US20180208387A1

US20180208387A1 - Insulated Bag Roll System

Info

Publication number: US20180208387A1
Application number: US15/878,775
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Cantrell; David Winkle; Donald HIGH
Original assignee: Walmart Apollo LLC
Current assignee: Walmart Apollo LLC
Priority date: 2017-01-24
Filing date: 2018-01-24
Publication date: 2018-07-26

Abstract

An insulated bag roll system is described. The insulated bag roll system includes a plurality of insulated bags connected at perforated lines and rolled to form a roll of insulated bags. Each of the insulated bags may include a body including walls sealed to form an inner chamber that is configured and dimensioned to receive a physical object through an opening. The walls may be formed from an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulated layer disposed between the outer and inner layers. Each of the insulated bags may include a flap extending from the body that is configured to fold over and cover the opening to maintain insulation of the inner chamber. Each of the insulated bags may include one or more transparent windows formed in the walls providing visibility into the inner chamber. The insulated bag roll system includes a dispensing mechanism configured to hold and dispense one or more insulated bags from the roll of insulated bags.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/449,780, which was filed on Jan. 24, 2017. The entire content of the foregoing provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Cold chain products, such as ice cream or frozen vegetables, are kept in refrigerated areas of a facility. Once selected by an individual, the cold chain product remains unrefrigerated while the individual makes other selections and further remains unrefrigerated in the individual's vehicle during transport to the individual's destination.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an insulated bag roll system including insulated bags that each have an insulated layer to reduce or prevent melting of a cold chain product until transport to the individual's destination. Similarly, the insulated bags may prevent cooling of warm products during transport. The walls of each insulated bag may include an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulated layer disposed between the outer and inner layers. A flap can be used to fold over and cover the opening of the insulated bag to maintain insulation of the inner chamber. One or more substantially transparent windows formed in the walls of the insulated bag allow a barcode of a product to be scanned without opening the insulated bag. The insulated bags can be used for cold chain products to prevent melting of the product during transport, and can similarly be used for warm or hot products (such as precooked food) to prevent cooling of such products during transport.
In one embodiment, an exemplary insulated bag roll system includes a plurality of insulated bags connected at perforated lines and rolled to form a roll of insulated bags. Each of the insulated bags includes a body including walls sealed to form an inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive a physical object through an opening. The walls are formed from an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulated layer disposed between the outer and inner layers. The inner layer has an inner surface configured to be in contact with the physical object. Each of the insulated bags includes a flap extending from the body and configured to fold over and cover the opening to maintain insulation of the inner chamber. Each of the insulated bags includes one or more transparent windows formed in the walls providing visibility into the inner chamber. The insulated bag roll system includes a dispensing mechanism configured to hold and dispense one or more of the plurality of insulated bags from the roll of insulated bags.
In one embodiment, an exemplary insulated bag includes a body including walls sealed to form an inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive a physical object through an opening. The walls are formed from an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulated layer formed from a nano-insulator material and disposed between the outer and inner layers. The inner layer has an inner surface configured to be in contact with the physical object. The insulated bag includes a flap extending from the body and configured to fold over and cover the opening to maintain insulation of the inner chamber. The insulated bag includes one or more transparent windows formed in the walls providing visibility into the inner chamber.
In one embodiment, an exemplary insulated bag includes a body including walls sealed to form an inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive a physical object through an opening. The walls are formed from an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulated layer disposed between the outer and inner layers. The inner layer has an inner surface configured to be in contact with the physical object. The insulated bag includes a temperature control system disposed within the body or the inner chamber. The temperature control system is configured to regulate a temperature within the inner chamber. The temperature control system includes a first reactive material, a second reactive material, a triggering mechanism, and a barrier preventing mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material. A triggering event automatically causes the triggering mechanism to alter the barrier to initiate mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material to produce a resulting reaction. The resulting reaction regulates the temperature within the inner chamber.
It should be appreciated that combinations and/or permutations of embodiments are envisioned as being within the scope of the present invention. Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the insulated bag roll system described herein, reference is made to the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, help to explain the invention. In the figures:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of an exemplary insulated bag in an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag roll system in an embodiment including an insulated layer formed from bubble wrap and a foil liner.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag roll system in an embodiment including an insulated layer formed from a nano-insulator material.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of exemplary insulated bags in an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary physical object display in an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag with a flap in an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag in an embodiment including an insulated layer formed from bubble wrap and a foil liner.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated package in an embodiment including an insulated layer formed from bubble wrap and a foil liner.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated package in an embodiment including an insulated layer formed from a nano-insulator material.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag in an embodiment including a tightening mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary temperature control system in an embodiment prior to a triggering event.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary temperature control system in an embodiment after the triggering event and during a resulting reaction.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag in an embodiment including an opening configured to receive a temperature element.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary temperature element configured to be removably placed within an insulated bag.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary dispenser system configured to selectively dispense insulated bags.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that the relative terminology used herein, such as “front”, “rear”, “left”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up” and “down” is solely for the purposes of clarity and designation and is not intended to limit embodiments to a particular position and/or orientation. Accordingly, such relative terminology should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to embodiments having specific dimensions. Thus, any dimensions provided herein are merely for an exemplary purpose and are not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having particular dimensions.
Perishable cold chain products or precooked hot products being picked up in a facility can lose their desired temperature during transport within the facility and later during transport to another destination. For example, frozen products such as ice cream or vegetables can melt while being transported in warm temperature conditions. As a further example, hot products such as precooked chicken can become cold while being transported in cold temperature conditions. The individual acquiring the product generally needs to further cool or heat the respective products after arriving at a destination, resulting in potential expiration or damage of products or lost time before the individual can enjoy the precooked product.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an insulated bag roll system with multiple insulated bags, each bag having an insulated layer. The insulated layer reduces or prevents melting of the cold chain product during acquisition and later during transport to the individual's destination. The insulated layer can similarly be used to prevent cooling of a hot product during acquisition and later during transport to the individual's destination. A flap on the insulated bag may be provided and can be used to fold over and cover the opening of the insulated bag to maintain insulation of the inner chamber. One or more substantially transparent windows formed in the walls of the insulated bag allow the barcode of the product to be scanned without opening the insulated bag. The exemplary insulated bags thereby maintain the desired temperature of the product without the potential for damage or expiration of cold chain products, and without necessitating heating of a precooked product upon arrival at the individual's destination.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag 100 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The insulated bag 100 includes a body 102 with walls sealed to form an inner chamber 104 configured and dimensioned to receive one or more physical objects through an opening 106. The walls of the body 102 include an outer layer 108, an inner layer 110, and an insulated layer 112 disposed between the outer and inner layers 108, 110. The inner layer 110 has an inner surface 114 configured to be in contact with the physical object. In one embodiment, the inner and outer layers 108, 110 can be formed from, e.g., a woven, cloth material, a plastic polymer, a cloth polymer (such as nylon or polyester), cotton cloth, metal or metallic materials (such as aluminum), wood pulp base, paper pulp base, combinations thereof, or the like.
In some embodiments, the insulated layer 112 can be formed from a disposable, biodegradable material, e.g., a starch-based insulator, or the like. In some embodiments, the bag 100 can be formed from paper for a biodegradable solution. In some embodiments, one or more layers 108-112 (or a section of the one or more layers 108-112) of the insulated bag 100 can include a thermal reactive colorant that visually indicates the temperature inside the insulated bag 100. Thus, the change in temperature within the bag 100 can be indicated by the intensity or color visible on the outside of the bag 100 due to the thermal reactive colorant.
In one embodiment, one wall of the insulated bag 100 can be longer than the other wall to form a flap 116 extending from the body 102. The flap 116 can be configured and dimensioned to fold over and cover the opening 106 to maintain insulation of the inner chamber 104. In one embodiment, the inner surface 114 of the flap 116 can include VELCRO®, ZIPLOC® or adhesive 118 to detachably secure the flap 116 to the outer surface 120 of the opposing outer layer 108. In one embodiment, the flap 116 can be maintained in a normally closed position over the opening 106 due to gravity. In one embodiment, the insulated bag 100 can include one or more transparent windows 122 formed in the walls and providing visibility into the inner chamber 104. For example, the windows 122 can be formed from a material having a transparency level higher than the transparency level of the body 102 of the insulated bag 100 such that improved visibility of the inner contents of the bag 100 is provided through the windows 122 as compared to the body 102. In some embodiments, the windows 122 can be used to scan the barcode of the physical object within the insulated bag 100 during purchase without opening the flap 116, thereby maintaining an insulated environment within the inner chamber 104. In some embodiments, the barcode of the physical object can be scanned prior to placing the physical object into the bag 100.
In one embodiment, the insulated layer 112 can be formed from a bubble wrap layer and a foil liner sealed to the bubble wrap layer. In another embodiment, the insulated layer 112 can be formed from a nano-insulator material, such as raw materials, diatomite (diatom shells), AEROTHERM® (silica aerogel), hollow silica nanospheres, hollow silica aerogels, nano ceramics, tin oxide, combinations thereof, or the like, to reduce the overall thickness of the insulated bag 100 while maintaining or improving the insulation efficiency. In one embodiment, the insulated bag 100 can include one or more elastic bands or drawstrings 124 configured to reduce the volume of the inner chamber 104. Reducing the volume of the inner chamber 104 reduces the amount of warm air around the physical object, thereby improving the overall environment within the inner chamber 104.
In one embodiment, the insulated bag 100 can include one or more slots or pockets 126 formed in the inner surface 114 of the inner layer 110. The pocket 126 can be configured and dimensioned to receive a passive cooling element, e.g., an ice pack, a gel pack, or the like. In one embodiment, in addition to or instead of the passive cooling element, the insulated bag 100 can include one or more temperature control systems 128. The temperature control system 128 can be disposed within the pocket 126, embedded within the inner layer 110 to dispense temperature control through the inner layer 110 and into the inner chamber 104, or disposed within the inner chamber 104. The temperature control system 128 can be configured to regulate the temperature within the inner chamber 104. In an embodiment, the temperature control system 128 can act as a backup to the passive cooling element and activate if the passive cooling element fails to maintain the inner chamber 104 at acceptable environmental conditions.
The temperature control system 128 can include a first reactive material, a second reactive material, a triggering mechanism, and a barrier preventing mixing of the first and second reactive materials. A triggering event can automatically cause the triggering mechanism to alter the barrier to initiate mixing of the first and second reactive materials to produce a resulting reaction. The resulting reaction regulates the temperature within the inner chamber. In one embodiment, the temperature control system 128 can include a sensor configured to detect the temperature within the inner chamber 104. The triggering event can be the detected temperature by the temperature sensor (e.g., a predetermined upper or lower limit). In another embodiment, the temperature control system 128 may include a timer configured to initiate a reaction in the reactive materials after a pre-determined amount of time.
In one embodiment, the temperature control system 128 can be an endothermic reaction system configured to reduce the temperature within the inner chamber 104 (e.g., for cold chain products). In such embodiments, the first reactive material can be ammonium nitrate and the second reactive material can be water. In one embodiment, the first reactive material for an endothermic reaction system can be selected from sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen chloride, ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, combinations thereof, or the like. In such an embodiment, water can be used as the second reactive material. In one embodiment, the temperature control system 128 can be an exothermic reaction system configured to increase the temperature within the inner chamber 104 (e.g., for hot products). In such embodiments, the first reactive material can be calcium chloride and the second reactive material can be water. In one embodiment, the first reactive material for an exothermic reaction system can be magnesium sulfate. In such an embodiment, water can be used as the second reactive material. In one embodiment, sodium acetate supercooled to a solid can be used by itself without a second reactive material.
As will be discussed in greater detail below, the insulated bag 100 can be part of an insulated bag roll system including a plurality of insulated bags 100 connected at perforated lines and rolled to form a roll of insulated bags 100. For example, opposing endpoints 130, 132 of the insulated bag 100 can be connected to respective endpoints 130, 132 of another insulated bag 100 along perforated lines and the insulated bags 100 can be rolled to form a roll on a tube. In particular, the endpoint 130 of a first insulated bag 100 can be connected to the endpoint 132 of a second insulated bag 100 along a perforated line such that the first and second insulated bags 100 can be separated from each other by the individual. The endpoint 132 of the first insulated bag 100 can be connected to the endpoint 130 of a third insulated bag 100 along a perforated line. The insulated bag roll system can include a dispensing mechanism configured to hold and dispense the roll of insulated bags, thereby providing an efficient and convenient system for individuals selecting a bag.
In some embodiments, rather than an insulated bag, the exemplary material can be in the form of a wrap including a sticky seal at a perforation point to assist in wrapping the material tightly around a physical product. The wrap can be fabricated from an insulating material such that after wrapping, the physical product can be placed into a conventional (e.g., non-insulated) bag. In some embodiments, rather than a sticky seal, a tape dispenser can be provided to the user for making the seal. In some embodiments, the wrap can include one or more sections (e.g., pockets) for insertion of supplementary insulation or temperature elements to assist in maintaining the temperature of the physical product.
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag roll system 200 (hereinafter “system 200”) in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The system 200 includes insulated bags 100 connected at perforated lines 202 and rolled to form a roll 204 of insulated bags 100. The insulated layer 112 can include a bubble wrap layer 206 sealed to a foil liner layer 208. The bubble wrap layer 206 can include a planar film 210 and bubbles 212 extending from the planar film 210.
The system 200 can include a dispensing mechanism 214 configured and dimensioned to hold, support and dispense individual insulated bags 100 from the roll 204. The dispensing mechanism 214 may include an elongated vertical component 216 (as oriented relative to horizontal) mounted to and extending from a base 218. The dispensing mechanism 214 includes an elongated horizontal component 220 (as oriented relative to horizontal) extending substantially perpendicularly from the vertical component 216. The horizontal component 220 can be received within an opening 222 extending through the center of the roll 204. The roll 204 can be supported on the horizontal component 220 and spins along an axis shared with the horizontal component 220 to dispense the insulated bags 100.
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag roll system 300 (hereinafter “system 300”) in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The system 300 can be substantially similar in structure and function to the system 200. Therefore, like reference numbers represent like structures. In addition to the bubble wrap layer 206 or instead of the bubble wrap layer 206, the insulated bag 100 of the system 300 can include an insulated layer 112 with a nano-insulator layer 302.
The nano-insulator layer 302 includes a planar film 304 and a nano-insulator material 306 sealed to the planar film 304. In one embodiment, the nano-insulator layer 302 can be formed from the nano-insulator materials 306 without the planar film 304. In one embodiment, the nano-insulator material 306 can be diatomite 308 (or other insulative materials, such as AEROTHERM® (silica aerogel)). In one embodiment, the nano-insulator layer 302 can be sealed to a foil liner layer 208.
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of exemplary insulated bags 100 a-c for physical objects 400 a-c having different sizes. For example, the insulated bag 100 a (e.g., a small bag) can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein the physical object 400 a (e.g., a container holding a pint of product). As a further example, the insulated bag 100 b (e.g., a medium bag) can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein the physical object 400 b (e.g., a container holding a quart of product). As a further example, the insulated bag 100 c (e.g., a large bag) can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein the physical object 400 c (e.g., a container holding a half gallon of product).
Small, medium and large sized insulated bags 100 a-c can provide a sufficient variety of sizes for receiving different product categories. In one embodiment, in addition to different sizes, different weights of insulation can be incorporated into different insulated bags 100 to provide for different levels of insulation. Light, medium and heavy insulation layers 112 can be incorporated into different insulated bags 100 depending on the needs of the individual. For example, frozen items with extended transportation times may require greater insulation needs and an insulated bag 100 with a heavy insulation layer 112 can be used. Thus, rather than double-bagging, an insulated bag 100 for the individual's specific product or purpose can be selected.
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary physical object display 500 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The physical object display 500 can include a shelf structure 502 with multiple shelves 504 for supporting physical objects 506 of different sizes. The physical object display 500 can include a system 200, 250 including insulated bags 100 a-c. Although insulated bags 100 a-c of different sizes are provided, in one embodiment, insulated bags 100 of a single size configured to receive each type of physical object 506 can be provided. In one embodiment, the physical object display 500 can include one or more dispensing mechanisms 214 for supporting each of the rolls 204. In one embodiment, a portion of the dispensing mechanism 214 can be mounted directly to the shelf structure 502. As a non-limiting example, the dispensing mechanism 214 can be provided within a retail facility. In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism 214 can automatically dispense an insulated bag 100 a-c of the appropriate size after the physical object has been scanned.
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag 100 including a flap 116 folded over the opening 106 into the inner chamber 104. The physical object 600 can be positioned within the inner chamber 104 and the flap 116 can be folded over the opening 106 to maintain the inner chamber 104 insulated from the outer environment. In one embodiment, the insulated bag 100 includes a window 122 through which a barcode of the physical object 600 can be scanned during checkout, thereby allowing the inner chamber 104 to stay closed and insulated until the individual returns to their destination. In one embodiment, the physical object 600 can include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag in the packaging of the physical object 600 and an RFID receiver at a checkout counter can be used to receive an RFID signal transmitted from the RFID tag. In both embodiments, physically removing the physical object 600 from the insulated bag 100 and handling the physical object 600 is unnecessary, allowing the physical object 600 to remain insulated.
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag 700 (e.g., a reusable tote bag) in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The insulated bag 700 can be substantially similar in structure and function to the insulated bag 100 of FIG. 2, except for the distinctions noted herein. Therefore, like references numbers represent like structures. The insulated layer 112 of the insulated bag 700 can be formed from the bubble wrap layer 206 and the foil liner layer 208.
Rather than having a flap 116, the top of the insulated bag 700 can include the opening 106 and inner surfaces of the insulated bag 700 include a closure mechanism 702 (e.g., a zipper or VELCRO®) to selectively open and close the opening 106. The insulated bag 700 can include a handle 704 for carrying the insulated bag 700. In one embodiment, the inner and/or outer layers of the insulated bag 700 can be formed from a reflecting or metallic material. The outer surface of the insulated bag 700 can include an area 706 configured to display a logo or name, or to display a barcode for purchase of the insulated bag 700. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the insulated bag 700 can include a flap 708 configured to be flipped back to expose a window 122 such that the barcode of the one or more physical objects within the insulated bag 700 can be scanned. The physical objects may thereby remain insulated until reaching their destination.
In one embodiment, the level of insulation provided by the insulated bag 700 (or the insulated bag 100) may be provided based on the geographic location of use or the season of use. For example, insulated bags 700 can be fabricated with a heavier insulation layer 112 for use during summer months, and fabricated with a lighter insulation layer 112 for use during winter months due to the difference in ambient temperatures. In one embodiment, the insulation or thermal conductivity rating can be marked on the outer surface of the insulated bag 700. In one embodiment, the estimated time for which the insulated bag 700 can maintain the desired temperature of the physical object can be marked on the outer surface of the insulated bag 700. For example, a heavy insulation bag 700 can be rated to maintain frozen compliance (e.g., 20° F.) for up to three hours, a medium insulation bag 700 can be rated to maintain frozen compliance for up to two hours, and a light insulation bag 700 can be rated to maintain frozen compliance for up to one hour.
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated package 800 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The insulated package 800 includes an insulated layer 112 having a substantially similar structure and function to the insulated layer 112 of FIG. 2. Therefore, like reference numbers represent like structures. Rather than placing the physical object into the insulated bag 100, the packaging 800 of the physical object itself can be fabricated with the insulated layer 112 to prevent melting of the product during transport and/or during use at the individual's destination.
The insulated package 800 can include a container 802 with an inner chamber and a lid 804 configured to close the opening of the container 802 extending into the inner chamber. The walls of the insulated package 800 include an inner layer 806 and an outer layer 808 formed from a wax cardboard material. The insulated layer 112 can be sealed between the inner and outer layers 806, 808.
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated package 900 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The insulated package 900 includes an insulated layer 112 having a substantially similar structure and function to the insulated layer 112 of FIG. 3, and includes structures substantially similar to the insulated package 800 of FIG. 8. Therefore, like reference numbers represent like structures. Rather than placing the physical object into the insulated bag 100, the packaging 900 of the physical object itself can be fabricated with the insulated layer 112 to prevent melting of the product during transport and/or during use at the individual's destination. In addition to or instead of the bubble wrap layer 206 of the insulated package 800, the insulated package 900 can include an insulated layer 112 including the nano-insulator layer 302.
FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag 100 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. As noted above, in some embodiments, after the physical object 1000 has been positioned within the inner chamber 104 of the insulated bag 100, a draw string or elastic band 1002 can be used to reduce the volume of the inner chamber 104. The reduced volume of the inner chamber 104 reduces the amount of air required to be chilled and improves the overall insulation performance of the insulated bag 100.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrammatic views of an exemplary temperature control system 1100 that can be incorporated into the insulated bags described herein. The temperature control system 1100 is configured to regulate the temperature within the inner chamber 104. The temperature control system 1100 includes a first reactive material 1102, a second reactive material 1104, a triggering mechanism 1106, and a barrier 1108. The barrier 1108 prevents mixing of the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104 prior to a triggering event. In one embodiment, the temperature control system 1100 can be in the form of a capsule including the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104 separated by the barrier 1106.
The triggering event can be performed manually, in response to a signal generated by a timer, or when a sensor indicates that unsatisfactory temperature conditions exist within the inner chamber 104. In particular, the temperature control system 1100 remains in a non-active configuration until the triggering event occurs. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the triggering event automatically causes the triggering mechanism 1106 to alter the barrier 1106 to initiate at least partial mixing of the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104 to produce a resulting reaction 1112 (e.g., an endothermic reaction or an exothermic reaction). The resulting reaction 1112 regulates the temperature within the inner chamber 104 to maintain the temperature within the inner chamber 104 at a desired temperature or temperature range. It should be understood that the temperature control system 1100 isolates the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104 from the physical objects within the insulated bag to prevent damage to the physical objects, while having a housing that allows energy from the inner chamber 104 to be absorbed or energy to be emitted into the inner chamber 104.
In an embodiment, the temperature control system 1100 can be an endothermic reaction system configured to produce an endothermic reaction upon mixing of the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104. The endothermic reaction reduces the temperature within the inner chamber 104 by absorbing energy. In such embodiments, the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104 can be liquids. In one embodiment, the first reactive material 1102 can be ammonium nitrate and second reactive material 1104 can be water. In one embodiment, the first reactive material for an endothermic reaction system can be selected from sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen chloride, ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, combinations thereof, or the like, and the second reactive material can be water.
In an embodiment, the temperature control system 1100 can be an exothermic reaction system configured to produce an exothermic reaction upon mixing of the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104. The exothermic reaction increases the temperature within the inner chamber 104 by emitting energy. In such embodiments, the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104 can be liquids. In one embodiment, the first reactive material 1102 can be calcium chloride and the second reactive materials 1104 can be water. In one embodiment, the first reactive material for an exothermic reaction system can be magnesium sulfate, and the second reactive material can be water. In one embodiment, sodium acetate supercooled to a solid can be used as the first reactive material.
In an embodiment, the temperature control system 1100 can include a mechanism 1110 (e.g., a temperature sensor, a timer, combinations thereof, or the like and/or a device in communication therewith) configured to alter or move the barrier between the first and second materials 1102, 1104. The temperature sensor can be configured to detect the temperature within the inner chamber 104. In such embodiments, the triggering event can be a detected temperature. For example, the temperature sensor can monitor the temperature within the inner chamber 104 and, upon reaching a predetermined value or a value below a predetermined value, the temperature sensor can actuate the triggering mechanism 1106 to alter or move the barrier 1108 to initiate mixing of the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104. Thus, upon an increase or decrease of the temperature within the inner chamber 104 beyond the desired temperature, the resulting reaction 1112 from mixing of the first and second materials 1102, 1104 actively assists in cooling or heating the inner chamber 104.
The timer can keep track of the time elapsed since a physical object was placed within the inner chamber 104 (e.g., via one or more force or weight sensors). In such embodiments, the triggering event can be an elapsed time. For example, the timer can count down from a predetermined time value (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or the like) and, upon reaching the end of the countdown (e.g., zero minutes), the timer can actuate the triggering mechanism 1106 to alter or move the barrier 1108 to initiate mixing of the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104. Thus, after a predetermined time period, the resulting reaction 1112 from mixing of the first and second materials 1102, 1104 actively assists in cooling or heating the inner chamber 104.
In an embodiment, the barrier 1108 can be a glass structure that can be at least partially broken or moved by the triggering mechanism 1106 to allow for mixing between the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104. In an embodiment, the barrier 1108 can be a plastic structure that can be at least partially broken, pierced or moved by the triggering mechanism 1106 to allow for mixing between the first and second reactive materials 1102, 1104. In an embodiment, the triggering mechanism 1106 can be a mechanical triggering mechanism. In an embodiment, the triggering mechanism 1106 can be an electrical triggering mechanism.
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary insulated bag 1300 including a slot or opening 1302 extending into a section 1304 configured to receive a temperature element 1306. Particularly, the insulated bag 1300 includes a body 1308 with an inner chamber 1310 configured to receive a physical object. The insulated bag 1300 includes a section 1304 (e.g., a pocket, or the like) formed within the walls of the body 1308 configured and dimensioned to removably receive therein the temperature element 1306. The temperature element 1306 can be inserted into the section 1304 through the opening 1302, and a closure element 1312 (e.g., a flap) can be used to close the opening 1302. The temperature element 1306 can be any type of cooling or heating element that is configured to actively cool or heat the physical object for a period of time. The position of the section 1304 can be such that insertion of the temperature element 1306 into the section 1304 allows the temperature element 1306 to cool or heat the inner chamber 1310 of the insulated bag 1300.
In some embodiments, the section 1304 can be fabricated from a transparent material such that the condition of the temperature element 1306 can be visible from the outside of the insulated bag 1300. For example, in some embodiments, the temperature element 1306 can be loose ice placed within the section 1304 and the transparent nature of the section 1304 allows a user to visualize when the ice has melted. In such embodiments, raw ice can be provided in the vicinity of a dispenser for the insulated bags 1300. In some embodiments, the raw ice can be added directly into the inner chamber 1310 of the insulated bag 1300. In some embodiments, the temperature element 1306 can be an insulating material configured to assist in maintaining the temperature within the insulated bag 1300.
In some embodiments, the insulated bag 1300 can include one or more sensors 1314 configured to detect the temperature within the inner chamber 1310. The sensors 1314 can detect and monitor the change in temperature within the inner chamber 1310 over time to determine the performance of the temperature element 1306. Based on the detected performance of the temperature element 1306, the system can output a recommended optimal temperature element 1304 size for future use to improve overall temperature control within the inner chamber 1310. For example, the insulated bag 1300 can include an output section 1316 configured to display the recommended temperature element 1304. Such system of sensors 1314 and output section 1316 can be used on non-disposable insulated bags. The insulated bag 1300 can thereby adapt based on historical heating or cooling data.
FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary temperature element 1400 configured to be removably placed within an insulated bag. In some embodiments, the temperature element 1400 can be placed directed into an inner chamber of the insulated bag and/or into a section 1304 of the insulated bag. The temperature element 1400 can include an outer cover 1402 and inner cooling or heating elements 1404. The outer cover 1402 retains the elements 1404 therein, providing a clean alternative for cooling or heating the physical object within the insulated bag. In some embodiments, the outer cover 1402 can be fabricated from a starch-based and disposable, biodegradable material. In some embodiments, such temperature elements 1400 can be added to the insulated bag during checkout or bagging after payment for the physical object has occurred. In some embodiments, the user can bring their own temperature element 1400 (e.g., an ice pack, a frozen gel element, or the like) for insertion into the insulated bag or section 1304 of the insulated bag 1300.
FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary dispenser system 1500 configured to selectively dispense insulated bags. The system 1500 can include a housing 1502 configured to receive therein a roll 1504 of insulated bags 1506 connected at perforated lines 1508. In some embodiments, the housing 1502 can contain therein multiple rolls 1504 of bags 1506 having different sizes. The housing 1502 can include a slot 1510 through which the insulated bags 1506 are dispensed. In some embodiments, each insulated bag 1506 can include a seal section 1512 (e.g., an adhesive, or the like) for sealing the insulated bag 1506 after separation from the roll 1504. The system 1500 includes a label dispenser 1516 within the housing 1502 configured to dispense and secure individual labels 1518 to each dispensed bag 1506. The label dispenser 1516 can print information about the physical object on the label 1518 prior to securing the label 1518 to the bag 1506. In some embodiments, the system 1500 can include a scanner 1520 for scanning the barcode of a physical object.
In some embodiments, the dispenser system 1500 can be located near the shelves of the physical objects such that a user can scan the barcode of the physical object with the scanner 1520. Based on the information obtained from scanning the barcode, the label dispenser 1516 can print a barcode and other identifying information on a label 1518, secure the label 1518 to the bag 1506, and the system 1500 can dispense the bag 1506 for the user. The physical object can be placed within the bag 1506 and sealed to maintain the temperature of the physical object. During checkout, the printed label 1518 can be used for scanning without removal of the physical object from the bag 1506. In some embodiments, the user is capable of checking out or paying for the physical object during the shopping process. In such embodiments, the dispensing system 1500 can dispense a bag 1506 after notification that the user has paid for the physical object.
In some embodiments, the dispensing system 1500 can allow two or more items having similar temperature properties to be placed in a single bag 1506. For example, the system 1500 can prompt the user whether additional items should be scanned prior to dispensing a bag 1506. If multiple items are scanned, the dispensing system 1500 can select and dispense a bag 1506 of the appropriate size based on the physical object characteristics, and the label 1518 printed on the bag 1506 can include multiple barcodes representative of each physical object placed within the bag 1506.
In some embodiments, the dispenser system 1500 can be located near the checkout or bagging terminal, such that after the barcode of the physical object is scanned, the dispenser system 1500 can dispense a bag 1506 of the appropriate size for bagging of the physical object. In some embodiments, after the label 1518 has been secured to the bag 1506 and the physical object has been placed within the bag 1506, scanning of the barcode on the label 1518 can initiate a vacuum seal of the bag 1506 with the physical object inside. In some embodiments, the dispensing system 1500 can be part of an autonomous checkout terminal such that dispensing, packing, labeling and sealing is performed autonomously or with associate assistance. The dispensing system 1500 if therefore allows the physical object to be sealed within an insulated bag 1506 at multiple locations to maintain the temperature and condition of the physical object.
Thus, the exemplary insulated bags and insulated bag roll systems provide an insulated option for transporting physical objects in and from the retail establishment. Each insulated bag includes an insulated layer embedded therein for maintaining an insulated inner chamber. The insulated layer reduces or prevents melting of a cold chain product during acquisition and during transport to the individual's destination. The insulated layer can similarly be used to prevent cooling of a hot product during acquisition and during transport to the individual's destination. Transparent windows formed in the walls of the insulated bag allow the barcode of the product to be scanned without opening the insulated bag. The exemplary insulated bags thereby maintain the desired temperature of the product without the potential for damage or expiration of cold chain products, and without necessitating heating of the precooked product upon arrival to the individual's destination. The exemplary dispensing systems are capable of automatically dispensing an insulated bag of the appropriate size for the physical object after the product has been scanned, resulting in an efficient bagging or checkout process.
While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An insulated bag roll system, comprising:

a plurality of insulated bags connected at perforated lines and rolled to form a roll of insulated bags, each of the insulated bags including:

a body including walls sealed to form an inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive a physical object through an opening, the walls formed from an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulated layer disposed between the outer and inner layers, the inner layer having an inner surface configured to be in contact with the physical object;

a flap extending from the body and configured to fold over and cover the opening to maintain insulation of the inner chamber; and

one or more transparent windows formed in the walls providing visibility into the inner chamber; and

a dispensing mechanism configured to hold and dispense one or more of the plurality of insulated bags from the roll of insulated bags.

2. The insulated bag roll system of claim 1, wherein the insulated layer comprises:

a bubble wrap layer; and

a foil liner layer sealed to the bubble wrap layer.

3. The insulated bag roll system of claim 1, wherein the insulated layer comprises a nano-insulator material.

4. The insulated bag roll system of claim 1, wherein the insulated layer is formed from diatomite.

5. The insulated bag roll system of claim 1, wherein each insulated bag further includes a draw string configured to reduce a volume of the inner chamber.

6. The insulated bag roll system of claim 1, wherein each insulated bag further includes one or more slots formed in the walls that are configured to receive a cooling element.

7. An insulated bag, comprising:

a body including walls sealed to form an inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive a physical object through an opening, the walls formed from an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulated layer formed from a nano-insulator material and disposed between the outer and inner layers, the inner layer having an inner surface configured to be in contact with the physical object;

one or more transparent windows formed in the walls providing visibility into the inner chamber.

8. The insulated bag of claim 7, further comprising:

a draw string configured to reduce a volume of the inner chamber.

9. The insulated bag of claim 7, further comprising:

one or more slots formed in the walls that are configured to receive a cooling element.

10. An insulated bag, comprising:

a body including walls sealed to form an inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive a physical object through an opening, the walls formed from an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulated layer disposed between the outer and inner layers, the inner layer having an inner surface configured to be in contact with the physical object; and

a temperature control system disposed within the body or the inner chamber, the temperature control system configured to regulate a temperature within the inner chamber, the temperature control system including:

a first reactive material;

a second reactive material;

a triggering mechanism; and

a barrier preventing mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material;

wherein a triggering event automatically causes the triggering mechanism to alter the barrier to initiate mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material to produce a resulting reaction, the resulting reaction regulating the temperature within the inner chamber.

11. The insulated bag of claim 10, further comprising:

a flap extending from the body and configured to fold over and cover the opening to maintain insulation of the inner chamber.

12. The insulated bag of claim 10, further comprising:

13. The insulated bag of claim 10, wherein the insulated layer is a nano-insulated material.

14. The insulated bag of claim 10, wherein the temperature control system further includes a temperature sensor disposed within the inner chamber and configured to detect the temperature within the inner chamber, and wherein the triggering event is a detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

15. The insulated bag of claim 10, wherein the temperature control system is an endothermic reaction system configured to reduce the temperature within the inner chamber.

16. The insulated bag of claim 15, wherein the first reactive material is ammonium nitrate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen chloride, ammonium chloride, or potassium chloride, and the second reactive material is water.

17. The insulated bag of claim 10, wherein the temperature control system is an exothermic reaction system configured to increase the temperature within the inner chamber.

18. The insulated bag of claim 17, wherein the first reactive material is calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, or sodium acetate, and the second reactive material is water.