted in each row depends on the dimensions of each PCM unit 10 and the dimensions of the door 3.

Firstly, the locking elements 39,41 are disengaged and the locking member 25 is moved to the first position (see Fig. 9). In the first position, the longitudinal edges of the recessed portions 31,33 lie over the central rib 15, which allows the PCM units 10 to be loaded on to the upper surface of the central rib 15 and the upper surface of the lower rib 17. Figure 10 illustrates PCM units 10 being mounted on to the upper surface of the central rib 15 and the upper surface of the lower rib 17. The PCM units 10 are loaded on to their respective ribs 15,17 in the vicinity of the first and second recesses 31,33 and are then slid along their respective ribs 15,17 until they abut against the vertical members 29 (see Figure 11). Additional PCM units 10 are mounted on to the upper surface of the central rib 15 and the upper surface of the lower rib 17 in a similar fashion (see Fig. 12) and are slid along their respective ribs 15,17 until they sit adjacent a PCM unit 10 already loaded on to the door 3 (see Fig. 13). Figure 14 illustrates the final PCM unit 10 being loaded on to each row of PCM unitslO. Figure 15 illustrates the locking member 25 being rotated to the second (locking) position, wherein locking member 25 overlaps lower portions of the PCM units 10 in the first row and upper portions of the PCM units in the second row, thereby securing the PCM units 10 to the door 3.

It will be appreciated that in addition to the PCM units 3 mounted on to the door 3, additional PCM units 3 can be place in the main body of the container, and can be mounted to the walls in any conventional manner. Figure 18 is a partial view of thermally insulated container 101 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 18 omits the door of the container for clarity purposes. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that mounting assembly 111 is located on a wall of the container 101. In Figure 18, the mounting assembly 1 11 is shown mounted on a rear wall 101d of the container however it will be appreciated that the mounting assembly could be applied to any other wall, such as a side wall, top wall or base wall, as an alternative to the rear wall 101 d, or in addition to having a mounting assembly 111 on the rear wall 101 d.

In some arrangements, a plurality of container walls includes one of the mounting assemblies 111. In some arrangements each of the container walls includes one of the mounting assemblies.

The mounting assembly 111 can be used on at least one wall of the container 111 in addition to the mounting assembly 1 used on the door in the first embodiment, or as an alternative to the mounting assembly 1 used on the door.

Therefore the container 101 can include a single mounting assembly 111 or a plurality of mounting assemblies 111;11.

Figure 19 shows an alternative locking member 225 for a mounting assembly 211 that can be used in place of the locking member used in the first and second embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, the locking member is pivotally attached to the door or container wall, for example on a rib, and typically a central rib. The alternative locking member 225, is not pivotally attached to the door or container wall, but instead is attached to the door or wall in a manner that allows it to move translationally with respect to the door or wall. The alternative locking member 225 is able to move translationally between an access position, or access positions, in order to allow PCM units to be mounted on to the door or container wall, and a locking position which secures the PCM units to the door or container wall on which they are mounted. For example, the alternative locking member 225 can be arranged for sliding movement relative to the door or container wall on which it is mounted. The alternative locking member 225 is typically arranged to move translationally by a limited amount in a plane that is arranged parallel to the door or container wall on which it is mounted. For example, when mounted on the rear wall of the container, the alternative locking member is arranged to move in a substantially vertical plane.

For arrangements having at least two rows of PCM units mounted on the door or container wall on which the alternative locking member 225 is mounted, the alternative locking member can be arranged to move translationally between first, second and third positions. In the first position, PCM units can be mounted on to the first row since the locking member 225 has been moved away from the first row to provide access to the first row. In the first position, the locking member 225 typically overlaps the second row and therefore prevents access to the second row. In the third position, PCM units can be mounted on to the second row since the locking member 225 has been moved away from the second row to provide access to the second row. In the third position, the locking member 225 typically overlaps the first row and therefore prevents access to the first row. In the second position, the locking member 225 partially overlaps both the first and second rows of PCM units, thereby securing them to the door or container wall on which they are mounted. In the second position, a central longitudinal axis of the locking member is generally aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the rib on which the locking member is mounted, when the locking member is viewed in plan.

Similar to the first and second embodiments, the assembly includes first and second locking elements 239,241 and first and second locking formations 243,245 that are arranged to selectively lock the position of the locking member 25 in the second position. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the assembly includes a plurality of limiting elements 247,249,251,253,255 arranged to limit the extent of translational movement of the locking member 225 with respect to the door or wall on which is mounted. Each limiting element, which is typically in the form of a pin, is located within a respective limiting formation 259,261,263,265,267 formed in the locking member. Each limiting formation 59,61,63,65,67,69 typically comprises a slot. As the locking member 225 moves relative to the door or container wall, the limiting elements move within their respective limiting formations. When the locking member 225 has moved translationally to its maximum extent in a first direction, and each limiting element is at a first end of its respective slot, the locking member 225 is at the first position. When the locking member 225 has moved translationally to its maximum extent in a second direction, and each limiting element is at a second end of its respective slot, the locking member 225 is at the third position. When the locking member 225 is in the second position, the limiting elements 247,249,251,253,255 are located between the respective ends of their slots, for example the limiting elements can be located equidistance from the first and second ends of their respective limiting formations 59,61,63,65,67,69.

Various modifications of the invention are possible that fall within the scope of the current invention, some examples of which are discussed below.

A different number of PCM units 10 can be mounted on to the door 3, for example by changing the dimensions of the PCM units 10 and/or the dimensions of the door 3.

The number of rows of PCM units 10 loaded on to the door can be different. For example, to increase the number of rows of PCM units 10, at least one further rib can be provided on the interior of the door. In some embodiments at least one further locking member can be provided. In some embodiment the or each further locking member includes the associated locking elements and limiting elements. To decrease the number of rows to one row, one of the ribs can be removed. The plates 21,23 can be formed integrally with their respective ribs 17,19.

Claims

1. A thermally insulated transportation container for transporting temperature sensitive goods, said container including: thermally insulated walls at least partly defining a storage volume for said goods; an opening member for accessing the thermally insulated storage volume, the opening member having a mounting assembly arranged to receive and mount at least one PCM unit to the opening member and to retain the at least one PCM unit on the opening member during use of the container, the mounting assembly including a mounting member on which the at least one PCM unit is mountable and a locking member that is movably attached to the opening member, wherein the locking member is moveable to a first position in which the at least one PCM unit is mountable on to the mounting member, and the locking member is moveable to a second position which, in use, locks the at least one PCM unit to the opening member.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the locking member is pivotally attached to the opening member.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking member is pivotally attached to the mounting member.

4. The container of claim 2 or 3, wherein the first position is a first rotational orientation of the locking member and the second position is a second rotational orientation of the locking member.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the locking member is movable translationa I ly with respect to the opening member. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member overlaps the at least one PCM unit and thereby locks it to the opening member. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting member comprises a first rib that protrudes outwards from the opening member. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member is pivotally attached to the opening member and/or the mounting member by a pivot pin, and the pivot pin is located towards a central part of the locking member. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein locking member is elongate. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein locking member comprises a plate. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein locking member is generally rectangular in plan. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member includes a first recess formed in a first longitudinal edge of the locking member, arranged to enable a first row of PCM units to be mounted on to the mounting member when the locking member is in the first position. The container of claim 11, wherein the length of the first recess is approximately equal to the width of one of the PCM units. The container of claim 11 or 12, wherein the first recess tapers along its length from a relatively shallow depth at a first end of the recess to a deeper depth at a second end of the recess. The container of any one of the preceding claims, including a second mounting member. The container of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the locking member includes a second recess formed in a second longitudinal edge of the locking member, arranged to enable a second row of PCM units to be mounted on to the second mounting member when the locking member is in the first position. The container of claim 15, wherein the second recess tapers along its length from a relatively shallow depth at a first end of the recess to a deeper depth at a second end of the recess. The container of any one of the preceding claims, including at least one locking element arranged to selectively lock the position of the locking member. The container of claim 17, wherein the locking element is movable to a nonlocking position and to a locking position. The container of claim 18, including a resilient member arranged to bias the locking element into the locking position. The container of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the locking element is mounted on one of the locking member and the opening member, and the other of the locking member and opening member includes a locking formation, wherein the locking element is arranged to engage the locking formation to lock the position of the locking member. The container of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the locking element and locking formation are arranged to lock the position of the locking member when the locking member is at the second position. The container of any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the locking element comprises a pin. The container of any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the locking formation comprises one of an aperture and recess. The container of any one of claims 17 to 23, including a plurality of locking elements and a plurality of respective locking formations. The container of any one of the preceding claims, including at least one limiting element arranged to limit the extent of movement of the locking member. The container of claim 25, wherein the at least one limiting element is arranged to limit pivoting movement of the locking member. The container of claim 25 or 26, wherein the at least one limiting element is arranged to limit translational movement of the locking member. The container of any of claims 25 to 28, wherein one of the locking member and the opening member includes the at least one limiting element and the other of the locking member and the opening member includes a limiting formation arranged to engage the limiting element. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting assembly is arranged to receive and mount a plurality of PCM units to the opening member and to retain the PCM units on the opening member during use of the container. The container of claim 30, wherein the mounting member is located between first and second rows of PCM units. The container of any one of the preceding claims, including at least one PCM unit, and preferably a plurality of PCM units. The container of claim 32, wherein the or each PCM unit comprises a sealable substantially rigid container for storing phase change material therein. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the PCM changes phase at a temperature in the range -25C to 25C. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening member comprises one of a door and a lid. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer shell of the container is made from either a polymer or reinforced glass fibre. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermally insulated walls of the container include at least one vacuum panel. A method for mounting PCM units to an opening member of thermally insulated transportation container, the method including providing a thermally insulated container for transporting temperature sensitive goods, said container including: thermally insulated walls at least partly defining a storage volume for said goods; an opening member for accessing the thermally insulated storage volume; the opening member having a mounting assembly having a locking member moveably attached to the opening member; moving a locking member to a first position which allows at least one PCM unit to be mounted on the opening member; mounting at least one PCM unit on to a mounting member on the opening member; and moving the locking member to a second position which, in use, locks the at least one PCM unit to the opening member. A thermally insulated transportation container for transporting temperature sensitive goods, said container including: thermally insulated walls at least partly defining a storage volume for said goods; an opening member for accessing the thermally insulated storage volume; wherein at least one container wall includes a mounting assembly arranged to receive and mount at least one PCM unit to the wall and to retain the at least one PCM unit on the wall during use of the container, the mounting assembly including a mounting member on which the at least one PCM unit is mountable and a locking member that is movably attached to the opening member, wherein the locking member is movable to a first position in which the at least one PCM unit is mountable on to the mounting member, and the locking member is moveable to a second position which, in use, locks the at least one PCM unit to the wall. A method for mounting PCM units to an opening member of thermally insulated transportation container, the method including providing a thermally insulated container for transporting temperature sensitive goods, said container including: thermally insulated walls at least partly defining a storage volume for said goods; an opening member for accessing the thermally insulated storage volume; at least one container wall having a mounting assembly having a locking member moveably attached to the wall; moving a locking member to a first position which allows at least one PCM unit to be mounted on the wall; mounting at least one PCM unit onto a mounting member on the wall; and moving the locking member to a second position which, in use, locks the at least one PCM unit to the wall.