JP2024510974A - boxed box shipper - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided herein are methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus for shipping containers. The shipping container includes an enclosure having a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure has multiple panels and various configurations. Phase change material inserts may be received within multiple panels. The inner enclosure defines a payload area configured to hold a payload. [Selection diagram] Figure 1A

Description

(Cross reference to related applications)
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/159,859, filed March 11, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Systems, devices and/or systems for securing and/or stabilizing a payload within a shipping container to protect the payload as the shipping container moves during transportation and/or storage are disclosed herein. or regarding methods.

[0003] In the health, medical, pharmaceutical, and/or life science industries, safe storage of payloads in a temperature-controlled and watertight environment is an important aspect of the industry. Typically, once the payload is shipped, the shipper packs the payload into a non-reusable enclosure, such as a cardboard box, and places a container around the payload, such as an expanded polystyrene container and/or dry ice, to maintain temperature. may be packed with shipping materials. The shipper may place or scoop dry ice pellets or blocks into an inner packaging made of an insulating material such as expanded polystyrene and around the payload to maintain the payload's temperature. The shipper may place the inner packaging within an outer enclosure, such as a sturdy cardboard box, and partially seal the outer enclosure. This configuration allows the payload to float within the shipping material and, as the shipping containers jostle, reorient, and/or otherwise move, the payload may shift or shift during transportation, thereby causing the This may cause payload instability during the process.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a system, apparatus, and/or method for a shipping container that stabilizes a payload within the shipping container to protect the payload.

[0005] Generally, one aspect of the subject matter described herein is embodied in a shipping container. The shipping container includes an enclosure having a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within a cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure has a plurality of panels and a plurality of phase change material inserts received within the plurality of panels. The plurality of panels define a payload area configured to hold a payload.

[0006] These and other embodiments may optionally include a base and a lid. The lid may be removable to access the inner enclosure when the inner enclosure is within the cavity of the outer enclosure. Each panel of the plurality of panels may have angled edges that form a channel. The channel may be configured to slidably receive a phase change material insert.

[0007] The plurality of panels may include a top panel, a plurality of side panels and a bottom panel. The bottom panel may be on the opposite side of the top panel. The edges of the plurality of side panels may connect with the edges of the top panel and the edges of the bottom panel. A plurality of side panels may be positioned between the top panel and the bottom panel. The panels and phase change material inserts may be removable.

[0008] The enclosure may be made from an insulating non-metallic material that may be designed to withstand shock and vibration at cryogenic temperatures. The insulating non-metallic material may be polycarbonate or other polymer. The plurality of panels may be positioned along or adjacent the inner surface of the walls of the enclosure and may be made from non-metallic materials.

[0009] In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a shipping container. The shipping container includes an enclosure having a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within a cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure has an upper tray, a lower tray, and a nested enclosure positioned between the upper and lower trays. The nested enclosure has a payload area configured to receive a payload.

[0010] In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a shipping container. The shipping container has an enclosure with a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within a cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure has a plurality of recessed walls defining a payload area configured to receive a container.

[0011] In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a shipping container. The shipping container includes an enclosure having a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within a cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure includes a plurality of brackets. The plurality of brackets define a receiving area configured to receive a payload.

[0012] In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a shipping container. The shipping container includes an enclosure. The outer enclosure has a cavity. The shipping container includes an inner enclosure positioned within a cavity of the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure has a top cover and a base. The shipping container includes a plurality of posts. A plurality of posts are positioned upright at and along the base of the inner enclosure. The plurality of pillars define a payload area for receiving a payload.

[0013] A method is also disclosed. The method may be for maintaining a payload area of the shipping container within a predetermined temperature range during shipping of the payload in the shipping container. The method may include various aspects. For example, the method may include providing an enclosure having sidewalls and a base defining a cavity in the enclosure. The inner enclosure may be inserted into a cavity of the outer enclosure and may define a payload area inside the inner enclosure. The phase change material may be inserted into a shipping container. The payload may be placed within the payload area of the inner enclosure, and a lid may be attached to the top of the outer enclosure to cover a cavity in the outer enclosure that includes the inner enclosure. The payload region may be cooled by a phase change material to maintain the payload region within a predetermined temperature range.

[0014] In various embodiments, the method includes one or more additional aspects. For example, a phase change material may be inserted between the inner and outer enclosures. The predetermined temperature range may be less than 0 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be less than about 0 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between 25 degrees Celsius and -80 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between about 25 degrees Celsius and about -80 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between -150 degrees Celsius and -190 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between about -150 degrees Celsius and about -190 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be less than about -150 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be less than -150 degrees Celsius. The inner enclosure may have multiple panels that define a payload area. The payload may be stabilized by multiple panels of the inner enclosure. Each panel of the plurality of panels may have angled edges forming a channel, and the method may include slidably inserting a phase change material insert into the channel.

[0015] The method may be practiced with various configurations of the inner enclosure. For example, the inner enclosure may have an upper tray, a lower tray, and a nested enclosure positioned between the upper and lower trays, the nested enclosure defining a payload area, where the payload is , stabilized by a nested enclosure in the inner enclosure. The inner enclosure may include a plurality of recessed walls that define a payload area. The inner enclosure may have a plurality of brackets that define a payload area configured to receive a payload. The inner enclosure may have a top cover and a base and a plurality of posts positioned upright at and along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts for receiving the payload. Define the area.

[0016] As previously indicated, one aspect of the subject matter described herein is embodied in a shipping container. Shipping containers may have different configurations. For example, a shipping container may have an enclosure having a sidewall and a base, where the sidewall and the base define a cavity in the enclosure. The shipping container may have a lid attachable to a side wall of the enclosure to cover the cavity in the enclosure. The shipping container may be configured to have an inner enclosure located inside the cavity to provide a payload area for a payload within the inner enclosure.

[0017] The inner enclosure of the shipping container may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the inner enclosure may include multiple panels that define a payload area. The inner enclosure may include an upper tray, a lower tray, and a telescoping enclosure positioned between the upper tray and the lower tray, with the nesting enclosure defining a payload area. The inner enclosure may include a plurality of recessed walls that define a payload area. The inner enclosure may include a plurality of brackets that define a payload area configured to receive a payload. The inner enclosure has a base, a plurality of columns positioned upright at and along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of columns defining a payload area for receiving a payload, and a plurality of columns opposite the base. a top cover, where the post extends between the top cover and the base.

[0018] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following figures and detailed description. The component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate important features of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a shipping container having multiple panels and multiple phase change material inserts according to one aspect of the present invention. [0020] FIG. 1B depicts a close-up perspective view of a panel and phase change material insert of the shipping container of FIG. 1A, according to one aspect of the present invention. [0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a shipping container having a nested container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a shipping container having a star-shaped inner enclosure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a shipping container having an inner enclosure with multiple brackets in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. [0024] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a shipping container having an inner enclosure with posts in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. [0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a method of maintaining a payload area of a shipping container within a predetermined temperature range during shipping of the payload in the shipping container according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0026] Disclosed herein are systems, devices and/or methods for a shipping container (or "shipper") that maintain a temperature within a payload area and stabilize a payload within the payload area. be. The shipper may be designed with an outer enclosure and an inner enclosure within a cavity of the outer enclosure to stabilize and protect the payload disposed within the payload area of the inner enclosure. The outer enclosure and/or inner enclosure may be made from metallic or non-metallic materials, such as hardened materials such as polycarbonate, polyethylene or other polymers that protect the payload from environmental factors such as shock and vibration. The material may be designed to withstand extremely low temperatures, so even when exposed to extremely low temperatures, the material may also become brittle to shock and vibration that may occur during storage and/or transportation. I don't even receive it.

[0027] Other benefits and advantages may include the use of phase change materials. The use of phase change materials maintains the temperature within the payload region of the shipper, and thus the temperature of the payload positioned within the payload region. By using phase change materials, the shipper can maintain and/or manage the temperature within the payload area. The temperature within the payload region is not limited to a single temperature range, and may not be limited to, for example, the temperature of dry ice when dry ice is used as the temperature control medium. Alternatively, the shipper has the flexibility to maintain the payload temperature at a variety of different temperature ranges, which may be configured using phase change materials as the temperature control medium.

[0028] FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of the sipper 100. Shipper 100 maintains a temperature-controlled environment for the payload within the payload area. Sipper 100 may include an outer enclosure 102 and an inner enclosure 104. The enclosure 102 may be shaped as a rectangular cube with a base 114, a lid 116 that may be removable, and a plurality of sidewalls 118. Further, the outer enclosure 102 may be made from an insulating metallic or non-metallic material such as polycarbonate or other polymers. The enclosure 102 may be designed to withstand shock and vibration at extremely low temperatures that occur during shipping and/or storage.

[0029] The base 114, the lid 116, and/or the plurality of sidewalls 118 may form or define a cavity 110 that receives the inner enclosure 104 within the cavity 110. Lid 116 may be removable to access inner enclosure 104. The lid 116 may be coupled to the plurality of side walls 118 via one or more hinges, latches and/or connectors, and/or rest on the plurality of side walls 118 so as to surround and/or surround the cavity 110. It may be sized and shaped to fit in the same way. This allows lid 116 to be removable and/or moved between open and closed positions to provide access to cavity 110 and the contents within cavity 110.

[0030] Inner enclosure 104 and payload may be located within cavity 110. A lid 116 may be placed on top of the inner enclosure 104 to prevent, seal, or partially seal access to the inner enclosure 104 and/or the payload within the cavity 110. Thus, the outer enclosure 102 can protect the inner enclosure 104 and the payload located within the cavity 110 from shock and/or vibration during storage and transportation.

[0031] Sipper 100 includes an inner enclosure 104. Inner enclosure 104 may include multiple panels 106 and/or multiple phase change material (PCM) inserts 108. The plurality of panels 106 and/or PCM inserts 108 may be positioned along and/or adjacent the inner surface of the base 114, the plurality of sidewalls 118 and/or the lid 116 within the cavity 110. A plurality of panels 106 and/or PCM inserts 108 define a payload area 112 that receives and surrounds a payload disposed within payload area 112.

[0032] The plurality of panels 106 may be made from metallic or non-metallic materials, such as polycarbonate or other insulating non-metallic materials that withstand extremely low temperatures. The plurality of panels 106 may include a bottom panel, a plurality of side panels, and a top panel opposite the bottom panel. Each of the plurality of panels 106 may have one or more inwardly angled edges 120 forming a channel 122, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B, to accommodate a corresponding PCM insert 108. It may also be slidably received. An edge of each of the plurality of side panels may connect with an edge of the top panel and an edge of the bottom panel such that the top and bottom panels form an inner enclosure 104 and define a payload area 112. It may be positioned between.

[0033] PCM insert 108 includes a phase change material, which is a substance that emits and/or absorbs sufficient energy in a phase change to provide useful heat and/or cooling. Phase change materials can transition between solid and liquid. Different phase change materials may be designed to maintain the temperature within payload region 112 at and/or within different temperature ranges and/or bands.

[0034] The corresponding PCM insert 108 may be slid into the channel 122 to integrate the PCM insert 108 with the corresponding panel 106. For example, the edges of the PCM insert 108 may be slid into the channel 122 to position the PCM insert 108 within the channel 122 and secured to the panel 106. When the PCM inserts 108 are received within the plurality of panels 106 and the plurality of panels 106 and/or the PCM inserts 108 are inserted into the cavity of the outer enclosure 102 to form the inner enclosure 104, a payload area 112 is defined; May receive and enclose payload. Each of the PCM inserts 108, and each of the plurality of panels 106, may be shaped similarly, such as into a truncated pyramid, to allow compatibility between the various components, and thus the plurality of panels 106. and/or making the PCM inserts 108 removable and replaceable with each other.

[0035] In another aspect of the invention, FIG. 2 shows a sipper 200. Shipper 200 maintains a temperature-controlled environment for the payload within the payload area. Sipper 200 includes an outer enclosure (not shown) and an inner enclosure 201. Inner enclosure 201 is positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure to store or enclose a payload disposed therein.

[0036] Inner enclosure 201 has an upper tray 202, a lower tray 204, and a nesting enclosure or container ("nesting container") 206 therein. Upper tray 202 may be positioned opposite lower tray 204 and nested containers 206 may be positioned between upper tray 202 and lower tray 204. The sides of the upper tray 202 and the sides of the lower tray 204 connect with the side walls of the enclosure so that the upper tray 202 and the lower tray 204 do not move within the enclosure cavity when placed within the enclosure cavity. may be substantially in contact with each other. This fixes the inner enclosure 201 within the outer enclosure so that the inner enclosure 201 remains stationary within the outer enclosure during transportation.

[0037] Upper tray 202 and/or lower tray 204 may have one or more handles 208. One or more handles 208 may be openings in the sidewalls of upper tray 202 and/or lower tray 204. The one or more handles 208 allow the user to grasp or insert both hands through the side wall openings of the upper tray 202 and/or the lower tray 204 to hold the inner enclosure 202 within the outer enclosure cavity. The inner enclosure 202 can be lifted, moved, or otherwise positioned and/or the inner enclosure 202 removed from the outer enclosure cavity. In some implementations, upper tray 202 and/or lower tray 204 may or may not be removable from the enclosure cavity. For example, the lower tray 204 may be fixed within the enclosure, integrally molded or integrally formed with the enclosure, and not separable from the bottom or sides of the enclosure cavity.

[0038] The top tray 202 may have one or more openings 210 at the base of the top tray 202. One or more openings 210 may be centrally positioned in upper tray 202 and may be of similar size and shape to nested containers 206. One or more openings 210 allow a container or payload to be inserted into the payload area 212 of the telescoping container 206 without the need to remove the top tray 202.

[0039] Telescoping containers 206 may be integrally formed, fixed, or removable with lower tray 204 and/or upper tray 202. Nested containers 206 may be centrally positioned between upper tray 202 and lower tray 204. The telescoping container 206 has a circumference less than the perimeter of the upper tray 202 and/or the lower tray 204 so that dry ice or other cooling material or substance can be placed between the telescoping container 206 and the sidewalls of the enclosure. It may have a perimeter that is . That is, the telescoping container 206 may not contact or connect with the sidewalls of the enclosure.

[0040] The telescoping container 206 may be formed from a plurality of sidewalls 216 that define a payload area 212. A plurality of sidewalls 216 may surround and/or surround a payload disposed or positioned within payload region 212. A plurality of sidewalls 216 are cut from and/or bonded or otherwise fastened to each of the sidewalls 216 and positioned within the payload region 212 and configured to receive a payload wall. One or more leaf springs 218 or portions of the sidewall may be angled, bent, or bent inwardly into contact. The one or more leaf springs 218 are stiff enough to secure or stabilize the payload within the sidewalls 216 of the telescoping container 206, yet stiff enough to absorb shock or other movement of the payload positioned therein. It may be compressible or flexible. Telescoping containers 206 may be made from metallic or non-metallic materials, such as polycarbonate, to withstand extremely low temperatures.

[0041] Inner enclosure 201 may have one or more centering guides 214. One or more centering guides 214 may be positioned on an inner surface of upper tray 202 and/or lower tray 204. One or more centering guides 214 may be formed from a first wall and a second wall. The two walls may be integrally formed, the second wall may be perpendicular to the first wall, the second wall and the first wall may be joined together, molded together, or otherwise may form a right angle when positioned adjacent to each other to form a corner. One or more centering guides 214 may be positioned around the periphery of the sidewalls 216 of the nested containers 206 when the nested containers 206 rest between the upper tray 202 and/or the lower tray 204. One wall may be molded, fixed, or positioned on top tray 202 and/or bottom tray 204, and the other wall is positioned parallel to and adjacent to a portion of the nested container. A wall positioned parallel to and adjacent to a portion of the telescoping container may contact the payload only a small amount along less than about 15% of the wall of the telescoping container. The one or more centering guides 214 may only follow a portion of the walls of the nesting container, but not all of the walls of the nesting container. One or more centering guides 214 allow the nesting container 206 to be positioned in the center of the lower tray 204 and under the one or more openings 210 in the upper tray 202 so that dry ice or other substances can be Arranged around the telescoping container 206, the payload can be maintained at cryogenic temperatures.

[0042] In another aspect of the invention, FIG. 3 shows a sipper 300 with a star-shaped inner enclosure 304. Shipper 300 maintains a temperature-controlled environment for the payload within the payload area. Sipper 300 includes an outer enclosure 302 and an inner enclosure 304. The outer enclosure 302 may be made of one or more layers. These layers may include layers of insulating foam and/or layers of polycarbonate or other polymers or non-metals that withstand extremely low temperatures. The outer enclosure 302 may have multiple walls defining a cavity 303. Cavity 303 may be sized and shaped to receive inner enclosure 304. For example, cavity 303 may be defined by walls formed into a rectangle, compartment, or other polygonal shape.

[0043] Inner enclosure 304 may be positioned in cavity 303 of outer enclosure 302. Inner enclosure 304 may have a plurality of walls 310 or blades (hereinafter "walls") and a plurality of vertices 308 where two adjacent walls join or meet. Wall 310 and/or apex 308 may be made from metallic or non-metallic materials, such as polycarbonate or polymer shapes. The plurality of walls 310 are between two or more of the vertices 308 of the plurality of vertices 308. In some implementations, the inner enclosure 304 includes four vertices and four walls that are concave and form a star shape and contact the payload 306 at the innermost curved portion 314.

[0044] The walls 310 of the inner enclosure 304 surround or surround the payload 306 disposed therein. Walls 310 may be concave so that payload 306 does not substantially contact the entire surface of each of walls 310 . Alternatively, the concave wall may contact the payload 306 only along the innermost curved portion 314 of the concave wall. The innermost curved portion 314 of the concave wall secures, stabilizes, and orients the payload 306 in the center of the inner enclosure 304.

[0045] Inner enclosure 304 may be positioned and oriented within outer enclosure 302 such that a plurality of vertices 308 are positioned at corners of outer enclosure 302 where two adjacent walls join or meet. This secures and centers the inner enclosure 304 within the cavity 303 of the outer enclosure 302. Accordingly, since the container 306 is positioned and stabilized within the inner enclosure 304 and the inner enclosure 304 is fixed and centered within the cavity 303, the payload 306 remains stabilized and centered within the cavity 303 of the outer enclosure 302. There is even. Furthermore, the inner enclosure 304 may have a concave shape with its apex at the corner of the outer enclosure 302, so that dry ice or other cooling material can flow between the walls of the inner enclosure 304 and the outer enclosure 302, and within the inner enclosure. It may be located in an interstitial space 316 between enclosure 304 and payload 306.

[0046] In another aspect of the invention, FIG. 4 shows a sipper 400 with one or more brackets 406 that together form an inner enclosure 404. Shipper 400 maintains a temperature-controlled environment for the payload within the payload area. Sipper 400 includes an outer enclosure 402 and an inner enclosure 404. The outer enclosure 402 may be made of one or more layers. The layers may include layers of insulating foam and/or layers of polycarbonate or other polymers or non-metals that withstand extremely low temperatures. The outer enclosure 402 may have a plurality of walls 412 that define a cavity 403. Cavity 403 may be sized and shaped to receive inner enclosure 404 . For example, the cavity 403 may be defined by a plurality of walls 412 formed in a rectangular, compartment, or other polygonal shape.

[0047] Inner enclosure 404 may be positioned in cavity 403 of outer enclosure 402. Inner enclosure 404 may have multiple brackets 406. The plurality of brackets 406 may be formed from a plurality of blades 408 and walls 410 therebetween. For example, the bracket may include a first blade angled inwardly from a corner of the cavity 403 of the enclosure 402 and a second blade angled inwardly from a second corner of the cavity 403 of the enclosure 402. A wall 410 may be coupled to, integrally formed with, and/or formed between the first and second blades. The inner enclosure 404 may have two or more brackets 406 positioned oppositely in the wall cavity 403 on either side of the outer enclosure 402. In some implementations, two or more brackets 406 may be positioned on each wall of enclosure 402.

[0048] Each wall 410 may be concave in shape and may have an inwardly curved portion. Each blade 408 has a proximal portion coupled to wall 410 adjacent wall 412 of outer enclosure 402 and a distal portion directed toward the center of cavity 403 and contacting a payload received within inner enclosure 404. May have. Dry ice or other material to maintain cryogenic temperatures may be placed on one or more blades 408 , on one or more walls 410 of one or more brackets 406 , and/or on walls 412 of enclosure 402 . It may be arranged in the gap space 414 between the two.

[0049] The one or more brackets 406 may be compressible or flexible and are made from metallic or non-metallic materials, such as polycarbonate or other polymers, that resist brittleness at cryogenic temperatures. It's okay. The payload may exert a force against the one or more brackets 406 when the payload is placed between the one or more brackets 406 within the inner enclosure 404. The one or more brackets 406 may bend inwardly or apply an opposing force to maintain the position of the payload within the inner enclosure 404 and stabilize the payload within the payload area of the inner enclosure 404. Good too.

[0050] In another aspect of the invention, FIG. 5 shows a sipper 500 with one or more posts 512. Shipper 500 maintains a temperature-controlled environment for the payload within the payload area. Sipper 500 includes an outer enclosure 502 and an inner enclosure 504. Outer enclosure 502 and/or inner enclosure 504 may be made from metallic or non-metallic materials, such as polycarbonate or other polymers, that withstand extremely low temperatures. The enclosure 502 may have multiple walls defining a cavity 503. The plurality of walls may be positioned to form a rectangular cavity therein for receiving the inner enclosure 504 and the payload.

[0051] Inner enclosure 504 may have a top cover 506 and a base 508. The base 508 may be fixed, integrally formed, and/or otherwise positioned at the bottom of the enclosure 502. The walls of the base 508 may be adjacent to and/or contact the side walls of the outer enclosure 502 such that the base 508 does not move or reposition within the bottom of the outer enclosure 502. In some implementations, there is a gap between the walls of the base 508 and the side walls of the enclosure 502 so that dry ice or other material may be placed therebetween. The base 508 may have a recess or cavity 510 therein. The recess or cavity 510 may be filled with dry ice or other material to cool the payload received from below within the payload region 514.

[0052] The top cover 506 of the inner enclosure 504 may be removable and slides into the cavity 503 of the outer enclosure 502 and fits over the top of the base 508 to surround, surround, and/or define the payload area 514. , the payload area receives the payload when inserted inside. The top shroud 506 of the inner enclosure 504 may also have walls that are similar in size and shape to the cavity 503 of the outer enclosure 502, such that the walls of the top shroud 506 overlap the outer enclosure. Adjacent to wall 502.

[0053] Shipper 500 may have one or more posts 512. One or more columns 512 may be formed from a first wall and a second wall. The two walls may be made from metallic or non-metallic materials, such as polycarbonate or other polymers. The two walls may be integrally formed, and the second wall may be perpendicular to the first wall or may form a right angle, in which case the second wall and the first wall are joined together, molded together, or otherwise positioned adjacent to each other to form corners. One or more posts 512 may be positioned upright and parallel to the walls of the top shroud 506 and around the periphery of the cavity 510 of the base 508. One or more posts 512 may be fastened, molded, or otherwise coupled to the base 508 and define a payload area 514 that receives a payload when the payload is inserted into the inner enclosure 504. Good too. In some implementations, one or more posts 512 may be positioned on the top of the top cover 506 and on a lid (not shown) extending downwardly toward the base 508.

[0054] When the payload is inserted, the one or more posts 512 may receive one or more corners of the payload, such that the one or more posts 512 eg, less than about 15% of each wall of the payload. One or more posts 512 stabilize the payload within the payload area 514 so that the payload does not jostle or otherwise move during transport in the shipper 500. There may be one or more gaps or interstitial spaces between the payload in payload region 514 and the walls of inner enclosure 504 and/or outer enclosure 502, where dry ice or other material is It can be placed in between to maintain extremely low temperatures. Additionally, dry ice or other material may be positioned within the cavity 510 and/or on top of the payload when positioned within the payload region 514.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 6, a method 600 is illustrated. The method may be for maintaining a payload region of a shipping container within a predetermined temperature range during shipping of the payload in the shipping container. The method may include providing an enclosure (block 602). The enclosure may have a sidewall and a base defining a cavity in the enclosure. The method may include inserting an inner enclosure into a cavity of an outer enclosure (block 604). In various instances, the inner enclosure defines a payload area inside the inner enclosure. The method may include inserting the phase change material into a shipping container (block 606). The phase change material may be liquid nitrogen or other cryogen. The phase change material may be solid carbon dioxide (eg, dry ice). The phase change material may be frozen water (eg, ice) or any other material suitable for maintaining the payload area of the shipping container within a predetermined temperature range.

[0056] The method includes placing a payload into a payload region of an inner enclosure (block 608) and attaching a lid to a top of the outer enclosure to cover a cavity in the outer enclosure that includes the inner enclosure (block 610). It may also include. The method may include cooling the payload region with a phase change material to maintain the payload region within a predetermined temperature range (Block 610).

[0057] Various aspects of different embodiments may be incorporated in connection with the present method. For example, a phase change material may be inserted between the inner and outer enclosures. The predetermined temperature range may be less than 0 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be less than about 0 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between 25 degrees Celsius and -80 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between about 25 degrees Celsius and about -80 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between -150 degrees Celsius and -190 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be between about -150 degrees Celsius and about -190 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be less than about -150 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature range may be less than -150 degrees Celsius. The inner enclosure may have a plurality of panels that define a payload area, where the payload is stabilized by the panels of the inner enclosure. Each panel of the plurality of panels may have angled edges that form a channel. The phase change material may be slidably inserted into the channel. The inner enclosure may have an upper tray, a lower tray, and a nested enclosure positioned between the upper and lower trays, the nested enclosure defining a payload area, where the payload is Stabilized by nested enclosures. The inner enclosure may have a plurality of recessed walls that define a payload area. The inner enclosure may have a plurality of brackets that define a payload area configured to receive a payload. The inner enclosure has a top cover and a base, and a plurality of posts positioned upright along the base at the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts defining a payload area for receiving a payload. Good too.

[0058] Exemplary embodiments of methods/systems have been exemplary disclosed. Accordingly, the terms employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Minor modifications to the teachings herein may occur to those skilled in the art, but are intended to be limited within the scope of the patents warranted herein. It is understood that all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of advances in the art, which scope is not limited except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents. .

Claims (48)

an outer enclosure having a cavity;
an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure and having a plurality of panels and a plurality of phase change material inserts received within the plurality of panels;
A shipping container, wherein the plurality of panels define a payload area configured to hold a payload. The outer enclosure includes a base and a lid;
The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the lid is removable to access the inner enclosure when the inner enclosure is inside the cavity of the outer enclosure. each panel of the plurality of panels has angled edges forming a channel;
The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the channel is configured to slidably receive one phase change material insert of the plurality of phase change material inserts. the plurality of panels include a top panel, a plurality of side panels, and a bottom panel opposite the top panel;
the top panel is opposite the bottom panel;
The edges of the plurality of side panels are connected to the edges of the top panel and the bottom panel,
The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of side panels are positioned between the top panel and the bottom panel. each of the plurality of panels is removable;
5. The shipping container of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of phase change material inserts is removable. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the outer enclosure is made from an insulating non-metallic material designed to withstand shock and vibration at cryogenic temperatures. 7. The shipping container of claim 6, wherein the insulating non-metallic material is polycarbonate or other polymer. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are positioned along or adjacent an interior surface of the enclosure wall and are made of a non-metallic material. an outer enclosure having a cavity;
a telescoping enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure and having an upper tray, a lower tray, and a payload area positioned between the upper tray and the lower tray for receiving a payload; an inner enclosure having the nested enclosure. 10. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the top tray has an opening through which the shipping container can be placed inside the telescoping enclosure. 10. The telescoping enclosure has one or more leaf springs angled inwardly and configured to contact and stabilize the payload inside the telescoping enclosure. Shipping container. 12. The shipping container of claim 11, wherein the leaf spring, the upper tray, and the lower tray are non-metallic. Shipping according to claim 9, wherein the upper tray or the lower tray has one or more centering guides for receiving the nesting enclosure and centering the nesting enclosure on the upper tray or the lower tray. container. the upper tray or the lower tray is shaped to fit inside the shipping container and connect with each wall of the plurality of walls of the enclosure when inserted into the cavity of the enclosure; A shipping container according to claim 9. 10. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the upper tray or the lower tray has one or more handles that allow a user to grasp or hold the upper tray or the lower tray. 10. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the lower tray is fixed within, integrally molded with, or integrally formed with the outer enclosure and is not separable from the outer enclosure. 10. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein the telescoping enclosure is integrally formed with or secured to the lower tray or the upper tray. an outer enclosure having a cavity;
an inner enclosure having a plurality of recessed walls positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure and defining a payload area for receiving a container. The inner enclosure has a plurality of vertices where two adjacent walls of the plurality of concave walls meet,
19. The shipping container of claim 18, wherein each vertex of the plurality of vertices contacts a corner of the enclosure cavity. 20. The shipping container of claim 19, wherein the inner enclosure is star-shaped with four vertices and four concave walls. The inner enclosure is non-metallic and is configured to engage the container at an innermost curved portion of each recessed wall of the plurality of recessed walls when the container is disposed within the payload area of the inner enclosure. 19. The shipping container of claim 18, configured to contact. 19. The shipping container of claim 18, wherein the outer enclosure has a layer of insulating material or a layer of polycarbonate to withstand cryogenic temperatures. an outer enclosure having a cavity;
an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure and having a plurality of brackets;
A shipping container, wherein the plurality of brackets define a receiving area configured to receive the container. The plurality of brackets include a first bracket and a second bracket,
24. The shipping container of claim 23, wherein the first bracket has a first blade, a second blade, and a recessed wall positioned between the first blade and the second blade. . the first blade is positioned within a first corner of the cavity of the enclosure and projects inwardly toward the center of the cavity;
The second blade is positioned within a second corner of the cavity of the enclosure opposite the first corner and extends inwardly toward the center of the cavity of the enclosure. 25. The shipping container of claim 24, wherein the shipping container protrudes into the container. 25. The shipping container of claim 24, wherein the first blade, the second blade, and the recessed wall are made from a non-metallic material. the first bracket is positioned adjacent a first wall of the enclosure;
25. The shipping container of claim 24, wherein the second bracket is positioned adjacent a second wall of the enclosure opposite the first wall of the enclosure. 24. The shipping container of claim 23, wherein the outer enclosure is made from one or more layers of insulating material or polycarbonate material. an outer enclosure having a cavity;
an inner enclosure positioned within the cavity of the outer enclosure and having a top cover and a base;
a plurality of posts positioned upright at and along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts defining a payload area for receiving a payload. The plurality of pillars include a first pillar and a second pillar opposite to the first pillar,
the first pillar receives a first corner of the payload;
30. The shipping container of claim 29, wherein the second post receives a second corner of the payload opposite the first corner of the payload. 31. The shipping container of claim 30, wherein the plurality of posts contact a portion of a wall of the payload to stabilize the payload so that the payload does not move during transportation. 30. The shipping container of claim 29, wherein the plurality of posts are fastened, molded, or otherwise coupled to the base. 30. The shipping container of claim 29, wherein the plurality of posts are made from a non-metallic material. A method for maintaining a payload area of a shipping container within a predetermined temperature range during shipping of the payload in the shipping container, the method comprising:
providing the enclosure having a side wall and a base defining a cavity in the enclosure;
inserting an inner enclosure into the cavity of the outer enclosure, the inner enclosure defining a payload area inside the inner enclosure;
inserting a phase change material into the shipping container;
placing a payload inside the payload area of the inner enclosure;
attaching a lid to the top of the outer enclosure so as to cover the cavity of the outer enclosure including the inner enclosure;
cooling the payload region with the phase change material to maintain the payload region within the predetermined temperature range. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the phase change material is interposed between the inner enclosure and the outer enclosure. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the predetermined temperature range is between about 25 degrees Celsius and about -80 degrees Celsius. The inner enclosure includes a plurality of panels,
the plurality of panels define the payload area;
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the payload is stabilized by the plurality of panels of the inner enclosure. each panel of the plurality of panels has angled edges forming a channel;
38. The method of claim 37, further comprising slidably inserting the phase change material into the channel. the inner enclosure includes an upper tray, a lower tray, and a nested enclosure positioned between the upper and lower trays;
the nested enclosure defines the payload area;
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the payload is stabilized by the telescoping enclosure of the inner enclosure. The inner enclosure includes a plurality of concave walls,
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the plurality of recessed walls define the payload area. The inner enclosure includes a plurality of brackets,
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the plurality of brackets define the payload area configured to receive a payload. The inner enclosure includes a top cover and a base, a plurality of posts positioned upright at and along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts defining the payload area for receiving a payload. 35. The method of claim 34, comprising: a pillar of. an outer enclosure having a sidewall and a base, the sidewall and the base defining a cavity in the outer enclosure;
a lid attachable to the side wall of the outer enclosure so as to cover the cavity in the outer enclosure;
an inner enclosure, the inner enclosure being positioned inside the cavity and configured to provide a payload area for a payload within the inner enclosure. The inner enclosure includes a plurality of panels,
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the plurality of panels define the payload area. the inner enclosure includes an upper tray, a lower tray, and a nested enclosure positioned between the upper and lower trays;
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the nested enclosure defines the payload area. The inner enclosure includes a plurality of concave walls,
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the plurality of recessed walls define the payload area. The inner enclosure includes a plurality of brackets,
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the plurality of brackets define the payload area configured to receive the payload. The inner enclosure is
The base and
a plurality of posts positioned upright at and along the base of the inner enclosure, the plurality of posts defining the payload area for receiving a payload;
a top cover opposite the base;
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the post extends between the top cover and the base.

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