Multiple Walled Primary Package with Phase Change Material

Abstract

A container for a temperature sensitive product, such as a pharmaceutical compound, includes an inner vessel and an outer shell. When the inner vessel is contained in the outer shell, a chamber adapted to receive a phase change material is defined between an inner vessel wall and an outer shell wall. A container may also include multiple chambers defined by multiple walls, with different phase change materials disposed in different chambers. A cap, such as a child-proof cap, may be used to secure the contents of the container.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 291,707 filed Dec. 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The subject invention relates generally to primary packages, receptacles or containers and more specifically to a receptacle that cools or heats a payload to a temperature range and then maintains the payload in a desired temperature range for an extended period.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is generally held as desirable to consume or administer certain pharmaceutical compounds (“pharma-compounds”), when they are cold, i.e., below a predetermined upper temperature. Refrigerating the compounds is the common way of maintaining a desired temperature range. While reasonably effective for keeping the compounds cool, refrigeration remains expensive and generally non-portable.[0004]In the absence of active refrigeration means, the consumer may rely on insulated containers to limit heat loss ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]When an embodiment of the present invention includes two PCMs, a temperature sensitive compound may be maintained between a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature. The first PCM may be selected because it has a first phase change temperature sufficiently above the minimum temperature in the range to ensure the payload does not fall below the minimum temperature in the range, and a second PCM may be selected because it has a second phase change temperature sufficiently below the maximum temperature in the range to ensure the payload does not rise above the maximum temperature in the range. In one embodiment, the first PCM exists as a liquid within the target temperature range, and the second PCM as a solid. The first PCM changes from its liquid phase to its solid phase at a temperature sufficiently above the minimum temperature in the range to ensure the payload does not fall below the minimum temperature in the range, and the second PCM changes from its solid phase to its liquid phase at a temperature sufficiently below the maximum temperature in the range to ensure the payload does not rise above the maximum temperature in the range. In this manner, the latent heats associated with the respective phase changes assist in maintaining the temperature of the payload within the range. Virtually any desired target temperature range may be accommodated by appropriate selection of the first and second PCMs.

[0019]Implementations of the present invention may include none, one or more of the following advantages. Renewable PCMs (RPCMs) may be used in some embodiments of the present invention. RPCMs may be more environmentally friendly than traditional PCMs. RPCMs are typically non-toxic to animals, including human beings. Because RPCMs are typically non-toxic, the RPCMs may be a source of food. RPCMs can be biodegradable and non-carcinogenic. RPCMs may be safer to work with. The temperature of the phase transition of an RPCM may be easier to control than the phase transition temperature of a traditional PCM. An RPCM with a relatively high phase change temperature may be capable of absorbing or radiating more heat energy than a traditional PCM with a similar phase change temperature. An RPCM may be charged, i.e., cooled or heated, more quickly than a traditional PCM. An RPCM may have a longer working lifespan per gram weight as compared to a traditional PCM. RPCMs can be safe to microwave. Manufacture and disposal of the RPCM can be simpler than that of a traditional PCM. The raw materials for RPCMs are readily available from agricultural sources.

Problems solved by technology

While reasonably effective for keeping the compounds cool, refrigeration remains expensive and generally non-portable.

Loss of pharma-compounds or decreased efficacy of the compounds often results when the pharma-compound temperature exceeds a predetermined upper limit.

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