WO2001044731A1

WO2001044731A1 - Container for refrigerated transport of various products and process for its construction and its charging

Info

Publication number: WO2001044731A1
Application number: PCT/EP2000/012189
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christophe Henry
Original assignee: Messer France S.A.
Priority date: 1999-12-13
Filing date: 2000-12-05
Publication date: 2001-06-21
Also published as: FR2802186A1; FR2802186B1

Abstract

Packaging of various products. The container is one wherein the body and the cover are made from at least one material giving them a good coefficient of thermal insulation, the cover is associated with a diffusing dividing wall (9) with which it delimits a chamber (10) intended to contain at least one negative chilling charge (11), the cover and the diffusing dividing wall form a unitary assembly upon opening the container. Application to the packaging of fresh products.

Description

CONTAINER FOR REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT OF VARIOUS PRODUCTS AND PROCESS FOR ITS CONSTRUCTION AND ITS CHARGING

The present invention relates to the packaged transport of various products and it concerns, more particularly, the packaging and transport of products whose nature, composition, origin or destination impose strict and controlled storage and/or warehousing conditions involving maintenance at reduced temperature, so as to guarantee their integrity with a view to subsequent use or else appropriate consumption. Such is the case in particular for fresh products which in addition must be protected from any risk of freezing.

The subject of the invention relates, more specifically but not limitmgly, to the transport and packaging of food products for which it must be possiole to guarantee strict compliance with a preservation temperature from the initial packaging step up to the final usage or consumption step, as well as throughout the duration of packaging and transport which elapses betweer these two steps.

The conditions of production as well as the conditions of use or even those of commercialization, make it evermore necessary to be able to package, warehouse and transport products over durations which may approach several days between the production site and tre commercialization, usage or consumption site.

Generally, such packaging is performed in un_t batches or bundles which are dealt witn by regulated-temperature installations, whether these installations be stationary or mobile, as is the case for road, rail, seagoing or airborne vehicles which have controlled-temperature cells.

Although such a procedure is satisfactory ir respect of the good preservation of products within ar integrated chain, on the other hand, it can be considered that, at present, it is difficult to envisage being able to employ the same means when concerned with distribution, parceling or mail order of products wnose nature involves the maintaining of a precisely connrol eα pac<aα_ c temperature throughout the duration of stockpiling, storage, transport, carriage, etc.

In the case of mail order, in particular, it has been observed that the means employed for complying with the temperature maintenance requirement are not satisfactory for a certain number of reasons.

The packs which are currently proposed are in fact too heavy in view of the transportable weight or too expensive in view of the commercialization price of the products. Furthermore, such packs are not able to maintain, for a sufficiently long duration, the optimal refrigerated temperature maintenance conditions required for the packaged products.

The need therefore makes itself felt to be able to meet this requirement m view of, m particular, the increasing trend towards the purchase of various sensitive and fragile products, the supplier bearing the expense of the distant carriage of the product purchased.

The object of the invention is to meet this need by proposing a novel container for refrigerated transport of various products, which container is of the type comprising a body delimiting at least one open compartment, able to contain said various products and a cover for closing said compartment which can be fitted to the body, such a container being one wherein: tne body and the cover are made from at least one material giving them a good coefficient of thermal insulation, the cover is associated with a diffusing dividing wall with which it delimits a chamber intended to contain at least one negative chilling charge, the cover and the diffusing dividing wall form a unitary assembly upon opening the container.

Furthermore, the subject of the invention is a process for charging and for constructing the above container, such a process being one which consists in constructing the unitary assembly incorporating the negative chilling charge so as to close the compartment of the body filled with the various products to be packaged. Various other characteristics emerge from the description given herembelow with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments and forms of implementation of the subject of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a section in elevation of the object of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a section in elevation showing, to a different scale, a variant embodiment. Figs. 3 to 6 are partial sections in elevation showing, to different scales, variant embodiments of certain of the constituent means of the container.

Figs. 7 to 10 are diagrammatic views illustrating a process for charging and for constructing the container. Figs. 11 to 15 are diagrammatic views illustrating a variant of the process for charging and for constructing the container.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the container for refrigerated transport according to the invention. This container comprises a body 1 which is constructed from a material possessing good thermal insulation characteristics allied with a low density. By way of example, this material can be expanded or extruded polystyrene or expanded polyethylene, offering the additional advantage of allowing constructional molding of the body 1 under simple and inexpensive precise practical conditions. In plan, the body 1 can assume any appropriate form, right-angled parallelepipedal for example, without this form being regardable as participating in the invention.

The body 1 possesses a plane sealing surface 2 at the point where a compartment 3 opens intended to be aole to contain or accommodate any product to be packaged and transported m a refrigerated manner. Advantageously, tne compartment 3 delimits a single housing but in certain cases it can be envisaged that it may define several pockets at least partly separated m particular by semi-partitions rising from the bottom 4 of the body 1.

Advantageously, there is provision to shape the inner peripneral wall as well as tne bottom delimiting tre compartment 3 so as to delimit, via shapes 5 such as ribs, kinds of channels 6 which are intended to promote, as will become apparent herembelow, the circulation of cold so as to establish a constant temperature gradient which deviates as little as possible at all points of the compartment 3.

According to the shape of the compartment 3, the body 1 is therefore reserved for the emplacement of one or more products such as those represented chain-dotted, two in number and designated by the reference 7.

The container according to the invention comprises, furthermore, a cover 8 advantageously made from a material meeting the same characteristics as those stated n connection with that of the body 1. The cover 8 can thus also be made from expanded and molded polystyrene. The cover 8 s intended to be fitted onto tne sealing plane 2 with a view to closing the compartment 3 by means of a diffusing dividing wall 9 which is advantageously made from a material possessing a suitable coefficient of thermal insulation and, for example, from polystyrene or else from polyurethane .

In the example according to Fig. 1, the cover 8 delimits in its inner face a chamber 10 intended to be closed by the diffusing dividing wall 9 and to contain at least one negative chilling charge 11.

According to the invention, tne charge A advantageously consists of a mass of carbon dioxide in tne form of snow or of ice and preferaPly such a charge is incorporated in an envelope 12 made of permeable material, such as for example a sachet, bag or the like, consisting basically of non-woven polypropylene fibers. This arrangement is advantageously chosen so as to make eacn charge 11 very easy to manipulate without any risk of accident despite the low temperature exhibited by tne carbon dioxide charge the form of snow or of ice. It should be considered that the charge may be constructed differently, for example based on sticks, beads, pellets, blocks of carbon dioxide, or even by eutectic plates at a lower negative temperature than the temperature demanded for tne oroducts. As shown by Fig. 1, the chamber 10 can in part also be delimited by a recess 13 exhibited by the corresponding face of the diffusing dividing wall 9.

According to a variant embodiment illustrated by Fig. 2, it is possible to envisage constructing the cover 8 in such a way that it comprises an entirely plane inner face helping to delimit the chamber 10 by way solely of the recess 13a defined by the shape of the diffusing dividing wall 9, such a recess being able to constitute a reservoir for maintaining and confining chilling charges in bulk.

According to the constructional arrangements of the invention, there is provision to employ, between the diffusing dividing wall 9 and the body 1, means of removable fitting and between the dividing wall 9 and the cover 8, means of resistant fitting, in such a way as to construct, preferably after fitting between the cover 8 and the wall 9, a unitary assembly incorporating the chilling charge or charges 11. The means of removable fitting between the wall 9 and the sealing plane 2 of the body 1 can involve, as shown by Fig. 3, a simple interlocking shape, such as 14, exhibited by the sealing plane 2 and intended to be interlocked via a complementary indentation 15 exhibited by the corresponding face of the diffusing dividing wall 9. Such means of removable fitting can also, or complementaπly, involve a layer of an adhesive product 16 or else complementary products which bind by gripping.

In this regard, any type of suitable shape can be appropriate, taking into account the particular nature of the constituent material of the body 1, such as expanded polystyrene which of itself provides a certain capability for retention by simple surface contact.

As is illustrated by Fig. 3, there may be provision to shape the dividing plate 9 in such a way that its peripheral edge 17 is flush with the peripheral face of the body 1 at the same time as the peripheral face of the cover 8. In such a case, it may be advantageous to endow the peripheral edge 17 with an insulating border 18. Fig. 4 shows that the peripheral edge 17 of said dividing wall can, on the other hand, be set back from the exterior peripheral faces of the body 1 and of the cover 8. Fig. 5 shows that the border 18 can also be replaced with a perimetral seal 19 which can be utilized to at least help n the construction of the means of removable joining between the body 1 and the plate 9.

The means of resistant fitting between the cover 8 and the dividing wall 9 are thus rated, by reason of the choice which is made, so that these means are capable of guaranteeing a oin between the wall 9 and the cover 8 which is more resistant to opening than that established by the means of removable fitting between the wall 9 and the body 1. This particular characteristic is adopted for a precise purpose which is set forth herembelow. The means of resistant fitting can involve appropriate shapes such as, in particular, a so-called undercut edge 20 exhibited by the wall 9 so as to achieve, when interlocking the cover 8 onto the dividing wall, forcible penetration establishing, by deformation and compressive stress of the constituent material of the cover, a resistant fitting oin.

A variant embodiment of these means is illustrated by Fig. 6 showing that they can consist of n spikes 21 rising from the corresponding face of the dividing wall 9 and exhibiting a single or double lance-like form so as to constitute spears able to penetrate into the constituent material of tne cover so as to establish, as previously, a resistant fitting join.

When the constituent material of the wall 9 is for example expanded polystyrene, tne spikes 21 can consist of double independent pieces such as to be able to be driven both into the cover and into the wall.

The various technical means implemented as recalled heremabove make it possible to produce a container whose charging and construction with a view to the refrigerated transport of various products 7 is achieved by proceeding in the following manner, as illustrated by Fig. 1.

The products 7 are placed m the compartment 3 wnicn is closed by setting m place the diffusing dividmα wall 9 fitted to the sealing plane 2 by the means of removable fitting recalled here above.

The chamber 10 is filled with the negative chilling charge or charges 11 and this chamber is closed by setting in place the cover 8 which is fitted relation with the dividing wall 9 by the means of resistant fitting.

The assembly thus constructed represents a container which can be used for packaging, storage and transport whilst guaranteeing maintenance of a refrigerated temperature appropriate to the gooo preservation and maintenance of the integrity of the products 7 whilst protecmg them from the risk of freezing. Indeed, cold provided Dy the charge or charges 11 is diffused through the plate 9 and is distributed the compartment 3 inside whicn a small temperature gradient is established by reason of the good peripheral circulation of the cold by way of the circulation channels 6. Thus, at all points of the compartment 3 optimal refrigerated conditions of even temperature can exist, being sustained by the diffusion through the dividing wall 9 of the cold provided by the negative chilling charge or charges 11. When the products 7 are to be withdrawn, the opening of the cover 8 is performed and the means of resistant fitting interposed between the cover 8 and tne wall 9 are such that these two elements constitute a unitary assemoly favoring the separation between the wall 9 and the body 1 for the purpose of opening the compartment 3 affording access to the product 7.

In this way, favored opening of the compartment 3 is achieved, this being the purpose sought, whilst guaranteeing that the chamber 10 is maintained in the closed state so as to protect the user or users from contact with the negative chilling charge or charges 11 which, in so far as a potential for providing cold is still reserved therefor, could be the source of accidents or of risk of burns by inadvertent contact. Figs. 7 to 10 illustrate a process for charging and for constructing the container according to the invention. According to this process, tne body 1 is arranged on a support S such a way that the sealing plane 2, at the point where the compartment 3 opens, is pointing upwards. It thus becomes possible, as shown by Fig. 7, to guarantee the charging of the products 7 into the compartment 3, after which, in a second step, according to Fig. 8, the dividing wall 9 is mounted on the sealing plane 2 by way of the means of removable fitting so as to close the compartment 3.

In a subsequent step illustrated by Fig. 9, the charge or charges 11 are placed or set down on the wall 9, after which the cover 8 is mounted on said wall as illustrated by Fig. 10 m such as way as to involve tne means of resistant fitting, so as to construct with tne wall 9 a unitary assembly incorporating the negative chilling charge or charges.

In this form of construction, and given the previous embodiment, the dividing wall 9 closes the chamber 10 and keeps the negative chilling charge or charges inside said chamber.

Figs. 11 to 15 illustrate a variant of the charging process consisting in placing on the support S the cover 8 pointed in such a way that the open or inner face is directed upwards.

In a second step illustrated by Fig. 12, the negative chilling charge or charges 11 are placed on tne inner face of the cover, whether or not the latter face delimits the chamber 10 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated by Fig. 1 or by Fig. 2.

In a later step illustrated by Fig. 13, the dividing plate 9 is fitted onto the cover 8 in such a way as to close the chamber 10, so as to retain the negative chilling charge or charges 11 and to constitute, via the means of resistant fitting, with the cover 8 the unitary assembly defined previously.

Another phase of implementation of the process then consists, according to Fig. 14, placing tne product or products 7 on the dividing wall 9, after wmcn, as shown by Fig. 15, the body 1 is mounted upside down so as to engage the compartment 3 on the products 7 and to achieve, via the means of removable fitting, the closure of the compartment 3. Although not represented, it must be considered that the steps according to Figs. 7 to 10 or 11 to 15 can occur on a stationary support or on a support consisting, for example of a transporter moving past continuously or intermittently. It should also be considered that the closure of the charged container may involve the setting in place of an adhesive peripheral tape square-on witn the solutions for continuity between the cover 8, the wall 9 and the body 1.

The invention is not limited to the examples descnoed and represented since various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A refrigerated transport container for various products, of the type comprising a body (1) delimiting at least one open compartment (3), able to contain said various products and a cover (8) for closing said compartment which can be fitted to tne body, wherei : the body and the cover are made from at least one material giving them a good coefficient of thermal insulation, the cover is associated with a diffusing dividing wall (9) with which it delimits a chamber (10) intended to contain at least one negative chilling cnarge (11) , the cover and the diffusing dividing wall form a unitary assembly upon opening the container.

2. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chamoer (10) is delimited at least partly by the inner face of the cover (8) .

3. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chamber (10) is delimited at least partly by the face of the diffusing dividing wall (9) pointing towards the cover .

4. Tne container as claimed m claim 1, wherein the body (1; and the cover (8 are made from expanded or extruded polystyrene or from expanded polyethylene.

5. The container as claimed m claim 1, wherein the diffusing dividing wall is made from a material offering a suitable coefficient of thermal insulation.

6. Tne container as claimed in claim 1, wherein tne dividing wall is associated with a peπmetral border made of an insulating material.

7. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment (3) comprises, on its defining surface, shapes

(5) reserving channels (6) for circulating cold relative to the products contained.

8. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the negative chilling charge (111 consists of eutectic plates or at least one mass of carbon dioxide in the form of ice, snow, sticks, blocks or beads.

9. The container as claimed claim 7, wherein the mass of C0₂ is contained m a permeable envelope (12) .

10. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein means are provided so as to establish:

• removable fitting of the dividing wall to the body,

• resistant fitting of said wall to the cover.

11. The container as claimed claim 9, wherein the means for establishing the removable fitting of the dividing wall comprise local shapes for interlocking.

12. The container as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means for establishing the removable fitting of the dividing wall comprise adhering interface layers (16) .

13. The container as claimed in claim 10, wnerein the means of resistant fitting comprise shapes presented by the dividing wall so as to penetrate forcibly into the constituent material of the cover.

14. The container as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means of resistant fitting consist of double spikes driven into the cover and into the dividing wall.

15. The container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the diffusing dividing wall (9) is embedded via its peripheral edge into the thickness of the cover and/or of the body.

16. A process for charging and for constructing a container for refrigerated transport of various products according to one of claims 1 to 15, which consists constructing the unitary assembly incorporating the negative chilling charge so as to close the compartment of the body filled with the various products to be packaged.

17. The process as claimed in claim 16, which consists m :

• placing the body on a support in such a way as to point the opening of the compartment upwards,

• filling the compartment with the various product or products to be packaged,

• fitting the diffusing dividing wall onto the body via the means of removable fitting so as to close tne compartment, • disposing the negative chilling charge on the dividing wall,

• fitting the cover via the means of resistant fitting onto the wall so as to form with the latter the unitary assembly incorporating the negative chilling charge.

18. The process as claimed in claim 16, which consists

• placing the cover on a support in such a way as tc point its inner face upwards,

• disposing on said inner face the negative chilling charge or charges,

• fitting the dividing wall via the means of resistant fitting onto the cover so as to enclose the negative chilling charge and construct with tne cover the unitary assembly,

• placing the various product or products to be packaged on the dividing wall,

• covering over said products with the body so as to enclose them the compartment,

• and fitting said body onto the unitary assembly via the means of removable fitting.

19. The process as claimed m claim 17 or 18, wherein the support is stationary.

20. The process as claimed in claim 17 or 18, where:" the support consists of a transporter moved past.