JPS6278074A - Thermal packaging assembly, thermal packaging material and thermal packaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] This invention relates to foods, beverages, plants, other biological materials, drugs, other chemicals, and temperature sensitive electronic devices.

The present invention relates to thermal packaging assemblies, thermal packaging materials, and thermal packaging methods for items that are packaged in a thermally controlled environment for extended periods of time, such as tissue specimens.

[Prior Art of the Invention and Problems Therein] When transporting products that are sensitive to heat or easily damaged by heat, or when storing such products for a long period of time, it is necessary to keep the article or product at a low temperature for a long period of time. The use of coolants is widely known. Although refrigerators and refrigerated conveyance systems are widely used for storage and conveyance purposes, relatively small and inexpensive refrigerant systems are used only for e.g. single-distance conveyance systems, air transportation, or for cooling food, beverages, etc. Not yet.

It is well known and has been widely used for a long time to retain temperature-sensitive substances such as food, drugs, plants, and biological substances in ice or dry ice for long periods of time by encasing them in ice or dry ice. There is. For example, for camping, traveling, picnics, etc., it is common practice to use ice boxes or sealed containers with ice to hold food and beverages. Ice is also used commercially to transport or store food, flowers, plants, etc. until they are sold or placed in a refrigerator.

In the medical field, ice is used to treat trauma from various injuries.

It is used to reduce swelling and pain, as well as
Used to transport and store blood, tissues, organs, and drugs. Ice and dry ice are also used in transporting or using heat-sensitive equipment, aqueous solutions, or chemical reactions.

Ice or dry ice as a cooling substance is often used as a preservative and to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Another commonly used refrigerant, especially those used for recreational purposes, is the so-called blue water, which is used to keep food or beverages cold for long periods of time. Until it is stored in a container such as a cool box, it becomes a frozen solid material.

The main problem with using ice as a coolant is that it melts. The volume of ice when it melts is smaller than when it is frozen. Therefore, when ice melts, it does not act as an effective packaging material. Melted ice is easily contaminated by microorganisms and, since it comes into close contact with the products being protected, these products are also susceptible to contamination. Also, these products are damaged by moisture. If the products to be protected cannot withstand moisture, these products must be protected in some way from melting ice. For example, these products may be protected by placing them above the ice level using elevated shelves within the ice cubes, or by packaging them in waterproof packaging before placing them in the ice. Ru. Additionally, when the ice melts, the product may move around in the container and collide with the walls of the container, causing damage. The container itself must also be water resistant.

Dry ice has similar problems. After all, dry ice turns into CO2 over time, and this gas must be vented. The product then moves within the container. Ice and dry ice can only be used once and are expensive to store heat.

Blue water, on the other hand, can be used repeatedly by refreezing the contents of the mass, but when frozen into a frozen solid, it is very bulky and does not conform to the shape of the item being cooled.

Also, backwater has difficulty contacting large surface areas of non-uniformly shaped items. When this blue water melts inside the bag, it becomes soft and easily deformed. When ice and blue water function, they do not act as shock absorbers when frozen and are not ideal packaging materials, especially for complex or uneven or fragile items.

[Object of the Invention] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its object is to provide a thermal packaging assembly that solves the above-mentioned problems.

[Summary of the Invention] According to the present invention, a thermal packaging assembly includes a plurality of capsules each containing a thermal control material made of a soft material and capable of maintaining a predetermined temperature range for a long period of time; and means for accommodating or packaging the capsule in a container for the substance to be stored. Each capsule is sized to be small relative to the total volume of the item or items being packaged. Additionally, because the capsules are wrapped relatively loosely around the item, they absorb shock and reduce damage to the packaged item, and prevent temperature changes over time.

The capsule may be surrounded by a suitable insulating outer container,
Alternatively, a plurality of capsules may be formed independently of each other or may be connected by connecting webs in the form of sheets or baffles. It is sufficient that each capsule is formed into an appropriate shape, and the shape is such that it can withstand compression.
It is desirable that the materials be selected so that they can move relative to each other to provide good shock absorption when one or more items are packaged. These capsules have, for example, a shape similar to known multi-foam particles used for packaging, or a shape that can withstand sealed packaging such as an arcuate shape, an oval shape, or a tubular shape, or a shape with a tab υ or a gap between adjacent capsules. It has a shape that allows it to be loosely wrapped while holding it.

Therefore, the packaging assembly of this invention is made of ice.

Superior to known cooling agents such as dry ice, blue water and known packaging materials that do not have thermal control properties.

The heat control agent contained in the capsule keeps the item at a predetermined temperature,
For example, it is desirable that the refrigerant be able to maintain a temperature higher than the ambient temperature. In a preferred embodiment, a mixed solution has the ability to absorb or dissipate heat with little change in temperature when changing from one physical state to another, from solid to liquid, and vice versa. Used as a heat control agent. The capsules are frozen at or below the transformation temperature. The capsules are then wrapped around the item and kept in a temperature-controlled environment for a period of time depending on the number of capsules, the insulating properties of the container containing the capsules, and the ambient temperature.

Water is one such coolant, changing from liquid to solid at exactly 4.9.32"F (transformation temperature).

In a preferred embodiment, the temperature control agent comprises a mixture of two or more substances, which are mixable when in liquid form, and
When mixed, the freezing point is lower than when each substance is separated. The point at which both substances solidify is known as the eutectic point.

In one embodiment, the eutectic solution is a formulated eutectic chloride solution or a eutectic mixed chloride solution that exhibits good energy storage capacity at a given temperature. Such mixed solutions are formulated to exhibit storage capacity over a wide range of different temperatures and can be used for high or low temperature storage depending on the eutectic point of the selected eutectic mixture within the capsule. Fru.

Each capsule or sheet capsule can be used alone or in combination with, for example, dry ice. In this case, the problems caused when using dry ice alone can be solved, and the effective cooling time can be lengthened. The capsule can also be set to a specific operating temperature by appropriate selection of the eutectic mixture.

In one embodiment, the capsule is designed to exhibit a cooling temperature range similar to ice. In this example, the heat storage material within each capsule is ammonium sulfate;
The eutectic temperature of the material, such as a solution of calcium chloride or other inorganic salts, and the transformation temperature of the solution will depend on the particular salt contained within the material. The capsule is also designed to maintain the article at a high temperature by appropriate selection of heat storage material.

Embodiment of the Invention FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a thermal packaging assembly according to the invention, in which a plurality of capsules 10 containing a thermal control agent or refrigerant are placed in a container 14. It is located at the center of the thermally protected article 16.

9.2 The item 16 may be, for example, an item of a nature that is susceptible to corrosion or damage due to temperature, or that must be kept at a controlled temperature for any reason.
One or more items are packed into the capsule. Item 16 is
For example, food, chemicals, drugs, or living things such as fish feed. Container 14 is preferably of suitable shape and size and is insulated.

As shown, each capsule is sized substantially smaller than the overall size of the item or items to be packaged. Therefore, the capsules packaged in the container of the product have a cushioning effect that protects the product against impact, and even if the product has an uneven or uneven shape, Almost the entire area can be touched. When the capsules are packaged, they are designed to resist compression, i.e. with gaps I between adjacent capsules.
It is shaped to form an 8. Since the capsule can absorb or resist impact by moving relative to other capsules, the cushioning effect can be increased.

The dimensions of each capsule are preferably 74 inches, although larger packages may be larger, such as 3" x 3" x 1/4 inch or more. Capsules of small size are filled with 0.5-2d of cooling liquid, capsules of large size are filled with 20- or more of cooling liquid.

Figures 2 to 9 show various shapes of capsules. 2 to 4 show the first shape, each capsule 20 having a tubular shape with both ends sealed. The capsule is manufactured by sealing a long tube filled with a suitable coolant 12 (FIG. 4) at appropriate intervals and subsequently cutting the tube. According to one example of this type of capsule, the capsule is made of a polyethylene tube having an outer diameter of 1/4" and a wall thickness of 1/16".
It is formed with an inch section and approximately Q, 5 m
t of cooling solution. However, these specific dimensions will vary depending on the context in which the capsule is used.

Figures 5 to 9 show other shapes of the capsule. In FIG. 5, the capsule 30 is formed into a pillow shape with a substantially square or rectangular outer shape.

In FIG. 6, the capsule 40 has a curved or S-shaped shape, resembling a foam granule commonly used for packaging. FIG. 7 shows the shape of another capsule 50, which is tubular with enlarged ends. 8th
The figure shows a curved C-shaped capsule 60, and FIG. 9 shows a capsule 70 having a star or flower shape. In each configuration, the capsule is formed, for example, by molding from a suitable material and filling it with coolant 12.

Capsules are manufactured by any suitable method as follows. Capsules or capsules may be formed by blow molding, vacuum molding, machine forming, or extrusion of tubes that are suitably sealed and cut. Alternatively, capsules may be formed by forming tubes from a continuous film, suitably sealing, filling with coolant and cutting into independent capsules, or by molding the capsules and filling with coolant. be done.

Each capsule is formed with a jacket of a suitable flexible or soft material, the jacket selected depending on the operating temperature of the assembly in which the capsule is used and the coolant contained in the capsule. In addition, the capsules are made of polyethylene, PVC, Teflon (trademark), which melts at low temperatures,
Preferably, it is made of polypropylene, polycarbonate, nylon, or the like.

Each capsule is filled with a coolant 12 selected depending on the desired operating temperature. Thermal control assemblies are commonly used as cooling assemblies to maintain a controlled temperature below ambient temperature. The assembly may also be designed for use at temperatures above ambient, ie to heat and maintain the article at elevated temperatures, by appropriate use of the filler 12 within the capsule.

Preferably, the coolant I2 is a substance that changes from one physical state to another at a predetermined temperature, called the transformation temperature, from liquid to solid or vice versa. The capsule is first cooled to a temperature that is at or below the transformation temperature. Typically, the capsules are cooled at -20°C below the holding temperature for 16-20 hours, depending on the melting and transformation temperature of the entire capsule. The capsules are then held within a predetermined temperature range for an extended period of time to maintain the temperature of the item for a period of time that depends on the insulating capacity of the outer container, the number and weight of capsules used, and the ambient temperature. .

By choosing a coolant, the thermal packaging assembly can
The item may be kept at -113°C (9°C) for a period of several hours up to 500 hours, depending on the number of capsules used and the insulating capacity of the outer container.
It can be maintained within a predetermined temperature range from 25° C. (lower than 77° C.) to 25° C. (lower than 77° C.). By appropriately selecting the coolant, the temperature can be controlled within the range of -60°C to 66°C.

Capsules work best when used with a well-insulated container.

Thermal control agents, gases, and coolants absorb or emit heat with little change in temperature during the transition from one physical state to another, i.e., from fluid to fixed or solid to liquid. have the ability to This has the ability to make ice a good cooling agent. coolant 1
If 2 is water, the capsule will be frozen under 32°C.

The ice then loses 144 of thermal energy before becoming water again.
Absorb BTUs.

Although water can be used as a coolant for the capsule, in a preferred embodiment the coolant is a eutectic solution or a mixture of two or more substances, which can be used as a coolant for each substance alone. It has a lower freezing point, that is, a eutectic point. As the solution cools, it changes from a single liquid state to two or more solid states at the eutectic point. This is known as a eutectic reaction and is used to maintain selected temperature ranges in conditions similar to, or more effective than, ice. This solution may contain, for example, an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt or a mixed solution of inorganic salts. This salt is
For example, choose from the following types: selected from: salt, sodium, calcium, ammonium or potassium chloride; ammonium, magnesium or sodium sulfate; or potassium rum or sodium nitride.

The coolant is formulated to maintain a predetermined temperature range under controlled conditions. Various capsules containing different coolants are provided to suit different conditions.

Some examples of eutectic coolants or other coolants are given below, but other coolants or temperature control agents can be configured to operate at various temperatures. The coolant used is preferably a non-toxic and non-corrosive material, with a high boiling point and a low coefficient of expansion in the solid and liquid state. In addition, the coolant
PonP Atta! A shoulder density material having a heat of fusion (heat required to transform at the transformation temperature) of 5100 BTU'S or greater is desirable.

Example 1 A capsule is filled with an aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate. The capsules are multifilled, for example, by keeping them in a suitable refrigerator or cooling assembly at a temperature of -4 for 10 to 16 hours (depending on the total mass of the capsules). The eutectic point of this coolant is -! The freezing point is -3,
It is 187. Instead of ammonium sulfate, for example, calcium chloride or other inorganic salts may be used.

These capsules maintain a constant temperature for a longer time than the same amount of ice. When the ambient temperature is 21°C, a volume of 432 cu with 3-inch thick urethane walls can maintain the cooling temperature within the range of 2-8°C for more than 4103 hours. This value is the same as that of the same amount of ice or blue water, but it does not have the disadvantages of traditional coolants, such as melting and lack of cushioning effect.

Example 2 In this example, the following mixed solution is used as the coolant.

200 g of polyethylene glycol at 20% weight concentration, 7
．． zP) (adjusted to 0.15 molar sodium phosphate 28,392.9 and 0.15 molar in distilled water.
The eutectic point of this mixed solution of 19.8 g of 15 molar ammonium sulfate is -2°C. The holding temperature can be increased or decreased by decreasing or increasing the amount of ammonium sulfate or polyethylene glycol.

The capsule containing this coolant can maintain the same temperature as a refrigerator for the same amount of time when stored in the same container as in Example 1 above, and has the additional effect of not completely solidifying. are doing. Therefore, even when the capsule is cooled, it remains in a semi-solid state,
Cushioning properties are improved.

Example 3 In this example, the coolant is N-tetradecane.

(CH3(CH2)12CHs). The transformation temperature of this coolant is 4.4°C, and under the same conditions as the capsules shown in Example 1, the capsules containing this coolant are approximately 76°C.
It can maintain its temperature for a period of time, and as a result, it has thermal insulating ability for the same period of time.

Example 4 According to this example, the capsule contains ethylene glycol 400 with a transformation temperature of -12.7°C. This material is compliant when frozen, so the capsules have improved cushioning properties. The capsule is
Depending on the total mass to be cooled, it has to be cooled at a lower temperature than in the example described above, for example at -20° C. for 16 hours or more. Under the same conditions as in the above example, the capsule containing this coolant remains frozen for over 49 hours, resulting in a lower temperature environment than in the above example, which maintains the same temperature as a refrigerator. Yes, Example 5 According to this example, the capsule contains N-hefusadecane with a transformation temperature of 25°C. This material is used, for example, to maintain temperatures above ambient temperature for long periods of time.

A comparison of the five examples above at various ambient temperatures is shown in the table below. Here, it is assumed that the capsules shown on each side have been previously cooled below the transformation temperature for a predetermined period of time and are housed in the same container as in Example 1. This table shows the theoretical retention times obtained with the various coolants shown on each side.

Average ambient temperature ('C) Holding time -13 (Example 4) 393 311 125 62 4
6 41 37-3 (Example 1) 165 621 34
0 103 70 61 530 (Example 2) 120
319 478 101 66 °56494 (Example 3
) 64 129 - 86 51 43 37
25 (Example 5) 38 53 78412 - -
- The average holding time of each thermal packaging assembly can be precalculated according to the ambient temperature, the mass of the capsules used and the thermal conductivity of the insulating container.

The total holding time is 5! i, corresponds to the heat minus the heat loss depending on the volume and the thermal conductivity of the container. Therefore, everything with specific packaging and thermal control requirements can be predetermined in advance of the amount of capsules needed to cool for a given period of time and the most desirable coolant to be placed in the capsules. Additionally, various capsules containing different temperature control agents may be combined to increase the cooling time.

Thus, the thermal packaging assembly described above is capable of protecting the packaged item against impact and damage, as well as maintaining the item within a predetermined temperature range for an extended period of time. The amount of capsules required and the type of coolant used will depend on the item being packaged, the expected ambient temperature and the length of time it will be held at a given temperature (usually at or below refrigerator temperature). Can be determined in advance. Even if the temperature of the capsule reaches the ambient temperature, these capsules continue to have the ability to insulate the item for a length of time and their volume does not change even if the material inside the capsule undergoes metamorphosis. Acts as a good packaging material.

These capsules may be used alone or in combination with other cooling agents. For example, dry ice (
When CO7) is used as the refrigerant, the mixture of dry ice and capsules is packaged in the container of the item to be cooled. In this case, the cold air generated from the dry ice can be retained for a long time, and the cold air can be prevented from coming into direct contact with the items. Also, some of the capsules may contain dry ice as a heat control agent.

The material forming the capsules is selected so that the capsules do not stick to each other or to surfaces adjacent to the capsules. Such cracking occurs when ice or similar coolants are used.

The capsules have non-wettable and non-wettable surfaces, thus minimizing condensation and preventing microbial growth on the surfaces.

As mentioned above, the shape of the capsule is selected to withstand compression. Generally, it is desirable that the degree of compression be no more than one-fifth of the total volume contained in the capsule.

The capsules can be used multiple times by simply refreezing them once they reach ambient temperature. The capsule envelope is flexible and has adequate resistance to tearing. Therefore, the capsules are inexpensive compared to ice or other coolants used alone, and have a relatively long life.

The internal coolant is selected to be non-toxic, non-corrosive and washable in case the capsule ruptures for some reason.

As mentioned above, capsules may be used in thermal packaging assemblies to transport or store delicate or temperature sensitive items such as perishable foods, plants, medicines, and the like. By properly selecting the coolant in the capsule, the thermal packaging assembly can be used for frozen foods, biological drugs,
or other frozen substances f 20~6℃ to -4℃
Can be used for 0 hour storage. The thermal packaging assembly can also be used to cool food and beverages in place of ice, green water, etc. for outdoor recreational purposes such as picnics, camping, and the like. Alternatively, it may be used to cool bait during fishing.

The capsules of the invention can also be used, for example, in ice gases used to control the temperature of experimental chemical reactions, to protect heat-sensitive films, or to treat swelling or other lesions. Used as a pack.

Additionally, the capsules may be used in ice vending machines or ice storage systems. Within these vending machines and systems, packs of ice for beverages and the like are stored until sold, that is, until used.

As described above, the capsules of the present invention are versatile, economical, and highly effective thermal control and thermal packaging materials, capable of packaging a variety of different items, and at or below ambient temperatures. It can operate over a wide range of temperatures.

The capsule need not be housed in a rigid container, but may be held around the item by suitable means, such as a flexible wrapper.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the thermal packaging assembly according to the invention. According to this embodiment, a plurality of capsules containing a suitable coolant are interconnected to form a bubble pack-like sheet 84.

Sheet 84 may be manufactured in a manner similar to conventional foam/f-hook materials, with each cell or capsule 80 filled with liquid coolant.

The capsules within the sheet may have any shape.

The sheet is pre-chilled in the same manner as the capsules described above and then packaged into the packaging of the item to be packaged. The sheet wrapping the item may also be housed within a container to increase its insulation capacity, if desired, and may be secured to the item's wrapper to form a complete packaging assembly.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway side view of a thermal packaging assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the shape of one capsule in the assembly, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line 4--4 of FIG. 3; FIGS. 5-9 are perspective views showing various shapes of the capsule; FIG. 10 is a side view of the capsule shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a thermal packaging assembly according to another embodiment. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.70°80...
・Capsule, 12... Coolant, 14 River container.

Claims (51)

[Claims] (1) a plurality of capsules containing a heat control agent that maintains a predetermined temperature range for an extended period of time and each having an outer jacket made of a flexible material; and surroundings of the article that is maintained at the predetermined temperature range means for packaging said capsules in said capsule, said capsules each having dimensions substantially smaller than the total volume of said items being packaged, and each capsule having means for cushioning said packaged items. thermal packaging assembly. (2) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule is formed in a shape that can withstand compression. (3) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule has an S-shape. (4) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule is formed into a tubular shape. (5) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule is formed into a pillow shape. (6) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule is formed in a curved C-shape. (7) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule is formed in a star shape. 8. The thermal packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein said means for packaging said capsules comprises an external insulating container. (9) The capsules are connected to each other by connecting webs to form a bubble-packed sheet of packaging material, and the packaging means has a connecting web that wraps around the article. A thermal packaging assembly as described in Range 1. (10) Claim 9, characterized in that an external container containing a packaging sheet for the capsule is provided.
Thermal packaging assembly as described in Section. (11) The dimensions of the above capsule are 1″ x 1/2 x 1/2″
The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the thermal packaging assembly is set in a range of 3'' x 3'' x 1/4''. (12) Each capsule has a length of approximately 1″ with both ends sealed.
12. The thermal packaging assembly of claim 11, having a tubular portion having a diameter of 1/4''. (13) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wall thickness of the outer jacket of the capsule is set to about 1/16". (14) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer jacket is made of plastic. (15) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 14, wherein the plastic is polyethylene that melts at low temperatures. (16) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 14, wherein the plastic is polyvinyl chloride. (17) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 14, wherein the plastic is nylon. (18) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the thermal control agent is a coolant. (19) The heat control agent is in a liquid state and at least two
A thermal packaging assembly as claimed in claim 1, comprising a eutectic solution having two solid states, the capsules being cooled to the solid state before packaging. (20) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 19, wherein the eutectic solution is an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt. (21) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 20, wherein the solution is an 11% weight concentration aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate. (22) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 19, wherein the solution is a mixed solution of polyethylene glycol, sodium phosphate, and ammonium sulfate in water. (23) The mixing ratio of the solution is set to 200 gm of polyethylene glycol, 28.4 gm of sodium phosphate, and 19.8 gm of ammonium sulfate in 1 liter of solution. The thermal packaging assembly described. (24) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the thermal control agent has means for controlling temperature when cooled to a state where it transforms from a liquid to a solid. . (25) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 24, wherein the thermal control agent is a flexible solid. (26) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 25, wherein the thermal control agent is polyethylene glycol. (27) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 24, wherein the thermal control agent is N-tetradecane. (28) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 24, wherein the thermal control agent is N-hekiadecane. 29. The thermal packaging assembly of claim 24, wherein the heat control agent has a heat of fusion of greater than or equal to 100 BTU'S per pound. (30) Claim 24, wherein the capsule has substantially the same volume when it is liquid and when it is solid.
Thermal packaging assembly as described in Section. (31) The thermal packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule is combined with dry ice. (32) A capsule containing a liquid heat control agent at room temperature and made of a flexible material is provided, and the heat control agent maintains a predetermined temperature range for a long time when cooled from a liquid state to a solid state. 12. A thermal packaging material having means for forming a thermal packaging material, wherein the capsule is shaped to withstand compression and is smaller in size than the item to be packaged. (33) The thermal packaging material according to claim 32, wherein the thermal control agent is a liquid eutectic solution. (34) The thermal packaging material according to claim 33, wherein the heat control agent is a coolant that maintains a temperature lower than the ambient temperature. (35) The thermal packaging material according to claim 32, wherein the heat control agent has means for maintaining a temperature higher than the ambient temperature. (36) The thermal packaging material according to claim 32, wherein the capsule is formed of a tubular member. (37) Claim 3, wherein the tubular member is formed to have a length of 1 inch and a diameter of 1/4 inch.
Thermal packaging material according to item 6. (38) The thermal packaging material according to claim 36, wherein the tubular member is curved. (39) The thermal packaging material according to claim 36, wherein the tubular member has an S-shape. (40) The thermal packaging material according to claim 32, wherein the capsule is formed into a pillow shape. (41) The thermal packaging material according to claim 32, wherein the capsule is formed in a star shape. (42) The thermal packaging material according to claim 32, characterized in that a plurality of capsules are provided which are connected to each other by a connecting web to form a bubble pack-like sheet. (43) The thermal packaging material according to claim 32, wherein the thermal control agent is an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt. (44) The inorganic salt is at least one of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium nitrate, and sodium sulfate. Thermal packaging material according to item 43. (45) The thermal packaging material according to claim 44, wherein the inorganic salt is ammonium sulfate. (46) The thermal packaging material according to claim 45, wherein the thermal control agent contains polyethylene glycol and sodium phosphate. (47) The thermal packaging material according to claim 32, wherein the thermal control agent is ethylene glycol. (48) The thermal packaging material according to claim 32, wherein the thermal control agent is N-tetradecane. (49) The thermal packaging material according to claim 32, wherein the thermal control agent is N-hexadecane. (50) A step of pre-cooling a plurality of capsules each containing a liquid heat control agent at room temperature; The method includes the steps of: keeping the product within a predetermined temperature range for a long period of time by wrapping it around the product in a relatively movable manner; and absorbing a shock acting on the packaged product for a period of time or longer. ,
A method of thermally packaging items. 51. A method of thermal packaging according to claim 50, comprising the step of mixing the pre-chilled capsules with dry ice before wrapping around the item to be packaged.