US20030213834A1 - Container and point of purchase display - Google Patents
Container and point of purchase display Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030213834A1 US20030213834A1 US10/338,807 US33880703A US2003213834A1 US 20030213834 A1 US20030213834 A1 US 20030213834A1 US 33880703 A US33880703 A US 33880703A US 2003213834 A1 US2003213834 A1 US 2003213834A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- layer
- assembly
- outer shell
- insulating
- inner layer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3848—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation semi-rigid container folded up from one or more blanks
- B65D81/3853—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation semi-rigid container folded up from one or more blanks formed with double walls, i.e. hollow
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/4204—Inspection openings or windows
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
- B65D5/48—Partitions
- B65D5/48024—Partitions inserted
- B65D5/48026—Squaring or like elements, e.g. honeycomb element, i.e. at least four not aligned compartments
- B65D5/48038—Strips crossing each other
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
- B65D5/48—Partitions
- B65D5/48024—Partitions inserted
- B65D5/48046—Plain strips not fixed by gluing or other fastening elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/64—Lids
- B65D5/66—Hinged lids
- B65D5/6626—Hinged lids formed by folding extensions of a side panel of a container body formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank
- B65D5/665—Hinged lids formed by folding extensions of a side panel of a container body formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank the lid being held in closed position by self-locking integral flaps or tabs
- B65D5/6661—Flaps provided over the total length of the lid edge opposite to the hinge
- B65D5/6664—Flaps provided over the total length of the lid edge opposite to the hinge combined with flaps or tabs provided at the side edges of the lid
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3848—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation semi-rigid container folded up from one or more blanks
- B65D81/386—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation semi-rigid container folded up from one or more blanks formed of corrugated material
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3848—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation semi-rigid container folded up from one or more blanks
- B65D81/3862—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation semi-rigid container folded up from one or more blanks with a foam formed container located inside a folded box
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to containers, and more particularly, to containers which are operatively configured to retain items therein at a low temperature for an extended period of time.
- refrigerant will herein be defined as, among other things, a substance that, by undergoing a change in phase, releases or absorbs a latent heat in relation to its volume, and thus effects a considerable cooling effect, such as, for example, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, ethyl or methyl chloride, or fluorocarbons such as Freon, Ucon, and Genetron.
- a conventional container must be stored in a refrigerated cooler or freezer, and/or must be transported via a refrigerated mode of transportation, such as, for example, a refrigerated truck or train.
- a refrigerated mode of transportation such as, for example, a refrigerated truck or train.
- Such measures for storing and/or transporting chilled items in conventional containers are expensive and/or inconvenient.
- the disclosed containers enable one or more items, such as living organs, frozen foods, etcetera, to be controllably retained at a low temperature for an extended period of time—including, but not limited to, several days wherein the external environment is not refrigerated.
- the disclosed containers may be used as point of purchase displays for items which need to be maintained at a low temperature.
- FIG. 1 of the drawings is a top plan view of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell and an internal thermal assembly comprising a frame sub-assembly, and a plurality of insulating members in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of a fully unarticulated outer shell fabricated in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 3 of the drawings is a perspective view of an open, fully articulated outer shell fabricated in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 of the drawings is a perspective view of a frame sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 of the drawings is a perspective view of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell and a frame sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 6 of the drawings is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell, a frame sub-assembly, and a plurality of insulating members including, among other members, an upper insulating member in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 7 of the drawings is a top plan view of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell, a frame sub-assembly including a lid frame member, and a plurality of insulating members in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 8 of the drawings is a perspective view of an enclosed thermally insulating apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9 of the drawings is a top plan view of an embodiment of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a single insulting member and a single frame sub-assembly of the present invention
- FIG. 10 of the drawings is a front plan view of a single insulating member of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 of the drawings is a front plan view of a single frame sub-assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 of the drawings is a perspective view of an extruded single insulating member of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 of the drawings is a perspective view of a thermally insulating apparatus showing, in particular, an insert member of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 of the drawings is a perspective view of the thermally insulating apparatus shown in FIG. 13.
- FIG. 1 an open thermally insulating apparatus 100 is shown as generally comprising fully articulated outer shell 10 and internal thermal assembly 11 , comprising frame sub-assembly 40 and a plurality of insulating members 60 .
- FIG. 1 is merely a schematic representation of thermally insulating apparatus 100 . As such, some of the components may be distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity.
- thermally insulating apparatus 100 may comprise a number of different shapes and sizes in order to retain different items or a different number of a variety of items. Such shapes may include, for example, substantially cubical, substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, substantially arbitrary, substantially polygonal—just to name a few.
- thermally insulating apparatus 100 comprises the shape of a right rectangular prism.
- the term “right rectangular prism” will herein be defined as a body bounded by two identical, parallel, similarly oriented polygonal bases and four lateral faces, and wherein at least a cross-section taken perpendicularly to two faces is rectangular, and further wherein the faces are perpendicular to the bases.
- outer shell 10 is shown as an unarticulated blank which is preferably unitary.
- Outer shell 10 generally comprises lid 12 ; first and second inner layers 14 A and 14 B, respectively, and outer layer 14 C which cooperate to define double-layer bottom wall 14 ; inner, middle, and outer layers 16 A, 16 B, and 16 C, respectively, which cooperate to define first triple-layer side wall 16 ; inner, middle, and outer layers 18 A, 18 B, and 18 C, respectively, which cooperate to define triple-layer side wall 18 ; front wall 20 ; rear wall 22 ; inner layer 24 A, first and second middle layers 24 B and 24 C, respectively, and outer layer 24 D, which cooperate to define triple-layer front flap 24 ; first and second side flaps 26 and 28 , respectively; at least one front flap slot 30 ; at least one front flap tab 31 ; at least one bottom wall slot 32 ; at least one bottom wall tab 33 ; and a plurality of fold lines.
- unarticulated outer shell 10 is shown as comprising a configuration capable of articulation to substantially resemble the shape shown in FIG. 3, it will be understood that numerous other configurations for unarticulated outer shell 10 are contemplated, as long as each may be articulated into a three-dimensional shape capable of retaining an internal thermal assembly.
- middle layer 16 B of first triple-layer side wall 16 emanates contiguously from front wall 20 , is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20 .
- Middle layer 18 B of second triple-layer side wall 18 emanates contiguously from front wall 20 , in a substantially opposing direction from middle layer 16 B, is separated from front wall 20 by a fold line, and may preferably generally comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20 .
- Outer layer 14 C of double-layer bottom wall 14 also emanates contiguously from front wall 20 , in a substantially perpendicular direction to layers 16 B and 18 B, is separated from front wall 20 by a fold line, and may preferably generally comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20 .
- Rear wall 22 emanates contiguously from outer layer 14 C of double-layer bottom wall 14 , is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20 .
- Outer layer 16 C of first triple-layer side wall 16 emanates contiguously from rear wall 22 , is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20 .
- First inner layer 14 A of double-layer bottom wall 14 emanates contiguously from outer layer 16 C of first triple-layer side wall 16 , and is separated therefrom by a fold line.
- the fold line separating first inner layer 14 A from outer layer 16 C preferably comprises at least one bottom wall slot 32 thereon, which is operatively aligned for receipt and retention of at least one bottom wall tab 33 which preferably emanates contiguously from inner layer 16 A.
- no such bottom wall slot 32 and, in turn, no such bottom wall tab 33 , are included.
- First inner layer 14 A preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape wherein a width x of first inner layer 14 A is substantially equal to length y of front wall 20 and a length y of first inner layer 14 A is substantially equal to half of width x of front wall 20 , such length of first inner layer 14 A being proximate length y of outer layer 14 C.
- Outer layer 18 C of second triple-layer side wall 18 which emanates contiguously from rear wall 22 , in an opposite direction from outer layer 16 C, is separated from rear wall 22 by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20 .
- Second inner layer 14 B of double-layer bottom wall 14 which emanates contiguously from outer layer 18 C of second triple-layer side wall 18 , is separated therefrom by a fold line.
- the fold line separating second inner layer 14 B from outer layer 18 C preferably comprises at least one bottom wall slot 32 thereon, which is operatively aligned for receipt and retention of at least one bottom wall tab 33 emanating contiguously from inner layer 18 A.
- no such bottom wall slot 32 and, in turn, no such bottom wall tab 33 , are included.
- Second inner layer 14 B preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape similar width x and length y of first inner layer 14 A, such length of second inner layer 14 B being proximate length y of outer layer 14 C.
- first and second inner layers 14 A and 14 B are aligned to collectively comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20 .
- Lid 12 emanates contiguously from rear wall 22 , is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20 .
- Outer layer 24 D of triple-layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously from lid 12 , is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and a fraction of length y of front wall 20 .
- the fold line separating outer layer 24 D from lid 12 preferably comprises at least one front flap slot 30 thereon, which is operatively aligned for receipt and retention of at least one front flap tab 31 which preferably emanates contiguously from inner layer 24 A.
- no front flap slot 30 and, in turn, no front flap tab 31 , are included.
- Inner layer 24 A of triple-layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously from outer layer 24 D, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape similar to outer layer 24 D.
- First side flap 26 emanates contiguously from lid 12 , is separated therefrom by a fold line, and may comprise any shape wherein a substantial width of first side flap 26 is less than width x of front wall 20 and a substantial length of first side flap 26 is less than length y of front wall 20 .
- First middle layer 24 B of triple-layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously from first side flap 26 , is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape wherein a width x of first middle layer 24 B is substantially equal to length y of outer layer 24 D and a length y of first middle layer 24 B is substantially equal to half of width x of outer layer 24 D.
- Inner layer 16 A of first triple-layer side wall 16 emanates contiguously from outer layer 16 C, is separated therefrom by a foldline, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20 , minus the shape of first side flap 26 , the length y of inner layer 16 A being proximate the length y of lid 12 .
- inner layer 16 A also comprises at least one bottom wall tab 33 which is operatively configured for insertion into at least one bottom wall slot 32 .
- Second side flap 28 emanates contiguously from lid 12 , in a substantially opposing direction from first side flap 26 , is separated from lid 12 by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a shape similar to first side flap 26 .
- Second middle layer 24 C of triple-layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously from second side flap 28 , is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a shape similar to first middle layer 24 B.
- first and second middle layers 24 B and 24 C are aligned to collectively comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of outer layer 24 D of triple-layer front flap 24 .
- Inner layer 18 A of second triple-layer side wall 18 emanates contiguously from outer layer 18 C, is separated therefrom by a foldline, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20 , minus the shape of second side flap 28 , the length y of inner layer 18 A being proximate the length y of lid 12 .
- inner layer 18 A also comprises at least one bottom wall tab 33 which is operatively configured for insertion into at least one bottom wall slot 32 .
- Outer shell 10 may be articulated by folding first inner layer 14 A upwards, along the fold line between first inner layer 14 A and outer layer 16 C, such that first inner layer 14 A is substantially perpendicular to outer layer 16 C.
- second inner layer 14 B is folded upwards, along the fold line between second inner layer 14 B and outer layer 18 C, such that second inner layer 14 B is substantially perpendicular to outer layer 18 C.
- First and second inner layers 14 A and 14 B are pulled toward each other, and, in turn, outer layers 16 C and 18 C are folded along the fold lines between such layers and rear wall 22 , such that outer layers 16 C and 18 C are substantially perpendicular to rear wall 22 .
- First and second inner layers 14 A and 14 B are pulled toward each other such that they are in contact along their respective widths, collectively defining the inner layer of double-layer bottom wall 14 .
- Outer layer 14 C is folded along its fold line between outer layer 14 C and rear wall 22 , such that outer layer 14 C is in direct contact with first and second inner layers 14 A and 14 B, and defines the outer layer of double-layer bottom wall 14 .
- Middle layer 16 B is folded along the fold line between middle layer 16 B and front wall 20 , such that middle layer 16 B is substantially perpendicular to front wall 20 .
- middle layer 18 B is folded along the fold line between middle layer 18 B and front wall 20 , such that middle layer 18 B is substantially perpendicular to front wall 20 .
- Middle layers 16 B and 18 B are then tucked inside outer layers 16 C and 18 C, respectively, such that middle layers 16 B and 18 B are in direct contact with outer layers 16 C and 18 C, respectively, collectively defining outer and middle layers of first and second triple-layer side walls 16 and 18 , respectively.
- Inner layer 16 A is then folded along the fold line between inner layer 16 A and outer layer 16 C such that inner layer 16 A is in direct contact with middle layer 16 B, collectively defining the inner layer of first triple-layer side wall 16 .
- At least one bottom wall tab 33 on inner layer 16 A is inserted into at least one bottom wall slot 32 on the fold line between first inner layer 14 A and outer layer 16 C.
- Inner layer 18 A is folded along the fold line between inner layer 18 A and outer layer 18 C such that inner layer 18 A is in direct contact with middle layer 18 B, collectively defining the inner layer of first triplelayer side wall 18 .
- At least one bottom wall tab 33 on inner layer 18 A is then inserted into at least one bottom wall slot 32 on the fold line between second inner layer 14 B and outer layer 18 C.
- First middle layer 24 B is folded along the fold line between first middle layer 24 B and first side flap 26 , such that first middle layer 24 B is substantially perpendicular to first side flap 26 .
- second middle layer 24 C is folded along the fold line between second middle layer 24 C and second side flap 28 , such that second middle layer 24 C is substantially perpendicular to second side flap 28 .
- First and second middle layers 24 B and 24 C are pulled toward each other, and, in turn, first and second side flaps 26 and 28 are folded perpendicularly along the fold lines between such side flaps and lid 12 , such that first and second middle layers 24 B and 24 C are in direct contact with each other along their respective widths, collectively defining the middle layer of triple-layer front flap 24 .
- Inner layer 24 A is then folded over first and second middle layers 24 B and 24 C, completing the assembly of triple-layer front flap 24 , and at least one front flap tab 31 is tucked into at least one front flap slot 30 .
- outer shell 10 is shown. As stated above, although outer shell 10 is shown to comprise a right rectangular prismatic geometry, a number of different sizes and shapes are contemplated for use—as long as such geometry is conducive for retaining an internal thermal assembly and items therein.
- Outer shell 10 is preferably fabricated from a substantially insulating and substantially non-conductive material such as, but not limited to, corrugated paper board, which may be single, double, triple, and/or, for example, quadruple-ply, and may be optionally include at least one fluted layer. Most preferably, a six pound fluted paperboard material is desirable for use as the outer shell.
- this material is cascaded for increased durability and insulation.
- the cascading material may comprise bee's wax, other waxes, polymer resins, etcetera.
- the cascading process coats the paperboard and extends to coat the separate flutes of material.
- frame sub-assembly 40 is shown as generally comprising front frame member 44 , rear frame member 45 , first side frame member 46 , and second side frame member 47 . It will be understood, however, that any combination of members which are capable of cooperating with outer shell 10 to define a plurality of outer cavities and at least one internal cavity therein are contemplated for use. Furthermore, while frame sub-assembly 40 is shown to define a substantially uniform internal cavity having a rectangular cross-section therein, such internal cavity may comprise any one of a number of different sizes or shapes such that different items or a different number of a variety of items may be retained therein.
- front, rear, and first and second side frame members 44 , 45 , 46 , and 47 comprise polygonal geometries and are capable of interlocking in order to form an integral and substantially solid, substantially rigid sub-assembly.
- frame members 44 , 45 , 46 , and 47 may each comprise at least one of an upper slot 48 , which is open-ended on an upper side of a frame member, and a lower slot 49 , which is open-ended on a lower side of a frame member.
- Upper and lower slots 48 and 49 respectively, must be alternating when frame members of frame sub-assembly 40 are positioned correctly such that, for example, each upper slot 48 may interlock with one of lower slots 49 .
- front and rear frame members 44 and 45 may each comprise two of lower slots 49 .
- first and second side frame members 46 and 47 respectively, each comprise two of upper slots 48 .
- Front frame member 44 is then interlocked to each of first and second side frame members 46 and 47 , at substantially opposing ends thereof, by positioning and sliding one of lower slots 49 over one of upper slots 48
- rear frame member 45 is interlocked to each of first and second side frame members 46 and 47 , at substantially opposing ends thereof, in the same manner.
- frame sub-assembly 40 may further comprise at least one inner frame member 50 , which is positionable in internal cavity 82 , to, in turn, divide the internal cavity to facilitate the segregation of different items positioned within the internal cavity.
- At least one inner frame member 50 is capable of interlocking with frame sub-assembly 40 .
- Such interlocking means may comprise a plurality of frame slots 52 , at least one frame slot 52 positioned on at least two of front frame member 44 , rear frame member 45 , first side frame member 46 , and second side frame member 47 , and a plurality of frame tabs 53 positioned on at least one of inner frame member 50 , wherein frame slots 52 are configured for receipt and retention of frame tabs 53 therein.
- frame sub-assembly 40 and all members thereof, are fabricated from a substantially insulating and substantially non-conductive material such as, but not limited to, corrugated paper board, which may be single, double, triple, and/or, for example, quadruple-ply, and may include at least one fluted layer. Most preferably, a six pound fluted paperboard material is desirable for use as the outer shell.
- a substantially insulating and substantially non-conductive material such as, but not limited to, corrugated paper board, which may be single, double, triple, and/or, for example, quadruple-ply, and may include at least one fluted layer.
- a six pound fluted paperboard material is desirable for use as the outer shell.
- this material is cascaded, for increased durability and insulation.
- the cascading material may comprise bee's wax, other waxes, polymer resins, etcetera.
- the cascading process coats the paperboard and extends to coat the separate flutes of material.
- frame sub-assembly 40 may be inserted into articulated outer shell 10 , as is shown in FIG. 5.
- frame sub-assembly in cooperation with outer shell 10 , defines a plurality of outer cavities 80 at least partially surrounding the perimeter of internal cavity 82 .
- eight outer cavities 80 are defined between shell 10 and frame sub-assembly 40 , namely, four wall cavities, such as wall cavity 85 and four corner cavities, such as corner cavity 83 .
- the invention is not limited to any particular number of or shape of the outer cavities.
- insulating members 60 may comprise a number of shapes and sizes, as long as at least one of the plurality of insulating members 60 may be configured to fit within each of the plurality of outer cavities 80 which are defined by the cooperation of frame sub-assembly 40 and outer shell 10 . While not required, it is generally useful to size the insulating members to dimensionally correspond to the respective outer cavity, to, in turn, facilitate the snug receipt within the respective cavity, and to generally preclude inadvertent removal from within the respective outer cavity. Insulating members 60 may be fabricated from polystyrene, or any one of a number of different insulators known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- insulating members 60 are fabricated from a medium density polystyrene having an approximate “R” value of about approximately 7.4. Other materials are likewise contemplated for use. Any such insulating members may be from 1 ⁇ 4” in thickness to about 11 ⁇ 2” in thickness or greater, depending on the application.
- an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown as further comprising an upper insulating member 62 , which may or may not be secured to lid 12 via any one of a number of securing means known to those having ordinary skill in the art, such as, for example, glue or tape.
- lower insulating member 64 be included which may be positionable within the internal cavity 82 proximate to double-layer bottom wall 14 .
- upper insulating member 62 and lower insulating member 64 may be of a material substantially similar to those available for insulating members 60 .
- internal thermal assembly 11 further include lid frame member 42 , which may be positionable above internal cavity 82 .
- lid frame member 42 may be positionable above internal cavity 82 .
- a lower frame member may be included which may be positionable beneath internal cavity 82 .
- thermally insulating apparatus 100 is shown as fully enclosed, wherein lid 12 is fitted securely over internal cavity 82 , and is secured thereon via triple-layer front flap 24 , and first and second side flaps 26 and 28 .
- FIG. 9 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9.
- a single insulating member 60 ⁇ may be utilized instead of the plurality of separate insulating members, and a single frame sub-assembly 40 ⁇ may be utilized instead of separate interconnected panels.
- the single insulating member 60 ⁇ may comprise four separate panels 60 ′ a - 60 ′ d which are positioned sequentially side by side and which are attached via score lines.
- the single insulating member may comprise a single integrated member or a plurality of joining or abutted members. To assemble such an embodiment, the insulating member is bent about the score lines so that the panels are sequentially at substantially right angles and until the two end edges meet.
- the entire insulating member is inserted into the outer shell 10 .
- Material may be removed from the separate panels 60 ′ a - 60 ′ d proximate the score lines for thicker insulating members to facilitate the bending of the separate panels relative to each other.
- single frame sub-assembly 40 ⁇ is shown in FIG. 11 as comprising separate panels 40 ′ a - 40 ′ d which are positioned sequentially side by side and which are attached via score lines.
- the single frame sub-assembly may comprise a single integrated member or a plurality of joined or abutted members.
- the single frame sub-assembly is bent about the score lines so that the panels are sequentially at substantially right angles and until the two end edges meet. Once bent, the entire single frame sub-assembly is inserted into the cavity such that it is in an abutting relationship with the single insulating member. In such an embodiment, the time necessary to assemble a completed thermally insulating apparatus can be minimized, as can the number of separate components that is required.
- the single insulating member may comprise an extrusion as is shown in FIG. 12.
- the extrusion is cut to the desired length and then inserted into the outer shell.
- the extrusion is not limited to any particular wall thickness, and any number of different wall thicknesses are contemplated for use.
- the thermally insulating apparatus may further include an insert member, such as insert member 107 of FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- the insert member may comprise a translucent or transparent cover of substantially flexible or substantially rigid material which may be positioned so as to cover the opening of the thermally insulating apparatus.
- the insert member provides some additional thermal insulating functions, while permitting the viewing of the internal contents.
- Such an insert member is particularly useful when the thermally insulating apparatus is used as a point of purchase display, for such items as, for example, ice cream or popsicles. Specifically, the purchaser is able to see the contents while the insert member provides some thermal insulating function and precludes the ingress and egress of air.
- any number of different materials, having different rigidities, thicknesses and “R” values are contemplated for use, such as transparent film, cellophane, Plexiglas, and others.
- insert member 107 includes covering region 109 and attachment region 110 .
- Attachment region 110 is positioned between the outer shell and the insulating member, or between the insulating member and the frame sub-assembly.
- the insert member may be adhered or otherwise affixed to any one of the frame sub-assembly, insulating member and outer shell.
- thermal insulating apparatuses made in accordance with the present invention to determine the performance of same.
- the prepared thermal insulating apparatuses that were tested comprised several different variations relative to dimensions, as well as relative to insulating member properties and dimensions.
- Various different foods were positioned in the different prepared thermal insulating apparatuses, including one frozen rib stick, two packages of frozen pork chops and a half gallon container of ice cream.
- the various foods were cooled to approximately ⁇ 20° F.
- the cooled foods were placed in thermal insulating apparatuses and placed on a wooden pallet in a room at standard room temperature. The temperature of the internal foods were taken at intervals and recorded.
- the cooled foods were similarly positioned in a room at standard room temperature. The temperature of the foods were taken at intervals and recorded.
- the cooled foods positioned within the thermal insulating apparatuses remained in within appropriate ranges of temperature for a substantially extended period of time as compared to the cooled foods not positioned within the thermal insulating apparatuses.
- Thermally insulating apparatus 100 may enable one or more items, such as living organs, frozen foods, etcetera, to be controllably retained at a low temperature for an extended period of time—including, but not limited to, several days wherein the external environment is not refrigerated. Moreover, the disclosed containers may be used as point of purchase displays for items which need to be maintained at a low temperature (i.e., refreshments, ice cream, etcetera).
- thermally insulating apparatus 100 provides certain advantages over prior art devices. Among other advantages, outer shell 10 , internal thermal assembly 11 , and, therefore, thermally insulating apparatus 100 as a whole, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and assemble for use. Furthermore, the assembly of thermally insulating apparatus 100 requires little training and skill. Another beneficial feature of the present invention is its sturdy and durable construction. The user of such an apparatus can be assured that thermally insulating apparatus 100 will retain its shape and its integrity, as well as that of the items within, despite the rigors of shipping, handling, and/or storage.
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Abstract
A thermally insulating apparatus operatively configured to thermally insulate therein for a period of time, comprising, an outer shell; and an internal thermal assembly, positionable within the outer shell. The internal thermal assembly comprises a frame sub-assembly cooperating with the outer shell to define a plurality of outer cavities and at least one internal cavity; and, a plurality of insulating members, at least one of the plurality of insulating members being positionable within each of the plurality of outer cavities.
Description
- This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/346,650 filed Jan. 8, 2002, as well as, the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/432,606 filed Dec. 11, 2002, the entirety of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates in general to containers, and more particularly, to containers which are operatively configured to retain items therein at a low temperature for an extended period of time.
- 2. Background Art
- Containers for various chilled items have been known in the art for several years. Conventional containers for chilled items typically require the use of a surrounding external refrigerant. Regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term “refrigerant” will herein be defined as, among other things, a substance that, by undergoing a change in phase, releases or absorbs a latent heat in relation to its volume, and thus effects a considerable cooling effect, such as, for example, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, ethyl or methyl chloride, or fluorocarbons such as Freon, Ucon, and Genetron. A conventional container must be stored in a refrigerated cooler or freezer, and/or must be transported via a refrigerated mode of transportation, such as, for example, a refrigerated truck or train. Such measures for storing and/or transporting chilled items in conventional containers are expensive and/or inconvenient.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide containers that remedy the aforementioned detriments and/or complications associated with conventional containers that require such expensive and/or inconvenient means to maintain a retained item at a low temperature for an extended period of time.
- In accordance with the present invention, the disclosed containers enable one or more items, such as living organs, frozen foods, etcetera, to be controllably retained at a low temperature for an extended period of time—including, but not limited to, several days wherein the external environment is not refrigerated. Moreover, the disclosed containers may be used as point of purchase displays for items which need to be maintained at a low temperature.
- The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 of the drawings is a top plan view of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell and an internal thermal assembly comprising a frame sub-assembly, and a plurality of insulating members in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of a fully unarticulated outer shell fabricated in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 3 of the drawings is a perspective view of an open, fully articulated outer shell fabricated in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 4 of the drawings is a perspective view of a frame sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 5 of the drawings is a perspective view of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell and a frame sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 6 of the drawings is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell, a frame sub-assembly, and a plurality of insulating members including, among other members, an upper insulating member in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 7 of the drawings is a top plan view of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell, a frame sub-assembly including a lid frame member, and a plurality of insulating members in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 8 of the drawings is a perspective view of an enclosed thermally insulating apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 9 of the drawings is a top plan view of an embodiment of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a single insulting member and a single frame sub-assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 10 of the drawings is a front plan view of a single insulating member of the present invention;
- FIG. 11 of the drawings is a front plan view of a single frame sub-assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 12 of the drawings is a perspective view of an extruded single insulating member of the present invention;
- FIG. 13 of the drawings is a perspective view of a thermally insulating apparatus showing, in particular, an insert member of the present invention; and
- FIG. 14 of the drawings is a perspective view of the thermally insulating apparatus shown in FIG. 13.
- While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
- It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters.
- Referring now to the drawings, and to FIG. 1 in particular, an open thermally
insulating apparatus 100 is shown as generally comprising fully articulatedouter shell 10 and internalthermal assembly 11, comprisingframe sub-assembly 40 and a plurality of insulatingmembers 60. It will be understood that FIG. 1 is merely a schematic representation of thermally insulatingapparatus 100. As such, some of the components may be distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity. - It will be understood that thermally insulating
apparatus 100 may comprise a number of different shapes and sizes in order to retain different items or a different number of a variety of items. Such shapes may include, for example, substantially cubical, substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, substantially arbitrary, substantially polygonal—just to name a few. Preferably, as is shown in FIG. 1, thermallyinsulating apparatus 100 comprises the shape of a right rectangular prism. Regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term “right rectangular prism” will herein be defined as a body bounded by two identical, parallel, similarly oriented polygonal bases and four lateral faces, and wherein at least a cross-section taken perpendicularly to two faces is rectangular, and further wherein the faces are perpendicular to the bases. - Referring now to FIG. 2,
outer shell 10 is shown as an unarticulated blank which is preferably unitary.Outer shell 10 generally comprises lid 12; first and second inner layers 14A and 14B, respectively, and outer layer 14C which cooperate to define double-layer bottom wall 14; inner, middle, and outer layers 16A, 16B, and 16C, respectively, which cooperate to define first triple-layer side wall 16; inner, middle, and outer layers 18A, 18B, and 18C, respectively, which cooperate to define triple-layer side wall 18;front wall 20;rear wall 22; inner layer 24A, first and second middle layers 24B and 24C, respectively, and outer layer 24D, which cooperate to define triple-layer front flap 24; first andsecond side flaps front flap slot 30; at least onefront flap tab 31; at least onebottom wall slot 32; at least onebottom wall tab 33; and a plurality of fold lines. Although unarticulatedouter shell 10 is shown as comprising a configuration capable of articulation to substantially resemble the shape shown in FIG. 3, it will be understood that numerous other configurations for unarticulatedouter shell 10 are contemplated, as long as each may be articulated into a three-dimensional shape capable of retaining an internal thermal assembly. - As is shown in FIG. 2, middle layer16B of first triple-
layer side wall 16 emanates contiguously fromfront wall 20, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y offront wall 20. - Middle layer18B of second triple-
layer side wall 18 emanates contiguously fromfront wall 20, in a substantially opposing direction from middle layer 16B, is separated fromfront wall 20 by a fold line, and may preferably generally comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y offront wall 20. - Outer layer14C of double-
layer bottom wall 14 also emanates contiguously fromfront wall 20, in a substantially perpendicular direction to layers 16B and 18B, is separated fromfront wall 20 by a fold line, and may preferably generally comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y offront wall 20. -
Rear wall 22 emanates contiguously from outer layer 14C of double-layer bottom wall 14, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y offront wall 20. - Outer layer16C of first triple-
layer side wall 16 emanates contiguously fromrear wall 22, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y offront wall 20. - First inner layer14A of double-
layer bottom wall 14 emanates contiguously from outer layer 16C of first triple-layer side wall 16, and is separated therefrom by a fold line. The fold line separating first inner layer 14A from outer layer 16C preferably comprises at least onebottom wall slot 32 thereon, which is operatively aligned for receipt and retention of at least onebottom wall tab 33 which preferably emanates contiguously from inner layer 16A. However, it is also contemplated that no suchbottom wall slot 32, and, in turn, no suchbottom wall tab 33, are included. First inner layer 14A preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape wherein a width x of first inner layer 14A is substantially equal to length y offront wall 20 and a length y of first inner layer 14A is substantially equal to half of width x offront wall 20, such length of first inner layer 14A being proximate length y of outer layer 14C. - Outer layer18C of second triple-
layer side wall 18, which emanates contiguously fromrear wall 22, in an opposite direction from outer layer 16C, is separated fromrear wall 22 by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y offront wall 20. - Second inner layer14B of double-
layer bottom wall 14, which emanates contiguously from outer layer 18C of second triple-layer side wall 18, is separated therefrom by a fold line. The fold line separating second inner layer 14B from outer layer 18C preferably comprises at least onebottom wall slot 32 thereon, which is operatively aligned for receipt and retention of at least onebottom wall tab 33 emanating contiguously from inner layer 18A. However, it is also contemplated that no suchbottom wall slot 32, and, in turn, no suchbottom wall tab 33, are included. Second inner layer 14B preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape similar width x and length y of first inner layer 14A, such length of second inner layer 14B being proximate length y of outer layer 14C. Upon articulation ofouter shell 10, first and second inner layers 14A and 14B are aligned to collectively comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y offront wall 20. - Lid12 emanates contiguously from
rear wall 22, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y offront wall 20. - Outer layer24D of triple-
layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously from lid 12, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and a fraction of length y offront wall 20. The fold line separating outer layer 24D from lid 12 preferably comprises at least onefront flap slot 30 thereon, which is operatively aligned for receipt and retention of at least onefront flap tab 31 which preferably emanates contiguously from inner layer 24A. However, it is also contemplated that nofront flap slot 30, and, in turn, nofront flap tab 31, are included. Inner layer 24A of triple-layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously from outer layer 24D, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape similar to outer layer 24D. -
First side flap 26 emanates contiguously from lid 12, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and may comprise any shape wherein a substantial width offirst side flap 26 is less than width x offront wall 20 and a substantial length offirst side flap 26 is less than length y offront wall 20. - First middle layer24B of triple-
layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously fromfirst side flap 26, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape wherein a width x of first middle layer 24B is substantially equal to length y of outer layer 24D and a length y of first middle layer 24B is substantially equal to half of width x of outer layer 24D. - Inner layer16A of first triple-
layer side wall 16 emanates contiguously from outer layer 16C, is separated therefrom by a foldline, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y offront wall 20, minus the shape offirst side flap 26, the length y of inner layer 16A being proximate the length y of lid 12. Preferably, inner layer 16A also comprises at least onebottom wall tab 33 which is operatively configured for insertion into at least onebottom wall slot 32. -
Second side flap 28 emanates contiguously from lid 12, in a substantially opposing direction fromfirst side flap 26, is separated from lid 12 by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a shape similar tofirst side flap 26. - Second middle layer24C of triple-
layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously fromsecond side flap 28, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a shape similar to first middle layer 24B. Upon articulation ofouter shell 10, first and second middle layers 24B and 24C are aligned to collectively comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of outer layer 24D of triple-layer front flap 24. - Inner layer18A of second triple-
layer side wall 18 emanates contiguously from outer layer 18C, is separated therefrom by a foldline, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y offront wall 20, minus the shape ofsecond side flap 28, the length y of inner layer 18A being proximate the length y of lid 12. Preferably, inner layer 18A also comprises at least onebottom wall tab 33 which is operatively configured for insertion into at least onebottom wall slot 32. -
Outer shell 10 may be articulated by folding first inner layer 14A upwards, along the fold line between first inner layer 14A and outer layer 16C, such that first inner layer 14A is substantially perpendicular to outer layer 16C. Similarly, second inner layer 14B is folded upwards, along the fold line between second inner layer 14B and outer layer 18C, such that second inner layer 14B is substantially perpendicular to outer layer 18C. First and second inner layers 14A and 14B are pulled toward each other, and, in turn, outer layers 16C and 18C are folded along the fold lines between such layers andrear wall 22, such that outer layers 16C and 18C are substantially perpendicular torear wall 22. First and second inner layers 14A and 14B are pulled toward each other such that they are in contact along their respective widths, collectively defining the inner layer of double-layer bottom wall 14. Outer layer 14C is folded along its fold line between outer layer 14C andrear wall 22, such that outer layer 14C is in direct contact with first and second inner layers 14A and 14B, and defines the outer layer of double-layer bottom wall 14. - Middle layer16B is folded along the fold line between middle layer 16B and
front wall 20, such that middle layer 16B is substantially perpendicular tofront wall 20. Similarly, middle layer 18B is folded along the fold line between middle layer 18B andfront wall 20, such that middle layer 18B is substantially perpendicular tofront wall 20. Middle layers 16B and 18B are then tucked inside outer layers 16C and 18C, respectively, such that middle layers 16B and 18B are in direct contact with outer layers 16C and 18C, respectively, collectively defining outer and middle layers of first and second triple-layer side walls - Inner layer16A is then folded along the fold line between inner layer 16A and outer layer 16C such that inner layer 16A is in direct contact with middle layer 16B, collectively defining the inner layer of first triple-
layer side wall 16. At least onebottom wall tab 33 on inner layer 16A is inserted into at least onebottom wall slot 32 on the fold line between first inner layer 14A and outer layer 16C. Inner layer 18A is folded along the fold line between inner layer 18A and outer layer 18C such that inner layer 18A is in direct contact with middle layer 18B, collectively defining the inner layer of firsttriplelayer side wall 18. At least onebottom wall tab 33 on inner layer 18A is then inserted into at least onebottom wall slot 32 on the fold line between second inner layer 14B and outer layer 18C. - First middle layer24B is folded along the fold line between first middle layer 24B and
first side flap 26, such that first middle layer 24B is substantially perpendicular tofirst side flap 26. Similarly, second middle layer 24C is folded along the fold line between second middle layer 24C andsecond side flap 28, such that second middle layer 24C is substantially perpendicular tosecond side flap 28. First and second middle layers 24B and 24C are pulled toward each other, and, in turn, first and second side flaps 26 and 28 are folded perpendicularly along the fold lines between such side flaps and lid 12, such that first and second middle layers 24B and 24C are in direct contact with each other along their respective widths, collectively defining the middle layer of triple-layer front flap 24. Inner layer 24A is then folded over first and second middle layers 24B and 24C, completing the assembly of triple-layer front flap 24, and at least onefront flap tab 31 is tucked into at least onefront flap slot 30. - Referring now to FIG. 3, fully articulated
outer shell 10 is shown. As stated above, althoughouter shell 10 is shown to comprise a right rectangular prismatic geometry, a number of different sizes and shapes are contemplated for use—as long as such geometry is conducive for retaining an internal thermal assembly and items therein. -
Outer shell 10 is preferably fabricated from a substantially insulating and substantially non-conductive material such as, but not limited to, corrugated paper board, which may be single, double, triple, and/or, for example, quadruple-ply, and may be optionally include at least one fluted layer. Most preferably, a six pound fluted paperboard material is desirable for use as the outer shell. - Preferably, this material is cascaded for increased durability and insulation. Among other materials, the cascading material may comprise bee's wax, other waxes, polymer resins, etcetera. Preferably, the cascading process coats the paperboard and extends to coat the separate flutes of material.
- Referring now to FIG. 4,
frame sub-assembly 40 is shown as generally comprisingfront frame member 44,rear frame member 45, firstside frame member 46, and secondside frame member 47. It will be understood, however, that any combination of members which are capable of cooperating withouter shell 10 to define a plurality of outer cavities and at least one internal cavity therein are contemplated for use. Furthermore, whileframe sub-assembly 40 is shown to define a substantially uniform internal cavity having a rectangular cross-section therein, such internal cavity may comprise any one of a number of different sizes or shapes such that different items or a different number of a variety of items may be retained therein. - Preferably, front, rear, and first and second
side frame members frame members upper slot 48, which is open-ended on an upper side of a frame member, and alower slot 49, which is open-ended on a lower side of a frame member. Upper andlower slots frame sub-assembly 40 are positioned correctly such that, for example, eachupper slot 48 may interlock with one oflower slots 49. For example, front andrear frame members lower slots 49. In such a case, first and secondside frame members upper slots 48.Front frame member 44 is then interlocked to each of first and secondside frame members lower slots 49 over one ofupper slots 48, andrear frame member 45 is interlocked to each of first and secondside frame members - As is shown in FIG. 4,
frame sub-assembly 40 may further comprise at least oneinner frame member 50, which is positionable ininternal cavity 82, to, in turn, divide the internal cavity to facilitate the segregation of different items positioned within the internal cavity. At least oneinner frame member 50 is capable of interlocking withframe sub-assembly 40. Such interlocking means may comprise a plurality offrame slots 52, at least oneframe slot 52 positioned on at least two offront frame member 44,rear frame member 45, firstside frame member 46, and secondside frame member 47, and a plurality of frame tabs 53 positioned on at least one ofinner frame member 50, whereinframe slots 52 are configured for receipt and retention of frame tabs 53 therein. - Preferably,
frame sub-assembly 40, and all members thereof, are fabricated from a substantially insulating and substantially non-conductive material such as, but not limited to, corrugated paper board, which may be single, double, triple, and/or, for example, quadruple-ply, and may include at least one fluted layer. Most preferably, a six pound fluted paperboard material is desirable for use as the outer shell. - Preferably, this material is cascaded, for increased durability and insulation. Among other materials, the cascading material may comprise bee's wax, other waxes, polymer resins, etcetera. Preferably, the cascading process coats the paperboard and extends to coat the separate flutes of material.
- Once assembled, as is shown in FIG. 4,
frame sub-assembly 40 may be inserted into articulatedouter shell 10, as is shown in FIG. 5. As such, frame sub-assembly, in cooperation withouter shell 10, defines a plurality ofouter cavities 80 at least partially surrounding the perimeter ofinternal cavity 82. Indeed, in the embodiment shown, eightouter cavities 80 are defined betweenshell 10 andframe sub-assembly 40, namely, four wall cavities, such aswall cavity 85 and four corner cavities, such ascorner cavity 83. Of course, the invention is not limited to any particular number of or shape of the outer cavities. - Referring again to FIG. 1, insulating
members 60 may comprise a number of shapes and sizes, as long as at least one of the plurality of insulatingmembers 60 may be configured to fit within each of the plurality ofouter cavities 80 which are defined by the cooperation offrame sub-assembly 40 andouter shell 10. While not required, it is generally useful to size the insulating members to dimensionally correspond to the respective outer cavity, to, in turn, facilitate the snug receipt within the respective cavity, and to generally preclude inadvertent removal from within the respective outer cavity. Insulatingmembers 60 may be fabricated from polystyrene, or any one of a number of different insulators known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, insulatingmembers 60 are fabricated from a medium density polystyrene having an approximate “R” value of about approximately 7.4. Other materials are likewise contemplated for use. Any such insulating members may be from ¼” in thickness to about 1½” in thickness or greater, depending on the application. - Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown as further comprising an upper insulating member62, which may or may not be secured to lid 12 via any one of a number of securing means known to those having ordinary skill in the art, such as, for example, glue or tape. Furthermore, as is shown, it is contemplated that lower insulating member 64 be included which may be positionable within the
internal cavity 82 proximate to double-layer bottom wall 14. As is also shown in FIG. 6, upper insulating member 62 and lower insulating member 64 may be of a material substantially similar to those available for insulatingmembers 60. - As is shown in FIG. 7, once assembled, it is also contemplated that internal
thermal assembly 11 further include lid frame member 42, which may be positionable aboveinternal cavity 82. Furthermore, although not shown, it is contemplated that a lower frame member may be included which may be positionable beneathinternal cavity 82. - Referring to FIG. 8, thermally insulating
apparatus 100 is shown as fully enclosed, wherein lid 12 is fitted securely overinternal cavity 82, and is secured thereon via triple-layer front flap 24, and first and second side flaps 26 and 28. - Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9. In such an embodiment, a single insulating member60α may be utilized instead of the plurality of separate insulating members, and a single frame sub-assembly 40α may be utilized instead of separate interconnected panels. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the single insulating member 60α may comprise four
separate panels 60′a-60′d which are positioned sequentially side by side and which are attached via score lines. Indeed, the single insulating member may comprise a single integrated member or a plurality of joining or abutted members. To assemble such an embodiment, the insulating member is bent about the score lines so that the panels are sequentially at substantially right angles and until the two end edges meet. Once bent, the entire insulating member is inserted into theouter shell 10. Material may be removed from theseparate panels 60′a-60′d proximate the score lines for thicker insulating members to facilitate the bending of the separate panels relative to each other. - Similarly, single frame sub-assembly40α is shown in FIG. 11 as comprising
separate panels 40′a-40′d which are positioned sequentially side by side and which are attached via score lines. Indeed, the single frame sub-assembly may comprise a single integrated member or a plurality of joined or abutted members. To assemble such a single frame sub-assembly, the single frame sub-assembly is bent about the score lines so that the panels are sequentially at substantially right angles and until the two end edges meet. Once bent, the entire single frame sub-assembly is inserted into the cavity such that it is in an abutting relationship with the single insulating member. In such an embodiment, the time necessary to assemble a completed thermally insulating apparatus can be minimized, as can the number of separate components that is required. - In yet another embodiment, the single insulating member may comprise an extrusion as is shown in FIG. 12. In such an embodiment, the extrusion is cut to the desired length and then inserted into the outer shell. Of course, the extrusion is not limited to any particular wall thickness, and any number of different wall thicknesses are contemplated for use.
- In yet another embodiment of the invention, the thermally insulating apparatus may further include an insert member, such as
insert member 107 of FIGS. 13 and 14. The insert member may comprise a translucent or transparent cover of substantially flexible or substantially rigid material which may be positioned so as to cover the opening of the thermally insulating apparatus. In such a configuration, the insert member provides some additional thermal insulating functions, while permitting the viewing of the internal contents. Such an insert member is particularly useful when the thermally insulating apparatus is used as a point of purchase display, for such items as, for example, ice cream or popsicles. Specifically, the purchaser is able to see the contents while the insert member provides some thermal insulating function and precludes the ingress and egress of air. Of course, any number of different materials, having different rigidities, thicknesses and “R” values are contemplated for use, such as transparent film, cellophane, Plexiglas, and others. - Depending on the material, different attachment configurations are contemplated for use. In the embodiment shown,
insert member 107 includescovering region 109 andattachment region 110.Attachment region 110 is positioned between the outer shell and the insulating member, or between the insulating member and the frame sub-assembly. In other embodiments, the insert member may be adhered or otherwise affixed to any one of the frame sub-assembly, insulating member and outer shell. - Certain tests were run of thermal insulating apparatuses made in accordance with the present invention to determine the performance of same. The prepared thermal insulating apparatuses that were tested comprised several different variations relative to dimensions, as well as relative to insulating member properties and dimensions. Various different foods were positioned in the different prepared thermal insulating apparatuses, including one frozen rib stick, two packages of frozen pork chops and a half gallon container of ice cream.
- To complete the tests, the various foods were cooled to approximately −20° F. Next, for the experimental groups, the cooled foods were placed in thermal insulating apparatuses and placed on a wooden pallet in a room at standard room temperature. The temperature of the internal foods were taken at intervals and recorded. For the control group, the cooled foods were similarly positioned in a room at standard room temperature. The temperature of the foods were taken at intervals and recorded. As is readily discernable, the cooled foods positioned within the thermal insulating apparatuses remained in within appropriate ranges of temperature for a substantially extended period of time as compared to the cooled foods not positioned within the thermal insulating apparatuses.
-
Thermally insulating apparatus 100 may enable one or more items, such as living organs, frozen foods, etcetera, to be controllably retained at a low temperature for an extended period of time—including, but not limited to, several days wherein the external environment is not refrigerated. Moreover, the disclosed containers may be used as point of purchase displays for items which need to be maintained at a low temperature (i.e., refreshments, ice cream, etcetera). - Use of thermally
insulating apparatus 100 provides certain advantages over prior art devices. Among other advantages,outer shell 10, internalthermal assembly 11, and, therefore, thermally insulatingapparatus 100 as a whole, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and assemble for use. Furthermore, the assembly of thermallyinsulating apparatus 100 requires little training and skill. Another beneficial feature of the present invention is its sturdy and durable construction. The user of such an apparatus can be assured that thermally insulatingapparatus 100 will retain its shape and its integrity, as well as that of the items within, despite the rigors of shipping, handling, and/or storage. - The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (1)
1. A thermally insulating apparatus operatively configured to thermally insulate therein for a period of time, comprising:
an outer shell; and
an internal thermal assembly, positionable within the outer shell, the internal thermal assembly comprising:
a frame sub-assembly cooperating with the outer shell to define a plurality of outer cavities and at least one internal cavity; and
a plurality of insulating members, at least one of the plurality of insulating members being positionable within each of the plurality of outer cavities.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/338,807 US20030213834A1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2003-01-08 | Container and point of purchase display |
PCT/US2004/000257 WO2004063054A2 (en) | 2003-01-08 | 2004-01-07 | Thermally insulated container |
US11/179,045 US20060131368A1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2005-07-11 | Container and point of purchase display |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US34665002P | 2002-01-08 | 2002-01-08 | |
US43260602P | 2002-12-11 | 2002-12-11 | |
US10/338,807 US20030213834A1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2003-01-08 | Container and point of purchase display |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/179,045 Continuation US20060131368A1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2005-07-11 | Container and point of purchase display |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030213834A1 true US20030213834A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
Family
ID=32710994
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/338,807 Abandoned US20030213834A1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2003-01-08 | Container and point of purchase display |
US11/179,045 Abandoned US20060131368A1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2005-07-11 | Container and point of purchase display |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/179,045 Abandoned US20060131368A1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2005-07-11 | Container and point of purchase display |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20030213834A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004063054A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220169435A1 (en) * | 2019-02-19 | 2022-06-02 | Westrock Shared Services, Llc | Thermal protection packaging |
US20220194683A1 (en) * | 2020-12-17 | 2022-06-23 | Va-Q-Tec Ag | Insulation container for temperature-controlled transport of pharmaceutical products |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SI2081838T1 (en) * | 2006-10-27 | 2014-12-31 | K. Dontis & Co. O.E. | Assembled isothermal box - container |
US20090078708A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2009-03-26 | Preston Noel Williams | Temperature Maintaining Package Having Corner Discontinuities |
Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1147650A (en) * | 1913-02-25 | 1915-07-20 | Scudder Haas Mfg Co | Receptacle. |
US1527167A (en) * | 1922-10-07 | 1925-02-24 | Fort Wayne Corrugated Paper Co | Heat-insulated shipping container |
US1677565A (en) * | 1924-09-10 | 1928-07-17 | Ferdinand S Oppenheim | Container |
US2165327A (en) * | 1936-04-20 | 1939-07-11 | Zalkind Philip | Set-up insulation box |
US2231981A (en) * | 1936-04-20 | 1941-02-18 | Zalkind Philip | Dish insulation member |
US2590724A (en) * | 1949-10-11 | 1952-03-25 | Jr James Ruthven | Insulated box |
US2717114A (en) * | 1950-04-27 | 1955-09-06 | Jr Charles L Parham | Thermal container |
US2927720A (en) * | 1958-11-28 | 1960-03-08 | Robert K Adams | Portable insulated container |
US3024935A (en) * | 1960-02-25 | 1962-03-13 | Vinick George | Banana packing means |
US4376558A (en) * | 1981-03-25 | 1983-03-15 | Beverly Bandar | Thermal retention container |
US4635815A (en) * | 1984-09-21 | 1987-01-13 | North American Container Corp. | Reinforced bulk material container |
US5100016A (en) * | 1989-12-12 | 1992-03-31 | Rock-Tenn Company | Insulating blanket for shipping container |
US6138903A (en) * | 1998-08-21 | 2000-10-31 | Longview Fibre Company | Multi-ply corrugated paperboard container |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1715814A (en) * | 1927-08-08 | 1929-06-04 | Judd A Brown | Insulated shipping container |
US1986263A (en) * | 1932-10-25 | 1935-01-01 | Roes A Hatch | Package |
US5000372A (en) * | 1988-11-02 | 1991-03-19 | Transtech Service Network, Inc. | Method and apparatus for foil laminated honeycomb package |
GB2284595B (en) * | 1993-11-23 | 1997-10-08 | Paragon Packaging Supplies Lim | Insulation box |
-
2003
- 2003-01-08 US US10/338,807 patent/US20030213834A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2004
- 2004-01-07 WO PCT/US2004/000257 patent/WO2004063054A2/en active Application Filing
-
2005
- 2005-07-11 US US11/179,045 patent/US20060131368A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1147650A (en) * | 1913-02-25 | 1915-07-20 | Scudder Haas Mfg Co | Receptacle. |
US1527167A (en) * | 1922-10-07 | 1925-02-24 | Fort Wayne Corrugated Paper Co | Heat-insulated shipping container |
US1677565A (en) * | 1924-09-10 | 1928-07-17 | Ferdinand S Oppenheim | Container |
US2165327A (en) * | 1936-04-20 | 1939-07-11 | Zalkind Philip | Set-up insulation box |
US2231981A (en) * | 1936-04-20 | 1941-02-18 | Zalkind Philip | Dish insulation member |
US2590724A (en) * | 1949-10-11 | 1952-03-25 | Jr James Ruthven | Insulated box |
US2717114A (en) * | 1950-04-27 | 1955-09-06 | Jr Charles L Parham | Thermal container |
US2927720A (en) * | 1958-11-28 | 1960-03-08 | Robert K Adams | Portable insulated container |
US3024935A (en) * | 1960-02-25 | 1962-03-13 | Vinick George | Banana packing means |
US4376558A (en) * | 1981-03-25 | 1983-03-15 | Beverly Bandar | Thermal retention container |
US4635815A (en) * | 1984-09-21 | 1987-01-13 | North American Container Corp. | Reinforced bulk material container |
US5100016A (en) * | 1989-12-12 | 1992-03-31 | Rock-Tenn Company | Insulating blanket for shipping container |
US6138903A (en) * | 1998-08-21 | 2000-10-31 | Longview Fibre Company | Multi-ply corrugated paperboard container |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220169435A1 (en) * | 2019-02-19 | 2022-06-02 | Westrock Shared Services, Llc | Thermal protection packaging |
US20220194683A1 (en) * | 2020-12-17 | 2022-06-23 | Va-Q-Tec Ag | Insulation container for temperature-controlled transport of pharmaceutical products |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2004063054A3 (en) | 2004-09-02 |
US20060131368A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
WO2004063054A2 (en) | 2004-07-29 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EVERFREEZE CONTAINER LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JOHNSON, DAVID JAMES;REEL/FRAME:014258/0711 Effective date: 20030710 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |