US20210403224A1 - Packaging system for transporting temperature-sensitive products - Google Patents
Packaging system for transporting temperature-sensitive products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210403224A1 US20210403224A1 US17/352,854 US202117352854A US2021403224A1 US 20210403224 A1 US20210403224 A1 US 20210403224A1 US 202117352854 A US202117352854 A US 202117352854A US 2021403224 A1 US2021403224 A1 US 2021403224A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- transport container
- packaging system
- rack
- temperature
- front wall
- 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
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- B65D81/3825—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 rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container
- B65D81/3834—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 rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container the external tray being formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
-
- 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
- B65D81/3825—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 rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container
- B65D81/383—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 rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container the external tray being formed with double walls, i.e. hollow
-
- 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
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
-
- 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
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/02—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets
- B65D19/06—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
- F25D3/06—Movable containers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
- F25D3/06—Movable containers
- F25D3/08—Movable containers portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
-
- 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
- B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
-
- 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
- B65D2519/00527—Hollow walls
-
- 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
- B65D2519/00582—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable
- B65D2519/00587—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable side walls directly connected to each other
- B65D2519/00592—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable side walls directly connected to each other by means of hinges
-
- 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00736—Details
- B65D2519/00865—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected
- B65D2519/00875—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls
- B65D2519/0088—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls comprising two side walls hinged to a base panel and two other side walls being extensions hinged to said side walls
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
- F25D2303/082—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid disposed in a cold storage element not forming part of a container for products to be cooled, e.g. ice pack or gel accumulator
Definitions
- thermally-insulated packaging, transport, or shipping containers may be used to provide a sealed housing during transport for forming a space for the temperature-sensitive products and for gel packs or like temperature-controlling material or apparatus.
- thermally-sensitive products may include medical products, biologics, biological materials or samples, blood, blood plasma, organs intended for transplantation, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, injectable medications, chemicals, food, and other temperature-sensitive articles.
- biological material as used herein is intended to include but not to be limited to blood and blood products including any type of human or animal blood, cells including stem cells, bone marrow, donor organs, tissue products and samples, plasma concentrates, reagents (including standards and controls) used to assay biological functions, specimens and the like, and any other biological products (including pharmaceuticals) that must be kept within predetermined temperature ranges during transport.
- Phase change material is typically filled with water, phase change material (PCM) or other fluids and may be conditioned (frozen, cooled, heated) to a pre-determined temperature and stabilized at the pre-determined temperature before use.
- PCM phase change material
- a phase change material (PCM) is a substance with a high heat of fusion which, melting and solidifying at a certain temperature, is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy.
- Transport boxes in particular, relatively large-capacity transport boxes that may stacked on shipment pallets or the like, are often relatively difficult to load, particularly a single worker. It can be difficult to properly secure and arrange the temperature-sensitive products and the PCM, gel packs, or the like in a proper arrangement within the box, which is critical for proper and safe shipment of the temperature-sensitive products. It can also be time-consuming to properly load such a transport box which thereby undesirably exposes the conditioned. PCM gel packs and temperature-sensitive products to ambient conditions for potentially extended-periods of time needed to properly load the transport box before it may be sealed closed.
- a packaging system for shipping a temperature-sensitive product includes a thermally-insulated transport container providing a housing for the temperature-sensitive product and separate temperature-controlling packs and a separate rack for placement within the transport container for arranging the temperature-controlling packs.
- a thermally-insulated transport container providing a housing for the temperature-sensitive product and separate temperature-controlling packs and a separate rack for placement within the transport container for arranging the temperature-controlling packs.
- Each of the transport container and the rack has walls that are fully removable and able to be independently re-assembled during loading of the packaging system with the to product and temperature-controlling packs to enable ready loading of the packaging system.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an empty transport container in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transport container of FIG. 1 with the front wall in a partially disassembled pivoted position in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front wall in an entirely disconnected position in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a photographic image of the bottom front of the transport container with front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a photographic image of the bottom front of the transport container with front wall in an installed position in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIGS. 6-8 are partially exploded perspective views of the top wall of the transport container with front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top wall of the transport container with front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is a photographic image of a front part of the top wall of the transport container with front will removed in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a side wall of the transport container with front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an upper part of the transport container with the side wall and the front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a lower part of the transport container with the side wall and the front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a part of a profile component of the transport container used for holding wall panels, such as vacuum insulated panels, of the transport container in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective vie of the profile component of FIG. 14 with vacuum insulated panels extending therein in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 16 is a photographic image of the profile component of FIG. 14 with vacuum insulated panels extending therein in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the connection of the profile components at a corner of the transport container in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a PCM rack for placement within the transport container of FIG. 1 in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an interconnection between side walls of the PCM rack of FIG. 18 in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a bottom edge of the side walls of the PCM rack of FIG. 18 in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 21 is a photographic image of a front wall of the PCM rack before assembly to the other walls the PCM rack already positioned within the transport container in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 22 is a photographic image of a rear wall of the PCM rack as it is being installed and positioned against a rear wall of the transport container in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 23 is a photographic image of a rear wall of the PCM rack fully installed and positioned within the transport container in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of a two-piece floor PCM rack of the transport container in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the transport container with front wall removed and with the upper part of the floor PCM rack removed in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 26 is a photos rapt is image of the transport container with front wall removed and with the upper part of the floor PCM rack removed in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 27 is a photographic image of the transport container with front wall removed and with the upper part of the floor PCM rack being installed within the transport container in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the transport container with front wall removed and with a side wall of the PCM rack in an installed position and the floor PCM rack in an installed position in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the transport container with front wall removed, a side wall of the PCM rack removed, and the floor PCM rack in an installed position in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 30 is a photographic image of the transport container with front wall removed and with a side wall of the PCM rack in an installed position and the floor PCM rack in an installed position in accordance to an embodiment.
- FIG. 31 is a photographic image of the transport container with front wall removed, a side wall of the PCM rack removed, and the floor PCM rack in an installed position in accordance to an embodiment.
- a packaging system for transporting temperature-sensitive product includes a transport container, which forms an outer envelope of the packaging system, and a rack, which can be housed within the transport container for assisting with the loading and arrangement of PCM packs and the temperature-sensitive products within the transport container.
- the walls of the transport container may be formed by vacuum insulated panels and the base of the transport container may in the form of a shipping pallet.
- the packaging system may be of any dimensions and have any designed capacity, some contemplated embodiments of the packaging system can provide relatively large capacities.
- the packaging system may be configured to house a volume of temperature-sensitive products of at least about 500 liters, such as within a range of about 500 to 600 liters.
- the packaging system can be designed to provide other volumes, including larger and smaller volumes.
- FIG. 1 provides an embodiment of a transport container 10 in which a rack 12 (best shown in FIG. 18 ) can be located and loaded with PCM packs and temperature-sensitive products.
- a rack 12 best shown in FIG. 18
- FIGS. 1-17 show various features and characteristics of the transport container 10
- FIGS. 18-31 show various features and characteristics of the rack 12 .
- both the transport container 10 and the rack 12 can be readily disassembled for storage or return shipment and readily reassembled for re-use.
- the transport container 10 and rack 12 can each be assembled efficiently during a process of loading the PCM packs and temperature-sensitive products.
- a single worker may be able to readily assemble or re-assembly fully load, and seal the packaging system in a minimum amount of time despite the PCM packs and/or temperature-sensitive products being provided in a relatively large, heavy, or bulky forms.
- the transport container 10 when assembly, may be provided in box-shaped form and include a front wall 14 , a rear wall 16 , side walls 18 and 20 , a top wall or lid 22 , and a base 24 in the form of a shipping pallet able to be readily lifted or the like with forklift trucks or like machinery.
- the front rear and side walls, 14 , 16 , 18 and 20 are shown as being transparent for ease of showing the construction of the shipping container. These walls may be opaque instead of transparent and be constructed of vacuum insulated panels.
- the front wall 14 may be connected in a sealed condition to, and fully removed from, the lid 22 and base 24 of the transport container 10 .
- the transport container 10 may be loaded through the open front.
- the front wall 14 is relatively lightweight and can be readily handled and manipulated by a single worker.
- the base 24 of transport container 10 may include an outturned support ledge 26 on which the front wall 14 may be supported.
- several separate hinge tabs 28 may project from the edge 30 of the ledge 26 and include inward-turned lips 32 . See FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the front wall 14 may include a series of corresponding hinge slots 34 which can he aligned with the hinge tabs 28 .
- the front wall 14 can be supported on the ledge 26 and pivoted relative to the hinge tabs 28 (as shown in FIG. 2 ) to a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the front wall When in the closed position, the front wall may be secured to the lid 22 via one or more mechanical closures, clasps, fasteners or like device 36 .
- This arrangement permits the front wall 14 to be closed against the remainder of the transport container 10 requiring only a minimum gap and producing a tighter seal.
- the hinge tabs may be provided on the front wall and the hinge slots may be provided on the support ledge of the base.
- the top wall or lid 22 is best shown in FIGS. 6-10 , which each show the transport container 10 (with front wall 14 completely removed) and a partially assembled rack positioned therein.
- the lid 22 can include a pair of vacuum insulated panels, 38 and 40 , spaced apart by a layer of foam material 42 .
- the foam material may he made of polyurethane or like thermoplastic material.
- the upper vacuum insulated panel 38 and layer of foam 42 may be have portions cut away to provide pockets to receive the mechanical fasteners 36 so that the fasteners may be completely inset into the lid 22 to ensure that the mechanical fasteners 36 are flush with and do not project above the otherwise substantially flat outer surface of the lid 22 and thereby are better protected against damage during transport.
- a central front portion of the foam layer 42 may lie cut away to form a so-called logger box or case (i.e., open compartment) 44 in the lid 22 .
- a so-called logger box or case i.e., open compartment
- the compartment 44 is sealed and cannot be accessed during transit of the packaging system.
- the compartment 44 can be d. to securely hold tracking devices sensors, documents, or the like for shipment with the packaging system.
- the size of the compartment 44 is readily variable in that different-shaped foam layers 42 can be inserted and/or replaced and used for different size and shape Logger types.
- the side walls, 18 and 20 , of the transport container 10 may be removed or installed when the front wall 14 is removed and are locked in place when the front wall 14 is secured closed to the lid 22 with the fasteners 36 .
- profile components 46 may be located along the upper and lower edges of the transport container 10 and provide slots into which the side walls, 18 and 20 , may be slid or plugged for purposes of removing, installing or retaining the side walls.
- the side walls, 18 and 20 may be removed to enable ready access to the interior of the transport container 10 and installed, as needed, as loading proceeds.
- the profile components 46 may be made of polycarbonate or like thermoplastic material so that they are relatively lightweight, resist damage, and are relatively easy to clean.
- FIG. 17 shows connecters 48 which enable the profile components 46 to be secured together, for instance, at an upper rear corner of the transport container 10 .
- each of the walls of the transport container 10 are made of vacuum insulated panels.
- the outside layers of the walls may be made of fiberglass or a plastic material having a thickness of no greater than about 4 mm. This permits the walls to be relatively thin, lightweight, and compact yet provide high-performance thermal insulation.
- the transport container 10 provides a thermally-insulated box-shaped structure when assembled and sealed closed.
- the rack 12 can include a front wall 50 , rear wall 52 , and a pair of side walls 54 acid 56 , as best shown in FIG. 18 .
- the rack 12 will be positioned within the transport container 10 and can be used to precisely position, retain, and hold PCM packs relative to the temperature-sensitive products being shipped.
- each of the walls includes pockets or slots into which PCM packs can be loaded so that the temperature-sensitive product can be fully surrounded by the PCM packs.
- each of the front, rear, and side walls, 50 , 52 , 54 and 56 , of the rack 12 can be readily separated and connected to enable ease of independently loading each of the walls with PCM packs and individually placing each wall within the transport container 10 .
- clips 58 or the like may be used to interconnect the front, rear, and side walls, 50 , 52 , 54 and 56 , of the rack 12 when the walls are slid of pushed together within the transport container 10 .
- each of the walls of the rack 12 may include a rail 60 for being properly position and supported on the base 24 of the transport container 10 .
- the rear all 52 of the rack 12 may first be positioned against the inner surface of the rear wall 15 of the transport container 10 .
- the rail 60 of the rear wall 52 of the rack 12 may be located in a corresponding groove or the like in the base 24 of the transport container 10 and then the rear wall 52 of the rack can be pivoted upward to a final upright position adjacent the rear wall 16 of the transport container 10 . See FIG 23 .
- Magnets 62 may be fixed along opposite edges of the rear wall 16 of the transport container 10 (see FIG. 22 ) for automatic hands-free holding of the rear wall 52 of the rack 12 in upright position within the transport container 10 .
- the rear wall 52 of the rack 12 may not be magnetic (i.e., according to one contemplated embodiment, the rack may be made of aluminum or other non-magnetic material)
- a steel brick or other strip of a magnetic material 78 may be secured to the rack 12 at locations corresponding to the magnets 62 . See FIGS. 18 and 23 .
- the magnets and steel bricks can be reversed such that the magnets are secured to the racks and the steel bricks are located on the walls.
- the rear wall 52 may be pre-loaded in advance with PCM packs in a temperature-controlled environment before being put into place in the transport container 10 , which will typically be assembly, stored, and loaded in ambient atmosphere conditions. This reduces the time required for loading the transport container 10 . Also, since the magnets 62 should be able to hold the rear wall 52 in place in an upright condition within the transport container 10 , this should free the hands of the worker to perform other assembly and loading tasks.
- the base 24 of the transport container 10 may include grooves 64 in which the rails 60 of the side walls, 54 and 56 , of the rack 12 may be slid into position.
- magnets 62 hold the walls in an upright position and the clips 56 interconnect the side walls, 54 and 56 , to the rear wall 52 .
- the side walls may be pre-loaded with PCM packs to reduce assembly time of the packaging system.
- the front wall 50 of the rack 12 can be placed into position within the transport container 10 and clipped to the side walls 54 and 56 of the rack 12 before the front wall 14 of the transport container 10 is connected and used to seal the transport container 10 in a closed, sealed condition. Similar to the rear wall 52 , the front wall 50 of the rack 12 may be pre-loaded with PCM packs to reduce assembly time of the packaging system.
- a two-piece floor rack 66 for holding additional PCM can he located within the transport container 10 and supported on the base 24 of the transport container 10
- the low er part 68 of the floor PCM rack 66 includes a series of openings into which PCM packs (see PCM packs 70 in FIGS. 25 and 26 ) are positioned, loaded, and held
- the upper part 72 of the floor PCM rack 66 is received on top of the lower part 68 and provides a support for the temperature-sensitive product to be loaded into the transport container and shipped.
- the lower and upper parts, 68 and 72 , of the floor PCM rack 66 include corresponding mating components that properly position and secure the upper part 72 to the lower part 68 without permitting relative lateral movement therebetween. For instance, see pegs 74 and apertures 76 as best shown in FIGS. 24 and 28 .
Abstract
A packaging system for shipping a temperature-sensitive product is provided. The packaging system includes a thermally-insulated transport container providing a housing for the temperature-sensitive product and separate temperature-controlling packs and a separate rack for placement within the transport container for arranging the temperature-controlling packs. Each of the transport container and the rack has walls that are fully removable and able to be independently re-assembled during loading of the packaging system with the temperature-sensitive product and temperature-controlling packs.
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/043,438, filed Jun. 24, 2020.
- In the transport of temperature-sensitive products, thermally-insulated packaging, transport, or shipping containers may be used to provide a sealed housing during transport for forming a space for the temperature-sensitive products and for gel packs or like temperature-controlling material or apparatus.
- Examples of thermally-sensitive products may include medical products, biologics, biological materials or samples, blood, blood plasma, organs intended for transplantation, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, injectable medications, chemicals, food, and other temperature-sensitive articles. The term “biological material” as used herein is intended to include but not to be limited to blood and blood products including any type of human or animal blood, cells including stem cells, bone marrow, donor organs, tissue products and samples, plasma concentrates, reagents (including standards and controls) used to assay biological functions, specimens and the like, and any other biological products (including pharmaceuticals) that must be kept within predetermined temperature ranges during transport.
- Gel packs or other containers or the like are typically filled with water, phase change material (PCM) or other fluids and may be conditioned (frozen, cooled, heated) to a pre-determined temperature and stabilized at the pre-determined temperature before use. A phase change material (PCM) is a substance with a high heat of fusion which, melting and solidifying at a certain temperature, is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy.
- Transport boxes, in particular, relatively large-capacity transport boxes that may stacked on shipment pallets or the like, are often relatively difficult to load, particularly a single worker. It can be difficult to properly secure and arrange the temperature-sensitive products and the PCM, gel packs, or the like in a proper arrangement within the box, which is critical for proper and safe shipment of the temperature-sensitive products. It can also be time-consuming to properly load such a transport box which thereby undesirably exposes the conditioned. PCM gel packs and temperature-sensitive products to ambient conditions for potentially extended-periods of time needed to properly load the transport box before it may be sealed closed.
- According to an embodiment, a packaging system for shipping a temperature-sensitive product is provided. The packaging system includes a thermally-insulated transport container providing a housing for the temperature-sensitive product and separate temperature-controlling packs and a separate rack for placement within the transport container for arranging the temperature-controlling packs. Each of the transport container and the rack has walls that are fully removable and able to be independently re-assembled during loading of the packaging system with the to product and temperature-controlling packs to enable ready loading of the packaging system.
- Various features of the embodiments described in the following detailed description can be more fully appreciated when considered with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the same numbers refer to the same elements.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an empty transport container in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transport container ofFIG. 1 with the front wall in a partially disassembled pivoted position in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front wall in an entirely disconnected position in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a photographic image of the bottom front of the transport container with front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a photographic image of the bottom front of the transport container with front wall in an installed position in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIGS. 6-8 are partially exploded perspective views of the top wall of the transport container with front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top wall of the transport container with front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 10 is a photographic image of a front part of the top wall of the transport container with front will removed in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a side wall of the transport container with front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an upper part of the transport container with the side wall and the front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a lower part of the transport container with the side wall and the front wall removed in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a part of a profile component of the transport container used for holding wall panels, such as vacuum insulated panels, of the transport container in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective vie of the profile component ofFIG. 14 with vacuum insulated panels extending therein in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 16 is a photographic image of the profile component ofFIG. 14 with vacuum insulated panels extending therein in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the connection of the profile components at a corner of the transport container in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a PCM rack for placement within the transport container ofFIG. 1 in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an interconnection between side walls of the PCM rack ofFIG. 18 in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a bottom edge of the side walls of the PCM rack ofFIG. 18 in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 21 is a photographic image of a front wall of the PCM rack before assembly to the other walls the PCM rack already positioned within the transport container in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 22 is a photographic image of a rear wall of the PCM rack as it is being installed and positioned against a rear wall of the transport container in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 23 is a photographic image of a rear wall of the PCM rack fully installed and positioned within the transport container in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of a two-piece floor PCM rack of the transport container in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the transport container with front wall removed and with the upper part of the floor PCM rack removed in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 26 is a photos rapt is image of the transport container with front wall removed and with the upper part of the floor PCM rack removed in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 27 is a photographic image of the transport container with front wall removed and with the upper part of the floor PCM rack being installed within the transport container in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the transport container with front wall removed and with a side wall of the PCM rack in an installed position and the floor PCM rack in an installed position in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the transport container with front wall removed, a side wall of the PCM rack removed, and the floor PCM rack in an installed position in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 30 is a photographic image of the transport container with front wall removed and with a side wall of the PCM rack in an installed position and the floor PCM rack in an installed position in accordance to an embodiment. -
FIG. 31 is a photographic image of the transport container with front wall removed, a side wall of the PCM rack removed, and the floor PCM rack in an installed position in accordance to an embodiment. - For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the principles of the embodiments are described by referring mainly to examples thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It ill be app (rent however, to one of ordinary skill in the art, that the embodiments may he practiced without limitation to these specific details. In some instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.
- According to an embodiment, a packaging system for transporting temperature-sensitive product is provided and includes a transport container, which forms an outer envelope of the packaging system, and a rack, which can be housed within the transport container for assisting with the loading and arrangement of PCM packs and the temperature-sensitive products within the transport container. The walls of the transport container may be formed by vacuum insulated panels and the base of the transport container may in the form of a shipping pallet. Thus, while the packaging system may be of any dimensions and have any designed capacity, some contemplated embodiments of the packaging system can provide relatively large capacities. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the packaging system may be configured to house a volume of temperature-sensitive products of at least about 500 liters, such as within a range of about 500 to 600 liters. Of course, the packaging system can be designed to provide other volumes, including larger and smaller volumes.
-
FIG. 1 provides an embodiment of atransport container 10 in which a rack 12 (best shown inFIG. 18 ) can be located and loaded with PCM packs and temperature-sensitive products. As will be discussed in greater detail below,FIGS. 1-17 show various features and characteristics of thetransport container 10, andFIGS. 18-31 show various features and characteristics of therack 12. - According to an embodiment, both the
transport container 10 and therack 12 can be readily disassembled for storage or return shipment and readily reassembled for re-use. In addition, thetransport container 10 andrack 12 can each be assembled efficiently during a process of loading the PCM packs and temperature-sensitive products. Thus, according to embodiments, a single worker may be able to readily assemble or re-assembly fully load, and seal the packaging system in a minimum amount of time despite the PCM packs and/or temperature-sensitive products being provided in a relatively large, heavy, or bulky forms. - As best shown in
FIG. 1 , thetransport container 10, when assembly, may be provided in box-shaped form and include afront wall 14, arear wall 16,side walls lid 22, and abase 24 in the form of a shipping pallet able to be readily lifted or the like with forklift trucks or like machinery. InFIG. 1 , the front rear and side walls, 14, 16, 18 and 20, are shown as being transparent for ease of showing the construction of the shipping container. These walls may be opaque instead of transparent and be constructed of vacuum insulated panels. - As best shown
FIGS. 2-5 , thefront wall 14 may be connected in a sealed condition to, and fully removed from, thelid 22 andbase 24 of thetransport container 10. Thus, it is possible to load thetransport container 10 with therack 12, PCM packs, and temperature-sensitive products with thefront wall 14 being fully removed from thetransport container 10. Thus, thetransport container 10 may be loaded through the open front. In addition, thefront wall 14 is relatively lightweight and can be readily handled and manipulated by a single worker. - The
base 24 oftransport container 10 may include anoutturned support ledge 26 on which thefront wall 14 may be supported. In addition, severalseparate hinge tabs 28 may project from theedge 30 of theledge 26 and include inward-turnedlips 32. SeeFIGS. 3 and 4 . Thefront wall 14 may include a series ofcorresponding hinge slots 34 which can he aligned with thehinge tabs 28. Thus, thefront wall 14 can be supported on theledge 26 and pivoted relative to the hinge tabs 28 (as shown inFIG. 2 ) to a closed position (as shown inFIG. 1 ). When in the closed position, the front wall may be secured to thelid 22 via one or more mechanical closures, clasps, fasteners or likedevice 36. This arrangement permits thefront wall 14 to be closed against the remainder of thetransport container 10 requiring only a minimum gap and producing a tighter seal. As an alternative, the hinge tabs may be provided on the front wall and the hinge slots may be provided on the support ledge of the base. - The construction of the top wall or
lid 22 is best shown inFIGS. 6-10 , which each show the transport container 10 (withfront wall 14 completely removed) and a partially assembled rack positioned therein. According to an embodiment thelid 22 can include a pair of vacuum insulated panels, 38 and 40, spaced apart by a layer offoam material 42. The foam material may he made of polyurethane or like thermoplastic material. The upper vacuum insulatedpanel 38 and layer offoam 42 may be have portions cut away to provide pockets to receive themechanical fasteners 36 so that the fasteners may be completely inset into thelid 22 to ensure that themechanical fasteners 36 are flush with and do not project above the otherwise substantially flat outer surface of thelid 22 and thereby are better protected against damage during transport. - In addition, as best shown in
FIGS. 8-10 , a central front portion of thefoam layer 42 may lie cut away to form a so-called logger box or case (i.e., open compartment) 44 in thelid 22. When thefront wall 14 is secured to thelid 22, thecompartment 44 is sealed and cannot be accessed during transit of the packaging system. - Thus, the
compartment 44 can be d. to securely hold tracking devices sensors, documents, or the like for shipment with the packaging system. The size of thecompartment 44 is readily variable in that different-shaped foam layers 42 can be inserted and/or replaced and used for different size and shape Logger types. - As best shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12 , the side walls, 18 and 20, of thetransport container 10 may be removed or installed when thefront wall 14 is removed and are locked in place when thefront wall 14 is secured closed to thelid 22 with thefasteners 36. As best shown inFIGS. 11-15 ,profile components 46 may be located along the upper and lower edges of thetransport container 10 and provide slots into which the side walls, 18 and 20, may be slid or plugged for purposes of removing, installing or retaining the side walls. Accordingly, if desired, while the transport container is being loaded with parts of therack 12, PCM packs, and the temperature-sensitive material, one or both of the side walls, 18 and 20, may be removed to enable ready access to the interior of thetransport container 10 and installed, as needed, as loading proceeds. Theprofile components 46 may be made of polycarbonate or like thermoplastic material so that they are relatively lightweight, resist damage, and are relatively easy to clean.FIG. 17 shows connecters 48 which enable theprofile components 46 to be secured together, for instance, at an upper rear corner of thetransport container 10. - Preferably, each of the walls of the
transport container 10 are made of vacuum insulated panels. By way of example, the outside layers of the walls may be made of fiberglass or a plastic material having a thickness of no greater than about 4 mm. This permits the walls to be relatively thin, lightweight, and compact yet provide high-performance thermal insulation. Thus, thetransport container 10 provides a thermally-insulated box-shaped structure when assembled and sealed closed. - Turning to a description of the
rack 12, it can include afront wall 50,rear wall 52, and a pair ofside walls 54acid 56, as best shown inFIG. 18 . As stated above, therack 12 will be positioned within thetransport container 10 and can be used to precisely position, retain, and hold PCM packs relative to the temperature-sensitive products being shipped. Thus, each of the walls includes pockets or slots into which PCM packs can be loaded so that the temperature-sensitive product can be fully surrounded by the PCM packs. - Each of the front, rear, and side walls, 50, 52, 54 and 56, of the
rack 12 can be readily separated and connected to enable ease of independently loading each of the walls with PCM packs and individually placing each wall within thetransport container 10. As best shown inFIG. 19 , clips 58 or the like may be used to interconnect the front, rear, and side walls, 50, 52, 54 and 56, of therack 12 when the walls are slid of pushed together within thetransport container 10. In addition, as best shown inFIG. 20 , each of the walls of therack 12 may include arail 60 for being properly position and supported on thebase 24 of thetransport container 10. - As shown in
FIG. 22 , the rear all 52 of therack 12 may first be positioned against the inner surface of the rear wall 15 of thetransport container 10. Therail 60 of therear wall 52 of therack 12 may be located in a corresponding groove or the like in thebase 24 of thetransport container 10 and then therear wall 52 of the rack can be pivoted upward to a final upright position adjacent therear wall 16 of thetransport container 10. SeeFIG 23 . -
Magnets 62 may be fixed along opposite edges of therear wall 16 of the transport container 10 (seeFIG. 22 ) for automatic hands-free holding of therear wall 52 of therack 12 in upright position within thetransport container 10. For example, although therear wall 52 of therack 12 may not be magnetic (i.e., according to one contemplated embodiment, the rack may be made of aluminum or other non-magnetic material), a steel brick or other strip of a magnetic material 78 may be secured to therack 12 at locations corresponding to themagnets 62. SeeFIGS. 18 and 23 . As an alternative, the magnets and steel bricks can be reversed such that the magnets are secured to the racks and the steel bricks are located on the walls. - The
rear wall 52 may be pre-loaded in advance with PCM packs in a temperature-controlled environment before being put into place in thetransport container 10, which will typically be assembly, stored, and loaded in ambient atmosphere conditions. This reduces the time required for loading thetransport container 10. Also, since themagnets 62 should be able to hold therear wall 52 in place in an upright condition within thetransport container 10, this should free the hands of the worker to perform other assembly and loading tasks. - As best shown in
FIGS. 25 and 28-31 , thebase 24 of thetransport container 10 may includegrooves 64 in which therails 60 of the side walls, 54 and 56, of therack 12 may be slid into position. When the side walls, 54 and 56, are fully slid into position,magnets 62 hold the walls in an upright position and theclips 56 interconnect the side walls, 54 and 56, to therear wall 52. Similar to therear wall 52, the side walls may be pre-loaded with PCM packs to reduce assembly time of the packaging system. - As shown in
FIG. 21 , after the side walls, 54 and 56, of therack 12 are positioned within thetransport container 10, and after the temperature-sensitive product (not shown) is positioned within the space defined by therack 12, thefront wall 50 of therack 12 can be placed into position within thetransport container 10 and clipped to theside walls rack 12 before thefront wall 14 of thetransport container 10 is connected and used to seal thetransport container 10 in a closed, sealed condition. Similar to therear wall 52, thefront wall 50 of therack 12 may be pre-loaded with PCM packs to reduce assembly time of the packaging system. - As best shown in
FIGS. 24-31 , a two-piece floor rack 66 for holding additional PCM can he located within thetransport container 10 and supported on thebase 24 of thetransport container 10 The low erpart 68 of thefloor PCM rack 66 includes a series of openings into which PCM packs (see PCM packs 70 inFIGS. 25 and 26 ) are positioned, loaded, and held Theupper part 72 of thefloor PCM rack 66 is received on top of thelower part 68 and provides a support for the temperature-sensitive product to be loaded into the transport container and shipped. Preferably, the lower and upper parts, 68 and 72, of thefloor PCM rack 66 include corresponding mating components that properly position and secure theupper part 72 to thelower part 68 without permitting relative lateral movement therebetween. For instance, seepegs 74 andapertures 76 as best shown inFIGS. 24 and 28 . - While the principles of the invention have been described above regarding specific devices, apparatus, systems, and/or methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.
Claims (19)
1. A packaging system for shipping a temperature-sensitive product, comprising:
a thermally-insulated transport container providing a housing for the temperature-sensitive product and separate temperature-controlling packs; and
a separate rack for placement within the transport container for arranging the temperature-controlling packs;
each of said transport container and said rack having walls that are fully removable and able to be independently re-assembled during loading of the packaging system with the temperature-sensitive product.
2. The packaging system according to claim 1 , wherein said thermally-insulated transport container includes a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of side walls, a top wall, and a base, and wherein at least said front, rear, side, and top walls include vacuum insulated panels.
3. The packaging system according to claim 2 , wherein said front wall of said transport container is fully removable from said transport container.
4. The packaging system according to claim 3 , wherein said base of said transport container includes a support ledge for supporting said front wall of said transport container, and wherein said support ledge includes a series of upstanding hinge tabs and a lower portion of said front wall includes a series of corresponding hinge slots enabling a pivoting connection of said front wall relative to said base when said front wall is positioned on said support ledge.
5. The packaging system according to claim 3 , wherein said top wall of the transport container includes at least one mechanical fastener for securing said front wall thereto to seal and close said transport container.
6. The packaging system according to claim 5 , wherein said top wall of said transport container includes a pair of vacuum insulated panels separated by a foam layer, and wherein said at least one mechanical fastener is inset within said top wall and does not project above a substantially flat outer surface of said top wall.
7. The packaging system according to claim 6 , wherein a logger compartment is formed in said foam layer between said pair of vacuum insulted panels of said top wall of said transport container, and wherein said logger compartment is sealed closed when said front wall of said transport container is secured to said top wall.
8. The packaging system according to claim 5 , wherein said transport container includes profile components defining slots into which said side walls can be slid into position or entirely removed.
9. The packaging system according to claim 8 , wherein, when said side walls of said transport container are fully slid into and retained in position by said profile components and when said front wall is secured to said top wall, said front wall locks said side walls in position on said transport container.
10. The packaging system according to claim 2 , wherein said base of said transport container is in the form of a shipping pallet.
11. The packaging system according to claim 10 , wherein a volume of shipping capacity provided by the packaging system is at least about 500 liters.
12. The packaging system according to claim 2 , wherein said rack includes a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls, and wherein each of said front, rear, and side walls of said rack is separately removable from the other walls of said rack and define areas for retaining a set of the temperature-controlling packs.
13. The packaging system according to claim 12 , wherein at least one of said rack and said transport container has magnets for separately retaining said rear and side walls in upright positions relative to said rear and side walls of said transport container.
14. The packaging system according to claim 13 , wherein said rack includes clips for automatically securing confronting free edges of said walls of said rack together when placed in position within said transport container.
15. The packaging system according to claim 13 , wherein each of said front, rear, and side walls of said rack has a rail on a lower edge thereof, and wherein said base of said transport container includes grooves for receiving said rails to properly position said rack within said transport container.
16. The packaging system according to claim 15 , wherein said rack includes a floor rack for placement on said base of said transport container for defining areas for retaining a set of the temperature-controlling packs.
17. The packaging system according to claim 16 , wherein said floor rack includes a lower floor rack for defining areas for retaining a set of the temperature-controlling packs adjacent said base of said transport container and a separate upper floor rack stackable on said lower floor rack for providing a support surface for the temperature-sensitive product within said housing.
18. The packaging system according to claim 17 , wherein said upper and lower floor racks have cooperatively-mating confronting surfaces that prevent relative lateral movement thereof when stacked together.
19. The packaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature-controlling packs for being loaded on said rack are packs filled with a phase change material (PCM).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/352,854 US20210403224A1 (en) | 2020-06-24 | 2021-06-21 | Packaging system for transporting temperature-sensitive products |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202063043438P | 2020-06-24 | 2020-06-24 | |
US17/352,854 US20210403224A1 (en) | 2020-06-24 | 2021-06-21 | Packaging system for transporting temperature-sensitive products |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210403224A1 true US20210403224A1 (en) | 2021-12-30 |
Family
ID=76958999
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/352,854 Abandoned US20210403224A1 (en) | 2020-06-24 | 2021-06-21 | Packaging system for transporting temperature-sensitive products |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210403224A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4172065A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021260553A1 (en) |
Citations (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5622276A (en) * | 1995-06-01 | 1997-04-22 | Simmons; John M. | Collapsible container/cooler apparatus |
WO2000040908A1 (en) * | 1999-01-07 | 2000-07-13 | Unilever Plc | Freezer cabinet |
US6164030A (en) * | 1996-07-29 | 2000-12-26 | Bayer Aktiengesellschaft | Fixed vacuum insulation panel |
WO2001005668A1 (en) * | 1999-07-19 | 2001-01-25 | Adprotech B.V. | Air cargo loading unit having fibre-reinforced synthetic plates |
US6209343B1 (en) * | 1998-09-29 | 2001-04-03 | Life Science Holdings, Inc. | Portable apparatus for storing and/or transporting biological samples, tissues and/or organs |
US6266972B1 (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2001-07-31 | Vesture Corporation | Modular freezer pallet and method for storing perishable items |
US20020088244A1 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2002-07-11 | Jennings Thomas A. | Point of sale product chiller |
US20040226309A1 (en) * | 2003-02-17 | 2004-11-18 | Broussard Kenneth W. | Temperature controlled, pallet-sized shipping container |
US7028504B2 (en) * | 2003-07-07 | 2006-04-18 | Rodney Derifield | Insulated shipping containers |
US7147125B1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2006-12-12 | David M Slovak | Collapsible transparent cooler |
US20070051734A1 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2007-03-08 | Va-Q-Tec Ag | Thermally insulated container |
US20080271402A1 (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2008-11-06 | Jean-Pierre Gingras | Customized modular panel |
US20080307824A1 (en) * | 2007-06-18 | 2008-12-18 | George John Botich | Cooling insert for a container |
US20090078708A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2009-03-26 | Preston Noel Williams | Temperature Maintaining Package Having Corner Discontinuities |
US20090261111A1 (en) * | 2008-04-17 | 2009-10-22 | Hsu Junior J | Collapsible container useful as a cooler |
US20100064698A1 (en) * | 2008-09-16 | 2010-03-18 | The University Of Wyoming Research Corporation D/B/A Western Research Institute | Temperature Control Transport System |
US20100301057A1 (en) * | 2009-05-29 | 2010-12-02 | Softbox Systems Limited | Transport Container |
US20110049164A1 (en) * | 2007-09-11 | 2011-03-03 | Mark Banks | Insulated pallet shipper and methods of making and using the same |
US7908870B2 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2011-03-22 | Entropy Solutions, Inc. | Package having phase change materials and method of use in transport of temperature sensitive payload |
CN201808797U (en) * | 2010-09-29 | 2011-04-27 | 中国人民解放军疾病预防控制所 | Cold transport container |
US20110248038A1 (en) * | 2010-04-09 | 2011-10-13 | Minnesota Thermal Science, Llc | Passive thermally controlled bulk shipping container |
US8342347B2 (en) * | 2009-10-08 | 2013-01-01 | Nova Chemicals (International) S.A. | Collapsible container with a sliding lock feature |
US20130020309A1 (en) * | 2011-07-22 | 2013-01-24 | Softbox Systems Limited | Carton and Temperature Control System |
US8408411B2 (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2013-04-02 | Nova Chemicals (International) S.A. | Collapsible plastic container |
US8424335B2 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2013-04-23 | Minnesota Thermal Science, Llc | Cascading series of thermally insulated passive temperature controlled containers |
US20130228583A1 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2013-09-05 | William T. Mayer | Passive thermally regulated knockdown shipping container |
GB2500657A (en) * | 2012-03-28 | 2013-10-02 | Ds Smith Corrugated Packaging Ltd | Thermally Insulated Container with Channels for Coolant Packs |
US20140151382A1 (en) * | 2012-12-04 | 2014-06-05 | Nanopore, Inc. | Insulated container system for maintaining a controlled payload temperature |
US8770421B2 (en) * | 2010-01-28 | 2014-07-08 | Nova Chemicals (International) S.A. | Collapsible refuse bin |
US20140190976A1 (en) * | 2011-07-15 | 2014-07-10 | Airdex International, Inc. | Cargo container for storing and transporting cargo |
US8887515B2 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2014-11-18 | Pelican Biopharma, Llc | Thermal management systems and methods |
US20150166244A1 (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2015-06-18 | Peli BioThermal Limited | Thermally insulated package |
US20150232266A1 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2015-08-20 | Sonoco Development, Inc | Convection Based Temperature Assured Packaging System |
US20160145029A1 (en) * | 2014-09-12 | 2016-05-26 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Temperature Controlled Pallet Shipper |
GB2543047A (en) * | 2015-10-05 | 2017-04-12 | Peli Biothermal Ltd | Thermally insulating containers |
US20170121097A1 (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2017-05-04 | Cold Chain Technologies, Inc. | Thermally insulated shipping system for pallet-sized payload, methods of making and using the same, and kit for use therein |
US20180222625A1 (en) * | 2016-11-09 | 2018-08-09 | Ideastream Consumer Products, Llc | Foldable Box |
US20180339837A1 (en) * | 2017-05-23 | 2018-11-29 | Alan J. Fitt | Collapsible Storage Apparatus |
US10281188B2 (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2019-05-07 | Larry N. Shew | Ice cooler |
WO2019092320A1 (en) * | 2017-11-13 | 2019-05-16 | 2Cool Finland Oy | A thermally insulated transport box and an arrangement in a thermally insulated transport box |
US20210016923A1 (en) * | 2019-07-17 | 2021-01-21 | Buku Engineering LLC | Collapsible container |
US20210070539A1 (en) * | 2019-09-05 | 2021-03-11 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Shipping system for temperature-sensitive materials |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2974353B1 (en) * | 2011-04-19 | 2014-06-13 | Emball Iso | ISOTHERMAL CONDITIONING DEVICE FOR THERMOSENSITIVE PRODUCTS |
GB2530077A (en) * | 2014-09-12 | 2016-03-16 | Peli Biothermal Ltd | Thermally insulated containers |
FR3028845A1 (en) * | 2014-11-24 | 2016-05-27 | Sofrigam | THERMALLY INSULATING TRANSPORT BODY SYSTEM DELIVERABLE IN A KIT. |
EP3253682B1 (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2021-08-25 | Laminar Medica Limited | Thermally insulated container assembly |
US10568808B2 (en) * | 2015-06-10 | 2020-02-25 | Inmark Global Holdings, Llc | Passive temperature controlled container |
-
2021
- 2021-06-21 US US17/352,854 patent/US20210403224A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2021-06-22 WO PCT/IB2021/055509 patent/WO2021260553A1/en unknown
- 2021-06-22 EP EP21742883.8A patent/EP4172065A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5622276A (en) * | 1995-06-01 | 1997-04-22 | Simmons; John M. | Collapsible container/cooler apparatus |
US6164030A (en) * | 1996-07-29 | 2000-12-26 | Bayer Aktiengesellschaft | Fixed vacuum insulation panel |
US6209343B1 (en) * | 1998-09-29 | 2001-04-03 | Life Science Holdings, Inc. | Portable apparatus for storing and/or transporting biological samples, tissues and/or organs |
US6266972B1 (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2001-07-31 | Vesture Corporation | Modular freezer pallet and method for storing perishable items |
WO2000040908A1 (en) * | 1999-01-07 | 2000-07-13 | Unilever Plc | Freezer cabinet |
WO2001005668A1 (en) * | 1999-07-19 | 2001-01-25 | Adprotech B.V. | Air cargo loading unit having fibre-reinforced synthetic plates |
US20020088244A1 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2002-07-11 | Jennings Thomas A. | Point of sale product chiller |
US20040226309A1 (en) * | 2003-02-17 | 2004-11-18 | Broussard Kenneth W. | Temperature controlled, pallet-sized shipping container |
US20070051734A1 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2007-03-08 | Va-Q-Tec Ag | Thermally insulated container |
US7028504B2 (en) * | 2003-07-07 | 2006-04-18 | Rodney Derifield | Insulated shipping containers |
US7147125B1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2006-12-12 | David M Slovak | Collapsible transparent cooler |
US20080271402A1 (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2008-11-06 | Jean-Pierre Gingras | Customized modular panel |
US7908870B2 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2011-03-22 | Entropy Solutions, Inc. | Package having phase change materials and method of use in transport of temperature sensitive payload |
US20080307824A1 (en) * | 2007-06-18 | 2008-12-18 | George John Botich | Cooling insert for a container |
US8408411B2 (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2013-04-02 | Nova Chemicals (International) S.A. | Collapsible plastic container |
US20110049164A1 (en) * | 2007-09-11 | 2011-03-03 | Mark Banks | Insulated pallet shipper and methods of making and using the same |
US20090078708A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2009-03-26 | Preston Noel Williams | Temperature Maintaining Package Having Corner Discontinuities |
US20090261111A1 (en) * | 2008-04-17 | 2009-10-22 | Hsu Junior J | Collapsible container useful as a cooler |
US20100064698A1 (en) * | 2008-09-16 | 2010-03-18 | The University Of Wyoming Research Corporation D/B/A Western Research Institute | Temperature Control Transport System |
US20100301057A1 (en) * | 2009-05-29 | 2010-12-02 | Softbox Systems Limited | Transport Container |
US8342347B2 (en) * | 2009-10-08 | 2013-01-01 | Nova Chemicals (International) S.A. | Collapsible container with a sliding lock feature |
US8424335B2 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2013-04-23 | Minnesota Thermal Science, Llc | Cascading series of thermally insulated passive temperature controlled containers |
US8770421B2 (en) * | 2010-01-28 | 2014-07-08 | Nova Chemicals (International) S.A. | Collapsible refuse bin |
US20110248038A1 (en) * | 2010-04-09 | 2011-10-13 | Minnesota Thermal Science, Llc | Passive thermally controlled bulk shipping container |
CN201808797U (en) * | 2010-09-29 | 2011-04-27 | 中国人民解放军疾病预防控制所 | Cold transport container |
US20140190976A1 (en) * | 2011-07-15 | 2014-07-10 | Airdex International, Inc. | Cargo container for storing and transporting cargo |
US20130020309A1 (en) * | 2011-07-22 | 2013-01-24 | Softbox Systems Limited | Carton and Temperature Control System |
US20130228583A1 (en) * | 2012-03-02 | 2013-09-05 | William T. Mayer | Passive thermally regulated knockdown shipping container |
GB2500657A (en) * | 2012-03-28 | 2013-10-02 | Ds Smith Corrugated Packaging Ltd | Thermally Insulated Container with Channels for Coolant Packs |
US8887515B2 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2014-11-18 | Pelican Biopharma, Llc | Thermal management systems and methods |
US20150232266A1 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2015-08-20 | Sonoco Development, Inc | Convection Based Temperature Assured Packaging System |
US20140151382A1 (en) * | 2012-12-04 | 2014-06-05 | Nanopore, Inc. | Insulated container system for maintaining a controlled payload temperature |
US20150166244A1 (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2015-06-18 | Peli BioThermal Limited | Thermally insulated package |
US20160145029A1 (en) * | 2014-09-12 | 2016-05-26 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Temperature Controlled Pallet Shipper |
US10281188B2 (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2019-05-07 | Larry N. Shew | Ice cooler |
GB2543047A (en) * | 2015-10-05 | 2017-04-12 | Peli Biothermal Ltd | Thermally insulating containers |
WO2017060695A1 (en) * | 2015-10-05 | 2017-04-13 | Peli BioThermal Limited | Thermally insulating containers |
US20170121097A1 (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2017-05-04 | Cold Chain Technologies, Inc. | Thermally insulated shipping system for pallet-sized payload, methods of making and using the same, and kit for use therein |
US20180222625A1 (en) * | 2016-11-09 | 2018-08-09 | Ideastream Consumer Products, Llc | Foldable Box |
US20180339837A1 (en) * | 2017-05-23 | 2018-11-29 | Alan J. Fitt | Collapsible Storage Apparatus |
WO2019092320A1 (en) * | 2017-11-13 | 2019-05-16 | 2Cool Finland Oy | A thermally insulated transport box and an arrangement in a thermally insulated transport box |
US20210016923A1 (en) * | 2019-07-17 | 2021-01-21 | Buku Engineering LLC | Collapsible container |
US20210070539A1 (en) * | 2019-09-05 | 2021-03-11 | Cold Chain Technologies, Llc | Shipping system for temperature-sensitive materials |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP4172065A1 (en) | 2023-05-03 |
WO2021260553A1 (en) | 2021-12-30 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11572227B2 (en) | Thermally insulated shipping system for pallet-sized payload, methods of making and using the same, and kit for use therein | |
US9060508B2 (en) | High-performance extended target temperature containers | |
RU2347157C2 (en) | Insulated transportation containers | |
US9718608B2 (en) | Transport container | |
US9938066B2 (en) | Temperature controlled pallet shipper | |
US7866539B2 (en) | Container for transporting cooled goods | |
US9180998B2 (en) | Insulated pallet shipper and methods of making and using the same | |
US9513067B2 (en) | Convection based temperature assured packaging system | |
US20140091098A1 (en) | Isothermal packaging device for heat-sensitive products | |
CN111372867B (en) | Thermally insulated transport container and arrangement in a thermally insulated transport container | |
AU2015315517B2 (en) | Temperature controlled pallet shipper | |
WO2006082433A1 (en) | Transport container | |
US20210403224A1 (en) | Packaging system for transporting temperature-sensitive products | |
JPH10324332A (en) | Folding container | |
JP2002243340A (en) | Method for transporting perishable food and delivering it to home and container for cold-insulating perishable food | |
AU2017213715B2 (en) | Temperature controlled pallet shipper | |
WO2019177682A1 (en) | Temperature controlled pallet shipper with u-shaped components | |
EP3984910A1 (en) | Constant temperature container | |
CN117222585A (en) | box-in-box conveyor |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |