IL309307B2 - Removable collapsible liner cartridge with thermal elements and methods of use thereof - Google Patents

Description

309307 / FOLDABLE RETRIEVABLE LINER CARTRIDGE WITH THERMAL ELEMENTS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME TECHNICAL FIELD id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"

[0001] The present invention in general pertains to the art of transportation [0001] within a controlled thermal environment. In particular the present invention relates to a foldable and flattenable liner cartridge with thermal elements, installable to and retrievable from thermal containers, as well as to methods of manufacturing and using the same. id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"

[0001] BACKGROUND ART id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"

[0002] It is believed that the pertinent state-of-the-art is represented by the following patent literature: US20200148453, US11078008, US20180299059, US20210123653, US9267722, US11313605, US9950853 and USD931059. id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3"

[0003] US20200148453 which is believed to be the most relevant prior art [0001] teaches a temperature-regulating lid for an insulated box assembly and a method for using an insulated box assembly are disclosed. The temperature-regulating lid for an insulated box assembly of US20200148453 can comprise a lid box comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel, the lid box defining a cavity; and a temperature-regulating insert positioned in the cavity. [0001] id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4"

[0004] US20210123653 which is also believed to represent relevant prior art 309307 / teaches devices and methods for transporting items, and specifically crate liners for use in delivering temperature-controlled items such as perishable food. The crate liners of US20210123653 being insulated to maintain a temperature-controlled environment within the liner. The crate liners of the present application being collapsible to minimize the space required for storing the crate liner when not in use. [0001] 309307 / SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6"

[0006] The following summary of the invention is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects and features of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and as such it is not intended to particularly identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope [0001] of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below. id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7"

[0007] The invention was made in view of the deficiencies of the prior art and provides containers and techniques for overcoming these deficiencies. According to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, there is provided an [0001] assembly for transportation of thermally sensitive payload comprising: a container configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload; a foldable liner cartridge comprising at least one sidewall portion, having at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge; at least one thermal element comprising an essentially closed envelope and a thermal material [0001] enclosed within the essentially closed envelope, in which at least one thermal element is configured to be accommodated within at least one dedicated compartment of the foldable liner cartridge; at least one fastener comprising a container moiety, configured to be attachable to an interior of the container and a foldable liner moiety, configured to be attachable to an exterior of the foldable liner [0001] cartridge, in which at least one fastener is configured for readily connecting the foldable liner cartridge to the container, thereby rendering the foldable liner modularly installable within the container, where the at least one fastener is configured for readily disconnecting the foldable liner cartridge from the container, 309307 / thereby rendering the foldable liner retrievable from the container. id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8"

[0008] In some embodiments the foldable liner cartridge further comprises a bottom portion as well as a hinge portion formed between the bottom portion and the sidewall portion, and/or a top portion as well as a hinge portion formed between the top portion and the sidewall portion. [0001] id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9"

[0009] In some embodiments the at least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and/or accessible, so as to insert and/or retrieve the at least one thermal element thereto/therefrom. id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10"

[0010] In some embodiments the at least one fastener comprises at least one of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, [0001] magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM). id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"

[0011] According to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a foldable liner cartridge for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload comprising: providing a container [0001] configured for transportation of the thermally sensitive payload; providing a foldable liner cartridge including at least one sidewall portion, at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge; providing at least one thermal element including an essentially closed envelope and a thermal material enclosed within said essentially closed envelope; providing at least one [0001] fastener including a container moiety attachable to an interior of the container and a foldable liner moiety attachable to an exterior of the foldable liner cartridge; accommodating at least one thermal element within at least one dedicated 309307 / compartment of the foldable liner cartridge; readily connecting the foldable liner cartridge to the container by attaching the at least one fastener; modularly installing the foldable liner within the container; readily disconnecting the foldable liner cartridge from the container by detaching at least one fastener, and retrieving the foldable liner from the container. [0001] id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12"

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one dedicated compartment that is rendered to be openable and/or accessible, the method further includes inserting at least one thermal element into at least one dedicated compartment and retrieving at least one thermal element from at least one dedicated compartment. id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13"

[0013] According to some embodiments and aspects of the present [0001] invention, there is provided a foldable liner cartridge configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload including at least one sidewall portion; at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion; at least one thermal element including an essentially closed envelope and a thermal material enclosed within the essentially closed envelope, [0001] where the at least one thermal element is configured to be accommodated within at least one dedicated compartment in the foldable liner cartridge. id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14"

[0014] In some embodiments, the foldable liner cartridge further includes at least one fastener including a container moiety configured to be attachable to an interior of the container and a foldable liner moiety configured to be attachable to [0001] an exterior of the foldable liner cartridge; where the at least one fastener is configured for readily connecting the foldable liner cartridge to the container, thereby rendering the foldable liner modularly installable within the container; where the at least one fastener is configured for readily disconnecting the foldable liner 309307 / cartridge from the container, thereby rendering the foldable liner retrievable from the container. id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15"

[0015] According to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a foldable liner cartridge for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload comprises: providing a foldable liner [0001] cartridge configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of the thermally sensitive payload including at least one sidewall portion, at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge; providing at least one thermal element including an essentially closed envelope, a thermal material enclosed within the essentially closed envelope, where the at least [0001] one thermal element is accommodated within the at least one dedicated compartment of foldable liner cartridge; modularly installing the foldable liner within the container and retrieving the foldable liner from the container. id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16"

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing at least one fastener comprising: a container moiety attachable to an interior of the [0001] container, and a foldable liner moiety attachable to an exterior of the foldable liner cartridge; readily connecting the foldable liner cartridge to the container by attaching at least one fastener, and readily disconnecting the foldable liner cartridge from the container by detaching at least one fastener. id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17"

[0017] According to some embodiments and aspects of the present [0001] invention, there is/are provided an environmentally sustainable foldable liner cartridge for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload comprises and/or an environmentally sustainable method of using such foldable liner cartridge. 309307 / DEFINITIONS id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18"

[0018] The term thermal as referred to herein is to be construed as in a non- limiting manner including: (a) thermally accumulating materials and/or elements, configured for inducing a warmed or cooled environment by been previously [0001] respectively warmed or cooled, as well as (b) thermally active materials and/or elements, configured for actively generating heat or cold, typically by a means of chemical reaction. id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19"

[0019] The term liner as referred to herein is to be construed as in a non- limiting manner including any a lining in an appliance, device, or container. The term [0001] liner is to be construed as especially including but not limited to removable, retrievable, exchangeable, modular and replaceable lining. id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20"

[0020] The term fastener or a term similar thereto, as referred to herein, is to be construed as any suitable structure, material and/or device that effects an attachment, mounting and/or affixing, in a non-limiting manner including the [0001] examples of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners such as VELCRO (RTM), which is a trademark registered to Velcro Industries B.V. id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"

[0021] The term thermally sensitive payload, as referred to herein, is to be [0001] construed as any material or object requiring transportation or storage at a temperature different from the ambient environment. The term thermally sensitive payload in a non-limiting manner includes material or object requiring transportation 309307 / or storage in a hot, warmed, chilled or cold temperature, which differs from the given ambient environment. id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22"

[0022] The term matching or a term similar thereto, as referred to herein, is to be construed as having a cross-sectional area and/or shape of a component equal or essentially similar to a cross-sectional area and/or shape of another [0001] component. It should be acknowledged that the components may only to be similar in the cross-sectional areas and/or shapes, to satisfy the term matching or similar, so long as the cross-sectional areas of the components can be mated and/or inserted into each other and/or the combination thereof essentially fits together and/or occupy essentially the same space. [0001] id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23"

[0023] The term structured, as referred to herein, is to be construed as including any geometrical shape, exceeding in complexity a plain linear shape or a shape embodying a simple and/or standardized circular, elliptical or polygonal contour or profile. Any more complex shape than a plain linear shape or a shape embodying a simple and/or standardized circular, elliptical or polygonal contour or [0001] profile, constitutes an example of structured geometry. id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24"

[0024] The term modular, as referred to herein, should be construed as a including a stand-alone and/or autonomically functioning of structured unit. The term modular inter alia means a standardized unit that may be conveniently installed or deployed without significant impact to the environment. The term modular, [0001] however, doesn’t necessarily mean providing for ease of interchange or replacement. The term modular is optionally satisfied solely by providing for ease of onetime deployment or installation. 309307 / id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25"

[0025] The term readily connectable, as referred to herein, should be construed as including any structure and/or member that is configured to be conveniently connected to other structure and/or member and/or components of a larger system or assembly. The term readily connectable, however, doesn’t necessarily mean readily disconnectable or removable. The term readily [0001] connectable is optionally satisfied by providing for ease of onetime connection or coupling. id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26"

[0026] By operationally connected and operably coupled or similar terms used herein is meant connected in a specific way (e.g., in a manner allowing fluid to move and/or electric power or signal to be transmitted) that allows the disclosed [0001] system and its various components to operate effectively in the manner described herein. id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27"

[0027] The term environmentally sustainable, as referred to herein, is to be construed as including any material that is biodegradable or comprising a naturally occurring and/or excavated and/or mined material, whether in original, natural or [0001] processed form. The term environmentally sustainable, as referred to herein, is to be equally construed as including in a non-limiting manner any method or technique facilitating a reduction in: (1) energy consumption including energy consumption, whether required for manufacture, storage and/or transportation, (2) the volume or mass of disposed materials, waste or emissions, as well as (3) toxicity or non- [0001] biodegradability of disposed materials, waste or emissions. id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28"

[0028] The term fluid or liquid, as referred to herein, is to be construed as any material that deforms when a shear stress is applied. While fluid generally would refer to any liquids or gases, it may be used herein to describe fluidized solids 309307 / and bulk solids and/or granulate matter that are capable of flowing or otherwise moving inside a device as a result of pressure differences and/or gravitational force.

Such materials may include slurries, suspensions, pastes, powders, granular solids, particle solids, granulate matter, particulate matter, as well as any combinations thereof. [0001] id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29"

[0029] The terms pliable or pliant, as referred to herein, are to be construed as having high tensile strength and capable of being efficiently elastically flexed or bent but not being resilient and incapable of being efficiently stretched or expanded.

The term tensile or tensile strength, as referred to herein, is to be construed inter alia as a shortcut of the known term ultimate tensile strength, frequently represented [0001] acronym as UTS, meaning an intensive property of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to elongate, namely to resist tension, defined as the maximum stress that a material can withstand while been stretched or pulled before sustaining breaking, substantial deformation and/or necking before fracture, such as nylon, relating to essentially non-ductile materials, having UTS value ranging [0001] between about 600 and 1000 MPa or more, but not including rigid, firm or stiff materials. id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30"

[0030] The terms elastic or resilient, as referred to herein, are to be construed as having tensile strength lower than aforesaid tensile strength of pliable or pliant material and optionally being capable of efficiently stretching or expanding, relating [0001] inter alia to essentially ductile materials, having UTS value lesser than about 6 MPa. id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31"

[0031] The terms method and process as used herein are to be construed as including any sequence of steps or constituent actions, regardless a specific 309307 / timeline for the performance thereof. The particular steps or constituent actions of any given method or process are not necessarily in the order they are presented in the claims, description or flowcharts in the drawings, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any particular step or constituent action included in a given method or process may precede or follow any other particular step or constituent [0001] action in such method or process, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any particular step or constituent action and/or a combination thereof in any method or process may be performed iteratively, before or after any other particular step or action in such method or process, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Moreover, some steps or constituent actions and/or a combination thereof may be [0001] combined, performed together, performed concomitantly and/or simultaneously and/or in parallel, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, some steps or constituent actions and/or a combination thereof in any given method or process may be skipped, omitted, spared and/or opted out, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0001] id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32"

[0032] In the specification or claims herein, any term signifying an action or operation, such as: a verb, whether in base form or any tense, gerund or present/past participle, is not to be construed as necessarily to be actually performed but rather in a constructive manner, namely as to be performed merely optionally or potentially. [0001] id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33"

[0033] The term substantially as used herein is a broad term, and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers without limitation to being largely but not necessarily entirely of that quantity or quality which is 309307 / specified. id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34"

[0034] The term essentially means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, stages and or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, the stages and/or the parts do not materially alter the basic and new characteristics of the composition, method or structure claimed. [0001] id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35"

[0035] As used herein, the term essentially changes a specific meaning, meaning an interval of plus or minus ten percent (± 10%). For any embodiments disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, in some alternative embodiments, is to be understood as disclosing an interval approximately or about equal to that particular value (i.e., ± 10%). [0001] id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36"

[0036] As used herein, the terms about or approximately modify a particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus twenty percent (+/−20%). For any of the embodiments, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure of a range equal to about that particular value (i.e. +/−20%). [0001] id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37"

[0037] As used herein, the term or is an inclusive or operator, equivalent to the term and/or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; whereas the term and as used herein is also the alternative operator equivalent to the term and/or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38"

[0038] It should be understood, however, that neither the briefly synopsized [0001] summary nor particular definitions hereinabove are not to limit interpretation of the invention to the specific forms and examples but on the contrary are to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention. 309307 / DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39" id="p-39"

[0039] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more comprehensively from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40"

[0040] FIG 1 is a perspective view of an assembly of a container and foldable [0001] liner cartridge, for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload, according to some embodiments of the present invention; id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41" id="p-41"

[0041] FIG 2A is a perspective view of a foldable liner cartridge in a flattened configuration, according to some embodiments of the present invention; id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42" id="p-42"

[0042] FIG 2B is a perspective view of a foldable liner cartridge in a folded [0001] configuration, according to some embodiments of the present invention; id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43" id="p-43"

[0043] FIG 3 is a flowchart of a method of using a foldable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payload, according to some embodiments of the present invention; id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44"

[0044] FIG 4 is a flowchart of a method of using a foldable liner cartridge for [0001] transportation of thermally sensitive payload, according to another embodiment of the present invention; id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45" id="p-45"

[0045] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown merely by way of example in the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily complete and [0001] components are not essentially to scale; emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles underlying the present invention. 309307 / DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF EMBODIMENTS id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46" id="p-46"

[0046] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to [0001] achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with technology- or business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that the effort of such a development might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. [0001] id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47" id="p-47"

[0047] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 1to 2B , showing assembly 10 for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload, as well as foldable liner cartridge 14 . Foldable liner cartridge 14 configured to be modularly inserted into container 10 for transportation of thermally sensitive payload shown FIG 2Aand 2B illustrates various features that [0001] may be interchangeable with elements of any other embodiment described in the specification. id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48" id="p-48"

[0048] In some embodiments, assembly 10 comprises container 12 .

Container 12 is configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload.

Container 12 is typically thermally insulated. [0001] id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49" id="p-49"

[0049] In some embodiments, assembly 10 further comprises foldable liner cartridge 14 . Foldable liner cartridge 14 comprises at least one sidewall portion 16 .

In some embodiments, foldable liner cartridge 14 further comprises at least one 309307 / dedicated compartment 18 formed within sidewall portion 16 of liner cartridge 14 . id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50" id="p-50"

[0050] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG 2A and 2B , foldable liner cartridge 14 further comprises bottom portion 20 and hinge portion 22 . In some embodiments, hinge portion 22 is formed between bottom portion 20 and sidewall portion 16 . In another embodiment, foldable liner cartridge 14 further comprises a [0001] top portion and another hinge portion. In some embodiments, the other hinge portion is formed between the top portion and sidewall portion 16 . id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51"

[0051] In some examples, hinge portion 22and another hinge portion formed between the top portion and sidewall portion 16are configured to be folded and/or bent. In some examples, hinge portion 22 and another hinge portion formed [0001] between the top portion and sidewall portion 16include a structural element or a pliant or pliable material configured to facilitate folding and/or bending bottom portion 20 relative to sidewall portion 16and/or the top portion relative to sidewall portion 16 . id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52" id="p-52"

[0052] In some embodiments the foldable liner cartridge, according to the [0001] present invention, is characterized by having a distinct hinge portion forming the hinged connection between the bottom portion and the sidewall portion and/or a top portion and the sidewall portion, embodying a certain structural element, such as a perforation pattern with gaps, an elongated groove of weakened material or a seam along which two pieces of fabric are sewn together, configured to sustain bending [0001] and foldable of the liner cartridge. In some embodiments the foldable liner cartridge, according to the present invention, is characterized by having a hinge portion forming the hinged connection between the bottom portion and the sidewall portion and/or a top portion and the sidewall portion, notably without embodying certain 309307 / structural elements, such as a fold formed in the liner cartridge configured to sustain bending and folding thereof. id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53" id="p-53"

[0053] It should be acknowledged that foldable liner cartridge 14 in the folded configuration shown in FIG 2Bembodying the shape of a rectangular box open from the top is merely exemplary. Whereas in other embodiments, the foldable liner [0001] cartridge is equally configured to assume a variety of other different shapes, in a non-limiting manner including: a cylindrical shell shape, a cylindrical shell shape open from the top, a cylindrical shape open from the top and bottom, a rectangular box shell shape, a rectangular box shell shape open from the top and bottom, a cubical shell shape, a cubical shell shape open from the top, a cubical shape open [0001] from the top and bottom, a frusto-pyramidal shell shape, a frusto-pyramidal shell shape open from the top, a frusto-pyramidal shape open from the top and bottom, a frusto-conical shell shape, a frusto-conical shell shape open from the top, a frusto- conical shape open from the top and bottom, etc. id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54" id="p-54"

[0054] It should be acknowledged that foldable liner cartridge 14 in the [0001] flattened configuration shown in FIG 2Ais configured for embodying a monolayer shape, in which liner cartridge 14 is not folded on itself in any way or form, so that no part or portion of liner cartridge 14 is disposed on top of and/or in layers with any other part or portion of liner cartridge 14 . Accordingly, foldable liner cartridge 14 in the flattened configuration shown in FIG 2Ais configured to assume a monolayer [0001] thickness, whereby the surface area thereof s maximally exposed to the surrounding environment, therefore rendering liner cartridge 14optimal for effective and rapid cooling down and/or freezing. id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55" id="p-55"

[0055] Notably, as opposed to the insulating liner of US20210123653, 309307 / foldable liner cartridge 14 is configured to assume the flattened configuration shown in FIG 2A , whereas the insulating liner of US20210123653 is uncapable of assuming a flattened configuration, rendering the insulating liner of US20210123653 suboptimal for effective or rapid cooling down and/or freezing.

Moreover, as opposed to the insulating liner of US20210123653, foldable liner [0001] cartridge 14 does not comprise any thermally insulating material, which renders cartridge 14to be yet a fortiori optimal for effective and rapid cooling down and/or freezing. id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56" id="p-56"

[0056] In some embodiments, assembly 10 further comprises at least one thermal element. The at least one thermal element typically comprises an [0001] essentially closed envelope. In some embodiments, the at least one thermal element further comprises a thermal material. The thermal material is typically enclosed within the essentially closed envelope. In some embodiments, the at least one thermal element is configured to be accommodated within at least one dedicated compartment 18 of foldable liner cartridge 14 . [0001] id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57" id="p-57"

[0057] In some embodiments, at least one dedicated compartment 18 is rendered to be openable and/or accessible, so as to insert the at least one thermal element thereto. In some embodiments, at least one dedicated compartment 18 is rendered to be openable and/or accessible, so as to retrieve the at least one thermal element therefrom. In other embodiments, however, at least one dedicated [0001] compartment 18 is neither openable nor accessible, whereas the at least one thermal element is not insertable to and not retrievable from at least one dedicated compartment 18 but rather permanently accommodated within at least one dedicated compartment 18 . 309307 / id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58" id="p-58"

[0058] In some embodiments, assembly 10 further comprises at least one fastener. As shown in FIG 1 , at least one fastener comprises container moiety 24A .

Container moiety 24A is configured to be attachable to interior surface 26 of container 12 . In some embodiments, as shown in FIG 2B , at least one fastener further comprises foldable liner moiety 24B . Foldable liner moiety 24B is configured [0001] to be attachable to exterior surface 28 of foldable liner cartridge 14 . id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59" id="p-59"

[0059] In some embodiments, at least one fastener is configured for readily connecting foldable liner cartridge 14 to container 12 , thereby rendering foldable liner 14 modularly installable within container 12 . In some embodiments, at least one fastener is configured for readily disconnecting foldable liner cartridge 14 from [0001] container 12 , thereby rendering foldable liner 14 retrievable from container 12 . id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60" id="p-60"

[0060] In some embodiments, at least one fastener in a non-limiting manner comprises at least one member of: screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO [0001] (RTM). id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61" id="p-61"

[0061] In other embodiments, foldable liner 14 further comprises at least one biasing means and/or elastic, pliant, pliable or resilient element and/or material, configured for spontaneously driving the erecting and/or folding process of foldable liner cartridge 14 into the folded configuration shown in FIG 2B , by a means of [0001] intrinsic bias thereof. For instance, biasing means and/or elastic, pliant, pliable or resilient element 24B , as shown in FIG 2B , is configured to spontaneously drive the erecting and/or folding process of foldable liner cartridge 14 , into the folded configuration shown in FIG 2B , by a means of intrinsic bias, of biasing means and/or 309307 / elastic, pliant, pliable or resilient element 24B , so that foldable liner cartridge 14 is configured to support its own weight into the folded configuration shown in FIG 2B , and/or to perform self-structuring and/or self-assembly. id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62" id="p-62"

[0062] It should be acknowledged that the embodiment of foldable liner cartridge 14 shown in FIG 1 to 2B , comprising at least one fastener, including [0001] container moiety 24A foldable liner moiety 24B , is merely exemplary. Whereas in other embodiments foldable liner cartridge 14 doesn’t include any fastener and is neither attachable to nor detachable from container 12 . id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63" id="p-63"

[0063] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 3 , showing a flowchart of method 100 of using a [0001] foldable liner cartridge for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload. Method 100 of the embodiment of FIG 3 illustrates various features that may be interchangeable with elements and/or features of any other embodiment described in the specification. id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64" id="p-64"

[0064] In some embodiments, method 100 comprises step 102 of providing [0001] a container configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload. In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 104 of providing a foldable liner cartridge. In some embodiments, the foldable liner cartridge comprises at least one sidewall portion and at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge. [0001] id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65" id="p-65"

[0065] In some embodiments, the foldable liner cartridge further comprises a bottom portion and a hinge portion. In some embodiments, the hinge portion is formed between the bottom portion and the sidewall portion. In another 309307 / embodiment, the foldable liner cartridge further comprises a top portion and another hinge portion. The other hinge portion is formed between the top portion and the sidewall portion. id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66" id="p-66"

[0066] In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 106 of providing at least one thermal element. The at least one thermal element typically [0001] comprises an essentially closed envelope and a thermal material enclosed within the essentially closed envelope. id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67" id="p-67"

[0067] In some embodiments, method 100 further includes step 108 of providing at least one fastener. In some embodiments, the at least one fastener comprises a container moiety attachable to an interior of the container and a [0001] foldable liner moiety attachable to an exterior of the foldable liner cartridge. id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68" id="p-68"

[0068] In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 110 of accommodating at least one thermal element within at least one dedicated compartment of the foldable liner cartridge. In some embodiments, at least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and/or accessible. [0001] id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69" id="p-69"

[0069] In some embodiments, step 110 of method 100 comprises a step of inserting the at least one thermal element into the at least one dedicated compartment. In some embodiments, step 110 of method 100 comprises a step of retrieving the at least one thermal element from the at least one dedicated compartment. It should be acknowledged that step 110 of method 100 is merely [0001] optional, whereas in other embodiments the at least one dedicated compartment is not opened or closed and the at least one thermal element is not inserted thereto and not retrievable therefrom but rather the at least one thermal element is quite 309307 / permanently accommodated within the at least one dedicated compartment. id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70" id="p-70"

[0070] In some embodiments, method 100 further includes step 112 of readily connecting the foldable liner cartridge to the container, by attaching at least one fastener. In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 114 of modularly installing the foldable liner within the container, upon connecting the [0001] foldable liner cartridge to the container of step 112 . id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71"

[0071] In some embodiments, method 100 further includes step 116 of readily disconnecting the foldable liner cartridge from the container, by detaching at least one fastener. In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 118 of retrieving the foldable liner from the container, upon connecting the foldable liner [0001] cartridge to the container of step 112 . id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72" id="p-72"

[0072] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 4 , showing the flowchart of method 200 of using a foldable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payload. Method 200 of the embodiment of FIG 4 illustrates various features that may be interchangeable [0001] with elements and/or features of any other embodiment described in the specification. id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73"

[0073] In some embodiments, method 200 comprises step 202 of providing a foldable liner cartridge configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of thermally sensitive payload. The foldable liner cartridge comprises [0001] at least one sidewall portion and at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge. id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74" id="p-74"

[0074] In some embodiments, method 200 further comprises step 204 of 309307 / providing at least one thermal element and optionally step 206 of accommodating the at least one thermal element within the at least one dedicated compartment of the foldable liner cartridge, where the at least one dedicated compartment is configured to be openable and/or accessible. id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75" id="p-75"

[0075] In some embodiments, step 206 of method 200 optionally comprises [0001] inserting at least one thermal element into at least one dedicated compartment. In some embodiments, step 206 of method 200 optionally comprises retrieving at least one thermal element from at least one dedicated compartment. id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76" id="p-76"

[0076] In some embodiments, method 200 further includes step 208 of modularly inserting the foldable liner within the container. In some embodiments, [0001] method 200 further comprises step 210 of retrieving the foldable liner from the container. id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77" id="p-77"

[0077] In some embodiments, method 200 further comprises an optional step of providing at least one fastener. The at least one fastener may include a container moiety attachable to an interior of the container and a foldable liner moiety [0001] attachable to an exterior of the foldable liner cartridge. id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78" id="p-78"

[0078] In some embodiments, method 200 further comprises an optional step of readily connecting the foldable liner cartridge to the container, by attaching at least one fastener. In some embodiments, method 200 further comprises an optional step of readily disconnecting the foldable liner cartridge from the container, [0001] by detaching at least one fastener. id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79" id="p-79"

[0079] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein 309307 / above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow:

Claims (18)

309307 / - 24 - CLAIMS

1. An assembly for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads, said assembly comprises: (a) a container configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload, said container comprising a top panel, bottom panel and at least one sidewall panel, wherein each one of aforesaid panels comprising a thermally insulating material; (b) a flattenable and foldable liner cartridge comprising: (I) at least one sidewall portion; (II) at least one dedicated compartment formed within said sidewall portion of said liner cartridge; wherein said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration; (c) at least one thermal element comprising: (I) an essentially closed envelope; (II) a thermal material enclosed within said essentially closed envelope; wherein said at least one thermal element is configured to be accommodated within said at least one dedicated compartment of said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge; with the proviso that said thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; wherein said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge comprises a monolayer thickness; 309307 / - 25 - (d) at least one fastener comprising: (I) a container moiety, configured to be attachable to an interior of said container; (II) a flattenable and foldable liner moiety, configured to be attachable to an exterior of said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge; wherein said at least one fastener is configured for readily connecting said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge to said container, thereby rendering said flattenable and foldable liner modularly installable within said container; wherein said at least one fastener is configured for readily disconnecting said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge from said container, thereby rendering said flattenable and foldable liner retrievable from said container; with the proviso that said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge further comprises: (a) at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (I) a bottom portion; (II) a top portion; (b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (I) a first hinge portion, formed between said bottom portion and said sidewall portion; (II) a second hinge portion, formed between said top portion and said sidewall portion. 309307 / - 26 -

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and/or accessible, so as to insert and/or retrieve said at least one thermal element thereto/therefrom.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM).

5. A method of using a flattenable and foldable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads comprises: (a) providing a container configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload, said container comprising a top panel, bottom panel and at least one sidewall panel; (b) providing a flattenable and foldable liner cartridge comprising: (I) at least one sidewall portion; (II) at least one dedicated compartment formed within said sidewall portion of said liner cartridge; wherein said flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration; (III) at least one thermal element comprising: (i) an essentially closed envelope; 309307 / - 27 - (ii) a thermal material enclosed within said essentially closed envelope; with the proviso that said thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; with the proviso that said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material; wherein said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge comprises a monolayer thickness; (c) providing at least one fastener comprising: (I) a container moiety, attachable to an interior of said container; (II) a flattenable and foldable liner moiety, attachable to an exterior of said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge; (d) accommodating said at least one thermal element within said at least one dedicated compartment of said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge; (e) readily connecting said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge to said container, by attaching said at least one fastener; (f) modularly installing said flattenable and foldable liner within said container; (g) readily disconnecting said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge from said container, by detaching said at least one fastener; (h) retrieving said flattenable and foldable liner from said container.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge further comprises: (a) at least one member selected from the group consisting of: 309307 / - 28 - (I) a bottom portion; (II) a top portion; (b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (I) a first hinge portion, formed between said bottom portion and said sidewall portion; (II) a second hinge portion, formed between said top portion and said sidewall portion.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein said at least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and/or accessible, further comprises: (a) inserting said at least one thermal element into said at least one dedicated compartment; (b) retrieving said at least one thermal element from said at least one dedicated compartment.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM).

9. A flattenable and foldable liner cartridge configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads, wherein said container comprising a top panel, bottom panel and at least one sidewall 309307 / - 29 - panel, said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge comprises: (a) at least one sidewall portion; (b) at least one dedicated compartment formed within said sidewall portion; (c) at least one thermal element comprising: (I) an essentially closed envelope; (II) a thermal material enclosed within said essentially closed envelope; with the proviso that said thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; with the proviso that said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material; wherein said at least one thermal element is configured to be accommodated within said at least one dedicated compartment of said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge; wherein said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge comprises a monolayer thickness.

10. The flattenable and foldable liner cartridge, of claim 9, further comprises at least one fastener comprising: (a) a container moiety, configured to be attachable to an interior of said container; (b) a flattenable and foldable liner moiety, configured to be attachable to an exterior of said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge; wherein said at least one fastener is configured for readily connecting said 309307 / - 30 - flattenable and foldable liner cartridge to said container, thereby rendering said flattenable and foldable liner modularly installable within said container; wherein said at least one fastener is configured for readily disconnecting said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge from said container, thereby rendering said flattenable and foldable liner retrievable from said container.

11. The flattenable and foldable liner cartridge, of claim 9, wherein said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge further comprises: (a) at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (I) a bottom portion; (II) a top portion; (b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (I) a first hinge portion, formed between said bottom portion and said sidewall portion; (II) a second hinge portion, formed between said top portion and said sidewall portion.

12. The flattenable and foldable liner cartridge of claim 9, wherein said at least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and/or accessible, so as to insert and/or retrieve said at least one thermal element thereto/therefrom.

13. The flattenable and foldable liner cartridge of claim 10, wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one member selected from the group 309307 / - 31 - consisting of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM).

14. A method of using a flattenable and foldable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads, wherein said container comprising a top panel, bottom panel and at least one sidewall panel, said method comprises: (a) providing a flattenable and foldable liner cartridge configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload comprising: (I) at least one sidewall portion; (II) at least one dedicated compartment formed within said sidewall portion of said liner cartridge; wherein said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration; (III) providing at least one thermal element comprising: (i) an essentially closed envelope; (ii) a thermal material enclosed within said essentially closed envelope; with the proviso that said thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; with the proviso that said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material; wherein said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge is configured to assume 309307 / - 32 - a flattened configuration, in which said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge comprises a monolayer thickness; (b) accommodating said at least one thermal element within said at least one dedicated compartment of said foldable liner cartridge; (c) modularly inserting said flattenable and foldable liner within said container; (d) retrieving said flattenable and foldable liner from said container.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprises: (a) providing at least one fastener comprising: (I) a container moiety, attachable to an interior of said container; (II) a flattenable and foldable liner moiety, attachable to an exterior of said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge; (b) readily connecting said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge to said container, by said attaching at least one fastener; (c) readily disconnecting said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge from said container, by detaching said at least one fastener.

16. The method, of claim 14, wherein said flattenable and foldable liner cartridge further comprises: (a) at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (I) a bottom portion; (II) a top portion; (b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (I) a first hinge portion, formed between said bottom portion and said 309307 / - 33 - sidewall portion; (II) a second hinge portion, formed between said top portion and said sidewall portion.

17. The method, of claim 14, wherein said at least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and/or accessible, further comprises: (a) inserting said at least one thermal element into said at least one dedicated compartment; (b) retrieving said at least one thermal element from said at least one dedicated compartment.

18. The method, of claim 14, wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM).