ES2732775T3 - Packing system with insured temperature based on convection - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging system (70) for transporting a temperature sensitive payload, the packaging system (70) comprising: a shell (72) comprising a lower panel (74), an uppermost panel (16) and in spaced vertical alignment with the bottom panel (74), vertically extending side panels (78) between the bottom panel (74) and top panel (16), and vertically extending end panels (80) therebetween. the bottom panel (74) and the top panel (16), a housing (72) defining a product compartment (82) for holding a payload; one or more lower cooling layers (28) located between the lower panel (74) and the payload; one or more upper cooling layers (28, 30) located between the payload and the upper panel (16); characterized in that the packaging system (70) further comprises: four channel members 84, with one channel member 84 attached to each of the side panels 78 and end panels 80, each channel member (84) comprising an inward facing panel (92), an outward facing panel 94 connected to the inward facing panel (92) by side panels (96), and one or more inner panels (98) disposed between the panel (92) facing inwards and the panel (94) facing outwards; the inward-facing panel (92), the outward-facing panel (94), and the one or more inner panels (98) defining a series of alternating inner channels (90) and outer channels (91) configured to allow the vertical air circulation in vertical flow the paths that alternate between upward flow through the external channels (91) and downward flow through the interior channels (90), each interior channel (90) and each channel (91) exterior have a triangular cross-section.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Packing system with insured temperature based on convection

Cross reference to related applications

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 752,894 filed on January 29, 2013 and claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 705,995 filed on September 26, 2012.

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a packaging system for the transport of temperature sensitive products. More particularly, this invention relates to a packaging system for the transport of temperature sensitive products, which reduces or eliminates the need for lateral cooling components and improves thermal performance.

Description of the related technique

Current pallet conveyors for use with temperature sensitive products use side cooling components in addition to upper and lower cooling components to surround the products on six sides. These types of pallet conveyor elements are generally assembled by loading the products in the conveyor element and then inserting refrigerants around the products. This six-sided configuration is inefficient in terms of product and refrigerant packaging. For example, refrigerants that are inserted along the sides of the product transport element, between the products and the outer container, can fall and change the position within the transport element. The use of side refrigerants also results in greater weight and transportation cost.

However, the removal of side refrigerants may result in products becoming too hot. For temperature-sensitive products, such as those that must be maintained at a temperature not exceeding 15 ° C (59 ° F), the removal of side refrigerants has been an option so far unacceptable. US 2014/0083650 A1 describes a packaging system for the transport of a temperature-sensitive payload, the packaging system comprising a housing comprising a lower panel, an upper panel located higher and in vertical alignment spaced with the bottom panel, side panels that extend vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel, and the end panels that extend vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel, the housing defining a product compartment for containing a payload , wherein the packaging system further comprises one or more lower cooling layers located between the lower panel and the payload and one or more upper cooling layers located between the payload and the upper panel.

U.S. Patent No. 2,533,773 describes a container that has holes through which air can flow from the outside into 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 to transport a temperature sensitive payload in hot weather conditions.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,632,311 describes a box that has dry ice on the lid. Dry ice cools the air that then flows down through the air spaces 16 in the interior walls. The insulating material 13 is located between the inner walls and a metal outer basket 2. Sullivan does not provide any channels to allow air heated by ambient air to flow up.

US 2006/0174648 A1 describes a transport container that uses a fan to generate forced air circulation. The container may have rectangular posts that define holes 36b that allow air circulation without hindrance over the contents 30.

The present invention is designed to solve the problems described above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a packaging system that uses a convection 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 comprising a housing defining a product compartment to contain a temperature sensitive payload, one or more lower cooling layers and one or more upper cooling layers. The housing comprises a lower panel, an upper panel located above and in vertical alignment spaced from the lower panel, side panels that extend vertically between the lower panel and the upper panel, and end panels that extend vertically between the lower panel and the top panel The lower cooling layers are between the lower panel and the payload.

The upper cooling layers are located between the payload and the top panel. The hollow vertical posts are disposed within the product compartment adjacent to the side panels or the end panels.

In a key aspect of the invention, the packaging system comprises one or more channel members fixed to the inner surfaces of the side panels and / or end panels to facilitate convection air circulation within the product compartment. Each channel member has an open upper end and an open lower end and defines a plurality of vertical channels.

The channel member may be made of folded and glued corrugated board, and may comprise an interior facing panel and an exterior facing panel connected by side panels and defining an interior space. An internal panel is disposed within the interior space and folds in an accordion shape along the vertical lines of internal folding and along the vertical lines of external folding. The interior facing panel, the exterior facing panel and the internal panel define a series of alternate interior channels and exterior channels that function as vertical flow paths that alternate between upstream and downstream flow. The relatively hotter air rises through the outer channels until the air leaves the channel member and is cooled by the upper cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled air then falls through the inner channels. The shape and configuration of the channel members can be configured to optimize the air flow through the channel members.

In a refinement, each of the lower cooling layers comprises multiple cooling components arranged from edge to edge to form a layer within the packaging system. Each refrigerant component may comprise a phase change material (such as water) and an outer protective container.

In another refinement, each of the upper cooling layers comprises a layer of refrigerant components arranged edge to edge to form an upper refrigerant layer located immediately adjacent to the payload, and at least one layer and preferably three layers of frozen components arranged from edge to edge to form a frozen top layer disposed between the top coolant layer and the top panel. Each frozen component may comprise a phase change material and a protective outer container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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 of Figure 1 shown with the lid removed.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the packaging system of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging system of Figure 1, taken along line 4-4.

Figure 5 is a close-up view taken of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a partially assembled packaging system according to the invention.

Fig. 7 is a partial perspective 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 of Figure 7 taken along line 8 8.

Figure 9 is a partial perspective view cut out of another alternative embodiment of a portion of a packaging system according to the invention.

Figure 10 is a close view of a portion of the embodiment of Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although this invention can be carried out in many ways, it is shown in the drawings and one or more embodiments will be described here in detail with the understanding that this description should be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

Packing system

Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention, a packaging system for temperature sensitive products, is shown in the figures. As best shown in Figures 1 and 3, the packaging system 10 comprises a housing 12 that functions as a protective enclosure for the contents of the packaging system. The housing 12 comprises a lower panel 14, an upper panel 16, two lateral panels 18 and two end panels 20. The side panels 18 and the end panels 20 extend vertically between the lower panel 14 and the upper panel 16 to form the housing 12. The lower panel 14, as well as the lower portions of the side panels 18 and the panels 20 of the ends can fit inside a lower tray 22. The packaging system 10 can be wrapped in a transparent wrapper (not shown) and placed on a pallet 70.

As best shown in Figure 3, the lower tray 22 comprises a lower wall 23 and four side walls 24 extending upward from the periphery of the lower wall 23. The lower panel 14 is disposed within the lower tray 22. Preferably, there are spaces between the periphery of the lower panel 14 and the side walls 24 of the tray to accommodate the lower portions of the side panels 18 and the end panels 20.

Each outer panel, that is, the bottom panel 14, the top panel 16, the two side panels 18 and the two end panels 20, can be made of an inner core of rigid molded polyurethane (PUR), preferably about 7 centimeters (23/4 inches) thick, enclosed within an outer cover of corrugated cardboard. Each outer panel can be configured to interlock with each adjacent orthogonal outer panel. The square board 54 may be glued or adhered to the contiguous edges of each pair of orthogonally oriented external panels.

The housing 12 defines a product compartment 40 in which a payload 56 can be placed for transport. Typically, but without limitation, payload 56 may consist of containers 57 of stacked products.

Figure 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. Like the other external panels, the upper panel 16 is configured to interlock with each adjacent orthogonal external panel, in this case, the two side panels 18 and the two end panels 20. As explained below, the upper panel 16 is the last of the six outer panels that will be added to the packing system 10.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the packing system 10 of Figure 1. From the bottom up, the product compartment 40 is filled with a spacer 26, two cooling layers 28, the payload 56, a layer 28 refrigerant and three layers 30 frozen.

The spacer 26 is arranged at the top and adjacent to the bottom panel 14. The spacer 26 may comprise a sheet 27 and heels 29 spaced apart from each other, extending approximately 3,175 centimeters (1 1/4 inches) down (as shown in the figure) or preferably, upwards from the sheet 27. The spacer 26 may be made of any suitable material, including, without limitation, extruded or corrugated plastic.

Each of the two lower coolant layers 28, located between the spacer 26 and the payload 56, may comprise a single unit structure or, more commonly, multiple refrigerant components (sometimes called "bricks") arranged, edge to edge, to form a "layer" inside the packing system 10. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3, two layers of refrigerant 28 are arranged immediately below payload 56.

As indicated above, payload 56 may consist of containers 57 of stacked products. The product containers 57 may comprise corrugated cardboard boxes to contain laboratory samples, pharmaceuticals, inoculations or any other suitable payload that requires a temperature-controlled environment.

A cooling top layer 28 is disposed immediately above the product containers 57. Like the two lower refrigerant layers 28, the upper refrigerant layer 28 may comprise a single unit structure or, preferably, multiple refrigerant components ("bricks") arranged, edge to edge to form a layer.

Three frozen layers 30 are arranged on top of the upper refrigerant layer 28. Like the cooling layers 28, each frozen layer 30 may comprise a single unit 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 arranged immediately above the upper cooling layer 28.

The cooling layers, that is, the cooling layers 28 and / or the frozen layers 30, absorb heat. Generally speaking, the cooling bricks and frozen bricks can comprise a foam material having a low weight and high absorbency, a phase change material and a protective outer container. For example, the cooling bricks may comprise a foam material that has been infused with water cooled to approximately 5 ° C (41 ° F) and contained within a brick-shaped plastic enclosure. Similarly, frozen bricks may comprise a foam material that has been infused with water cooled to approximately -20 ° C (-4 ° F) and is contained within a brick-shaped plastic enclosure. The bricks can be rectilinear and have the shape of a flattened brick, or they can have any suitable three-dimensional shape. Refrigerant bricks and frozen bricks may be similar to those sold under the PolarPack® and U-tek® trademarks by Tegrant Diversified Brands, Inc.

Although the packaging system 10 has been described with two refrigerant layers 28 below the payload 56 and a refrigerant layer 28 and three frozen layers 30 above the payload 56, it should be understood that this is only one embodiment of the invention, and that the number of refrigerant layers 28 and frozen layers 30 below and above payload 56 may vary depending on the cooling requirements and the transport time. In addition, although the packaging system 10 described herein does not include cooling components located around the sides of the payload 56, the description should not be construed to necessarily exclude said side cooling components.

Optionally, a foam padding layer (not shown in the figures) can be placed between the frozen layer 30 located above and the upper panel 16. However, in some applications, it is desirable to have a gap or gap of approximately 3.8 cm (11/2 inch) between the frozen layer 30 located above and the upper panel 16.

34 vertical posts

In addition, the packing system 10 comprises multiple vertical posts 34 located within the product compartment 40, adjacent to the side panels 18 and / or the end panels 20.

Vertical posts 34 may be hollow paper posts of rolled paper such as those sold by Sonoco Products Company of Hartsville, SC, under the trademark SONOPOST®. Alternatively, the vertical posts 34 may be made of extruded plastic or any suitable material.

Figure 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 can be adjacent to the inner contents of the packing system 10, such as coolant layers 28, frozen layers 30 and product containers 57. Each vertical post 34 has an open upper end 46 (Figures 3 and 6) and an open lower end and defines a vertical interior space 58 within the post 34. Adjacent pairs of vertical posts 34 define channels 60 oriented vertically between the vertical posts 34 which may have a depth of approximately one inch (2.54 centimeters) when measured from the inner surface of the side panel 18 or the end panel 20 to the product containers 57. The vertical posts 34 may be previously glued or otherwise fixed to the side panels 18 and the end panels 20.

Figure 5 is a close-up view of a portion of Figure 4. Vertical posts 34 may have any form of suitable cross-section, including circular or rectangular, but triangular is preferred. In a triangular cross-section profile design like the one shown in Figure 5, each vertical post 34 comprises a side 36 facing outwardly adjacent to a side panel 18 (as shown in the figure) or to a panel 20 of the angled end and two sides 38 extending from opposite vertical edges 42 of the side 36 facing the exterior and located along an elongated vertical inner edge or vertex 44. Preferably, the vertical posts 34 have an inch (2, 54 centimeters) deep when measured from its side 36 facing outside to its vertex 44.

The functions of the vertical posts 34 are explained in the next section.

Operating theory

It is considered, in theory, that the packaging system 10 takes advantage of the principle of convection air movement by creating flow spaces around the outer periphery of the product compartment 40 for air to circulate. The lower spacer 26 separates the lower cooling layers 28 from the lower panel 14, creating a horizontally oriented space into which air can flow. Without the bottom spacer 26, the cold air that sits near the bottom of the product compartment 40 could stagnate, reducing the ability of the system 10 to keep all product containers 57 and their contents within a desirable temperature range.

The vertical posts 34 fulfill 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 collide with the side panels and the end panels, more heat enters the product containers. The addition of vertical posts 34 separates the product containers 57 from the side panels 18 and the end panels 20, significantly reducing the contact areas between the product containers 57 and the side panels 18 and the end panels 20 and, by therefore, the transfer of heat from the outside to the product containers 57.

Secondly, vertical posts 34 help facilitate convection air circulation within the product compartment 40 by creating interior spaces 58 within posts 34 and channels 60 between posts 34 (and between side panels 18 and panels 20 of the ends and the containers 57 of products) for the movement of the air. When the packing system 10 is assembled, the product compartment 40 contains a certain amount of air. The air moves inside the product compartment 40 because the air in different locations has different temperatures and densities. The coldest air (i.e. the air cooled by layers 30 frozen) has a higher density and tends to fall into the product compartment 40. On the contrary, as the air at the bottom of the compartment 40 of the product heats up, the hot air tends to flow upward, thus establishing a continuous flow of air within the compartment 40 of the product. Vertical poles 34 facilitate this process by providing interior spaces 58 within which hot air can flow up and channels 60 within which colder air can flow down. Therefore, each vertical post 34 must be separated from the upper panel 16 and the lower panel 14 a sufficient distance to facilitate the flow of warmer air through the vertical interior spaces 58 within each vertical post 34.

Simulation tests indicate that the air inside the vertical posts 34 is heated due to the large contact surface between the side 36 facing the exterior of the vertical posts 34 and the side panels 18 and the end panels 20. The air present in the air channels 60 between the vertical posts 34 can also be heated, but generally not as much as the air inside the vertical posts 34, because the air between the vertical posts 34 is not so confined. As the air inside the vertical posts 34 heats up, it rises into the interior spaces 58 of the vertical posts 34 and exits through the open upper ends 46 of the vertical posts 34, where the air is exposed to the layers 30 frozen and top 28 refrigerant layer. When the hot air comes into contact with the frozen layers 30 and the upper cooling layer 28, the air cools and begins to fall through the air channels 60 between the vertical posts 34 along the containers 57 of the product towards the side panels 18 and end panels 20.

The convection flow down of the colder air against the sides of the product containers 57 helps keep the product containers 57 at a cold temperature. The product containers 57 located in the center of the product compartment 40, furthest from the cooling bricks or frozen bricks, can be kept within an acceptable temperature range. Even the product containers 57 located in the corners of the payload 56, which are more susceptible to temperature increases (when the ambient temperature is higher than the transport temperature), can be maintained within an acceptable temperature range.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling a packing system with ensured temperature. The method may comprise the following stages:

First, the vertical posts 34 may be previously glued or otherwise fixed to the interior facing surfaces (product) of the side panels 18 and the end panels 20. The vertical posts 34 should be shorter than the side panels 18 and the end panels 20, so that their open ends will be separated from the upper panel 16 and the lower panel 14.

The housing 12 can be assembled by first placing the lower panel 14 in the lower tray 22, then inserting a side panel 18 and both end panels 20 in the lower tray 22 between the side walls 24 of the lower tray and the lower panel 14 to form the three-sided enclosure shown in Figure 6. The upper part and the front part of the housing 12 are left open so that the interior contents can be loaded.

The first article that is loaded in the product compartment 40 is the spacer 26, which is placed on top of the lower panel 14.

Next, the two lower cooling layers 28 are placed on the spacer 26, typically by arrangement of multiple cooling bricks to form two cooling layers 28.

Next, the product containers 57 are stacked inside the product compartment 40 on the two lower coolant layers 28.

An upper layer 28 of refrigerant is placed on top of the product containers 57, again, arranging multiple cooling bricks in one 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, which is not shown in Figure 6, is wedged between the side wall 24 of the lower tray and the lower panel 14 to form a four-sided enclosure.

The upper panel 16 is placed on the upper flanges of the side panels 18 and the end panels 20 to form the six-sided outer shell 12.

The optional square panels 54 can be glued or otherwise fixed to the edges of the housing 12.

Finally, an optional stretchable transparent wrap may be arranged wrapped around the housing 12.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for maintaining a payload within a desired temperature range. The method may comprise the following steps:

a) loading the payload in a packing system comprising a housing having the lower, upper and vertical sides, cooling layers arranged above and below the payload, hollow vertical posts arranged between the payload and the sides vertical of the housing, the vertical posts that define interior spaces within the vertical posts and channels between adjacent vertical posts; b) allowing relatively hotter air to rise inside the interior spaces of the vertical posts until it leaves the vertical posts and is cooled by the cooling layers on the payload to form cooled air; Y

c) allowing cold air to fall through the channels while in contact with the payload. Figure 7 is a partial perspective view in section of an alternative embodiment of a portion of a packaging system according to the invention. As in the previous embodiment, the packaging system 70 may comprise a housing 72 comprising a lower panel 74 (partially shown in Figure 7), an upper panel (not shown), side panels 78 and vertically extending end panels 80 between the lower panel 74 and the upper panel. The housing 72 defines a product compartment 82 to contain a payload (not shown). Also as in the previous embodiment but not shown in Figure 7, the packaging system 70 may comprise one or more lower cooling layers located between the lower panel 74 and the payload and one or more upper cooling layers located between the load Useful and top panel.

Instead of hollow vertical posts, the packaging system 70 shown in Figure 7 comprises channel members 84 to facilitate convection air circulation within the product compartment 82. Each channel member 84 can be glued or fixed to one of the side panels 78 or end panels 80. Each channel member 84 has an open upper end 86 and an open lower end 88 and defines a plurality of vertical channels 90, 91 within the channel member 84. Preferably, the packaging system 70 comprises four channel members 84, with a channel member 84 fixed 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 fixed to a side panel 78. The channel member 84 may be made of folded and glued corrugated board, and may comprise a panel 92 facing the inside and a panel 94 facing the outside connected by side panels 96 to define an interior space 97. Stretch marks on the corrugated board can run horizontally to allow more precise folding. The channel member 84 may be at least one inch (2.54 centimeters) deep as measured from the panel 92 facing the inside to the panel 94 facing the outside, and preferably between one and one and a half inches (3.8 centimeters) deep. The channel 84 may include an outer layer 99 of cardboard or similar material wrapped around the panel 92 facing the inside, the panel 94 facing the outside and the side panels 96.

One or more internal panels 98 are disposed within the interior space 97 and extend between the panel 92 facing the interior and the panel 94 facing the exterior and the upper end 86 and the lower end 88 of the channel member 84. In the figures, the one or more internal panels 98 is a single internal panel 98 folded in accordion form. The inner panel 98 folds along the vertical inner fold lines 100 that define the inner vertices 100 and along the outer vertical fold lines 102 that define the outer vertices 102. Preferably, the interior vertices 100 come into contact with the panel 92 facing the interior and the exterior vertices 102 contact the panel 94 facing the exterior.

The interior facing panel 92, the exterior facing panel 94 and the internal panel 98 define a series of alternate interior channels 90 and exterior channels 91 that function as vertical flow paths that alternate between upstream and downstream flow.

It can be thought that the channel member 84 comprises a plurality of adjacent inner and outer side pipes 104, 106, having a triangular cross-sectional shape, with each adjacent pair of inner and outer tubes 104, 106 sharing a wall 108 common.

Each inner tube 104 has a triangular cross-sectional profile and comprises a base 106 facing the inside and two angled sides 108. The base 108 facing the interior extends from an interior vertex 100 to an adjacent interior index 100 and forms part of the panel 92 facing the inside of the channel member. Angled sides 108 extend from adjacent interior vertices 100 to a common exterior vertex 102.

Each outer tube 110 has a triangular cross-sectional profile and comprises a base 112 facing the outside and two angled sides 108 that it shares with two inner tubes 104. The base 112 facing the exterior extends from an outer vertex 102 to an adjacent outer vertex 102 and is part of the panel 94 facing the outside of the channel member. Angled sides 108 extend from different outer vertices 102 to a common inner vertex 100. The outer base 112 is adjacent to the housing 72 in the assembled packing system 70.

The inner tubes 104 and the outer tubes 110 define a series of alternate inner channels 90 and outer channels 91 that function as vertical flow paths that alternate between the upstream and the downstream flow as indicated by the arrows in Figure 7. he believes that, in a manner similar to that of the previous embodiment, the hot air rises through the outer channels 91 until the air leaves the members 84 of the channel and is cooled by the upper cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled air then falls through the internal channels 90. The shape and configuration of the channel members 84 must be optimized to allow air to flow through the channel members.

Figure 9 is a partial perspective view in section of another alternative embodiment of a portion of a packaging system according to the invention. As in the two previous embodiments, the packaging system 120 may comprise a housing 72 comprising a lower panel 74 (partially shown in Figure 9), an upper panel (not shown), side panels 78 and end panels 80 that They extend vertically between the lower panel 74 and the upper panel. The housing 72 defines a product compartment 82 to contain a payload (not shown). Also as in the previous embodiment, but not shown in Figure 9, the packaging system 120 may comprise one or more lower cooling layers located between the lower panel 74 and the payload and one or more upper cooling layers located between the payload and the top panel.

The packing system 120 comprises channel members 124 adhered or otherwise fixed to one of the side panels 78 or end panels 80. Each channel member 124 has an open upper end 126 and an open lower end 128 and defines a plurality of large outer channels 130 and small inner channels 132. Preferably, the packing system 120 comprises four channel members 124, with a channel member 124 fixed 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 cardboard or similar material wrapped around the corrugated structures.

The channel member 124 defines a series of laterally separated adjacent outer channels 130 that have a rectangular cross section and are designed to carry hot air upwards and a series of adjacent, laterally separated inner channels that have a rectangular cross section and are designed to transport cooled air down. The outer channels 130 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the inner channels 132. For example, each outer channel 130 may have a lateral dimension (width) (that is, the dimension parallel to the wall to which the channel member 124 is attached) that is larger than the lateral dimension of each inner channel 132. For example, as best shown in Figure 10, 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 (ie, 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.

It is believed that, similar to that of the previous embodiments, the hot air rises through the outer channels 130 (because they are closer to the outer walls of the packing system 120) until the air leaves the outer channels 130 and it is cooled by the upper cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled air then falls through the inner channels 132 until the air leaves the lower end 128 of the channel member 124. The shape and configuration of the channel members 124 can be optimized to allow air to flow through the channel members 124.

Industrial Applicability

The packing system 10 can be used to pack and transport temperature sensitive products. Generally, these products have a specific or required temperature range that must be maintained during a specific shipping time and while the packaging system is subject to various ambient temperature conditions. For example, a product can be expected to be transported for 120 hours and exposed to ambient temperatures between 30 ° C and 45 ° C (86F and 113F), but it has a temperature tolerance between 0 ° C and 15 ° C (32F and 59F). A packaging system according to the present disclosure can be designed to adapt to these requirements.

The packaging system can 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 when the user (for example, the manufacturer of the product) desires a packaging system that does not have side refrigerants that can be sent over long distances, even from continent to continent. The use of the current packaging system can supplant the use of multiple smaller package transports.

The packing system 10 can accommodate a full pallet load of products or product containers 57. Accordingly, a typical packing system 10 may be approximately 48 inches (122 centimeters) wide by 48 inches (122 centimeters) deep by 56 inches (142 centimeters) high. The packing system 10 can be placed on a wooden pallet or other type and moved with a forklift.

It is understood that the embodiments of the invention described above are only particular examples that serve to illustrate the principles of the invention. Alternative modifications and embodiments of the invention are contemplated that do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined by the above teachings and the appended claims. The claims are intended to cover all modifications and alternative embodiments that are within its scope.

Claims (9)

1. A packaging system (70) for transporting a temperature sensitive payload, the packaging system (70) comprising: a housing (72) comprising a lower panel (74), an upper panel (16) located higher and in vertical alignment spaced with the lower panel (74), side panels (78) extending vertically between the panel (74) ) lower and the upper panel (16) and the panels (80) of the ends extending vertically between the lower panel (74) and the upper panel (16), a housing (72) defining a compartment (82) of the product to sustain a payload; one or more lower cooling layers (28) located between the lower panel (74) and the payload; one or more upper cooling layers (28, 30) located between the payload and the upper panel (16); characterized in that the packaging system (70) further comprises: four channel members 84, with a channel member 84 fixed to each of the side panels 78 and end panels 80, each channel member (84) comprising a panel (92) facing inward, a panel 94 of facing the outside connected to the panel (92) facing the interior by side panels (96), and one or more internal panels (98) arranged between the panel (92) facing the inside and the panel (94) facing the outside ; the panel (92) facing the interior, the panel (94) facing the exterior and the one or more internal panels (98) defining a series of alternative interior channels (90) and external channels (91) configured to allow vertical air circulation in vertical flow the paths that alternate between the upward flow through the external channels (91) and the downward flow through the interior channels (90), each interior channel (90) and each channel (91) Outside have a triangular cross section. 2. The packaging system (70) of claim 1, wherein: the or more internal panels (98) form two sides (108) of each of a series of alternative internal tubes (104) and external tubes (110). 3. The packaging system (70) of claim 2, wherein: the or more internal panels (98) is a single internal panel (98) folded in accordion form. 4. The packaging system (70) of claim 3, wherein: the inner panel (98) folds in an accordion shape along the vertically oriented inner fold lines (100) defining the inner vertices (100) and along the vertically oriented outer fold lines (102) that define the outer vertices (102); each of the inner tubes (104) has a triangular cross-sectional profile and comprises a base (106) oriented inwards and two angled sides (108), the base (106) facing inward is a part of the panel ( 92) facing the inside of the channel member and extends from an inner vertex (100) to an adjacent inner vertex (100), each angled side (108) is a part of the inner panel (98), and the sides (108) ) angled extend from the interior vertices (100) adjacent to a common exterior vertex (102); and each of the outer tubes (110) has a triangular cross-sectional profile and comprises a base (112) facing the exterior adjacent to the housing (72) and two angled sides (108), the face base (112) to the outside is a part of the panel (94) facing the outside of the channel member and extends from an outer vertex (102) to an adjacent outer vertex (102), each angled side (108) forms part of the panel (98) internal, and the angled sides (108) extend from different outer vertices (102) to a common inner vertex (100). 5. The packaging system (70) of claim 2, wherein: Each pair of adjacent tubes (104), (106) shares a common angled side (108). 6. The packaging system (70) of claim 1, wherein: A lower portion of each channel member (84) is interposed between the lower cooling layers (28) and a side panel (18) or an end panel (20). 7. 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. 8. The packaging system (70) of claim 1, wherein: The channel member (84) includes an outer layer (99) of material wrapped around the panel (92) facing the inside, the panel (94) facing the outside and the side panels (96). 9. The packaging system (70) of claim 1, wherein: the channel member (84) is separated from the upper panel (16) and the lower panel (74) a sufficient distance to allow air to flow through the channel member (84).