GB2552821A

GB2552821A - An apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or storage

Info

Publication number: GB2552821A
Application number: GB1613817.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roberts Samuel
Original assignee: Kryotex Ltd
Current assignee: Kryotex Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-11
Filing date: 2016-08-11
Publication date: 2018-02-14
Also published as: GB201613817D0

Abstract

An apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or in storage comprises at least one receptacle 3 used with a container 1 for holding perishable goods. The receptacle holds a quantity of cooling agent such that the quantity of cooling agent within the receptacle will absorb heat energy so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over a time period. The receptacle may be a tray and comprise between 15 and 30 apertures 11 arranged regularly across a base wall and each having an area greater than 15mm2. The receptacle may comprise part of a lid to close the container. The thickness of the base wall may be between 8 and 30mm. Container 1 may comprise hooks 12 so that bags can be hooked on them. A removable thermal insulating insert (1000, fig 5) may be fitted in the container. The tray may be partitioned into sub parts 6, 7. The cooling agent may be dry ice or other phase change material, frozen gel, or water packs. Perishable items may include foodstuffs, vaccines or bio-tissue.

Description

(54) Title ofthe Invention: An apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or storage Abstract Title: An apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or in storage (57) An apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or in storage comprises at least one receptacle 3 used with a container 1 for holding perishable goods. The receptacle holds a quantity of cooling agent such that the quantity of cooling agent within the receptacle will absorb heat energy so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over a time period. The receptacle may be a tray and comprise between 15 and 30 apertures 11 arranged regularly across a base wall and each having an area greater than 15mm². The receptacle may comprise part of a lid to close the container. The thickness ofthe base wall may be between 8 and 30mm. Container 1 may comprise hooks 12 so that bags can be hooked on them. A removable thermal insulating insert (1000, fig 5) may be fitted in the container. The tray may be partitioned into sub parts 6, 7. The cooling agent may be dry ice or other phase change material, frozen gel, or water packs. Perishable items may include foodstuffs, vaccines or bio-tissue.

2^ art) figure 3

3/5

Figyre 4

Figure 5

4/5

Figure 6a

SIS

Figure 7

Figure 8

- 1 AN APPARATUS FOR PRESERVING PERISHABLE ITEMS IN TRANSIT OR

STORAGE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for assisting with preserving perishable items in transit or in storage. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for lowering and regulating the internal temperature of a storage and transit container for perishable items, the apparatus not requiring a power supply. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a receptacle for use with or which forms part of a storage and transit container for perishable goods, the receptacle structured so that a chilling or cooling agent located in the receptacle will absorb heat energy in such a manner as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over an extended time period.

Background to the Invention

Refrigeration has made it possible to store and transport perishable items such as foodstuffs, and to delay the point in time at which these will become unusable. However, keeping a refrigerated container cooled requires access to a power source, in order to drive vapour compression in the refrigeration cycle. It is not always possible to store or transport goods in refrigerated units such as refrigerated vans, as there may not be sufficient room for a refrigeration apparatus or access to a suitable power source during transport.

One solution for short-term storage or transport has been to use insulated boxes or bins. The boxes and/or the goods are chilled below ambient temperature during loading or in longer-term storage. The insulation acts to slow warming once the boxes are moved to an area with a higher ambient temperature such as during transit, and helps to retain items stored in the boxes at a lower temperature than the surrounding ambient temperature for longer periods. Warming can be slowed further by placing a quantity of cooling agent in the box along with the perishable items, such as for example containers of frozen water or gel, or dry ice or similar. This has the effect of keeping the temperature lower for longer, as more energy is required to be absorbed in order to raise the internal temperature of the container by an equivalent amount. However, using a chilling agent in this manner does not allow a user to control the internal temperature of the container: introducing a chilling agent at a temperature below freezing can cause the internal temperature of the container to initially drop below a desired minimum level, possibly causing damage to the goods with the temperature then rising above a preferred maximum sooner than required.

The prior art has examples of a container and/or cooling element for use in such a container. NL1007936 describes a food tray having a lid to retain coolant which completely encloses and isolates the coolant from fluid communication with the contents of the container. JP63294370 includes slits within the lower surface of a lid to allow cooled air to circulate into the main body of a container from the lid, said lid containing a coolant.

EP0153975 discloses a lid containing a battery and coolant medium having a large heat capacity, which lid is designed to be able to store the battery safely. WO01/044731 has a diffusing membrane between the lid, which contains the coolant material, and the product held within the container. The document JPH 043960 has holes of differing sizes in a precise layout in the base of a container lid. The holes extend not only through the lid, but also into parts of the side wall of the container to increase free flow of coolant air. A reference to the Kryolid, to be found at the internet reference www_:kryotex_:cqm shows a lid having an array, 7x4 of identical holes to allow coolant air circulation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or in storage which helps to overcome the problems outlined above, or which at least provides a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides:

an apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or in storage, comprising: at least one receptacle configured for use with or as part of a closed container for holding perishable goods, the receptacle configured to hold a quantity of cooling agent and further configured such that the quantity of cooling agent within the receptacle will absorb heat energy so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over an extended time period.

The apparatus allows goods to be maintained at the required temperature for as long as is necessary, and also for the temperature within a receptacle to be similar at different points within the receptacle.

Preferably, the receptacle is configured to form at least part of a lid for a container, the lid and container configured so that the contents are fully enclosed when the lid is in place on the container. The enclosure allows heat transfer to be controlled and also reduces the risk of contamination of the contents of the container.

Conveniently the receptacle comprises at least one portion aligned towards the interior of the container in use, the at least one portion shaped and sized such that in use heat energy is absorbed in a controlled manner by a quantity of cooling agent located within the receptacle. The shape of the receptacle directs the flow of cooling agent to where the cooling agent is needed. Further conveniently, the at least one portion comprises a wall section and a plurality of apertures passing through the wall section between the interior and the exterior of the receptacle, the wall section having a thickness, and the apertures sized, shaped, and positioned such that heat energy will be absorbed by a cooling agent located within the receptacle so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over an extended time period. Yet further conveniently, the apertures are arranged regularly across the wall area. Still yet further conveniently, the ratio of aperture area to bin volume is from 3-4 cm'¹.

Preferably, the wall has between 15 and 30 apertures. The apertures allow cooling agent to pass into the receptacle at a controlled rate.

Preferably, the wall thickness is substantially between 15mm and 20mm to control heat transfer.

Optionally, the receptacle is configured as a tray that forms part of a lid for the enclosing container and which in use holds a quantity of cooling agent, the base of the tray forming the wall section.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or in storage, the apparatus comprising;

a container, configured to hold a quantity of perishable goods in use; a lid for the container, the lid and container configured so as to together form a closed container use;

at least one receptacle configured to hold a quantity of cooling agent and further configured such that the quantity of cooling agent within the receptacle will absorb heat energy so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over an extended time period. The apparatus provides a container for goods and also a means to aid retention of those goods at the desired, usually lower-than-ambient temperature.

Preferably, the receptacle is configured as at least part of the lid. This allows good fluid connection between a cooling agent and the goods within the container. Further preferably, the receptacle comprises at least one portion aligned towards the interior of the container in use, the at least one portion shaped and sized such that in use heat energy is absorbed in a controlled manner by a quantity of cooling agent located within the receptacle. Yet further preferably the receptacle is configured as a tray that forms part of the lid and which in use holds a quantity of cooling agent, the base of the tray forming the at least one portion aligned towards the interior of the container in use. Still yet further preferably, the base of the tray comprises a wall section having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, the wall section having a thickness and the apertures sized, shaped, and positioned such that heat energy is absorbed so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over a time period. Yet still further preferably, the ratio of aperture area to bin volume is from 3-4 cm^-1

Preferably, the wall has between 15 and 30 apertures.

Brief Description of the Figures

The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example only, embodiments of an apparatus for assisting with preserving perishable items in transit or in storage. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view from above and to one side of an embodiment of the apparatus in use with a box or bin for transporting perishable goods, the apparatus comprising a tray section that forms part of a lid for the box or bin, the tray section having a base portion with surrounding walls and a central divider that divides into two sub-portions, the tray section holding a quantity of solid chilling agent or an appropriately-shaped sealed container of chilling agent, the base of the tray section having a number of apertures formed therethrough, an upper closing portion closing the open top of the tray section in use, and in use the lid closing the top of the box or bin and the chilling agent providing a cooling effect via heat absorption to the contents and interior of the box or bin.

Figure 2 shows a known or prior art type of box or bin such as can be used with embodiments of the present invention, the bin having sides that fold down parallel with the base so that the bin can be stored ‘flat packed’, the sides foldable upwards away from the base to surround and extend upwards from the base to form an open-topped container.

Figure 3 shows a cutaway view of one end of the apparatus of the present invention in use with a bin, the apparatus similar to that shown in figure 1 and configured as a tray section that forms part of a lid for the box or bin, the tray section having a base and a surrounding wall that extends upwards from the edge of the base, the tray section in use holding a quantity of solid chilling agent or an appropriately-shaped sealed container of chilling agent, the base having a number of apertures formed therethrough, in use the lid closing the top of the box or bin and the chilling agent in the tray section providing a cooling effect via heat absorption to the contents and interior of the bin, the figure showing how cooler gases flow downwards into the bin from the tray portion and circulate with the ambient air/gases within the bin to assist with providing the cooling effect.

Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention from a similar angle to figure 1, the apparatus in use with a box or bin for transporting perishable goods, the apparatus configured in a similar fashion to the apparatus of figure 1, but with a smaller number of differently-sized apertures formed through the base portion.

Figure 5 shows perspective exploded views of variations of the present invention in use with single- and double-length bins, with either a single tray section or two tray sections used respectively, the tray sections shown in this figure being variations of those shown in the preceding figures, without a central divider.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view from slightly above and to one side of a variation of the tray section of figures 1, 3, 4, or 5, with the tray section having no central divider.

Figure 6a is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention suitable for storing frozen goods.

Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view from above and to one side of a variation of the apparatus of figure 1 or figure 4, the tray section in this variation having a larger number of smaller apertures formed through the base portion than the variations of figure 1 or figure 4.

Figure 8 shows a variation of the tray section and upper closing section that closes the open top of the tray section, the tray section of this variation having a slot formed in one side which receives the upper closing portion therein.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention. A box or bin 1 and a lid 2 are shown. The bin 1 is suitable for transporting perishable goods such as for example foodstuffs, and has a base and four walls that form an enclosure with an open top. In use, the open top is closed by the lid 2, so that the bin and lid together form a closed container. The bin 1 is rectangular in plan view, with handles 5 formed in each of the shorter walls that allow a user to lift and carry the bin 1. Hooks 12 are formed on each of the longer sides on the rim of the longer side wall, three on each side, around which the handles of carrier bags or similar can be hooked to help hold them in position in the bin 1. The usable volume of the bin 1 is around 22-23 litres (300mm x 250mm on the sides, with a depth of around 250mm). This is roughly sufficient to hold around 20Kg of perishable goods such as foodstuffs.

The walls and base of the bin 1 have a thickness of around 2cm - 3cm. A number of small holes (3-4 holes each having a diameter of 2-3mm) is formed in the base of the bin 1. The bin can be formed as a rigid one-piece item in its final ‘in use’ form, or it can be formed as a flat pack item, with the sides bent upwards away from the base and then interconnected to form the final ‘in use’ shape, as shown in figure 2.

An additional insulating insert such as insert 1000 shown in figures 5 and 7 can be fitted to the bin 1 as required, the insert 1000 either removable or connected with the bin 1. In this description where the insert 1000 referred to, the insert 1000 is described as if it formed an integral part of the part of the bin 1. However, it should be noted that it may also be removable. The insert 1000 forms a secondary wall and base for the bin 1, and provides additional insulation by way of a solid insulating material, or by being formed in such a manner that air pockets or air gaps are formed between the interior and exterior of the bin 1. It should be noted that several minor variations of bin are shown in the figures. However, these all share common core features (walls, base, open top), and the differences as pictured are not considered to be material to the embodiments of the invention described.

The lid 2 of the first embodiment has two main parts: a tray section 3 that forms at least part of a receptacle, and an upper closing portion 4. Together, the tray section 3 and the upper closing portion 4 act to close and seal the open top of the bin 1, with the upper closing portion 4 connecting with the top of the tray section 3 and closing and sealing the top of the tray section 3.

In this first embodiment, the tray section 3 is rectangular in plan view and has an outer edge perimeter that in plan is the same size as the plan view size of the bin 1. The tray section 3 is formed so as to have two tray sub-parts 6, 7, each having a surrounding wall section 8, with a common central portion that bisects the tray section 3 across its shorter centreline. A rim 9 runs around the outside of the tray section 3, and extends outwards so when the tray section 3 is located on the bin 1, the underside of the rim 9 rests on the upper edges of the walls of the bin 1, the tray sub-parts 6, 7 extending downwards a short distance into the bin. The tray sub-parts 6, 7 are sized so as to snugly locate into the open top of the bin 1, so that the tray section 3 cannot slide around horizontally sideways relative to the bin 1 when in place. That is, the rim 9 rests on top of the upper edge of the bin 1 and, along with the tray sub-parts 6, 7, acts to hold the tray section 3 in position and to seal the tray section 3 against the upper edge of the bin 1.

A base 10 extends across the bottom of the tray section 3, with each of the tray sub-parts 6, 7 having part of the base 10 (10a and 10b respectively). Fifteen circular apertures 11 are formed through each of the base halves on each side of the central divider (30 apertures in total for the tray section 3) in six rows of five apertures (five apertures in each row extending across the shorter axis of the tray section 3) regularly spaced over the surface of the base 10.

The base 10 is formed, in the same manner as the remainder of the bin 1 and lid 2, from an expanded plastics material, for example polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, including polystyrene beads such as marketed under the name Syntra ™, graphite polystyrene such as marketed under the name Neopor™, or a mixture such as polyethylene/polystyrene such as marketed under the name Arcel ™. Alternatively, nonexpanded plastics material such as a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate can be utilised. The base 10 has a thickness of substantially between 15mm - 20mm in this embodiment. Each of the apertures 11 has a diameter of 15mm. In this embodiment, the size, shape, number and pattern of the apertures 11, and the thickness of the material of the base 10, are such that the tray section 3 is suitable for use when the contents of the bin are frozen food or chilled food, and has been found to be sufficient to control the rate of dry ice sublimation in order to provide a useable interior temperature range for the interior of the bin 1 over an extended time period such as 24 hours. This will be described in further detail below. The material from which the base is chosen may likewise be polypropylene, one of the other materials stipulated relative to the lid, or any other appropriate material.

The upper closing portion 4 has a rectangular flat planar top section 4a, with two smaller rectangular flat planar underside sections, extending from the lower surface of the top part 4a. The underside sections, locate snugly into the tops of the tray sub-parts 6, 7, with the underside of the outer part of the top section 4a resting on the top surface of the rim of the tray section 3, so as to close the open tops of the tray sub-parts 6, 7 and seal the interior of these sections.

All of the parts listed above (bin 1, and all the sub-parts of lid 2) are formed from an expanded plastics material, which provides excellent heat insulating properties. This can be skinned with a harder plastic to improve the structural properties if required - that is, an outer rigid or semi-rigid skin or shell is formed around an expanded plastics material centre or core. The parts are formed so that there is a minimum thickness of at least 8mm and preferably 2-3cm between the interior of the bin and the exterior at all points, when the lid is in place.

In use, with the lid 2 in position on the top of the bin 1, the bin 1 is closed, with the interior of the bin 1 sealed off and isolated from the exterior or atmosphere. The apertures 11 open through the base 10 of the lid 2 into the interior of the bin 1. It has been found that the use of a plurality of apertures is more beneficial to the cooling effect on the interior of the bin than would be the case if a single aperture were to be used of the same area as that of the apertures combined. It is believed that a single aperture would provide a highly concentrated cooling of one region of the interior of the bin and would not provide sufficient cooling, at a region remote from the aperture, to maintain an acceptable chill chain.

In use, a cooling agent is located in each of the tray sub-parts 6, 7. It is preferred that the cooling agent used is dry ice, around 1.5Kg -2Kg in total, split between the tray subparts 6, 7. However, any similar PCM (Phase Change Material) could be used.

The dry ice absorbs heat energy from its surroundings, and sublimates to a gas at roughly -78°C, typically absorbing round 0.16kW heat per hour per kilogramme of dry ice. The sublimation causes the temperature of the atmosphere in the tray sub-parts 6, 7 to remain roughly constant, around or slightly above the temperature of sublimation until all the dry ice has sublimated. For the arrangement of the tray section 3 described above, this causes the temperature of the interior of the bin 1 below the lid 2 to fall to a level of around -2 or -1°C (if initially above this temperature) and to remain roughly at this level until all of the dry ice has sublimated.

The temperature within the bin 1 depends however primarily on the external temperature and also the mass of dry ice within the lid. For example, utilising a lid on a tote a mass of 0.5kg dry ice would provide a temperature difference of under 5°C, 1kg a difference of 5 12°C, 1.5kg a difference of 13 - 22°C and 2.0kg a difference of >23°C.

Once all the dry ice has sublimated, the temperature of the interior of the bin 1 and the contents of the bin 1 will start to rise as they continue to absorb heat energy from the surrounding atmosphere. The rate of sublimation depends on the rate of absorption of heat energy, which depends on the temperature gradient between the interior and exterior of the bin 1 (with the lid 2 in place). However, it has been found that with the dimensions and materials as outlined above, and when using dry ice or a similar PCM, in the amounts outlined above, that the interior temperature of the bin 1 can be kept at chilled or around freezing temperature or slightly lower over a 24-hour period, with the external temperature ranging between 10°C and 22°C. That is, sublimation or warming will take place in a controlled manner over a set time period, so that the interior temperature of the container is regulated over a known time period. This allows an unbroken and controlled temperature chain to be achieved. The CO2 gas of the dry ice is heavier than atmospheric air, and so will drop down from the lid into the main storage area of the bin. This causes the gases in the main storage area to circulate in the same or a similar manner to that shown in figure 3, increasing the chilling/cooling effect.

Different dimensions and aperture arrangements can be used, depending on the chilling/cooling effect required, and the predicted prevailing ambient conditions (e.g. on cooler or warmer days, or in cooler or warmer storage environments, different types of tray or lid can be used in order to provide the required cooling effect). Typically an aperture size of greater than 15 mm² is utilised.

The distribution of apertures is chosen to provide the heat distribution required within the transported product. However, usually, an even distribution of apertures is provided. As an example, an overall aperture area of 106cm² provides good chilling in a bin of volume 30cm³. Such an aperture area provides an average bin temperature of around 2°C for the first 4 hours, rising gradually by about 0.065°C every 12 minutes. Every 1cm²increase or decrease in aperture area affects the temperature by 0.029°C. Therefore, a reduction in aperture area of around 75%, to 26 cm², would give an average temperature of around 4.32°C for the first 4 hours and then begin rising at a similarly linear rate.

A second embodiment of tray section is shown in figure 4. Similar numbering will be used to describe this embodiment and the other embodiments as can be seen - e.g. tray section 103, 203, rim 109, 209, etc.

In this embodiment, the tray section 103 is generally the same as the tray section 3 of the first embodiment, having tray sub-parts 106, 107, each having a surrounding wall section 108 with a common central portion that bisects the tray section 103 across its shorter centreline, and a rim 109 that runs around the outside of the tray sub-parts 106, 107. However, in this embodiment, there are a larger number of smaller apertures formed through the bases 110a, 110b. Thirty circular apertures 111, of diameter 15mm, are formed through each of the base sections (sixty apertures in total for the tray section 103) in ten rows of six apertures each (six apertures in each row extending across the shorter axis of the tray section 103), with the apertures 111 regularly spaced over the surface of the base 110. In a similar manner as for the first embodiment, the base 110 is formed from expanded plastics material, in the same manner as the remainder of the bin 1 and lid 2. The base 110 has a thickness of substantially between 8mm - 30mm in this embodiment. Each of the apertures 111 has a diameter of from 10 - 70mm depending on the application.

This arrangement is suitable for storing or transporting perishable items that need to be kept chilled rather than frozen. Using the same amount of dry ice (1.5 - 2Kg) or another suitable PCM, a temperature range of between -2°C and 5°C is achieved over a 24-hour period, with the external temperature ranging between 15°C and 30°C.

Tray sections such as tray section 3 or tray section 103 described above can be used with a single box that has the same plan view area as the tray section, as outlined above, or multiple tray sections can be used with a single larger bin, for example ‘doubled up’ on a double-length bin such as bin 101 shown in figure 5. The tray sections in figure 5 are a variation without a central dividing wall, the same as or similar to those shown in figures 6 and 7. The tray sections 203 and 303 of these variations are substantially the same as for those already described, except with a single central section rather than two subsections.

The tray section 203 in figure 6 is for use with transporting or storing frozen food. A wall section 208 surrounds the flat central base part 210 of the tray section 203, which has a number of larger circular apertures 211 formed therethrough, each having a diameter of 15mm. A rim 209 runs around the outside of the tray section 203. The apertures 211 are arranged in nine rows of five apertures each (five apertures in each row extending across the shorter axis of the tray section 203), with the apertures 211 regularly spaced over the surface of the base 210.

In the embodiment of Figure 6a, the lid 252 comprises a tray section 253 having a surrounding wall section 258 depending therefrom to form a substantially fluid tight fit with the bin 251. A base part 260 extends across the aperture defined by the tray section 253, resting on a ledge of the tray section 258. The base part 260 includes a plurality of apertures 261, allowing ready heat exchange when in use between a PCM located on the base part 260 and the contents of the bin 251. A closing portion 254 sits over the base part 260 and any PCM to enclose the PCM. The underside of the closing portion 254 resting on the tray section 253 has a lining layer, for example of 30mm thick polypropylene to improve heat retention. The base part is formed of polyethylene which has resistance to temperatures of -80°C but also a favourable thermal conductivity and thermal resistance values (K&R values). The thickness and density of the base part 260, the tray section 258 and the closing portion will vary upon the temperature difference required between the interior and the exterior. A typical thickness is from 8 - 30mm and formed from a material having a density of from 22g/l - 200g/l. With an increase in thickness, then the R-Value will also be higher. A denser material should provide a material which is stronger but which has a lower thermal resistance. A typical value for an external temperature of 22°C is 10 mm thickness and a density of 45g/l. In respect of the material used for the base part, this preferably has an R-value of 3.5 or above.

The tray section 303 in figure 7 is for use with transporting or storing chilled food. A wall section 308 surrounds the flat central base part 310 of the tray section 303, which has a number of smaller circular apertures 311 formed therethrough, each having a diameter of

15mm. The apertures 311 are arranged in twelve rows of eight apertures each (eight apertures in each row extending across the shorter axis of the tray section 303), with the apertures 311 regularly spaced over the surface of the base 310.

In the embodiments described above, and shown in the associated figures, the upper closing portions 4, 104, etc, and tray sections 3, 103, 203, etc are formed so that the upper closing section is pushed downwards onto/into the tray section to close the open top. A variation of this arrangement is shown in figure 8. In this variation, the tray section 403 is formed in a similar manner to tray section 103 of figure 4. That is, it is intended for the transport or storage of chilled items rather than frozen, and the apertures 411 and base 410 are formed accordingly. In this embodiment, the wall section 408 that surrounds and extends upwards from the base 410 has a slot formed through it along the length of one side, and slightly into the lower part of the rim 409. The upper closing portion 404 is formed as a flat rectangular sheet, with its longer side equivalently sized to the slot so that it can be pushed into the slot and across the top of the tray section 403 to close the open top of the tray section 403.

It should be noted that the use of the word ‘sealed’ in this specification is not intended to denote an absolute or strong air-tight or watertight seal, but is intended to indicate a tight or snug fit or closure under normal ambient conditions sufficient to generally or substantially prevent atmospheric gases and the gases in the interior of the bin 1 from intermingling by convection. Gases can still escape from the interior of the bin, so that pressure does not build up to a critical point where the structure might fail or the lid might pop off explosively. However, the holes are small enough that free mingling of the interior gases and exterior atmosphere is prevented - the holes are intended for, and are sized to act as, a safety valve and pressure release/equaliser, rather than to allow free passage and intermingling of the interior and exterior gases.

If a cooling agent other than dry ice or another PCM is used - for example frozen gel or water packs - then the lid can be formed with apertures as outlined above, or with thin wall sections that allow the absorption of heat energy from the interior of the bin 1 - that is, the base 10 could have a solid unbroken underside that presents to the interior of the bin 1, with thinner sections, or thinner across substantially its entirety.

In all of the embodiments outlined above, the receptacle is formed as an integral part of the lid for a bin. In other embodiments, the receptacle could be formed as a separate item to the bin and lid, as a receptacle or receptacles that can be placed in (and removed from) a bin which has a lid separate to or independent of the receptacle(s). The receptacle(s) in this case is/are formed so as to hold a quantity of chilling or cooling agent (e.g. 1,5Kg - 2Kg of dry ice or other PCM, or frozen gel or water packs), and have apertures or thinner wall sections formed so that sublimation or warming will take place in a controlled manner over a set time period, in a similar fashion to that of the first embodiment outlined above. These receptacles could also be integral or built into the interior side walls of the bin. The upper closing portion could also be formed as an integral rather than separate item, and/or the lid could be connected to the bin via a hinge or similar.

Although the use of frozen gel packs or dry ice is known, these are used in a manner where they are generally mixed in with or freely intermingled with the perishable goods in the container. This results in an uncontrolled or unregulated cooling effect where the temperature of the interior and often the temperature of the contents of the main container can fall to below a desired minimum level, or sometimes well below freezing. For example, if dry ice is used as a cooling agent directly in the bin, there can be localised temperatures close to the sublimation temperature of dry ice, which can cause freezer burns or similar on any goods stored or placed close to the dry ice. This freezing effect is often followed by rapid warming due to the steep temperature gradient between the interior and exterior of the bin, that can result in full sublimation or thawing before the required time, resulting in the interior temperature rising to a temperature above a desired or set maximum before the required time (i.e. while the bin is still in storage or in transit). This breaks the controlled temperature chain and can render the goods unusable. In contrast, the invention as outlined above is advantageous as it provides a controlled or regulated cooling effect where the temperature of the interior of the container (e.g. bin 1) is kept within a desired range (e.g. -2°C - 5°C for chilled or below 30 15°C for frozen) for an extended time period such as for example 24 hours. This is achieved by having the receptacle configured so that a quantity of cooling agent within the receptacle will absorb heat energy in a known manner, or a manner that is controlled by having the receptacle configured so that heat absorption takes place in a controlled or known fashion, so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over an extended time period. This allows goods to be stored to transport as required, with confidence that a controlled temperature chain will remain unbroken.

The apparatus as described above is for use transporting or storing foodstuffs. However, 5 the apparatus could be used for other perishable goods where controlled temperature chains are required during storage and/or transport, such as for example vaccines or biotissue. The uses of the apparatus of the present invention should not be taken as limited to the transport and/or storage of foodstuffs, vaccines, or bio-tissue, as the apparatus is suitable, or can be adapted, for any appropriate use.

Claims

1. An apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or in storage, comprising: at least one receptacle configured for use with or as part of a closed container for holding

5 perishable goods, the receptacle configured to hold a quantity of cooling agent and further configured such that the quantity of cooling agent within the receptacle will absorb heat energy so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over an extended time period.

10

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the receptacle is configured to form at least part of a lid for a container, the lid and container configured so that the contents is fully enclosed when the lid is in place on the container.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the receptacle comprises at

15 least one portion aligned towards the interior of the container in use, the at least one portion shaped and sized such that in use heat energy is absorbed in a controlled manner by a quantity of cooling agent located within the receptacle.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least one portion comprises a wall

20 section and a plurality of apertures passing through the wall section between the interior and the exterior of the receptacle, the wall section having a thickness, and the apertures sized, shaped, and positioned such that heat energy will be absorbed by a cooling agent located within the receptacle so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over an extended time period.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the apertures are arranged regularly across the wall area.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the ratio of aperture area to

30 volume of the container is from 3-4 cm-1.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claims 4 - 6 wherein the wall has between 15 and 30 apertures, each having an area of greater than 15mm2.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the wall thickness is substantially between 8mm and 30mm.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the receptacle is

5 configured as a tray that forms part of a lid for the enclosing container and which in use holds a quantity of cooling agent, the base of the tray forming the wall section.

10. An apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or in storage, comprising; a container, configured to hold a quantity of perishable goods in use;

10 a lid for the container, the lid and container configured so as to together form a closed container use;

at least one receptacle configured to hold a quantity of cooling agent and further configured such that the quantity of cooling agent within the receptacle will absorb heat energy so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over an extended time

15 period.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the receptacle is configured as at least part of the lid.

20

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the receptacle comprises at least one portion aligned towards the interior of the container in use, the at least one portion shaped and sized such that in use heat energy is absorbed in a controlled manner by a quantity of cooling agent located within the receptacle.

25

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the receptacle is configured as a tray that forms part of the lid and which in use holds a quantity of cooling agent, the base of the tray forming the at least one portion aligned towards the interior of the container in use.

30

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the base of the tray comprises a wall section having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, the wall section having a thickness and the apertures sized, shaped, and positioned such that heat energy is absorbed so as to regulate the internal temperature of the container over a time period.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the wall has between 15 and 30 apertures, each aperture having an area of greater than 15mm2.

16. An apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or in storage substantially as 5 herein described with reference to the figures.

17. A receptacle for use as part of an apparatus for preserving perishable items in transit or in storage substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched: