Patent Application
20200047977
The present disclosure provides a receiving sheath for a thermal insulating insert, a multi-chamber insulated pocket with the receiving sheath, and a use of same when transporting goods in transit, in some cases food.
Ordering food online for delivery has become popular. A problem with this is safely transporting the food to the final consumer. The distributor of the food generally has no control over the conditions in which the food is transported, such as weather and impacts during transport. For example, on very hot days, a considerable amount of heat can have an effect on a protective bag, while the food contained therein must be kept cool.
Cooling pockets are sufficiently known from the prior art. Also, Styrofoam transport boxes filled with solid carbon dioxide can guarantee safe transport at suitable temperature.
For example, EP 0 037 545 A2 discloses a portable insulated container, such as a cooling pocket or cool box, wherein an insulated window adequately prevents the formation of a thermal bridge through the wall of the insulated container.
DE 20 2010 009 592 U1 discloses a transportable cooling pocket with active cooling and a sealable, thermally insulated container for receiving items.
Nevertheless, the solutions thus far are unsatisfactory. Suitable transport containers which also protect against heat are still unwieldy and expensive to produce. Also, in terms of recycling, there are considerable disadvantages. Thus, not only should there be protection against impacts and temperature equalization, but there are numerous further aspects which are in need of improvement.
Accordingly, there is a need to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a receiving sheath which, in connection with a thermal insulating insert, is cost-effective to produce and can also protect the goods in transit, such as food, contained therein, against temperature fluctuations or heat or cold. There is also a need to provide a multi-chamber insulated pocket with the receiving sheath. The present disclosure addresses these needs and further relates to the use of a receiving sheath and multi-chamber insulated pocket for transporting food.
Disclosed herein is a receiving sheath for a thermal insulating insert, which is, in some cases, removable and/or replaceable, with an access opening end and a bottom end as well as first and second receiving sheath edges, wherein the edges of the receiving sheath extend between the access opening end and the bottom end. The receiving sheath comprises a rear outer wall, a rear inner wall, a front outer wall, and a front inner wall, wherein a first receiving space for consumer goods is designed between front inner wall and the rear inner wall and is limited by the same. The first receiving space has an access opening at the access opening end. A second receiving space for the thermal insulating insert, i.e., suitable for receiving a thermal insulating insert, surrounds the first receiving space in the direction of the bottom end, in some cases at the bottom end, and is limited in a first portion by the front outer wall and the front inner wall.
Further features and advantages of the present disclosure are indicated by the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are explained by way of example using schematic drawings, without thereby restricting the present disclosure. These drawings show as follows:
The receiving sheath is suitable for receiving a thermal insulating insert and offers a second receiving space into which the insulating insert can be introduced. The insulating insert is thus not accommodated in the first receiving space in which the goods in transit are located. This has the advantage that the goods in transit do not come into contact with the insulating insert and are not impaired or damaged by the same. Fibers can come loose in pads, and if so, these can lose moisture in cooling elements. However, it is at least equally important that the insulating insert can be positioned optimally by the arrangement of the second receiving space. If the insulating insert is in the first receiving space, together with the goods in transit, it cannot be ensured at all, or can be ensured only very slightly, in what spatial direction sufficient thermal insulation takes place.
In principle, any insert suitable for protecting goods in transit against external temperatures comes into consideration for the second receiving space, for said thermal insulating insert. Optionally, in an embodiment, this is an insert in the form of a pad, in some cases in the form of flexible padding. Mostly, the pad does not actually provide active cooling, but prevents or delays temperature equalization between the external environment and the first receiving space because of its thermally insulating properties. The principle is known from a duvet. Also, an insert can be provided in the form of a flexible mat with pockets for receiving a coolant for the purpose of active cooling of the goods in transit. For example, it can be a cooling insert comprising ice or cooling gel. In principle, heating inserts are also conceivable. In any case, the thermal insulating insert prevents or delays an adjustment of the temperature of the goods in transit to the temperature outside of a receiving sheath with the insulating insert. In a further embodiment, the thermal insulating insert comprises, or is made from, flakes of corn. Also, insulating inserts comprising or made from polystyrene, in some cases polystyrene particles, are conceivable.
The first and/or second receiving space can be present, in some cases, expanded or compressed. It is self-evident that in a conventional bag which is folded flat, the receiving space does not disappear but is only compressed. As in said conventional bags, the volume of the first or second receiving space can also currently be very slight in a folded state, and increases as required by expansion, if consumer goods are placed into the first receiving space or a thermal insulating insert in is placed into the second receiving space. In this way, also in the first and second receiving spaces within the scope of the present disclosure, the walls which form the respective receiving space abut one another directly but in unconnected state, for example if receiving sheaths according to the present disclosure are stacked without any contents. However, a receiving space within the scope of the present disclosure requires, in principle, the intended items (food or thermal insulation) to be able to be placed in the receiving space. The same applies otherwise also to a third receiving space, if such is implemented. The first, second, and third receiving spaces can also be called first, second, and third receiving chambers.
In an advantageous embodiment, the access opening end is arranged opposite the bottom end. It is also advantageous if the access opening end, the bottom end, the first receiving sheath edge, and the second receiving sheath edge delineate a square basic form.
In one expedient embodiment, the receiving sheath comprises an intermediate wall between the rear outer wall and the rear inner wall, though in some cases, no such intermediate wall is provided between the front outer wall and the front inner wall. The intermediate wall can also offer additional protection. However, it is optionally also provided that a third receiving space, in some cases with an intermediate space opening, is limited by said intermediate wall and rear outer wall, in some cases wherein the intermediate wall and rear outer wall are heat-sealed and/or stuck together in the direction of the bottom end, and in some cases at the bottom end, and/or at the first and second receiving sheath edges. The third receiving space can, in principle, be used for consumer goods in which insulation is not necessary. However, also possible is a third receiving space with a transparent wall or a transparent window in which documents can be incorporated, with the result that, for example, an invoice or a delivery address can be arranged immediately visible in the third receiving space. Advantageous are embodiments where the intermediate wall is connected integrally to the rear inner wall.
In one suitable embodiment, it can be provided that the second receiving space for a thermal insulating insert is limited in a second portion by the rear inner wall and the intermediate wall or the rear outer wall, and in advantageous embodiments, the rear outer wall. This has the advantage that an improved thermal insulation is made possible also in the direction of the rear outer wall. The first and second portions are, in some cases, arranged on opposite sides of the first receiving space.
In one expedient embodiment, it is also provided that the second receiving space has an insertion opening at the bottom end, in some cases via which a thermal insulating insert can be introduced into the second receiving space. It has been shown to be advantageous if the insulating insert can be removed, and in some cases can be removed without residue. On one hand, this simplifies production as the insulating insert can be introduced without problems through the insertion opening, and on the other hand, it is possible to remove and/or replace a thermal insulating insert after use. For example, the thermal insulating insert can be a pad, whereas the receiving sheath is formed from a plastic material, in some cases a plastic film. Whereas the pad material is usually disposed of in the residual waste, it is advantageous to recycle plastic films separately. Such a separation, which improves recyclability, is made possible by the insertion opening. There are also insulating inserts, for example insulating inserts comprising ice cubes, which should be replaced regularly. After a more or less long time, the ice cubes melt, and new ice cubes should be inserted. If the ice cubes are not removed in a non-destructive manner, reusing the receiving sheath becomes completely impossible.
It is also advantageous if the access opening has an access opening section with which the access opening is, in some cases irreversibly, sealable or sealed, and/or the insertion opening has an insertion opening section with which the insertion opening is, in some cases reversibly, sealable or sealed. Sealing is irreversible if the seal cannot be reopened in a non-destructive manner. If both are implemented, the two very simple sealing possibilities have the advantage that neither do the consumer goods come out of the first receiving space nor does the insulating insert come out from the second receiving space. Additionally, contamination is prevented.
In an advantageous embodiment, the access opening section is detached from the first and second receiving sheath edges, and in some cases comprises an adhesive strip. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the insertion opening section is connected, in some cases heat-sealed, to the first and second receiving sheath edges. Consequently, said opening sections are differently designed in a suitable embodiment. In cases of pads, it has proven simpler and better if the insertion opening section is heat-sealed to the first and second receiving sheath edges. This ensures a simpler seal. In consumer goods, such a seal is not always optimal, as a cavity of the access opening would be limited, which impedes the removal of consumer goods. Here, a seal—similar to an envelope—has proven to be rather suitable.
In an advantageous embodiment, the access opening section and/or the access opening and/or the insertion opening section and/or the insertion opening extend between the two receiving sheath edges, in some cases from the first to the second receiving sheath edge.
It can also be provided that the access opening section and/or insertion opening section is connected integrally to the rear outer wall, in some cases both the access opening section and the insertion opening section. This means that these are made of a material layer, in some cases a film layer, and heat-sealing is not required. As a result of this, a cost-effective production is made possible, and the seal is also quite secure. As the rear outer wall is connected integrally, the material content is good, and it is prevented that one of the opening sections is accidentally disconnected or cut off, and an opening releases unintentionally, along a seam.
In an advantageous embodiment, the receiving sheath comprises an integral first film and/or paper layer and integral second film and/or paper layer, wherein the integral first and second films and/or paper layers are connected to one another, wherein the integral first film and/or paper layer comprises the rear outer wall and, in some cases, the access opening section and/or insertion opening section, and the integral second film and/or paper layer comprises the rear inner wall, the front inner wall, and the front outer wall, and in some cases the intermediate wall. In a variant of the named advantageous embodiment, the receiving sheath comprises the integral first film and the integral second film, wherein the first and second films are heat-sealed to one another, wherein the integral first film comprises the rear outer wall and in some cases the access opening section and insertion opening section, and the integral second film comprises the rear inner wall and the front outer wall, and preferably the intermediate wall. In an alternative further variant of the named advantageous embodiment the receiving sheath comprises the integral first paper layer and the integral second paper layer, wherein the first and second paper layers are stuck to one another, wherein the integral first paper layer comprises the rear outer wall, and in some cases the access opening section and/or insertion opening section and the integral second paper layer comprises the rear inner wall, the front inner wall, and the front outer wall, and preferably the intermediate wall. It can also be provided that, apart from adhesive strips or other adhesive agents, the receiving sheath is formed from only two parts, i.e., the first and second films and/or paper layers. It has surprisingly been shown that complex receiving sheaths can be produced with very few film and/or paper layers which are suitable notably for designing different receiving spaces for thermal insulating inserts, consumer goods, and documents where necessary. This reduces production costs quite considerably, which is of great importance in some cases in large production volumes.
In one embodiment, the access opening has a first opening edge and a second opening edge, wherein the intermediate wall as well as the rear inner wall are connected integrally to the first opening edge and/or the front inner wall as well as the front outer wall are connected integrally to the second opening edge. Because of this, the access opening is stable, wherein seams are not provided along the opening. Also, the thermal insulating insert can be made up to the first and second opening edges, with the result that the thermal protection is good even in the opening region. Furthermore, the thermal insulating insert can also stabilize the first and second opening edges, which is advantageous if this is a pad.
It can also be provided that at least five walls are heat-sealed or stuck together at the first and second receiving sheath edges, in each case at least in portions. In an advantageous embodiment, these five walls are the rear outer wall, the intermediate wall, the rear inner wall, the front inner wall, and the front outer wall, advantageously in this sequence. As a result of this, the walls are connected to one another, and as the heat-sealing or adhesion connects a plurality of walls simultaneously, the receiving sheath edge and the connection between the walls is stabilized notably. Production costs are also reduced considerably if only a little adhesive or few seams are required.
In an advantageous embodiment, the rear outer wall, the rear inner wall, the front inner wall, the front outer wall, and in some cases the intermediate wall, comprise paper and/or plastic, in some cases up to at least 90 wt.-%, in some cases at least 95 wt.-%, paper and/or plastic, in some cases plastic. The plastic can be polyethylene or polypropylene. It is also advantageous in an embodiment if the rear outer wall, the rear inner wall, the front inner wall, the front outer wall, and in some cases the intermediate wall, are transparent film walls.
The present disclosure also relates to a multi-chamber insulated pocket comprising a receiving sheath as described above and a thermal insulating insert, wherein the thermal insulating insert is present in the second receiving space and surrounds the first receiving space, and in some cases thermally insulates and/or cools or heats the first receiving space.
A multi-chamber insulated pocket within the scope of the present disclosure is a pocket which is suitable for protecting goods in transit, at least temporarily, against temperatures outside of the pocket, and in some cases prevents or delays a temperature equalization between first inner space and the external environment. It can, for example, be a cooling pocket. It can also be a padded pocket, wherein the pad effects thermal insulation. In principle, it can also be a pocket which heats the contents. In any case, an adjustment of the temperature of the goods in transit to the temperature outside of the pocket is prevented or considerably delayed. In some cases, the thermal insulating insert described at the outset is used.
In some cases, the thermal insulating insert is U-shaped and/or integral. However, the thermal insulating insert does not have to be U-shaped from the start, even in these advantageous embodiments. The second receiving space in some cases comprises the first and second portions which can shape the thermal insulating insert into a U-shape. For example, the thermal insulating insert can be an integral pad which is bent inside the second receiving space. A U-shape is at least present if two opposing limbs are connected to one another, in some cases continuously and/or via a curve. Continuously in this regard means consistently, i.e., without a kink, as in a fold.
In one embodiment, the thermal insulating insert is an integral pad, and in some cases a heat-insulating textile pad. Nonwoven fabrics or felt fabrics have proved to be of good value. In one embodiment, the pad is formed from precisely one, in some cases homogeneous, material composition, for example a nonwoven fabric or a material without a textile outer sheath.
In a further embodiment, the thermal insulating insert comprises, or is made from, flakes of corn. Also, insulating inserts comprising or made from polystyrene, in some cases polystyrene particles, are conceivable.
Furthermore, it has proved advantageous if the thermal insulating insert in the receiving sheath has an average material thickness of at least 0.25 cm, in some cases at least 1.0 cm, in a non-compressed state, i.e., if no additional pressure is exerted (air pressure is not included). It is also advantageous if the average material thickness is less than 3.0 cm. It has been shown that, due to these comparatively high material thicknesses, a safe pad can be achieved, and surprisingly, in spite of this, insertion into the second receiving space is possible.
In an advantageous embodiment, the thermal insulating insert comprises or is a cooling element, in some cases having a cooling gel or ice. In some cases, the cooling element has a temperature of less than 10° C. or is designed for producing a temperature of less than 10° C. in order to be used as a cooling element. Bags with cooling gel can, for example, be arranged in the form of a mat and inserted into the second receiving space as a thermal insulating insert.
The present disclosure also relates to the use of the above-described receiving sheath with a thermal insulating insert or the above-described multi-chamber insulated pocket for food, in some cases for online dispatch of food. Said use for thermal insulation or cooling of food is of broad interest.
The present disclosure has succeeded in developing a multi-chamber insulated pocket which is surprisingly simple to produce. In so doing, the receiving sheath of the multi-chamber insulated pocket can be produced separately, and in some cases a separation of the thermal insulating insert from the receiving sheath is also possible. As a result of this, production costs are clearly reduced and recyclability improved. Also, a safe transport and very good thermal insulation of the goods in transit is made possible at the same time. It is also considered advantageous that, during transport, the thermal insulating insert does not come into contact with the goods in transit or the environment when using the multi-chamber insulated pocket. The consequence of this is that the thermal insulating insert can be used several times, as may be required.
The features of the present disclosure shown in the above description, the claims as well as the drawings can be essential to the implementation of the present disclosure in its different embodiments, both individually and also in any possible combination.
The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide yet further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18188276.2 | Aug 2018 | EP | regional |
