GB2607295A

GB2607295A - Condensation reduction system.

Info

Publication number: GB2607295A
Application number: GB2107769.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Smith Joseph
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-05-31
Filing date: 2021-05-31
Publication date: 2022-12-07
Also published as: GB202107769D0

Abstract

A condensation reduction system 100 for a container, such as a shipping container, comprises a plurality of panels 102 arranged together to cover a ceiling area of the container, the panels each comprising a resilient thermal insulation layer, a lower layer of a water absorptive material and at least one magnetic attachment means 106 for attaching the panel to a region of the container ceiling. The water absorbing material is preferably a felt and the thermal insulation layer may be phenolic, polyisocyanurate (PIR), extruded polystyrene or expanded polystyrene. The magnetic attachment means may comprise a magnet having a bearing face (212, figure 2) for making contact with the container roof, wherein there is a variable separation distance between the bearing face and an upper surface of the panel provided by a resilient material, preferably a spring (218).

Description

Condensation Reduction System The present invention relates to condensation reduction systems. More particularly, it relates to condensation reduction systems as may be utilized in shipping containers and the like, particularly but not exclusively where such containers have a standardized form.

There is a problem often found when using shipping containers, that moisture in the air within the container, or in products that are being stored in the container, can cause condensation, due to the varying temperature within throughout the day. They can go from being very hot inside when in direct sunlight, to very cold at night. This often leads to the formation of water droplets on the inside roof of the container, which can then drip onto goods stored within, potentially spoiling or damaging them.

Solutions exist for preventing such occurrences. Patent application NZ592793 discloses a liner for a container comprising a sheet material that is impermeable to liquid but permeable to vapour. US Patent US5762229 also discloses a large bag that is attached to the inside of a container having permeability to vapour. In both cases, the bag or liner is installed into the container, and goods to be transported are then placed inside the bag/liner. A further liner sheet is disclosed in German patent application No. DE9216022, that just covers the roof and an upper part of the walls of a container.

Although these systems provide an adequate solution to the problem in terms of preventing or reducing the condensation that is likely to fall on contained goods, they can be inconvenient to install, particularly with larger containers, or when the container is already at least partially filled with goods. Also, removal (e.g. for cleaning, repair or otherwise) can be inconvenient if the container is not empty. They are thus suitable for use when the container is being used in transportation, but are not suited to medium or long term use of the container when being used for storage purposes, where the inconvenience of removal would be significant.

Embodiments of the invention have the object of addressing one or more of the above

shortcomings of the background art.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention there is provided a condensation reduction system for a container, the system comprising a plurality of panels that are arranged together to cover a ceiling area of the container, the panels each comprising of a resilient thermal insulation layer with a lower layer, when in a mounted orientation, of a water-absorptive material, and further wherein each panel has at least one magnetic attachment means for attaching said panel to a region of the container ceiling.

Embodiments of the invention therefore provide a particularly convenient means for reducing the condensation in a container, allowing installation of the means even when the container is not empty. The magnetic attachment means allows attachment by merely raising the panels up to the container ceiling, with the magnetic attachment means then ensuring a connection and attachment in place. Conveniently, each of the panels can be placed in position in turn to cover the whole ceiling.

Conveniently, in some embodiments the panels may be arranged to have a width of 1/n times the internal width of a standard ISO container, where n is an integer ranging from 1 to 4. In this manner, the panels may each have a similar width, allowing full coverage of the width of a container ceiling by positioning n such panels across the width. Typically, n may be 1 or 2 (although it could be higher in some embodiments), meaning then that, when n=1, a single panel would cover the width of the container. When n=2, then the panels are sized such that two panels are sufficient to cover the full width of the container.

Preferably, in some embodiments, a majority of the panels may be generally rectangular in planform. This allows coverage of the ceiling to be achieved in a convenient, regular manner. In some embodiments the panels may be square in planform.

In some embodiments of the invention one or more of the panels may be sized differently to the majority to provide a coverage, along with a plurality of rectangular panels, over the full length of the container ceiling. This allows a standard panel size to be used for the majority of the panels, with just the one or more panels, e.g. those that abut one end of the container, to be sized differently to account for differences between the ceiling coverage provided by the bulk of the panels, and to be covered by e.g. a single row of panels across the width. In some embodiments of course, each panel may be a full width of the ceiling distance in length.

In those embodiments where two rows of panels are used to cover the entire ceiling area, (i.e. where n = 2) the system may comprise a plurality of panels where all but two are sized similarly, and two are sized differently, to give a total coverage area of all the panels equal to the ceiling area of an ISO container.

Alternatively, where each panel takes up the entire width of the ceiling of a container (i.e. where n=1, the system may comprise a plurality of panels where all but one are sized similarly, and one is sized differently, to give a total coverage area of all the panels equal to the ceiling area of an ISO container.

Alternatively, the panels may be sized so that they fill the length of a container when they are all of similar dimensions. Alternatively, a small region of the ceiling of the container may be left uncovered.

In some embodiments the insulation layer is between 10mm and 40mm thick, although other embodiments may use an insulation layer that is outside of this range, such as one that is thicker than 40mm, or thinner than 10mm. The insulation layer is advantageously a stiff layer, such that it has only a small degree of flex when in use. It is advantageous for there to be some flex, to allow the panel to remain securely mounted if it is affixed to the ceiling for example on each corner thereof, should the ceiling itself flex) and so flex to a similar degree, although in some embodiments the relative movement of the magnetic fixings with respect to the panels also provide some degree of permissible flexing of the ceiling without forcing the panels to flex. Generally however, it is advantageous for the panel to be sufficiently stiff to remain generally planar when being positioned on the ceiling, so as to make attachment more convenient. The insulating layer may be made from any suitable material, such as a phenolic, PIR (Polyisocyanurate), Extruded Polystyrene or Expanded Polystyrene.

Advantageously, the water absorptive material may have an absorption of at least 50m1/m2. This then allows water vapour to condense into the material, and so be held away from the contents of the container. Of course, some embodiments may have a water absorptive material that is capable of absorbing more water. Typically a material may be chosen that is arranged to absorb between 200 ml/m 2 and 1500 ml/m2 It will be appreciated that absorption levels outside this range may also be used, and materials are available that are able to absorb up to 3300 ml/m2. See for example Tearstop Condensation Felt, available from Tearstop Building Material Co. Ltd (www.tearstop.cn), and more. Other materials, able to absorb even more, may also be suitable, from this manufacturer, or from others.

Advantageously, in some embodiments the panel may have a plurality of magnetic attachment means in different regions of the panel. They may advantageously be spaced so as to match and engage with lower regions of a corrugated roof plate as found on a standard ISO shipping container. The magnetic attachment means may be located generally in the corners of the panel, and/or at other regions such as along the sides, or more centrally positioned. The number and magnetic strength of the magnetic attachment means may be chosen based upon the weight of the panel, along with the maximum weight of water that may be held in the water absorptive material.

In some embodiments, at least one of the magnetic attachment means may have a magnetic bearing face arranged to make contact with the container roof, wherein there is a variable separation distance between the magnetic bearing face and an upper surface of the panel. This allows adjustment of the magnetic attachment means to take into account slight irregularities in the roof height. Advantageously, the variable separation distance is achieved using a resilient material, such as a spring, whereby the distance between the bearing face and the panel may be varied by putting the resilient material under compression or tension. In some embodiments each magnetic attachment that together make up the magnetic attachment means may have the resilient material, such as a spring that allows variability in the distance between the magnetic face and the panel surface.

In some embodiments the magnetic attachment means comprises of a bolt attached to the magnet, that is arranged to freely pass through a hole in the panel, and wherein the bolt has a fixing thereon that is too large to pass through the hole, so providing a support for the panel. The fixing may be in some embodiments a nut or a wingnut or other fixing, and a washer to spread the load across a greater surface area of the panel may be used. There may also be a spring located between the panel and the fixing on the bolt to help share the load across a plurality of magnetic attachment means that may be supporting a panel.

In some embodiments of the invention the panels may have a reinforcing strip running along at least one edge thereof. This strip therefore acts to protect the edge of the panel during shipping and application. Advantageously, strips may be positioned to run across at least two opposed edges of each panel.

Advantageously, the reinforcing strip may comprise of a reinforcing channel having a "U" profile, that is located on an edge and overlaps the major faces of the panel. Thus, it may provide protection also for the border regions of the panel's major surfaces.

In some embodiments the reinforcing strip may have a "H" profile, and may be shared between two adjacently mounted panels. Thus, a strip having such a profile has two channels, running side-by-side and accessible from opposite direction. Thus, in such embodiments, the strip may be positioned on a panel using one half of the H profile (i.e. in one of the channels), and that panel then mounted to the ceiling, and then an adjoining panel may be pushed into the other half of the H profile (i.e. in the opposing channel) when it is located on the ceiling. In this way, the H profile strip acts to provide a levelling action to adjacent panels, and to provide support for one panel from the connected adjacent panel(s).

Other profiles may also be used for the reinforcing strip. Some such profiles may be shared by adjacent panels, and so provide support to both of these panels in use.

In some embodiments the reinforcing strip has a U-shaped portion adapted to connect to both an upper and lower face of one panel, and a lower portion adapted to provide a platform for a lower face of an adjacent panel. It may be considered as having a generally "p" shaped profile.

The reinforcing strip may, in some embodiments be made from a plastic material. Of course, other materials may be suitable also. For example, a rubber material may be used.

Advantageously, the reinforcing strip may be made from external grade PVC, which may be pre-formed into a suitable profile, such as a U or H profile, or other profile shape.

In some embodiments the magnetic attachment means is held in place with a fixing that passes through the reinforcing channel and through the insulating board. Alternatively, the magnetic attachment fixing means may be held in place by passing through the panel, but not through the reinforcing strips. It may advantageously have one or more supporting washers that help to prevent the fixing from being pulled through the insulating panel/water absorptive felt layers.

Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 diagrammatically illustrates a first embodiment of the invention, with panels laid out in a representative manner, as if they were on a container ceiling, with two panels making up a width of the container ceiling; Figure 2 diagrammatically illustrates a profile of a panel according to an embodiment of the invention also showing two alternative magnetic attachment arrangements that may be used; Figure 3 diagrammatically illustrates an alternative arrangement of panels; Figure 4 diagrammatically illustrates a "H" profile reinforcing strip as may be used to connect two adjacent panels; Figure 5 diagrammatically illustrates a further alternative arrangement of panels; Figure 6 diagrammatically illustrates a further alternative reinforcing strip; and Figure 7 diagrammatically illustrates two alternative magnetic fixing means.

Shown in Figure 1 is an arrangement of panels 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention as they may appear on a ceiling of a container. Note that the panels are not shown to scale, and the size is indicative only. In this arrangement there are two panels across the width of the container, and five panels along the length, although clearly the number of panels may be varied according to the length of the container.

Each panel, e.g. panel 102 has reinforcing edging strips 104, 104', located on two opposing sides thereof. These are PVC plastic strips having a "U" shaped profile, and are a push-fit onto the panel edge. The edging strips provide additional strength to the panels, and help to prevent damage to the panels during transportation prior to installation, and also during the installation process.

Each panel has four identical magnetic attachment means, e.g. 106, for attaching the panel to a metal ceiling, as found on an ISO container. The roof of an ISO container is corrugated, with the corrugations (i.e. lines of constant height) running along the width of the container, and being evenly spaced along the length of the container. The magnetic attachments are spaced so as to sit on low points of the corrugations.

Most of the panels 100 are near-square. In this embodiment they are 1200mm by 1150mm. The exceptions are the two panels 108, 110 that appear in this figure at the top. These are sized to be of similar length along the horizontal axis as shown in the Figure, but are shorter than the others vertically, and are of a length to make up the difference between the sum of a column of the remaining panels and the total length of the ceiling of the container. Each of the two panels 108, 110 also have a square cut-out in one corner thereof, to accommodate a corner supporting pillar in rear corners of the container. In this way a substantially full coverage of the ceiling can be achieved.

The edging strips 104, 104' also provide support for the magnetic attachment means. This is shown in Figure 2, which also shows the layered structure of the panel and an alternative arrangement and placement for the magnetic attachment means. Figure 2 shows a partial cross-section of a panel 200 of an embodiment of the invention. The panel 200 is made from a rigid, thermally insulating board 202 made from a phenolic material of thickness 20mm. Other embodiments may use different panel thicknesses, such as 25mm, and different materials also. Glued to this is a water absorptive material 204, comprising Tearstop felt, as previously mentioned, arranged in use to sit on the underside of the panel, so facing down into the container in which it is installed. The material 204 is able to hold approx. 750m1 of water per m2.

The panel 200 has a U profile edging reinforcing strip 206. In an embodiment a magnetic fastening means 210 passes through this edging strip 206, and also the panel 200. The fastening means 210 comprises of a magnetic head 212 connected to bolt 214, having a head 216. The edging strip 206 is made from PVC and is strong enough to act in place of a washer to bolt head 216 in use. The fastening means 210 also has a spring 218 located between the magnet 212 and the edging strip 206, and bears against both. The spring 218 provides some flexibility in position of the magnet 212 relative to the panel 200, thus allowing for variation in spacing of the attachment points of the panel 200 when mounted to the container ceiling. This can happen due to slight unevenness in the ceiling height, as is commonplace in shipping containers.

Figure 2 also shows an alternative magnetic attachment, 230. This attachment comprises of a magnet 232 for attachment to the container ceiling, connected to threaded rod 234. The rod 234 again passes through a hole in panel 200. A washer is located on each side of the panel. On the upper side, washer 236 acts as a bearing surface for compression spring 238, located between the washer 236 and magnet 232. Washer 238 acts as a bearing surface for knurled nut 240. A rubber end-stop 242 is located on the end of the partially threaded rod 234, to reduce damage to people or items that might knock against the rod. 234.

The magnets 212, 232 of these embodiments are ferrite pot magnets, such as those obtainable from https://www.magnosphere.co.uk and are chosen to have a holding force suitable to hold a saturated insulating panel, spread between the number of magnetic attachments used on each panel, and their positions. Of course, other magnets may be

suitable also.

When installing the panels the magnetic attachments are first assembled onto a panel as shown in Figure 2 (the number varying according to the embodiment, where larger panels, or those designed to absorb a greater degree of water may have correspondingly more attachment means located thereon). The panel is then held flat with the magnets uppermost, and the panel brought to its intended location on the ceiling. When close enough, the magnets will be attracted to the steel roof of the ceiling, holding the panel in place. Where a mounting attachment of the type indicated generally at 230 is used, the knurled nut 240 may then be adjusted on each magnetic mount to get the panel sitting generally horizontal, with all magnets being in contact with the ceiling. This adjustment is advantageous as the height of the ceiling on most containers is variable, due to manufacturing tolerances, and it being slightly bent or twisted etc. due to normal wear and tear during use.

Shown in Figure 3 is an embodiment of the invention having an alternate arrangement of panels. In this embodiment the system comprises of a set of panels 300 that are arranged, when mounted on a ceiling of a container, as a single column, where each panel has a length equal to the width of the container into which it is to be installed. Thus, when used in a standard ISO shipping container, the length / of each panel is approx. 2.3m. The panels are 0.6m wide in this embodiment, apart from panel 302 located at the end, which is 0.4m wide, and also has cut-outs for the container's supporting corner pillars as mentioned in relation to the previous embodiment. Note that five panels are shown for clarity, but in practice there would typically be more than that, as necessary to make up the full ceiling length. The width of the final panel may of course also be chosen to make up the additional distance between the run of standard sized panels and the remainder of the ceiling area.

Each panel has six magnetic attachments, with one, e.g. 305 located near each corner, and two, e.g. 306 mounted near respective opposing edges, but in a central position along the length of each panel.

The panels have between them a reinforcing strip 304 of H profile. Thus, a single reinforcing strip runs between two adjacent panels. This helps to create a level ceiling, by matching the height of the edge of one panel in relation to the edge of the adjacent panel. It also allows one panel to provide additional support to its neighbour(s), if for example one of the neighbouring panels gets too heavy, or is knocked. Of course, as each panel has magnetic attachments spread across various points over the area of the panel, the support provided by the "H" profile reinforcing strip, and the adjacently mounted panels, may not be strictly necessary, but even then it is useful to obtain a neat join between adjacent panels.

It can be advantageous to have panels that are full width as, if the central magnets get dislodged due to e.g. vibration of the ceiling caused by someone walking on the roof etc., there are still magnetic attachments placed so as to hold the panel in place. Of course, this may also be achieved in embodiments having more than one panel across the width of the container, by using e.g. the H-profile reinforcing strip etc. The reinforcing strip 304 is shown in more detail in Figure 4. Here, two adjacent panels 400, 402 are shown, in their mounted positions. Reinforcing strip 404 connects to both panels, noting that the strip forms in profile a shape similar to the letter H, but of course on its side.

Shown in Figure 5 is a further alternative arrangement of panels, so forming another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment 500 again comprises of a set of panels e.g. 502, 508, 510, 512, for panelling along the length of a ceiling in a container, where each panel has the length chosen to cover the full with of the container. The panels are again supported by magnetic attachments 504, such as those described in relation to Figure 4. In this embodiment, it can be seen that most of the panels have three magnetic attachments, all running near a long edge of the panel. As with the embodiment of Figure 3, a panel is attached to a neighbouring panel using a H reinforcing strip 506, that connects to each neighbouring panel. As can be seen at panel 502, the magnetic attachments 504 provide a coupling to the ceiling of the container along one edge, with the support of the opposing edge being achieved by the attachment of the panel 502 to neighbouring panel 508 using the H strip 506. Thus, in this fashion, the number of magnetic attachments required for each panel 502, 508, 512 is reduced. The strength of each magnet will be chosen accordingly, given that there are now fewer magnets holding up each panel.

The exception to this is panel 510, which has magnetic attachments running near each opposing longer edge thereof, to provide full support across the panel.

When installing the embodiment of Figures, typically panel 510 will be installed first, as the six magnets across the area of the panel allow it to be fully supported independently of the support provided by other panels. The H strip 506 on panel 510 then acts to support one edge of neighbouring panel 512 as it is brought up into position, with its three magnets on the edge opposing that which slots into the H strip then helping to support it. Subsequent panels are added in similar fashion until all panels are in place.

The panels of this, or other embodiments when appropriate, need not be all identical in size. In this embodiment typically the uppermost panel as shown in the Figure, panel 510, and the lowermost panel 502 are each smaller than the remaining panels. In this embodiment the remaining panels are each 60cm by 230cm approx., with panels 510 and 502 being approx. 40cm by 230cm. Of course, these sizes can be varied as desired in other embodiments.

Note also that in this embodiment each strip is rectangular, and no strips have corner cutouts to accommodate supporting pillars present in ISO standard containers. This may leave a small region of the ceiling uncovered by paneling, but such a small area will not have any significant impact on the efficacy of the system. Other embodiments also may forego the cut-outs, and hence may leave small areas of the ceiling uncovered without significant consequence.

When installing a system that uses the H shaped reinforcing strips, it is advantageous to first put up a single panel, with the H strip attached thereto, and occupying one half of the H strip profile. The next panel, to be fitted adjacent the first one, may then be slotted into the vacant side of the H strip, and the magnetic mounts attached to the ceiling. This may be repeated in turn for each of the panels. Note that with this installation procedure, it can be awkward to use the magnetic attachments as described in relation to Ref. 210 above that pass through the reinforcing strip, and so the variant described in relation to Ref. 230 is preferred.

Figure 6 shows an alternative profile for use as a reinforcing strip. Strip 600 is shown in use along with two adjacently mounted panels, 602, 604. The strip 600 comprise of a U-shaped portion 606, 608, 610 that is coupled to the upper and lower faces of panel 602, and a straight portion 612 that sits underneath the lower face of panel 604. This reinforcing strip is beneficial when locating adjacent boards together. Embodiments of the invention having such a strip are mounted in a container firstly by attaching the U-shaped portion to an edge of the panel 602, and locating the panel onto the container ceiling. When mounting the next panel 604, the panel 604 is the located onto the straight portion 612 of the strip 600 and the magnetic attachments on the panel attached to the ceiling. It has a benefit over a H-profile strip in that it is more convenient to locate the second panel into place, without having to squeeze the panel between the upper and lower parts of the strip. Instead, it is just placed onto the straight portion 612.

Although not shown, some embodiments may have magnetic fixing means located through the U-shaped portion of the strip 600, with the strip then acting as a bearer of the components, such as a spring, bolt head etc. obviating the need for a separate washer.

Figure 7 shows two variants of an embodiment of a magnetic fixing. Shown at Fig 7a is a fixing 700 comprising a partially threaded rod 702 with a magnet 704 fixed to one end, for mounting onto a metal ceiling of a container. The partially threaded rod 702 is shown supporting a panel 706, with the help of a bolt 708 and a washer 710. The rod 702 passes through a hole 712 in the panel, and is able to move freely within the hole, as the hole is slightly oversize compared to the rod. A panel may be suspended from a container ceiling with a plurality of such fixings 700. If there is any slight movement of the ceiling, then the relative heights of the magnet above the panels may vary due to the ceiling flexure. If this occurs, then the rod 702 is able to slide down the hole where the flexure causes the panel to raise up towards the ceiling. This helps to keep the magnetic fixings in place, and so helps to prevent the panel from falling off. An excess length of the rod below the rod 702 allows adjustment of the nut 708 position, and hence the separation of the panel from the ceiling, to allow the panel to be levelled and aligned with other panels.

The partially threaded rod has a thread 711 that does not go all the way up to the magnet 704, but instead stops some way short thereof. It thus prevents an installer from mounting the panels too closely to the ceiling, with the non-threaded portion providing a minimum separation between the bottom of the panel and the ceiling by not allowing the nut to be screwed on too far. It is advantageous to leave a small air gap between the top of the panel and the ceiling itself. This allows for airflow, and also allow for some flex in the ceiling whilst permitting the magnetic fixings to absorb some relative movement between the fixing and the panel without the magnet of the fixing becoming detached from the ceiling. Providing for a gap, that may be varied across different panels, also allows variations in the height of the ceiling to be accounted for when positioning the panels in place, to give a neater appearance.

Figure 7b shows a variant on the fixing of Fig 7a, and like numerals refer to equivalent components. The partially threaded rod 702 passes through the hole 712 in the panel 706 in similar fashion to that shown in Fig 7a. The difference is in the support of the panel, which in this variant includes compression spring 714 and supporting washer 716. Here, the panel sits on the spring 714, using washer 710 to spread the force from the spring over a greater area. In use, the weight of the panel pushes on the spring, and will similarly push on the other springs of similar magnetic fixings supporting the panel. If the panel is displaced slightly, due to flexure of the ceiling to which the magnets 704 are fixed, the rod 702 will move slightly through the hole 712. The spring 714 will move accordingly, dependent on the direction the rod moves through the hole, and for small downward movements of the rod the spring will remain in contact with both washers 710 and 716, so providing at least some support to the panel.

As is the case with the embodiment of Fig 7a, the height of the panel below the ceiling may be adjusted by turning the nut 708.

For the embodiments shown it is advantageous to have an air gap between the top of the panel and the ceiling, for the reasons stated above. The gap may typically be between 50mm and 100mm, although of course other gaps may be used.

Other variants of panel arrangement, magnetic coupling arrangement, reinforcing strip and panel details will be apparent to the normally skilled person. For example, although the embodiments show the panels being used just on the ceiling, embodiments of the invention may also be used on the walls of a container, with insulating panels being held in place with magnetic attachments as shown. Such panels may have a water absorptive coating thereon, or may just be insulating panels -the insulation would again help to reduce condensation by moderating the temperature changes within the container over time.

The functions described herein as provided by individual components could, where appropriate, be provided by a combination of components instead. Similarly, functions described as provided by a combination of components could, where appropriate, be provided by a single component.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, etc. described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Claims

Claims 1. A condensation reduction system for a container, the system comprising a plurality of panels that are arranged together to cover a ceiling area of the container, the panels each comprising of a resilient thermal insulation layer with a lower layer, when in a mounted orientation, of a water-absorptive material, and further wherein each panel has at least one magnetic attachment means for attaching said panel to a region of the container ceiling.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the panels have a width of 1/n times the internal width of a standard ISO container, where n is an integer ranging from 1 to 3.
3. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein a majority of the panels are generally rectangular in planform.
4. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein n = 2 and the majority of panels are square in planform.
5. A system as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein one or more of the panels are sized differently to the majority to provide a coverage, along with a plurality of rectangular panels over the full length of the container ceiling.
6. A system as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the insulation layer is between 10rnm and 40mm thick.
7. A system as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the water absorptive material has an absorption of at least 20m1/m2
8. A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the material is a felt having an absorption of 30 between 50m1/m2 and 3300m1/m2.
9. A system as claimed in any of the above claims wherein a panel has a plurality of magnetic attachment means in different regions of the panel.
10. A system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the magnetic attachment means are located generally in or towards the corners or edges of the panel.
11. A system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the magnetic attachment means are spaced to match and engage with lower regions of a corrugated roof plate as found on a standard ISO shipping container.
12. A system as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11 wherein at least one of the magnetic attachment means has a magnet having a magnetic bearing face arranged to make contact with the container roof, and wherein there is a variable separation distance between the magnetic bearing face and an upper surface of the panel.
13. A system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the variable separation distance is achieved using a resilient material, whereby the distance between the bearing face and the panel may be varied by putting the resilient material under compression or tension.
14. A system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the resilient material is a spring.
15. A system as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the magnetic attachment means comprises of a bolt attached to the magnet, that is arranged to freely pass through a hole in the panel, and wherein the bolt has a fixing thereon that is too large to pass through the hole, so providing a support for the panel.
16. A system as claimed in any of the above claims wherein each panel has a reinforcing strip running along at least one edge thereof.
17 A system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the reinforcing strip runs across at least two opposed edges.
18. A system as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein the reinforcing strip comprises of a reinforcing channel having a "U" profile, that is located on an edge and overlaps the major faces of the panel.S
19. A system as claimed in any of claims 16 or 17 wherein the reinforcing strip has a "H" profile, and is arranged to connect to two adjacent panels when installed.
20. A system as claimed in any of claims 16 or 17 wherein the reinforcing strip has a U-shaped portion adapted to connect to both an upper and lower face of one panel, and a lower portion adapted to provide a platform for a lower face of an adjacent panel
21. A system as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the strip acts to provide physical support to each panel to which it connects.
22. A system as claimed in any of claims 16-21 wherein the reinforcing strip is made from a plastic, rubber or wood material.
23. A system as claimed in any of claims 16 to 22 wherein the magnetic attachment means is held in place with a fixing that passes through the reinforcing channel and through the insulating board.
24. A system as claimed in any of the above claims, comprising a plurality of panels where all but two are sized similarly, and two are sized differently, to give a total coverage area of all the panels equal to the ceiling area of an ISO container.
25. A system as claimed in any of the above claims, comprising a plurality of panels where all but one are sized similarly, and one is sized differently, to give a total coverage area of all the panels equal to the ceiling area of an ISO container.