Insulated Shipping System

Abstract

An insulating shipping system may include six outer walls configured into a six-sided container; an insulating layer positioned within the outer walls and formed by a plurality of insulating members; and a thermal mass layer positioned within the insulating members and made from a plurality of thermal mass members. The thermal mass members may contain a thermal energy absorbing material. The container also may have a thermal buffer layer configured to fit within the thermal mass layer. All together, these layers form a passive, thermally stabile cargo cavity for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to insulated shipping systems.

2. Related Art

Systems exist for shipping temperature sensitive cargo. Some of these systems use foam, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene foam (XPS). While plastic foams such as these can provide insulating properties, they are usually not recyclable or biodegradable. Additionally, foam products tend to be bulky and take up a significant amount of space, making them difficult and expensive to ship.

While some recyclable or partially-recyclable systems for transporting temperature sensitive cargo exist, they are sometimes not actually recycled in practice. These systems can require the end user to separate the constituent materials with significant effort. These unrecycled systems can end up in landfills, leading to negative environmental effects.

Existing passive insulating systems can maintain the temperature of the package for only a limited time, sometimes less than a day. Systems which maintain temperature-sensitive cargo for longer periods of time may require active cooling from the transporting vehicle. Such systems for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo can be dependent on energy-intensive cooling or heating systems that are inefficient and potentially damaging to the environment. Additionally, such systems can be subject to failure, thereby potentially exposing temperature-sensitive cargo to improper temperatures.

Prior art methods can be inefficient, costly, and negatively impact the environment. Passively insulated systems may be unable to maintain temperature sensitive cargo at a predetermined temperature for extended periods of time, and actively heated and cooled systems can be expensive and subject to malfunction. Such systems can have negative environmental impacts.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an insulated shipping system may comprise six walls, an insulating layer fitting within said six walls, and a thermal mass layer fitting within said insulating layer, wherein said thermal mass layer substantially surrounds a cargo space and said insulating layer substantially surrounds said thermal mass layer.

In another aspect, a system may include a thermal buffer layer fitting within said thermal mass layer, wherein said thermal buffer layer may substantially surround said cargo space.

In another aspect, a system may use thermal gel as the thermal energy absorbing material.

In another aspect, a system may include exterior members made from corrugated fiberboard.

In another aspect, a system may include thermally insulating material that is recyclable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a partly exploded perspective view of a loaded insulated shipping system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partly exploded perspective view revealing the interior of the unloaded insulated shipping system according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the insulated shipping system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6A illustrates a blank used to create an end cap.

FIG. 6B illustrates an end cap formed from the blank of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A illustrates a blank used to create an insulating member of FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7B illustrates an insulating member formed from the blank of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A illustrates a blank used to create a thermal mass member.

FIG. 8B illustrates a thermal mass member formed from the blank of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A illustrates a blank used to create a thermal mass sleeve.

FIG. 9B illustrates thermal mass sleeves formed from the blank of FIG. 9A being inserted into a thermal mass member of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cutaway view of a thermal buffer panel as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11A illustrates blank used to create a side exterior member.

FIG. 11B illustrates the assembly of an exterior member formed from the blank of FIG. 11A and insulating members of FIG. 7B.

FIG. 11C illustrates a exterior member with attached insulating members.

FIG. 12A shows a step in one possible sequence of assembly of the insulated shipping system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12B shows another step in one possible sequence of assembly of the insulated shipping system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12C shows yet another step in one possible sequence of assembly of the insulated shipping system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12D shows still another step in one possible sequence of assembly of the insulated shipping system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12E shows yet another step in one possible sequence of assembly of the insulated shipping system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12F shows another step in one possible sequence of assembly of the insulated shipping system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12G shows yet another step in one possible sequence of assembly of the insulated shipping system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12H shows still another step in one possible sequence of assembly of the insulated shipping system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 shows a graph depicting a test of one embodiment of the insulated shipping system.

FIG. 14 shows an additional graph depicting a test of one embodiment of the insulated shipping system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1. Overall Description

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, insulated shipping system 10 may have an outer layer that may include two side exterior members 202b and two top/bottom exterior members 202a. A second, insulating layer may include six insulating members 302a, 302b and 302c. A third, thermal mass layer may include six thermal mass members 402a, 402b, and 402c. Optional fourth, thermal buffer layer may include six thermal buffer panels 502a, 502b, and 502c, which may be HEXACOMB® panels, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,972, or the like.

Cargo cavity 50 may have dimensions ranging from about 30 inches to about 40 inches long, about 20 inches to about 30 inches wide, and about 15 inches to about 35 inches high. Preferably, in a 48″ tall embodiment of system 10, cargo cavity 50 may be about 32¼ inches long, about 23 11/16 inches wide, and about 33 inches tall.

As seen in FIG. 1, insulated shipping system 10 is designed to transport temperature sensitive cargo in an environmentally conscious, cost effective, and efficient manner. Shipping system 10 may be used in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. Using LTL shipping allows users to save costs by not requiring to ship or refrigerate an entire truckload. Additionally, system 10 does not require any type of active cooling, which also promotes environmental and cost efficiency. System 10 allows temperature-sensitive cargo to remain at a predetermined temperature range in varying environments, such as LTL shipping or other environmentally variable conditions. System 10 may be stacked up to four units high while in storage in a warehouse and up to two units high during transport.

System 10 may have outer walls, an insulating layer, and a thermal mass layer. These fit together to form a six sided insulated container as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. System 10 also may include a thermal buffer layer. Within the multiple layers of system 10 is a cargo cavity 50, which stores and protects temperature sensitive cargo. Cargo may be stored in individual payload boxes, as shown in FIG. 1, which may be insulated themselves, depending on the nature of the cargo and expected shipping conditions. In one embodiment, about eighteen payload boxes may fit within cargo cavity 50 of system 10. System 10 may be sized such that it will fit on a predetermined standard sized pallet such as about 40 inches by about 48 inches, or other size, shown in broken lines at the bottom of FIG. 1. While three possible discrete sizes are envisioned, system 10 is adaptable to nearly any predetermined size and shape based on specific cargo needs.

The length of system 10 may range from about 40 inches to about 56 inches. Preferably the length is between about 44 inches and about 52 inches and more preferably between about 46 inches and about 50 inches. The width of system 10 may range from about 32 inches to about 48 inches. Preferably the width is between about 36 inches and about 44 inches and more preferably between about 38 inches and about 42 inches. The height of system 10 may range from about 20 inches to about 64 inches. Preferably, in one size, the height is between about 40 inches and about 56 inches and more preferably between about 46 inches and about 50 inches. One possible discrete size of system 10 (“the 24″ tall embodiment”) is about 48 inches long, about 40 inches wide, and about 24 inches tall. Another possible size of system 10 (“the 48″ tall embodiment”) is about 48 inches long, about 40 inches wide, and about 48 inches tall. Another possible size of system 10 (“the 60″ tall embodiment”) is about 48 inches long, about 40 inches wide, and about 60 inches tall.

The combined interaction of the various layers maintains temperature-sensitive cargo within a predetermined range of temperatures. Although more or fewer layers may be used, the layers in one possible embodiment, when described from the outermost to innermost layers, are: the outer wall, insulating layer, thermal mass layer, and thermal buffer layer. The combined thickness of all four layers combined may range from about 2 to about 12 inches and more preferably range from about 6 to about 9 inches. The combined thickness of the wall and three layers is most preferably about 7½ inches thick. System 10 is scalable to different sizes depending on the size of cargo cavity 50 required by the end user. The thickness of each layer, and thus the total thickness, may vary based on the desired shape and size of cargo cavity 50, the nature of the cargo, the temperature and humidity conditions of the external environment, and the time for which system 10 must maintain a stable temperature of the cargo.

Some embodiments may include a trapdoor (not shown) to access cargo cavity 50 without requiring disassembly of system 10. Such a trapdoor, however, may reduce the thermal performance of system 10, e.g., by allowing additional air exchange between the environment and cargo cavity 50.

Various components of system 10 are designed to substantially abut next to adjacent components. This design may improve the structural stability and rigidity of system 10 and may prevent undesired air circulation which in turn may impact heat transfer.

2. Thermal Performance of the Insulated Shipping Container

2.1 Thermal Mass Layer

As shown in FIG. 1, system 10 may contain a thermal mass layer comprised of thermal mass members 402a, 402b, and 402c, which absorbs heat from the external environment to stabilize the temperature inside cargo cavity 50. The thermal mass layer may contain energy absorbing materials which absorb external heat energy, and which also may absorb physical blows or shock encountered during shipping. One possible energy absorbing material that may be placed inside the thermal mass layer is thermal gel contained in one or more gel packs or substantially rigid gel bricks 480. The thermal gel has a high specific heat capacity and high latent heat of fusion. The specific heat capacity can range from about ½ BTU/(lb_m*° F.) to about 3 BTU/(lb_m*° F.), although ideally the specific heat capacity will be near the specific heat capacity of water, about 1 BTU/(lb_m*° F.). Gel bricks 480 also may be frozen, so gel characterized by a high latent heat of fusion is also desirable. The range of latent heat of the gel may range from about 50 BTU/lb_m to about 200 BTU/lb_m, with the ideal latent heat of fusion to be about that of water, about 144 BTU/lb_m. These characteristics allow the gel to absorb large amounts of heat energy from the environment within which system 10 is placed. By absorbing this heat energy, the temperature-sensitive cargo located in cargo cavity 50 is mostly or entirely shielded from this energy, allowing the temperature of the temperature-sensitive cargo to remain nearly constant. The thermal gel may be initially cooled or frozen to increase the amount of heat energy they can absorb and better protect the temperature sensitive cargo from external heat.

The amount and temperature of thermal gel used in each application may vary based on the needs of the temperature-sensitive cargo and the size of system 10. In one possible embodiment, system 10 may carry about eighteen payload boxes, such as the boxes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,763,886 to Hall. The '886 payload boxes may also contain additional frozen thermal gel in about two gel packs holding about 24 ounces of gel each, or about 3 pounds in each payload box and about 54 pounds in all payload boxes. Each '886 payload box may contain a quantity of about five vials each holding about 10 ml. of temperature-sensitive cargo. In total, the about eighteen payload boxes may contain about ninety vials, or about 900 ml of temperature-sensitive cargo. Thermal gel packs used in system 10 may each contain about 32 ounces of thermal gel. In total, system 10 may contain about 122 frozen thermal gel packs, or about 224 pounds total of thermal gel. In combination with the payload boxes, system 10 can hold in total about 298 lbs of frozen thermal gel. The thermal performance of this one embodiment is shown in the graph in FIG. 13 and explained below.

Thermal gel may be packaged in rigid thermal gel bricks, such as the PROPAK™ FRIGIDBRICK™ gel brick, or the like. In total, one embodiment of system 10 may contain up to about ninety-five thermal gel bricks that each contain 30 ounces of thermal gel. This leads to a total mass of thermal gel bricks of about 180 pounds, and total mass of gel in system 10, including gel in the payload boxes, may be about 254 pounds.

The amount of total thermal gel in system 10 may range from about 0 pounds to about 600 pounds and more preferably between about 150 to about 450 pounds and most preferably between about 200 and about 300 pounds. Although 24 ounce and 30 ounce gel packs or bricks are described above, any mass of gel pack or gel brick 480 may be used in different embodiments of system 10.

Throughout this application, it all be understood that references to gel amounts refer to predetermined capacity, and that not all of the capacity will need to be used in every situation, but, instead, a predetermined amount of gel may be placed in system 10 according to expected temperatures, shipping times, and other parameters known to those of ordinary skill.

The thermal mass layer may alternatively include other thermal energy absorbing materials, such as frozen water, frozen carbon dioxide (often called “dry ice”), or any other material with desirable thermal properties, such as high specific heat capacity, high latent heat of fusion, and/or high latent heat of vaporization.

2.2 Outer Layer, Thermal Insulating Layer, and Thermal Buffer Layer

Other layers of system 10 enhance thermal mass layer's ability to maintain a stable temperature of the temperature-sensitive cargo. Outer layer made from side exterior members 202b and top/bottom exterior members 202a may serve as insulation and may provide structural support for system 10. Exterior members 202a and 202b may slow the rate at which heat energy is transferred into system 10 from the external environment. Moving towards the center of system 10, the next layer, the insulating layer, is formed from insulating members 302a, 302b, and 302c. Also, insulating members, such as top/bottom insulating member 302a may contain thermally insulating material 350a which serve to possibly slow the rate of heat transfer deeper inside system 10.

Again moving towards the center of system 10, the next layer, the thermal mass layer, may be used to absorb at least some of the remaining heat energy that penetrates through the outer layer and insulating layer. By providing thermal mass, the thermal energy absorbing material inside thermal mass members may prevent excessive heat energy from the external environment from reaching the temperature sensitive cargo in cargo cavity 50 for over 100 hours. The thermal buffer layer, made from thermal buffer panels 502a, 502b, and 502c, may provide a thermal buffer between the thermal mass layer and the temperature-sensitive cargo, so the cargo may not cool too much below a desired threshold temperature.

2.3 Testing Data

The thermal characteristics of a possible embodiment of system 10 is shown in FIG. 13. This graph shows the experimental data collected during a test of a prototype of system 10 using the Elevated 144 hour ISTA 7D Summer test profile. The test involved an external temperature that fluctuated as a function of time to simulate the conditions system 10 might encounter during shipping. The external temperature begins at about 24° C., and then alternates periodically between about 27° C. and about 35° C. every 24 hours. The graph also shows the temperature of the cargo cavity as a function of time. In the approximately 144 hours shown on the graph, the temperature of the cargo cavity stays within approximately a 3 degree range between about 2° C. and about 5° C., ensuring that the temperature-sensitive cargo maintains a relatively stable temperature.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, data for a prototype of system 10 when subjected to elevated 144 hour ISTA 7D summer profile shows that even as ambient temperature is cycled to simulate predetermined variations between two different hot ambient temperatures, namely between about 28° C. and about 35° C., cargo is maintained at a temperature between 5° C. and 2° C. for about 6 days, which should be long enough to complete even long-haul shipping routes.

Alternatively, system 10 may be used without thermal energy absorbing material and used simply for its insulating properties if only a limited duration of temperature stabilization is needed.

3. Materials and Construction

When referring to illustrations of the blanks, the usual drawing conventions are applied. That is, unless otherwise indicated, broken lines indicate lines of weakness, such as fold or score lines, which facilitate rotating or folding portions of a blank; and interior solid lines indicate through-cuts. Also, when score lines and/or fold lines are referred to herein, in alternative embodiments, a score line may be replaced with a fold line or another line of weakness, and/or a fold line may be replaced with a score line or another line of weakness.

Additionally, when flanges and/or tabs are referred to herein, in alternative embodiments, a flange may be replaced with a tab or another projection, and/or a tab may be replaced with a flange or another projection. Moreover, when notches and/or slots are referred to herein, in alternative embodiments, a notch may be replaced with a slot or another cut, and/or a slot may be replaced with a notch or another cut.

Generally, a blank may be a single panel or it may be folded into two, three, four, or more panels. Similarly, when panels are shown as individual members, two or more such panels alternatively may be formed by folding a blank into the desired number of shapes and panels.

In preferred embodiments, blanks are fabricated from corrugated fiberboard material, although other materials having similar suitable performance characteristics may be employed if desired. For example, other materials may include paperboard, cardboard, non-corrugated fiberboard, polymers, metal foil, and/or biodegradable material such as biodegradable film, paper, or fiber. When made from corrugated fiberboard, blanks may be made from single or double wall corrugated fiberboard. Single wall fiberboard comprises one layer of fluted paper that is sandwiched between two smooth fiberboard paper layers. These three layers form one single wall fiberboard. Double wall fiberboard comprises three layers of smooth fiberboard paper with one layer of fluted paper sandwiched in between each layer of smooth fiberboard paper, for five total layers. The single wall fiberboard may have a thickness between about 1/16 inch and about ½ inch, preferably between about ⅛ inch and about ⅜ inch, more preferably about ¼ inch. The double wall fiberboard may have a thickness between about ⅛ inch and about 1 inch, preferably between about ¼ inch and about ⅞ inch, more preferably about ⅜ inch.

Certain blanks and/or components may be coated on one or more sides in a waterproof recyclable coating to prevent deterioration and/or weakening of fiberboard products when subjected to damp environments or from other water sources. Coating may include MICHELMAN® MICHEM® Coat 40 Plus or the like, which is applied to fiberboard products to provide water and oil resistance. MICHEM® Coat 40 Plus is a water-based coating that, when dry, resists water, oil, and grease from penetrating corrugated fiberboard.

Moreover, in some embodiments, blanks may be fabricated, erected, and/or articulated using adhering or adhesive materials, such as tape, glue, and/or a sealant. When adhesive materials are used, one or more layers may be fabricated, erected and/or articulated without adhering or adhesive materials. For example, tabs, flanges, slots, and/or notches maybe be used to fabricate, erect, and/or articulate a blank. System 10 may also be assembled using staples, nails, screws, clips, rivets, and/or other fasteners.

Preferably, system 10 is assembled using assembly tabs. These tabs reduce adhesive costs and improper gluing procedure during assembly. Additionally, they allow system 10 to be assembled and disassembled repeatedly without damage, improving its recyclability.

Preferably, the various components of system 10 fit together snugly by substantially abutting next to the adjacent component with no perceivable air gap. This promotes thermal efficiency and ensures a strong, physically stable structure.

Preferably, system 10 may be shrink wrapped either on or off of a shipping pallet. This shrink wrap provides additional stability and air-trapping properties, although it is not required for system 10 to function properly. Additionally, the bottom cap and/or bottom exterior member 202 may be attached to a pallet with staples and/or other fasteners to further secure system 10 to a shipping pallet.

4. Outer Walls

In addition to the thermal energy absorbing material, system 10 includes other layers which may shield the temperature-sensitive cargo from temperature variations from the outside environment. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 the first layer of system 10, the outer wall, may comprise two side exterior members 202a and two top/bottom exterior members 202b. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, each side exterior member 202b is folded along fold 220 to form two of the six sides of system 10. The two side exterior members 202b are assembled such that flap 204, formed by fold 222, of each side exterior member 202b folds over the opposite edge of the other side exterior member 202b, such that the two sides of each side exterior member 202b form a total of four sides of system 10. Each side exterior member 202b, when folded, may comprise a short panel side and long panel side. The length, height, and position of the fold on each side exterior member 202b ultimately determine the overall dimensions of system 10, minus this thickness of end cap 250. Both side exterior members 202b and top/bottom exterior members 202a include a plurality of tabs 206, which interface with slots 314a, 314b, and 314c of insulating members 302a, 302b, and 302c, as explained below.

4.1 Overall Dimensions Based on Exterior Members

The length of each side of system 10, as formed by the long panel of side exterior members 202b may range from about 40 to about 56 inches long. The width of system 10, as formed by the short panel of side exterior member 202b, may range from about 32 inches to about 48 inches. The height of system 10, as formed by side exterior members 202b, may range from about 24 inches to about 60 inches. One possible discrete size of system 10 is about 48 inches long, about 40 inches wide, and about 24 inches tall. Another possible size of system 10 is about 48 inches long, about 40 inches wide, and about 48 inches tall. Another possible size of system 10 is about 48 inches long, about 40 inches wide, and about 60 inches tall.

4.2 Exterior Member Dimensions

Flap 204 may be about 0 to about 10 inches wide, with the ideal length being about 6 inches wide. The length of top/bottom exterior members 202 may be from about 40 inches to 56 inches. Preferably, the top/bottom exterior members 202a are about 47 7/16 inches long. The width of top/bottom exterior members 202a range from about 32 inches to 48 inches. Preferably, top/bottom exterior members 202a are about 39⅜ inches wide. Top/bottom exterior members 202a serve as the remaining two sides of system 10, such that all six sides formed by two side exterior members 202b and two top/bottom exterior members 202a form a substantially rectangular cuboid box. As seen in FIG. 11A side exterior members 202b are made from blank 200. In a preferred embodiment, side exterior members 202b and top/bottom exterior members 202a are made from double wall fiberboard. Double wall fiberboard is used to provide structural support and thermal insulating properties for system 10.

5. Insulating Layer

Moving inward to the first internal layer of system 10, after the side external members 202b and top/bottom insulating members 202a, is insulating layer comprised of six insulating members 302a, 302b, and 302c, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Insulating members 302a, 302b, and 302c are removably attached to side exterior members 202b and top/bottom exterior members 202a using one or more tabs 206. Insulating members 302a, 302b, and 302c are located adjacent to and removably attached to the inner surface of exterior members 202b and 202a. There are three sizes of insulating members in each different sized embodiment of system 10, although each insulating member is structurally identical and is assembled in a similar way, each different size is indicated with a different lower case letter.

A long side insulating member 302b may removably attach to each long side panel of both side exterior members 202b using four tabs 206. Tabs 206 are cut out of the long panel side of each side exterior member 202b and interface with slots 314b cut into long side insulating member 302b.

A short side insulating member 302c may removably attach to each short side panel of both side exterior members 202b using two tabs 206. Tabs 206 are cut out of the short panel side of each side exterior member 202b and interface with slots 314c cut into the short side insulating member 302c.

A top/bottom insulating member 302a is removably attached to each top/bottom exterior members 202a using four tabs 206. Tabs 206 are cut out of the side of each top/bottom exterior member 202a and interface with slots 314a cut into top/bottom insulating member 302a.

Two of each insulating members 302a, 302b, and 302c form the six sides of the thermal insulating layer.

5.1 Insulating Member Dimensions

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, each insulating member 302a is formed by blank 300a which is folded around thermally insulating material 350a. Flaps 304a are folded first around thermally insulating material 350a then flaps 308a are folded over flaps 304a, partially enclosing thermally insulating material 350a and securing it inside the insulating member 302a. Flaps 316a, formed by fold 336a, fit into slots 312a to removably secure flaps 308a to flaps 304a. When flaps 304a and 308a are folded, the sides of insulating member 302a are formed by sides 306a and 310a. Each side 306a is formed by folds 324a and 326a. Each side 308a is formed by folds 328a and 330a.

Of the three sizes of insulating member that are used in the 48″ tall embodiment of system 10, the long side size insulating member 302b may be about 40 11/16 inches tall, about 46⅝ inches long, and about 3 5/16 inches thick. The short side size insulating member 302c may be about 40 11/16 inches tall, about 31⅝ inches long, and about 3 5/16 inches thick. The top/bottom size insulating member 302a may be about 46 9/16 inches long, about 38 5/16 inches wide and about 3 5/16 inches thick.

Each insulating member 302a, 302b, and 302c is structurally similar and contain and generally the same elements, albeit labeled with each member's corresponding letter. Only one size insulating member, insulating member 302a, is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Insulating member 302c only contains two slots 314c, as opposed to 302a which contains four slots 314a and 302b which contains four slots 314b.

Thermally insulating material 350a fills at least some of the space resulting from folding blank into insulating member 302a. Preferably, thermally insulating material 350a is formed from a recyclable material with good thermal insulating properties, such as cellulose, hemp, jute, cotton, or a combination thereof, although any material with good thermal insulating properties can be used.

6. Thermal Mass Layer

Moving inward from the insulating layer formed by insulating panels, system 10 includes a thermal mass layer formed from six thermal mass members 402a, 402b, 402c and 402d, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Each thermal mass member is structurally similar, although only one size, 402a is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The other thermal mass members contain generally the same elements and are assembled in a similar way. Thermal mass member 402a is formed from blank 400a. Blank 400a may be made from single wall fiberboard. When blank is folded along fold lines 426a, 428a, 430a, 432a, 434a, and 436a, it forms thermal mass member 402a. Blank tab 412a is glued to the opposite of the exterior face 404a when folded to maintain the shape of thermal mass member 402a. There may be up to four sizes of thermal mass member used in each embodiment of system 10. The four sizes represent the long side thermal mass members 402b, the short side thermal mass members 402c, the top/bottom thermal mass members 402a, and an optional internal thermal mass member 402d.

6.1 Thermal Mass Member Dimensions

In a 48″ tall embodiment of system 10, the long side thermal mass member 402b may be about 37 3/16 inches wide by about 35⅛ inches tall by about 2¾ inches thick. The short side thermal mass member 402c may be about 28 15/16 inches wide and about 35⅛ inches tall and about 2¾ inches thick. The top/bottom thermal mass member 402a may be about 31⅝ inches wide and about 39⅞ inches long and about 2¾ inches thick. The internal thermal mass member 402d may be about 23 11/16 inches wide and about 32 ¼ inches long and about 2¾ inches thick.

The thermal mass layer may be formed with six thermal mass members. Two long side thermal mass members 402b may be used. Each top/bottom thermal mass member's 402a exterior face 404a is located adjacent to the top/bottom insulating member 302a. This forms two of the sides of system 10, the top and bottom. Similarly, each long side thermal mass member 402b is located adjacent to each long side insulating member 302b. Each short side thermal mass member 402c is located adjacent to each short side insulating member 302c. These form the remaining four sides of system 10. These combine with the two sides formed by the top/bottom thermal mass members 402a to form the six sides of insulating layer of system 10.

System 10 may include one or more internal thermal mass members 402d. Such member can be used if additional thermal mass is needed to keep the cargo at a specific temperature range.

6.2 Vent Holes

Thermal mass members 402a, 402b, 402c, and 402d may contain vent holes 450. One embodiment may contain twelve equally spaced vent holes on interior facing wall 408a of each thermal mass member. Vent holes 450 align with vent holes 460 located on thermal mass support 452a. The function of vent holes 450 and 460 is explained below.

7. Thermal Mass Sleeves

System 10 may include thermal mass sleeves. As shown in FIG. 9A, thermal mass sleeves 452a are inserted into thermal mass members 402a. Thermal mass sleeves 452a prevent the thermal energy absorbing material from moving around from side to side during shipment and transportation of system 10. When used with thermal gel, each thermal mass sleeve may hold one or more gel packs and/or gel bricks 480, shown in FIG. 9B. Each thermal mass sleeve 452a is made from blank 450a by folding along fold lines 470a, 472a, 474a, and 476a. Tab 458 is glued to blank 450a to maintain a sufficiently rectangular cross sectional shape for thermal mass sleeve 454a. The thermal mass sleeves 454a may include two tabs 462a protruding from each end of the sleeve. Tabs 462a, which are narrower than the width of the sleeve, allow flaps 416a from thermal mass member 402a to fit inside itself without interfering with the sleeves. Tabs 462a may be located on both sides to allow for either end of the thermal mass sleeve 454a to be inserted first into thermal mass member 402a.

7.1 Thermal Mass Sleeve Dimensions

Three sizes of thermal mass sleeves may be used each embodiment of system 10, although only one is shown because each size has sufficiently the same structure. One size fits in the long and short side thermal mass members 402b and 402c, the top/bottom thermal mass sleeves 452a fit in the top/bottom thermal mass members 402a, and a third size fits in the internal thermal mass member 402d. About four top/bottom thermal mass sleeves 452a fit in each top/bottom thermal insulating member 402a, for about eight total. About five side thermal mass sleeves fit in each long side thermal mass member 402b, for about ten total. About four side thermal mass sleeves fit in each short side thermal mass member 402c, for about eight total. Finally, about three internal thermal mass sleeves fit in the internal thermal mass member 402d.

In a 48″ tall embodiment, the side thermal mass sleeve may be about 34 ½ inches long, about 7 inches wide, and about 2 7/16 inches thick. The top/bottom thermal mass sleeve 452a may be about 39¼ inches long, about 7⅝ inches wide, and about 2 7/16 inches thick. Internal thermal mass sleeve may be about 31⅝ inches long, about 7¾ inches wide, and about 2 7/16 inches thick.

7.2 Vent Holes

Thermal mass supports 452a may contain vent holes 460a both sides. There may be three vent holes 460a on each wall of thermal mass sleeve 452a. Holes 460a may be placed on both sides of the thermal mass sleeve 452a, to allow the sleeve to be inserted in either direction without impacting thermal performance. Vent holes 460a align with vent holes 450a of each thermal mass member 402a when each thermal mass sleeve 452a is inserted into thermal mass member 402a. The combination of vent holes 450a and 460a provide a route of increased heat transfer between thermal energy absorbing material and the surrounding layers. There may be twelve total vent holes on each thermal mass member 452a.

8. Thermal Buffer Layer

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, system 10 may also contain a thermal buffer layer. Thermal buffer layer is made from six thermal buffer panels 502a, 502b, 502c. The thermal buffer panels 502a, 502b, and 502c slow the transfer of heat from the temperature-sensitive cargo to the thermal energy absorbing material to ensure the temperature of the temperature sensitive cargo does not fall below a predetermined temperature. These thermal buffer panels may be made from HEXACOMB® fiberboard panels, shown in FIG. 10. These HEXACOMB® panels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,972 HEXACOMB® panels are made from three layers of fiberboard or similar material. The top and bottom layers 504a are comprised of smooth fiberboard paper and the middle layer 506a is made from an engineered fiberboard insert formed from a repeating series of hexagonal shapes. These hexagons trap a layer of air within thermal buffer panels 502a, 502b, and 502c which act as insulation to slow heat transfer from the temperature-sensitive cargo to thermal energy absorbing material. These panels also serve to cushion the temperature sensitive cargo as the hexagon shaped structure deforms and crushes under a compressive load. As disclosed in the '972 patent, HEXACOMB® panels provide protection for up to 85 G shocks.

8.1 Thermal Buffer Panel Dimensions

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dimensions of thermal buffer panels may be about 30 inches to about 40 inches long, about 25 inches to about 35 inches wide, and about ½ inches to about 1½ inches thick. The thickness of thermal buffer panels may be about 1 inch in all sizes of system 10. There may be three sizes of thermal buffer panels in each size of system 10.

In a 48″ tall embodiment, long side thermal buffer panel 502b may be about 33 inches tall by about 33⅜ inches wide. Short side thermal buffer panel 502c may be about 33 inches tall by about 25 inches wide. Top/bottom thermal buffer panel 502a may be about 34¼ inches long by about 26 inches wide.

9. End Caps

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, system 10 may include end caps 250. Each end cap 250 adds additional support to hold system 10 together and maintain its shape, particularly by removably affixing side exterior members 202b and top/bottom exterior members 202a in place. End cap 250 is formed from blank 280. Blank 280 is folded along fold lines 272 and 274, then tabs 256 are folded along fold 276 in each corner and inserted into slots 258 to removably affix each flaps 252 and 254 into place. Tabs 256 are held into slots 258 by notches 260, which anchor tabs 256 into the bottom edge of each slot 258. This forms four walls which slide over exterior members 202b when they are assembled into a quadrilateral shape. End cap 250 may be made from single wall corrugated fiberboard.

9.1 End Cap Dimensions

The dimensions of end cap may range from about 40 inches to about 56 inches long and from about 32 inches to about 48 inches wide. Long side flaps 252 may range from about 1 inch to 6 inches wide and short side flaps 254 may range from about 2 inches to about 10 inches wide. In all embodiments, end cap may be about 48 inches long and 40 inches wide and long side flaps may be about 4 7/16 inches wide and short side flaps may be about 7 inches wide.

10. Complete Assembly

FIGS. 12A through 12 H show one possible way to assemble system 10 in one embodiment. System 10 may be assembled in a different order than the single embodiment described here. Additionally, FIGS. 12A through 12H show only part of the assembly and process to better illustrate the interior components. Other sides of system 10 may be assembled in similar steps as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

First, as shown in FIG. 12A, end cap 250 may be placed on a pallet or other surface with folded walls 252 and 254 facing upwards and away from the ground or pallet. Next, one top/bottom exterior member 202a, with insulating member 302a attached via assembly tabs 206 may be placed in end cap 250 with top/bottom exterior member 202a facing down. This may form outermost bottom side of system 10.

Moving on to FIGS. 12B and 12C, each side exterior member 202b, is folded along fold lines 220 and 222, as shown in detail in FIG. 11A, such that the long and short sides of side exterior member 202b form are substantially normal to one another. Next, shown in FIG. 12C, one long side insulating member 302b and one short side insulating member 302c are attached to side exterior member 202b using tabs 206. Tabs 206 may interface with slots 314b as shown in FIG. 11B. Side exterior member 202b, with long and short side insulating members 302b and 302c attached, is inserted into the bottom formed by end cap 250, top/bottom exterior panel 202a, and top/bottom insulating panel 302a. Although not shown in the figures, this process is repeated to form the remaining two sidewalls of system 10. When added to top/bottom exterior panel 202a and end cap, these elements form five sides of a rectangular or parallelpiped box.

Next is the assembly of the thermal mass layer, shown in FIGS. 12D and 12E. Each thermal mass member 402a is assembled by inserting four thermal mass sleeves 452a into each thermal mass member. A predetermined number of gel bricks 480 are inserted into each thermal mass sleeve 452a, shown in detail in FIG. 9B. Thermal mass members 402b and 402c are assembled in a similar way. Thermal mass member 402a is placed in the bottom of system 10, such that non-vented side 404a faces downwards adjacent to top/bottom insulating member 302a. Next, long side thermal mass member 402b and short side thermal mass member 402c are inserted into next two assembled side exterior members 202b. These are positioned such that the vented side faces of each faces inwardly and the non-vented side is placed against the interior surface of one of the insulating member 302b or 302c. The process is repeated for the other two sides not shown in the figures.

Moving on to FIG. 12F, top/bottom thermal buffer panel 502a is placed on top of the vented side 408a of thermal mass member 402a. Next, long side thermal buffer panel 502b and short side thermal buffer panel 502c are placed inside system 10 such that long side thermal buffer panel 502b is adjacent to thermal mass member 402b and short side thermal buffer panel 502c is adjacent to thermal mass member 402a. This process is repeated for the remaining two unshown sides of system 10. After completion of the five sides of the thermal buffer layer, cargo cavity 50 is created for transporting temperature sensitive cargo.

As seen in FIG. 12G, internal thermal buffer member 402d may be inserted into cargo cavity 50 after some of the cargo is loaded if needed for additional heat absorption capacity. Cargo boxes are not shown in FIG. 12G or 12H.

Turning to FIG. 12G, top/bottom thermal buffer panel 502a is placed on top of the edges of the side thermal buffer panels 502b and 502c, forming the sixth and final top wall to cargo cavity 50. Next, the thermal mass layer is completed by placing a top/bottom size thermal mass member 402a on top of top/bottom thermal buffer panel 502a, such that vented side 408a of top/bottom thermal mass member 402a is facing down towards top/bottom thermal buffer panel 502a. The insulating layer is completed by placing top/bottom exterior member 202a, with a top/bottom thermal insulating member 302a removably attached via tabs 206, such that exterior member 202a is facing upwards.

Finally, in FIG. 12H, the assembly of system 10 is completed by placing a second end cap 250 on top of top/bottom exterior member 202a, such that the folded sides 252 and 254 face downward and fit around the four side walls formed by exterior members 202b, again noting that half of system 10 is not shown in FIG. 12H to show the interior of system 10.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the components of system 10 may be shipped from the manufacturer to the user location in mostly knocked-down and flat form, i.e., ready to assemble. Some sub-assemblies may be pre-assembled, for example, those that are glued, such as insulation members and thermal mass sleeves. It may be desirable and attainable to provide the user with a system 10 that can be assembled largely or entirely without staples, fasteners, glue, tape, or the like. In this way, assembly is relatively easy and almost foolproof. Instructions such as the sequence of FIGS. 12A-12H and accompanying description. Few if any tools may be required of the user, and generally no special tools may be needed. Similarly, the recipient of a fully erected and loaded system 10 may find it easy to open and unload the system and to disassemble it into its respective recyclable and reusable components. (Gel packs may be reused: other components may be recycled.)

10.1 Alternative Loading Method

System 10 may also be configured to allow the short side of exterior member 202b to open, which allows loading from the side instead of the top of system 10. Such a configuration may be achieved by removing tabs 256 from one side of both the top and bottom end caps 250 and swinging the short side of external member 202b open along fold line 220. Next the short side thermal insulting member 402c may be removed, along with the short side thermal buffer panel 502c, allowing access to cargo cavity 50.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill that thermally biased, e.g., refrigerated or frozen, gel packs or bricks may be loaded into sleeves, and sleeves into thermal mass members, on site by the user. Similarly, it will be understood that system 10 may be loaded or unloaded as needed, e.g., over a period of time or in a series of locations.

While particular elements, embodiments, and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto because modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover such modifications and incorporate those features which come within the spirit and scope of the invention.

11. Additional Detailed Description

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, insulating shipping system 10 that includes six walls made from exterior members 202a and 202b, an insulating layer made from insulating members 302a, 302b, and 302c fitting within those six walls, and a thermal mass layer made from thermal mass members 402a, 402b, and 402c fitting within that insulating layer, where the thermal mass layer substantially surrounds cargo cavity 50 and said insulating layer substantially surrounds said thermal mass layer.

System 10 may also include a thermal buffer layer made from thermal buffer panels 502a, 502b, and 502c fitting within said thermal mass layer where the thermal buffer layer substantially surrounds said cargo cavity 50.

Exterior members 202a and 202b may be made from corrugated fiberboard.

Exterior members 202a and 202b may be made from double wall corrugated fiberboard.

System 10 may also include two end caps 250 forming a base and a top.

The outer walls of system 10 are made of four sidewalls made from two side exterior members 202b and a top and bottom wall both made from one exterior member 202a;

The insulating layer may include two long side insulating members 302b, two short side insulating members 302c, and two top/bottom insulating members 302a.

The thermal mass layer may include two long side thermal mass members 402b, two short side thermal mass members 402c, and two top/bottom thermal mass members 402a.

The thermal mass members 402a, 402b, and 402c may contain a plurality of thermal gel bricks 480 and may include vent holes 450.

The thermal buffer may include two long side thermal buffer panel 502b, two short side thermal buffer panel 502c, and two top/bottom thermal buffer panel 502a.

Each top/bottom exterior members 202a may interlock with each top/bottom thermal insulating member using four tabs 206. Each side exterior member 202b may interlock with one long side thermal insulating panel 302b and one short side thermal insulting panel 302c using six tabs 206.

System 10 may be about 48 inches long, about 48 inches high, and about 40 inches wide.

Each one of thermal insulating members 302a, 302b, and 302c may have a thickness of between about 2 and about 4 inches;

Each one of thermal mass members 402a, 402b, 402c, and 402d may have a thickness of between about 1½ and about 3½ inches; and

Each thermal buffer panels may have a thickness of between about ⅛ and about 1½ inches.

The overall thickness of each side of system 10, including one exterior member 202a or 202b; one thermal insulting member 302a, 302b, or 302c; one of thermal mass member 402a, 402b, or 402c; and one of thermal buffer panel 502a, 502b, or 502c; may be between about 5 and about 8 inches.

Thermal buffer panels 502a, 502b, and 502c may have a honeycomb construction.

The thermal energy absorbing material may be thermally biased gel.

The thermal energy absorbing material may be frozen carbon dioxide.

Thermal mass members include thermal mass sleeves which may be configured to fit inside said thermal mass members.

Thermal mass members 402a, 402b, 402c, and 402d may include vents 450 leading toward said cargo cavity 50.

Thermal insulating members 302a, 302b, and 302c may be made from corrugated fiberboard.

Thermal mass members 402a, 402b, 402c, and 402d may be made from corrugated fiberboard.

Thermal buffer panels 502a, 502b, and 502c may be made from corrugated fiberboard.

Thermally insulating material 350a may be recyclable.

The mass capacity of thermally biased gel such as in gel bricks 480 in sleeves in system 10 may be between about 150 and about 200 pounds.

Claims

1. An insulating shipping system comprising: six walls;an insulating layer fitting within said six walls; anda thermal mass layer fitting within said insulating layer;wherein said thermal mass layer substantially surrounds a cargo cavity and said insulating layer substantially surrounds said thermal mass layer.

2. The insulating shipping system according to claim 1, further comprising a thermal buffer layer fitting within said thermal mass layer;wherein said thermal buffer layer substantially surrounds said cargo cavity.

3. The insulating shipping system according to claim 1, wherein said outer walls are made from corrugated fiberboard.

4. The insulating shipping system according to claim 1, wherein said outer walls are made from double wall corrugated fiberboard.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The insulating shipping system according to claim 2, wherein said thermal buffer layer includes a plurality of buffer panels, each said buffer panel has a honeycomb construction.

9. The insulating shipping system according to claim 1, wherein said thermal mass layer is adapted to hold thermal energy absorbing material therein,said thermal energy absorbing material is thermally biased gel.

10. The insulating shipping system according to claim 1, wherein said thermal mass layer is adapted to hold thermal energy absorbing material therein,said thermal energy absorbing material is frozen carbon dioxide.

11. The insulating shipping system according to claim 1, wherein said thermal mass layer includes a plurality of thermal mass members, said thermal mass members include internal thermal mass supports which are configured to fit inside said thermal mass members;such that said thermal mass supports reduce the relative movement of thermal energy absorbing material retained therein.

12. The insulating shipping system according to claim 1, wherein; said thermal mass layer includes vents on an interior side leading into said cargo cavity.

13. The insulating shipping system according to claim 1, wherein said insulating layer includes a plurality of insulating members, said insulating members are made from corrugated fiberboard.

14. The insulating shipping system according to claim 11, wherein said thermal mass members are made from corrugated fiberboard.

15. The insulating shipping system according to claim 8, wherein said thermal buffer panels are made from corrugated fiberboard.

16. The insulating shipping system according to claim 13, wherein said insulating members include insulating material that is recyclable.

17. The insulating shipping system according to claim 9, wherein the mass capacity of thermally biased gel in sleeves is in the range of 150 to 200 pounds.