WO1993024797A1 - Recipient a glace - Google Patents

Recipient a glace Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993024797A1
WO1993024797A1 PCT/IE1993/000031 IE9300031W WO9324797A1 WO 1993024797 A1 WO1993024797 A1 WO 1993024797A1 IE 9300031 W IE9300031 W IE 9300031W WO 9324797 A1 WO9324797 A1 WO 9324797A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
ice pack
pack container
connecting means
minor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IE1993/000031
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Johannas Cornelius Kouwenberg
Oliver St. Clair Hood
Original Assignee
Kouwenberg Robert J C
Hood Oliver St Clair
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kouwenberg Robert J C, Hood Oliver St Clair filed Critical Kouwenberg Robert J C
Priority to AU40868/93A priority Critical patent/AU4086893A/en
Priority to GB9424321A priority patent/GB2282661B/en
Publication of WO1993024797A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993024797A1/fr

Links

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
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0201—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together side-by-side
    • B65D21/0204—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together side-by-side and joined together by interconnecting formations forming part of the container, e.g. dove-tail, snap connections, hook elements
    • 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
    • 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
    • F25D2303/0822—Details of the element
    • F25D2303/08221—Fasteners or fixing means for the element
    • 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
    • F25D2303/0822—Details of the element
    • F25D2303/08222—Shape of the element

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ice pack container.
  • Ice pack containers are extensively used in countries with a relatively warm climate for keeping food stuffs and other perishables cool, particularly, during transportation. Ice packs are also relatively commonly used for keeping food stuffs, drinks and the like in a picnic container cool.
  • Such ice packs in general, comprise a container containing a freezable liquid, such as water with additives which reduce the freezing point of the water.
  • the container is of the type comprising a pair of opposite major side walls joined by minor end, top and bottom walls.
  • a single inlet for charging the container with water or other freezable liquid is provided.
  • the inlet may be adapted for receiving a closure member for permanently closing the inlet once the container has been charged with the freezable liquid, or a releasable closure member may be provided.
  • the ice pack container with the freezable liquid contained therein is placed in a freezer box of a fridge or in a deep freeze until the freezable liquid has been preferably frozen solid.
  • the ice pack container is then ready for use.
  • Such ice pack containers may be refrozen many times.
  • known ice pack containers suffer from a number of disadvantages, firstly, in general, they are relatively difficult to store when not in use. While in general, they may be stacked one on top of the other with their major side walls horizontal, because of their construction, in general, a stack of ice pack containers can be easily knocked over inadvertently.
  • a second disadvantage with known ice pack containers is that where a number of ice pack containers are to be frozen simultaneously, it is essential that they be spaced well apart from each other to permit the circulation of air around the respective containers. This is a considerable disadvantage in that it is not practical to stack the ice pack containers one on top of the other in a freezer box or in a deeD freeze since this prevents the circulation of air over their major surfaces.
  • known ice pack containers when in use to cool food or other perishable goods must be propped up since, in general, because of their shape they are unstable when standing on a minor wall.
  • the present invention is directed towards providing an ice pack container which overcomes at least some of the problems and disadvantages of known ice pack containers.
  • the ice pack container comprises a container having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a hollow interior region for storing a freezable liquid, wherein two connecting means are provided on the container for releasably connecting the container to respective adjacent containers, each connecting means comprising one of a pair of complimentary releasably inter-engageable connecting formations for engaging the other of the pair of connecting formations on the other of the containers.
  • the ice pack container according to the invention has many advantages over ice pack containers known heretofore.
  • the ice pack container is provided with connecting means for connecting the ice pack container to adjacent ice pack containers, a plurality of ice pack containers may be connected together.
  • the ice pack containers can be stacked together side by side or one on top of the other or can be connected together for forming a plurality of different configurations.
  • the ice pack containers can be stored when not in use, and additionally, the ice pack containers can be stacked together while placed in a freezer box of a fridge of a deep freezer during freezing of the freezable liquid.
  • the ice pack containers according to the invention can be connected together to form a number of different configurations so that when two or more ice pack containers are connected together the containers will effectively stand freely without any external support being required.
  • the containers can readily easily be shipped.
  • a plurality of containers can be stacked together and can be shrink wrapped with suitable shrink wrapping material.
  • the outer surface defines at least two opposite faces of the container, one of the connecting means being provided on one outer face, and the other connecting means being provided on the other outer face.
  • the connecting formation of the connecting means of one face is of one type of connecting formation of the pair of complimentary inter-engageable connecting formations
  • the connecting formation of the connecting means of the other face is of the other type of connecting formation of the pair of complimentary inter- engageable formations to facilitate connecting a plurality of the containers in series.
  • a plurality of connecting means are provided on each face, on which connecting means are provided.
  • the connecting formations on a face of the container are similar to each other.
  • the advantage of providing a plurality of connecting means on each face on which connecting means are provided is that the containers can be connected together more securely.
  • Providing similar connecting formations on respective faces facilitates flexibility in the number of ways the containers may be connected together.
  • the container comprises a pair of spaced apart opposite major side walls defining respective opposite major outer faces, a connecting means being provided on each of the major outer faces.
  • the opposite major side walls are joined by a minor wall extending around the periphery of the major side walls, the minor wall defining a minor outer face, and a connecting means being provided on the minor outer face.
  • the minor wall comprises a pair of spaced apart minor end walls joined by spaced apart top and bottom minor walls which together with the two major side walls define the hollow interior region, the end, top and bottom walls defining respective minor outer end, top and bottom faces, and a connecting means being provided on one of the minor outer end faces.
  • respective connecting means are provided on opposite minor outer faces of the container.
  • connecting formation of the connecting means of one of the minor faces is of one type of connecting formation of the pair of complimentary inter- engageable connecting formations
  • connecting formation of the connecting means of the other minor face is of the other type of connecting formation of the pair of complimentary inter- engageable connecting formations
  • each of the opposite major faces is of substantially rectangular shape and a connecting means is provided adjacent each of four diagonally opposite corners of the respective major faces.
  • two connecting means are provided on each minor face having a connecting means, the respective connecting means being provided at opposite ends of the minor face.
  • the connecting formation of one of the connecting means comprises an engagement member projecting outwardly from the outer surface of the container for engaging a complimentary engagement recess in another container, and the connecting formation of another connecting means is provided by an engagement recess extending into the outer surface of the container for engaging a corresponding engagement member of another container.
  • each engagement member is of circular cross- section.
  • each engagement recess is of circular cross-section.
  • each engagement member and each engagement recess of the container are sized to engage a corresponding engagement recess or engagement member of another or other containers with a relatively tight interference type fit.
  • each engagement member is substantially similar to the cross-sectional area of each engagement recess of the container.
  • the connecting formation of the connecting means on the minor outer end face is an engagement member extending outwardly from the surface of the container.
  • each connecting means comprises a pair of spaced apart engagement members projecting outwardly of the outer surface of the container for engaging a corresponding pair of engagement members projecting outwardly of the outer surface of another container, the engagement members of each connecting means defining a diagonal of a square which is defined by four of the engagement members of the pair of complimentary inter-engageable connecting formations, the spacing between the two engagement members of each connecting formation being such as to provide a relatively tight fit when the two engagement members of the said connecting formation engage the two engagement members of the other said connecting formation.
  • the connecting formation of one of the connecting means comprises an elongated engagement member extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the container and outwardly thereof.
  • the connecting formation of another connecting means is provided by an elongated engagement recess extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the container and inwardly thereof.
  • the connecting formation of one of the connecting means comprises a hingeable member hingedly connected to and extending from the container.
  • an engagement opening is formed in the hingeable member for engaging a complimentary engagement member of another container.
  • the engagement opening is engageable with an engagement member on the container.
  • at least one air circulating groove is provided in the outer surface of the container for facilitating air flow relative to the outer surface of the container.
  • the advantage of providing air circulating grooves on one or more faces of the containers is that air circulation along at least portion of the face carrying the air circulating groove is facilitated. This improves the efficiency with which the freezable liquid in the respective containers can be frozen when a plurality of containers are stacked resting one on top of the other or side by side. Air circulation between adjacent containers is facilitated. Additionally, where an ice pack container is placed in a freezer box with one of its major faces resting on the base of the freezer box, circulation of air through the air circulating grooves increases the efficiency with which the freezable liquid is frozen.
  • Provision of the connecting means in the form of pairs of inter- engageable engagement members further facilitates air circulation between adjacent containers since the respective adjacent surfaces of adjacent containers are spaced apart by the engagement members.
  • a further advantage of placing the ice pack containers in a freezer box with their engagement members resting on the base of the freezer box or deep freezer is that there is little danger of the ice pack containers sticking to the base of the freezer box or deep freezer.
  • the air circulating groove is provided on a major face of the container.
  • each air circulating groove extends the length of the container from one end wall to the other as a longitudinal groove.
  • a pair of spaced apart longitudinal grooves are provided.
  • an air circulating transverse groove extends transversely across the major face from one end wall to the other.
  • a pair of spaced apart transverse grooves are provided.
  • the air circulating grooves are interconnected.
  • a sealable inlet is provided to the hollow interior region of the container.
  • the sealable inlet comprises an elongated inlet tube extending from the container.
  • the inlet tube extends from a minor wall of the container.
  • the inlet tube is provided in a recess formed in the minor wall.
  • the inlet tube is of heat sealable and deformable plastics material.
  • the inlet is provided in a minor top wall of the container.
  • the container is of plastics material.
  • the freezable liquid is water.
  • the freezable liquid is a mixture of water and sodium carboxymethylcellulose.
  • Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an ice pack container according to one embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the ice pack container of Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the ice pack container of Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the ice pack container of Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 5 is an end elevational view of the ice pack container of Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the ice pack container of Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 7 is a sectional plan view of the ice pack container of Fig. 1 on the line VII - VII of Fig. 4,
  • Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional end elevational view of the ice pack container of Fig. 1 on the line VIII - VIII of Fig. 4,
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a number of ice pack containers of Fig. 1 assembled together
  • Fig. 10 is a plan view of a number of ice pack containers assembled together in another configuration
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an ice pack container according to another embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 12 is a rear perspective view of the ice pack container of Fig. 11,
  • Fig. 13 is a front elevational view of an ice pack container according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 14 is a rear elevational view of the ice pack container of Fig. 13,
  • Fig. 15 is an end elevational view of the ice pack container of Fig. 13,
  • Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the ice pack container of Fig. 13,
  • Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional plan view of the ice pack container of Fig. 13 on the line XVII - XVII,
  • Fig. 18 is a front perspective view of an ice pack container according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 19 is a rear perspective view of the ice pack container of Fig. 18,
  • Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an ice pack container according to a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a number of the ice pack containers of Fig. 20 illustrated assembled together,
  • Fig. 22 is a perspective view of two ice pack containers according to a further embodiment of the invention illustrated assembled together,
  • Fig. 23 is a perspective view of an ice pack container according to a still further embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 24 is a rear perspective view of the ice pack container of Fig. 23.
  • the ice pack container 1 is of plastics material formed by injection blow moulding, and comprises spaced apart parallel front and rear major side walls 3 and 4, respectively, joined by spaced apart parallel minor end walls 5 and 6 and spaced apart parallel minor top and bottom walls 7 and 8, respectively, which extend between the end walls 5 and 6.
  • the walls 3 to 8 define an outer surface 17 and an inner surface 18.
  • the inner surface 18 defines a hollow interior region 9 for receiving and storing a freezable liquid, in this case, a mixture of water and sodium carboxymethylcellulose with a freezing point of approximately -1°C.
  • a freezable liquid in this case, a mixture of water and sodium carboxymethylcellulose with a freezing point of approximately -1°C.
  • a closable inlet for charging the hollow interior region 9 with the freezable liquid comprises an inlet tube 10 of plastics material formed integrally with the container 1 extending from the top wall 7.
  • the plastics material of the inlet tube 10 is heat deformable and is heat sealable so that on the hollow interior region 9 being charged with the freezable liquid the inlet tube 10 may be deformed and heat sealed permanently.
  • the top wall 7 is shaped to form a recess 11 for accommodating the inlet tube 10 so that when the inlet tube 10 is heat sealed the top end 12 of the inlet tube 10 is below the outer surface 17 of the top wall 7.
  • the outer surface 17 of the major front and rear side walls 3 and 4 define opposite major faces 20 and 21, respectively.
  • the outer surfaces 17 of the minor end walls 5 and 6 define opposite minor end faces 25 and 26, respectively.
  • the outer surfaces 17 of the top and bottom walls 7 and 8 define minor top and bottom faces 28 and 29, respectively.
  • the major front and rear side walls 3 and 4 are shaped to form a pair of longitudinally extending spaced apart air circulating grooves 32, and four transversely extending spaced apart air circulating grooves 33 which are interconnected with the longitudinal air circulating grooves 32 to facilitate circulation of air along the major faces 20 and 21 of the major side wall 3 and 4.
  • the longitudinal grooves 32 extend into the outer surface 17 and along the entire length of the major faces 20 and 21 from the top wall 7 to the bottom wall 8, and extend at 34 partly into the faces 28 and 29 of the top and bottom walls 7 and 8.
  • the transverse grooves 33 extend into the outer surface 17 and from the end walls 5 and 5 and extend at 35 partly into the end walls 5 and 6. Two of the transverse grooves 33 extend the width of the major faces 20 and 21 while the other two transverse grooves 33 extend from the end walls 5 and 6 to the longitudinal grooves 32.
  • a plurality of connecting means for connecting the container 1 to adjacent similar containers 1 as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 comprise respective connecting formations of pairs of complimentary inter-engageable releasable connecting formations for engaging another connecting formation of a connecting means on an adjacent container.
  • the connecting formations of the pairs of complimentary connecting formations are provided on the two major faces 20 and 21 and on the end face 26.
  • Four connecting formations are provided on the major front face 20, and each connecting formation is provided by an engagement member 38 of circular cross-section formed integrally with the container 1 and extending outwardly of the outer surface 17.
  • Four connecting formations are formed on the major rear face 21, and each connecting formation is provided by an engagement recess 39 of circular cross-section formed integrally with the container 1 and extending inwardly of the outer surface 17.
  • the engagement members 38 engage corresponding engagement recesses 39 on the major face 21 of an adjacent similar container 1 when the two containers 1 are assembled or stacked with their respective major faces 20 and 21 abutting each other, see Fig. 9.
  • the cross- sectional area of the engagement members 38 is substantially similar to the cross-sectional area of the engagement recesses 29 so that the respective engagement members 38 engage the engagement recesses 39 of another similar container 1 with a relatively tight interference fit.
  • a pair of connecting formations provided also by engagement members 38 are formed on the end face 26 of the minor end wall 6 for engaging two corresponding engagement recesses 39 in the major face 21 so that a pair of containers 1 can be connected together as illustrated in Fig. 10 to be free standing.
  • the engagement members 38 on the end wall 6 are identical to the engagement members 38 on the front side wall 3.
  • the major faces 20 and 21 are of rectangular shape, and the engagement members 38 and engagement recesses 39 are provided adjacent the corners of the major faces 20 and 21.
  • the ice pack containers 1 are stored as illustrated in Fig. 9 with the respective front and rear side walls 3 and 4 of adjacent containers abutting each other and the engagement members 38 on the front side walls 3 engaging the engagement recesses 39 on the rear side wall 4 of the adjacent container.
  • the containers connected in this configuration may be stacked one on top of the other with their front and rear side walls 3 and 4 horizontal or may be stored on their top or bottom walls 7 or 8 or end walls 5 or 6 with their front and rear side walls 3 and 4 extending substantially vertically.
  • the containers charged with the freezable liquid are placed in the freezer box of a fridge or in a deep freezer in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 9, in other words, with the front and rear side walls 3 and 4 of adjacent containers abutting each other and the engagement members 38 engaged in the engagement recesses 39 of the front and rear side walls 3 and 4.
  • the containers 1 be placed in the freezer box or deep freezer with their front and rear side walls 3 and 4 extending horizontally, and preferably, with the engagement members 38 of the lower most container 1 engaging the base of the freezer box or deep freeze.
  • the air circulating grooves 32 and 33 are provided in the major faces 20 and 21 of the front and rear side walls 3 and 4 adequate air circulation is provided along the major faces 20 and 21 to provide for relatively quick and efficient freezing of the freezable liquid in the containers 1.
  • the ice pack containers 1 may be placed around the food, drink or other items to be maintained at a cool temperature.
  • the ice pack containers may be connected as illustrated in Fig. 10 or in any other desired orientation or configuration by inter-engaging the appropriate engagement members 38 and engagement recesses 39.
  • FIG. 11 and 12 there is illustrated an ice pack container according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 45.
  • the ice pack container 45 is substantially similar to the ice pack container 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.
  • the main difference between the ice pack container 45 and the ice pack container 1 is that two engagement members 38 are provided on the end wall 5 at opposite ends thereof and on the top and bottom walls 7 and 8, respectively, at opposite ends thereof. This increases the number of configurations into which a plurality of the containers 45 may be connected.
  • ice pack container 50 is substantially similar to the ice pack container 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.
  • the main difference between the ice pack container 50 and the ice pack container 1 is that the inter- engageable complimentary connecting formation comprise pairs of spaced apart engagement members 51 of circular cross-section formed integrally with the container 1 for engaging identical pairs of engagement members of adjacent containers 50.
  • the engagement members 51 are arranged so that when one pair of engagement members 51 is engaged with a complimentary pair of engagement members, the four engagement members define four corners of a square and the engagement members 51 of each pair define the diagonally opposite corners of the square.
  • the spacing between the engagement members 51 is such that when the two pairs of engagement members 51 are inter-connected, they inter-connect with a relatively tight fit. Pairs of engagement members are provided adjacent the four corners of each major face 20 and 21, and adjacent the ends of the end walls 5 and 6, the top wall 7 and the bottom wall 8.
  • Use of the ice pack containers 50 is substantially similar to use of the ice pack containers 1 and 45, and a plurality of the ice pack container 50 may be stacked, and/or assembled in substantially similar configurations as the ice pack containers 1 and 45.
  • ice pack container 55 is substantially similar to the ice pack container 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.
  • the main difference between the ice pack container 55 and the ice pack container 1 is in the connecting means.
  • only one connecting means is provided on each of the two major faces, 20 and 21.
  • the connecting means on the major front face 20 comprises one connecting formation of a pair of inter-engageable complimentary connecting formations, which in this case is provided by an elongated engagement member 56 formed integrally with the container 55 and extending longitudinally of the container 1 and outwardly of the outer surface 17.
  • the connecting formation on the major rear face 21 is provided by an elongated recess 57 formed integrally with the container and extending longitudinally thereof and inwardly of the outer surface 17 for slidably engaging a corresponding engagement member 56 of an adjacent container 55.
  • Longitudinally extending side edges 58 and 59 of the engagement member 56 and engagement recess 57, respectively, are correspondingly dove-tailed so that an engagement member 56 of one container 55 slidably engages an engagement recess 57 of an adjacent container 55.
  • Ends 60 and 61 of the engagement member 56 and engagement recess 57, respectively, are of semi-circular shape and also dove-tailed.
  • the ice pack containers 55 can be connected together with their respective major faces 20 and 21 of adjacent containers 55 abutting each other and with the engagement member 56 of the major face 20 of one container 55 engaging the engagement recess 57 of the major face 21 of the adjacent container.
  • ice pack container 65 is substantially similar to the ice pack container 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.
  • one of the connecting means comprises an engagement member 66 extending from the top wall 7 which is formed by an inlet tube for charging the hollow interior region 9 of the container 65.
  • a complimentary connecting formation of another connecting means comprises a hinge member 67 hingedly connected to the top wall 7 by a plastic hinge 68 and formed integrally with the container 65.
  • An opening 69 of circular cross-section in the hinge member 67 engages an engagement member 66 of an adjacent container 65 as illustrated in Fig. 21 for connecting the containers 65 together.
  • the hinge member 67 is hingeable along an intermediate plastic hinge 70 so that the hinge member 67 may be hinged as illustrated in Fig. 20 to allow the opening 69 to be engaged on an engagement member 71 extending from the major face 20 of the front side wall 3 when not in use.
  • An engagement recess 72 is provided in the major face 21 of the rear side wall 4 for engaging an engagement member 71 of an adjacent container 65.
  • the hinge members 67 are hinged to lie substantially parallel to the top wall 7 so that the engagement opening 69 of one hinge member 67 engages a corresponding engagement member 66 of the adjacent container 65.
  • the hinge member 67 of the last container 65 in the assembly may be hinged along the intermediate plastic hinge 70 so that the engagement opening 69 engages the engagement member 71 on the major face 20 of the last container 65.
  • the hinge member 67 of the last container 65 may extend upwardly as illustrated in Fig. 21 to provide a means for hanging the connected assembly of containers 65.
  • the engagement members 71 on the front side walls 3 engage the engagement recesses 72 on the rear side walls 4 of adjacent containers 65.
  • ice pack container 75 is substantially similar to the ice pack container 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.
  • the connecting formation of one of the connecting means comprises an engagement member 76 carried on a hinge member 77 which is hingedly connected to the top wall 7 by a pair of plastic hinges 78 and is integrally formed with the container 1.
  • the connecting formation of the other connecting means is provided by an engagement recess 79 formed in the top wall 7 of the container 75 for engaging an engagement member 76 of an adjacent container 75.
  • the engagement member 76 is provided with a lip 80 for engaging an undercut 81 in the engagement recess 79.
  • the 82 is provided in the front major face 20 of the container 75 for engaging the engagement member 76 of the container 75 when the engagement member 76 is not in use.
  • a plurality of containers 75 are assembled together and are connected by engaging the engagement member 76 of one container 75 with the engagement recess 79 of the adjacent container 75.
  • ice pack container 85 is substantially similar to the ice pack container 50 illustrated in Figs. 13 to 17 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.
  • pairs of engagement recesses 86 are provided in place of the pairs of engagement members.
  • the pairs of engagement members 51 on the major faces 20 and 21 are engageable with the engagement recesses 86 of adjacent containers 85.
  • the pairs of engagement members 51 of the major face 20 and 21 are engageable with engagement members 51 on major faces 20 and 21 of adjacent containers 85.
  • the ice pack container 85 is similar to the ice pack container 50, and use of the ice pack container 85 is likewise similar to use of the ice pack container 50.
  • the ice pack containers have been described as being of plastics material, the ice pack containers may be of any other suitable material. Where the ice pack containers are of plastics material, they may be formed by any other suitable plastics forming process besides injection blow moulding, for example, extrusion blow moulding, injection moulding, rotational moulding and the like. While particular shapes and construction of connecting means have been described, other suitable connecting means which comprise one connecting formation of a pair of releasably inter-engageable complimentary connecting formations may be used. Needless to say, connecting formations of other cross-section may be used.
  • the cross-section of the engagement members and the engagement recesses may be triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or indeed any other suitable or desired shape. It is also envisaged in certain cases that the engagement members may be tapered, and where engagement recesses are provided, the engagement recesses would be provided with corresponding tapers.
  • connecting means may be provided in the form of hooks and eyes, for example, by hooks and eyes which are sold under the trade mark VELCRO.
  • ice pack containers of other suitable shape or construction may be provided.
  • each connecting formation may comprise more than two engagement members and likewise more than two corresponding engagement recesses.
  • a formation of a connecting means may comprise a plurality of adjacent engagement members which would engage a plurality of corresponding adjacent engagement members of another container with a relatively tight fit, or a plurality of adjacent engagement recesses of another container, likewise, with a relatively tight fit.
  • the hinge members provided on the ice pack container described with reference to Figs. 20 to 22 may be used for displaying the ice pack containers for sale, for example, a plurality of ice pack containers may be connected together as illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22, and one of the hinge members may be used for hanging the ice pack container on a display rack or the like. It is also envisaged that the plastic hinges connecting the hinge members of the containers of Fig. 20 to 22 may be sufficiently weak to permit a purchaser to detach the hinge members from the containers after purchase if desired.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

Un récipient à glace (1) comprend deux parois principales avant (3) et arrière (4) réunies par des parois latérales (5) et (6), ainsi que par une paroi supérieure (7) et une paroi inférieure (8), le tout délimitant un espace interne creux (9) pour recevoir un liquide congelable. Plusieurs de ces récipients (1) peuvent être connectés ensemble en empilement ou dans une autre disposition grâce à une pluralité d'éléments d'engagement (38) qui font saillie sur la paroi principale avant (3) et sur la paroi latérale (5) et qui peuvent s'engager avec des creux d'engagement correspondants (39) dans la paroi principale arrière (4) d'un récipient adjacent (1). Des rainures (32) et (33) pour la circulation de l'air dans les parois principales avant (3) et arrière (4) facilitent la circulation d'air entre les récipients (1) adjacents.
PCT/IE1993/000031 1992-06-03 1993-06-02 Recipient a glace WO1993024797A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU40868/93A AU4086893A (en) 1992-06-03 1993-06-02 An ice pack container
GB9424321A GB2282661B (en) 1992-06-03 1993-06-02 An ice pack container

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IE921786 1992-06-03
IE921786 1992-06-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993024797A1 true WO1993024797A1 (fr) 1993-12-09

Family

ID=11039675

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IE1993/000031 WO1993024797A1 (fr) 1992-06-03 1993-06-02 Recipient a glace

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2282661B (fr)
WO (1) WO1993024797A1 (fr)

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0765819A1 (fr) * 1995-09-28 1997-04-02 Dart Industries Inc. Récipient pour aliments avec cartouche réfrigérante
WO1998014381A1 (fr) * 1996-10-01 1998-04-09 Uwe Nutto Element d'assemblage et objet a element d'assemblage integre
US5806338A (en) * 1997-03-25 1998-09-15 Schwartz; James A. Cooling insert having maxium heat transfer
EP0876961A1 (fr) * 1997-04-29 1998-11-11 D.W. PLASTICS, naamloze vennootschap Harasse pour bouteilles
WO2000049348A1 (fr) * 1999-02-19 2000-08-24 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Congelateur armoire avec accumulateurs de froid
WO2003104731A1 (fr) * 2002-02-11 2003-12-18 S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Recipient de refroidissement avec refrigerant et dispositif de decompression
WO2010055295A1 (fr) 2008-11-14 2010-05-20 Kryotrans International Limited Conteneur de transport réutilisable thermiquement isolé
CN104081139A (zh) * 2011-12-20 2014-10-01 多美达责任有限公司 冷却元件以及冷却装置
DE102016002438A1 (de) * 2016-02-10 2017-08-10 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz Gmbh Kälteakku
EP3412995A3 (fr) * 2017-06-09 2019-02-20 Heinz Weber Bloc de congélation empilable
WO2019202215A1 (fr) * 2018-04-18 2019-10-24 2Cool Finland Oy Accumulateur pour le stockage de froid ou de chaleur
US10562694B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2020-02-18 Peli BioThermal Limited Thermally insulated containers
US10683158B2 (en) 2017-01-26 2020-06-16 Pelican Biothermal, Llc Protectively framed and covered thermal insulation panel
US11072482B2 (en) 2017-11-13 2021-07-27 2Cool Finland Oy Thermally insulated transport box and an arrangement in a thermally insulated transport box
DE102020118581A1 (de) 2020-07-14 2022-01-20 Axiotherm GmbH Kühlakku und Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung
US11701252B1 (en) 2022-11-14 2023-07-18 Scott Swank Thermal pad joining system

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017177329A1 (fr) * 2016-04-12 2017-10-19 9352-1425 Québec Inc. Bloc réfrigérant et système de grille de bloc réfrigérant

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DE2608539A1 (de) * 1976-03-02 1977-09-15 Erwin Hoeckendorf Spielzeugbaukastensystem
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US4924935A (en) * 1988-10-25 1990-05-15 Walter Van Winckel Thermal energy storage container system
DE9000085U1 (de) * 1990-01-06 1990-12-06 Walter Henkels GmbH, 5145 Ratheim Kühlbehälter für Flaschen, Dosen, Gläser u.dgl.
US5024067A (en) * 1989-08-30 1991-06-18 Maier Ii Simeon E Fit and cool beverage container

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3194426A (en) * 1963-12-12 1965-07-13 Jr Lynn E Brown Laterally interlocked containers
US3496670A (en) * 1968-01-18 1970-02-24 Mattel Inc Hollow construction toy with hinged connector
DE2608539A1 (de) * 1976-03-02 1977-09-15 Erwin Hoeckendorf Spielzeugbaukastensystem
GB2010461A (en) * 1977-12-16 1979-06-27 Biggs M Ice Tray
US4441336A (en) * 1982-08-23 1984-04-10 Plattner Industries, Inc. Cooler having freeze bottle insert
GB2130700A (en) * 1982-11-24 1984-06-06 Nippon Light Metal Co Cold storage body
EP0126248A1 (fr) * 1983-04-18 1984-11-28 The Dow Chemical Company Conteneur pour matériaux de stockage d'énergie thermique
US4656840A (en) * 1985-11-29 1987-04-14 Gott Corporation Container for freezable liquid
US4924935A (en) * 1988-10-25 1990-05-15 Walter Van Winckel Thermal energy storage container system
DE8907798U1 (de) * 1989-06-26 1989-10-26 Brenner, Leonhard, 8480 Weiden Mehrzweck-Behälter als Spielzeug-Baukastenmodul
US5024067A (en) * 1989-08-30 1991-06-18 Maier Ii Simeon E Fit and cool beverage container
DE9000085U1 (de) * 1990-01-06 1990-12-06 Walter Henkels GmbH, 5145 Ratheim Kühlbehälter für Flaschen, Dosen, Gläser u.dgl.

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0765819A1 (fr) * 1995-09-28 1997-04-02 Dart Industries Inc. Récipient pour aliments avec cartouche réfrigérante
WO1998014381A1 (fr) * 1996-10-01 1998-04-09 Uwe Nutto Element d'assemblage et objet a element d'assemblage integre
US6283671B1 (en) 1996-10-01 2001-09-04 Uwe Nutto Connecting element for providing a releasable connection between two objects
CN1078159C (zh) * 1996-10-01 2002-01-23 乌韦·纳托 连接件
US5806338A (en) * 1997-03-25 1998-09-15 Schwartz; James A. Cooling insert having maxium heat transfer
EP0876961A1 (fr) * 1997-04-29 1998-11-11 D.W. PLASTICS, naamloze vennootschap Harasse pour bouteilles
BE1011136A3 (nl) * 1997-04-29 1999-05-04 D W Plastics Nv Flessenkrat.
WO2000049348A1 (fr) * 1999-02-19 2000-08-24 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Congelateur armoire avec accumulateurs de froid
WO2003104731A1 (fr) * 2002-02-11 2003-12-18 S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Recipient de refroidissement avec refrigerant et dispositif de decompression
US6923017B2 (en) 2002-02-11 2005-08-02 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Cooling container having a coolant and pressure relief apparatus
GB2465376B (en) * 2008-11-14 2012-11-28 Tower Cold Chain Solutions Ltd Thermally insulated reuseable transportation container
WO2010055295A1 (fr) 2008-11-14 2010-05-20 Kryotrans International Limited Conteneur de transport réutilisable thermiquement isolé
US20110290792A1 (en) * 2008-11-14 2011-12-01 Tower Cold Chain Solutions Thermally insulated reusable transportation container
CN104081139A (zh) * 2011-12-20 2014-10-01 多美达责任有限公司 冷却元件以及冷却装置
KR101762690B1 (ko) * 2011-12-20 2017-07-28 비 메디컬 시스템즈 에스.에이.알.엘. 냉각 부재 및 냉각 장치
US9976790B2 (en) 2011-12-20 2018-05-22 B Medical Systems S.A.R.L. Cooling element and cooling device
US10562694B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2020-02-18 Peli BioThermal Limited Thermally insulated containers
US10981714B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2021-04-20 Peli BioThermal Limited Thermally insulated containers
DE102016002438A1 (de) * 2016-02-10 2017-08-10 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz Gmbh Kälteakku
US10683158B2 (en) 2017-01-26 2020-06-16 Pelican Biothermal, Llc Protectively framed and covered thermal insulation panel
EP3412995A3 (fr) * 2017-06-09 2019-02-20 Heinz Weber Bloc de congélation empilable
US11072482B2 (en) 2017-11-13 2021-07-27 2Cool Finland Oy Thermally insulated transport box and an arrangement in a thermally insulated transport box
WO2019202215A1 (fr) * 2018-04-18 2019-10-24 2Cool Finland Oy Accumulateur pour le stockage de froid ou de chaleur
DE102020118581A1 (de) 2020-07-14 2022-01-20 Axiotherm GmbH Kühlakku und Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung
WO2022013037A1 (fr) * 2020-07-14 2022-01-20 Axiotherm GmbH Bloc réfrigérant et procédé de production associé
US11701252B1 (en) 2022-11-14 2023-07-18 Scott Swank Thermal pad joining system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2282661B (en) 1996-02-07
GB9424321D0 (en) 1995-01-25
GB2282661A (en) 1995-04-12

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