Inflatable insulating liners including phase change material

Abstract

Abstract of Disclosure An insulating liner is provided having an inflatable, double outer layer defining an interior container space for thermally-sensitive cargo. A phase change material layer is formed upon or carried by a baffle material lying within the inflated layer. The multiple layers forming the insulating liner are attached to one-another in a series of inflation seals that form a plurality of interconnected inflatable chambers which, when inflated, provide structural definition to the interior containment space.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 09 / 156,208, filed September 17, 1998.Background of InventionField of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates to thermally-insulated shipping containers and, more particularly, to shipping containers that are selectively inflatable. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pair of film layers having opposed reflective surfaces, and an optionally-interposed film baffle layer, that together define an inflatable envelope in the form of a flexible insulating bag.Description of the Prior Art[0003] In the transportation and distribution of products, both the product and the package define the "shipping environment". While the corrugated fiberboard boxes, steel drums, wooden crates, and pallets have not changed significantly over the pastyears, the shipping requirements of the products have changed with each new generation of both product and shipping techn...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

0028] The use of rf welding enhances the manufacturing efficiencies enjoyed by the use of plastic film layers from which to fabricate the insulated bag. When appropriately pre-folded prior to welding, the plastic film layers and the detailed rf welding pattern jointly cooperate to minimize the number of welding passes required. Bag formation with an asymmetrical welding pattern requires two separate passes, with the second to secure the side panels together, forming the boxed ends.

0029] Alternatively, the use of a symmetrical, single-pass welding pattern permits the formation of an enclosed bag, including all side sealing seams, and a double-flap instead of a single-flap enclosure lid. The in

Problems solved by technology

Such surface transportation is relatively slow, and the shipped goods must have a correspondingly long shelf life.

However, many temperature-sensitive products, such as perishable foodstuffs, are time-sensitive as well.

While providing satisfactory insulation qualities as well as being light in weight, EPS also presents several negative characteristics to the shipping industry.

EPS"s poor volume efficiency increases shipment costs when transporting the empty containers to the location of their use, as well as causing increased warehousing costs when stored in inventory prior to use.

While providing reasonable protection from shock impacts during transit, EPS has poor resistance to the application of puncture and shear-loading.

EPS easily

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