Passive temperature controlled packaging system as a unitized device

Abstract

A container (10) suitable for air cargo can include a container body (12, 14, 20) having a top wall, a bottom wall (12), a front wall (20), a rear wall, and oppositely disposed side walls, and defining a cargo space (26) within the container (10). The container body (12, 14, 20) can be fabricated as a structure that is a compliant unit load device (ULD) container that meets prescribed air carrier structural requirements. A passive temperature control system (16) is located within the cargo space (26) and can have a plurality of insulation panels connected to interior surfaces of the walls of the container body (12, 14, 20), at least one bracket (42, 44) proximate a corresponding wall of the container body (12, 14, 20), and a plurality of refrigerant bottles (40) filled with a thermal medium and received by the at least one bracket (42, 44) to passively maintain a cargo space temperature in the cargo space (26) during cargo transport.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to air transport containers, and more particularly to passive temperature-controlled packaging systems that meet the specifications of containerized equipment (ULD). Background Technology

[0002] Containerized Loading Devices (ULDs) are pallets or containers used to load baggage, cargo, mail, or other types of goods into wide-body aircraft and some narrow-body aircraft. ULDs have standard dimensions that may be compatible with the specific aircraft on which they are loaded, allowing large quantities of cargo to be bundled into a single unit. Consolidating cargo into a ULD results in fewer individual units being loaded into the cargo area, saving ground staff time and effort and helping to maintain flight punctuality. Typically, each ULD comes with an accompanying packing list or manifest to allow tracking of the ULD's contents.

[0003] ULDs typically come in two forms: pallets and containers. ULD pallets are sturdy aluminum sheets with edges designed to lock onto cargo mesh lugs. They have fork openings for receiving forklifts or other cargo handling equipment to move the ULD onto and off the aircraft. ULD containers (also known as tanks and pods) are enclosed containers, typically made of aluminum, or a combination of an aluminum frame and walls made of Lexan or other suitable polycarbonate materials. Depending on the nature of the goods being transported, ULD containers may have built-in refrigeration units to maintain a specified temperature within the container.

[0004] Currently known refrigeration units in ULD containers are active temperature control devices that operate to regulate the internal temperature of the ULD container to maintain it within a specified range. Active temperature control devices are electrically cooled and heated systems that operate in response to internal temperature sensors to regulate the internal temperature. Such active temperature control devices in ULD containers can be expensive and require routine maintenance to manage mechanical components. Failure of these mechanical components can cause near-instantaneous temperature shifts and spoilage of temperature-dependent goods stored within, which is particularly problematic for life-saving medications.

[0005] On the other hand, passive temperature control solutions are insulated boxes or containers without any active temperature controllers. Therefore, passive temperature control packaging lacks a system for temperature regulation in response to changes in the container's internal temperature. Existing passive temperature control packaging solutions are not ULD containers and typically do not conform to the standard dimensions specified for ULD containers. Non-ULD containers are usually loaded onto ULD pallets for consolidation with other packages. The second step of positioning passive temperature control non-ULD containers on ULD pallets and covering them with cargo netting requires manual labor. This often leaves empty space unoccupied by cargo, but this empty space still incurs freight charges. Nonconformity of passive temperature control packaging may require additional manual labor and handling to load cargo onto aircraft, reducing aircraft loading efficiency and causing takeoff delays. Furthermore, non-uniform containers may not have the same tracking capabilities and customs clearance procedures as ULD containers, further increasing processing time in the air freight supply chain. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect of this disclosure, a container suitable for air cargo is disclosed. The container may include a container body and a passive temperature control system located within the cargo space. The container body has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing side walls, wherein the container body defines the cargo space within the container. The passive temperature control system may include: a plurality of heat insulation panels, each of which is connected to an inner surface of a corresponding wall of the container body; a support adjacent to one of the top wall and one of the opposing side walls, the support defining a slot; and a plurality of refrigerant bottles filled with a heat medium. The plurality of refrigerant bottles and the heat medium are inserted into the slot of the support to passively maintain the cargo space temperature during cargo transport, subjecting the cargo transported in the container to either cooling to a predetermined temperature or heating to a predetermined temperature.

[0007] In another aspect of this disclosure, a container suitable for air cargo is disclosed. The container may include a container body and a passive temperature control system. The container body may have a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing side walls, wherein the container body defines a cargo space within the container, and wherein the container body may be manufactured as a compliant Containerized Equipment (ULD) container that meets specified aerospace structural requirements. The passive temperature control system is located within the cargo space and may include: a plurality of heat insulation panels, each heat insulation panel being connected to the inner surface of a corresponding wall of the container body; at least one support, said at least one support being adjacent to a corresponding wall among the top wall and opposing side walls of the container body; and a plurality of refrigerant bottles filled with a heat medium and received by said at least one support to passively maintain the cargo space temperature during cargo transport.

[0008] In another aspect of this disclosure, a refrigerant bottle for a container suitable for air cargo is disclosed. The container may have an internal insulation layer and a support frame adjacent to an insulation plate of the internal insulation layer and defining at least one slot. The refrigerant bottle may include: a reservoir body sized to insert into at least one slot of the support frame; and a connecting mechanism defined in the reservoir body and configured to tandemly connect a plurality of refrigerant bottles for inserting and removing the plurality of refrigerant bottles together into and from the at least one slot, wherein the refrigerant bottles are subjected to a treatment of being cooled to or heated to a predetermined temperature for cargo transported in the container, and are inserted into the slot of the support frame to passively maintain the cargo space temperature in the cargo space of the container during cargo transport.

[0009] Other aspects are defined by the claims of this patent. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is an isometric drawing of a container that meets ULD specifications and has a passive temperature control packaging system according to this disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the container, in which the door has been removed;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded isometric view of the base plate and bottom insulation plate of the container;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Exploded isometric view of the substrate;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 1Front view of the container's support and refrigerant bottle;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of one of the brackets and a portion of the corresponding refrigerant bottle;

[0016] Figure 7 It is based on the isometric drawing of the refrigerant bottle disclosed herein;

[0017] Figure 8 They are two connected to each other. Figure 7 Isometric view of a refrigerant bottle;

[0018] Figure 9 It is based on the isometric drawing of the thermal insulation component of this disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 Exploded isometric view of the container's tray, bottom insulation panel, and thermal break. Detailed Implementation

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a passive temperature-controlled container 10 is disclosed, which is in the form of a ULD-compliant container for transporting goods by air, sea, and land. Container 10 may be made of composite materials to provide a lighter, more damage-resistant container than conventional metal ULDs. Container 10 implements passive temperature control as shown and described herein, but may integrate integrated real-time data capabilities, including internal and environmental temperature tracking and geolocation information, as discussed further below. Container 10 may include a pallet 12, with a housing 14 mounted on the pallet 12. Passive temperature control system 16 ( Figure 2 The container 10 is installed within the housing 14, as described and illustrated more fully below. The pallet 12 may be a standard ULD pallet that meets the specifications of a specific type of ULD pallet. The pallet 12 may be formed of aluminum or other suitable material and may include multiple forklift holes 18 into which the forks of a forklift or other material handling equipment can be inserted to move the container 10.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the pallet 12, the outer shell 14, and the door 20 of the container 10 (i.e., the container body) may be cubic and have dimensions compatible with a specific ULD container specification. In this embodiment, the container body is designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or other equivalent national aviation authorities to obtain certification for the safe transport of cargo. For example, the container body may be designed and tested at an aviation authority-licensed facility to meet the requirements of applicable Technical Standards Directives (TSOs) for cargo pallets, nets, and containers, such as FAA TSO C90 (which is incorporated herein by reference), and the FAA or other aviation authorities review and accept the test results for the purpose of issuing a certificate indicating that the container body is a ULD-compliant container.

[0022] In alternative embodiments, compatible and incompatible ULD containers according to this disclosure may have a total width greater than the base width, depending on the specific ULD container specification for which the ULD container is constructed. The housing 14, as shown, includes a top wall, a rear wall, and opposing side walls, which can be manufactured by thermoforming a plastic sheet using thermoforming techniques known in the art to form the top wall, rear wall, and side walls as a single integral component. The housing 14 can be thermoformed to increase the stiffness of the edges where the walls intersect, making additional reinforcing frames potentially unnecessary. The housing 14 can be mounted to the tray 12 and secured by suitable connecting mechanisms (not shown) such as rivets, nuts and bolts, screws, and anchors. A door 20 can form the front wall of the housing 14 and the container body and can be connected to the front edge of one of the side walls via a hinge 22 to a closed position (…). Figure 1 The door 20 can rotate between the open and closed positions. The door 20 may have a latching mechanism 24 that secures the door 20 in the closed position. If desired, the latching mechanism 24 may include a locking mechanism to prevent theft of goods transported in the container 10. The exterior of the door 20 may be formed of the same plastic material as the other walls of the housing 14, or it may be formed of other suitable materials if structural, operational, and / or thermodynamic requirements of the container 10 are required. Once assembled, the pallet 12, housing 14, and door 20 define a cargo space 26. Figure 2 The housing 14 and door 20 can be configured to form a thermal seal when the door 20 is closed, thereby minimizing heat transfer across the interface between the cargo space 26 and the surrounding environment.

[0023] See Figure 2A passive temperature control system 16 is disposed within the cargo space 26 and is formed by an insulation layer of an insulation panel made of insulating material and other temperature control elements. In one embodiment, the insulation panel of the passive temperature control system 16 is a composite structure formed by a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) embedded in and surrounded by expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam. The insulation panels correspond to the walls and doors 20 of the pallet 12, housing 14. Thus, a bottom insulation panel is attached to the top surface of the pallet 12, a top insulation panel, a rear insulation panel, and side insulation panels are respectively mounted on the inner surfaces of the top, bottom, and side walls of the housing 14, and a door insulation panel is mounted on the inner surface of the door 20. In one embodiment, the top panel, rear panel, and side panel are integrally formed as a single component. The bottom insulation panel may also be included. In other embodiments, the corresponding panels of the housing 14 and the passive temperature control system 16 may have a completely integrated structure, wherein the insulation panels are formed together with the walls, and then the combined housing / inner insulation layer is mounted on the pallet 12.

[0024] To provide structural stability and rigidity to the internal structure of the cargo space 26, the container 10 and the passive temperature control system 16 may include a base plate 30, which will rest on top of the bottom insulation plate 32, such as Figure 3 As shown. The substrate 30 may have, for example, Figure 4 The composite structure shown. The substrate 30 may include an upper metal sheet 34, a lower metal sheet 36, and an inner core 38 sandwiched between the metal sheets 34 and 36. The metal sheets 34 and 36 may be made of a suitable metal such as stainless steel. The inner core 38 may be made of a thermoplastic polymer such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The substrate 30 may further include a sealant, such as silicone resin, which is applied to some or all of the edges where the inner core 38 is exposed to retain moisture within the inner core 38. The composite structure of the substrate 30 is designed to provide structural strength in the cargo space 26 and minimize heat transfer from the outside of the container 10. When the substrate 30 is mounted on the bottom insulation plate 32, the substrate 30 provides a durable surface for cargo placement in the cargo space 26.

[0025] The passive temperature control system 16 contains a support system. Figure 2 , 5 And 6), this support system will hold the refrigerant bottle 40 ( Figure 2 and 5-8) type passive temperature control element. The support system may include a top support 42 near the top insulation panel and side supports 44 near the corresponding side insulation panels. Each of the supports 42 may have a similar structure. A plurality of parallel slats 46 are provided on either side of the supports 42, 44. Upper U-shaped rails 48 and lower U-shaped rails 50 are perpendicular to and spaced apart from the slats 46 on either side of the supports 42, 44. The upper rails 48 are oriented so that their channels open downwards, and the lower rails 50 are oriented so that their channels face upwards, such that the slats 46 and rails 48, 50 define a plurality of slots to receive one or more of the refrigerant bottles 40.

[0026] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The refrigerant bottle 40 is shown in more detail below. See also... Figure 7 The refrigerant bottle 40 has a hollow reservoir body 52 that forms a rigid or semi-rigid shell for a heat medium such as water or a suitable phase change material (such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,443,623 and 9,376,605). The heat medium can be added through a filling port covered by a removable filler 54. The width of the reservoir body 52 is less than the width between the slats 46, and the height is less than the spacing between the corresponding tracks 48, 50 (which form one of the slots). An upper shoulder 56 and a lower shoulder 58 extend from the top and bottom edges of the reservoir body 52, respectively, and are sized such that the upper shoulder 56 is received into a channel in the upper track 48, and the lower shoulder 58 is received into a channel in the lower track 50, to guide the refrigerant bottle 40 into the slot.

[0027] The refrigerant bottle 40 may further include features that facilitate loading and unloading of multiple bottles 40 in each slot. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection mechanism between adjacent refrigerant bottles 40 is formed by one or more bottle tabs 60 that may extend outward at one end of the reservoir body 52 and a corresponding number of bottle holders 62 that may be defined in the opposite end of the reservoir body 52. Figure 8 As shown, the bottle tongue 60 and the bottle holder 62 are configured to interlock, such that the connected refrigerant bottle 40 will move together into and out of the slot. The refrigerant bottle 40 may be further configured with a handle 64 defined therein, which can be grasped by a cargo handler loading or unloading the container 10.

[0028] Return to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Supports 42 and 44 can be interconnected to form a single structure. Angle rails 70 can be connected to the ends of adjacent supports 42 and 44. Base rails 72 can be attached to the bottom end of the side supports 44. The separation of supports 42 and 44 from the tray 12 is likely desirable to minimize heat transfer between the internal and external structures. Figure 9As shown, this separation can be achieved by a thermal partition 80. Each thermal partition 80 may have a partition body 82 with three downwardly extending partition legs 84 and at least one upwardly extending partition shoulder 86. The number of partition legs 84 and partition shoulders 86 in the illustrated embodiment is exemplary, and the thermal partition 80 may be configured to provide support for supports 42, 44 as needed.

[0029] The bottom heat insulation plate 32 may include a corresponding perforation 88 passing through the bottom heat insulation plate. Figure 3 and Figure 10 The break hole 88 is sized to receive the thermal break member 80. The substrate 30 may also have a corresponding partition slot 90, through which at least the partition shoulder 86 can extend upward. The total height of the thermal break member 80 may be greater than the combined thickness of the assembled substrate 30 and the bottom insulation plate 32. With this configuration, the partition legs 84 can rest on the top surface 92 of the tray 12 and extend through the break hole 88 and the partition slot 90. The support 44 can then rest on the partition shoulder 86 and be spaced above the substrate 30 and the bottom insulation plate 32. The thermal break member 80 may be made of a thermally insulating polymer to minimize heat transfer therethrough while having sufficient strength to withstand the intended load of the supports 42, 44 and the filled refrigerant bottle 40. The illustrated embodiment includes four thermal break members 80, but fewer or more thermal break members may be used as needed to support the supports 42, 44 and the refrigerant bottle 40.

[0030] Although the temperature control within container 10 is a passive system, container 10 may still include active components for monitoring and tracking it. Therefore, container 10 may include an onboard telemetry device (not shown) that provides global communication for location tracking and condition monitoring. Temperature, along with humidity, pressure, light, shock, tilt, door position, latch status, and other parameters, can be monitored via appropriate sensors. Information from the telemetry system can provide visibility, enabling customers to mitigate the transportation risks of temperature-dependent goods through the air freight supply chain.

[0031] Industrial applicability

[0032] The container 10 according to the invention can efficiently and reliably transport temperature-sensitive goods. During packaging, the refrigerant bottle 40 and the heat medium therein can be cooled or heated to the desired temperature. The bottle tabs 60 and bottle holders 62 of adjacent bottles 40 can interlock, allowing multiple bottles 40 to be inserted into slots in the supports 42, 44. After loading the goods, the door 20 can be closed to passively but reliably maintain the necessary temperature within the cargo space 26 during transport. Upon arrival and after the goods are unloaded from the container 10, the preceding bottle 40 can be grasped by the handle 64 to pull the connected bottles 40 out of the slots, so that they can be heated or cooled to the appropriate temperature for subsequent transport.

[0033] Compared to previously known non-ULD passive temperature-controlled containers, the ULD container form of the passive temperature-controlled container 10 is easier to move through the air freight supply chain, thereby reducing labor and handling requirements, reducing delivery time and flight delays, and improving aircraft profitability. Furthermore, the passive temperature-controlled container 10 has many fewer failure paths that could cause temperature variations within the container 10, leading to damage to temperature-sensitive goods transported within it.

[0034] While the preceding text has described many different embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the scope of legal protection is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed descriptions are to be interpreted as exemplary only and do not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Many alternative embodiments may be implemented using current technology or technology developed after the date of this patent application, which will still fall within the scope of the limiting claims.

[0035] It should also be understood that unless a term is expressly defined herein, there is no intention to limit the meaning of that term, whether express or implied, beyond its explicit or ordinary meaning, and the term should not be construed as limited in scope based on any statement in any part of this patent (other than the language of the claims). Where any term used in the claims at the end of this patent is referenced herein in a manner consistent with a single meaning, this is merely for clarity and to avoid confusing the reader, and is not intended to limit the claim term to that single meaning by implication or otherwise.

Claims

1. A container (10) suitable for air cargo, said container (10) comprising: A container body having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing side walls, wherein the container body defines a cargo space (26) within the container (10); and A passive temperature control system (16) is located within the cargo space (26), and the passive temperature control system (16) includes: Multiple heat insulation panels, wherein each of the multiple heat insulation panels is connected to the inner surface of a corresponding wall of the container body, wherein the multiple heat insulation panels are exposed to the cargo space (26) of the container (10). The brackets (42, 44) have a top bracket (42) disposed near the top wall, a first side bracket disposed near a first side wall of the oppositely disposed side walls, and a second side bracket disposed near a second side wall of the oppositely disposed side walls. The top bracket (42), the first side bracket, and the second side bracket are connected to each other to form an integral structure inserted into the cargo space (26) within the container (10). Each of the top bracket (42), the first side bracket, and the second side bracket defines a plurality of slots. Multiple refrigerant bottles (40) filled with a heat medium, wherein the multiple refrigerant bottles (40) and the heat medium are subjected to a treatment of being cooled to a predetermined temperature and being heated to a predetermined temperature for goods transported in the container (10), and are inserted into the multiple slots of the supports (42, 44) to passively maintain the cargo space temperature in the cargo space (26) during the transport of the goods.

2. The container (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The container body is manufactured as a compliant unitized equipment (ULD) container that meets the specified aerospace sector structural requirements.

3. The container (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The container body includes: The tray forms the bottom wall; A housing forming the top wall, the rear wall, and the opposing side walls, wherein the housing is mounted on the tray; and A door that forms the front wall, wherein the door is connected to one of the oppositely arranged side walls, and the door is rotatable between an open position and a closed position.

4. The container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the container includes a telemetry system for transmitting data to a remote processor in real time.

5. The container (10) according to claim 1, the container comprising a substrate (30) having an upper metal sheet (34), a lower metal sheet (36), and an inner core (38), the inner core (38) being made of a thermoplastic polymer and disposed between the upper metal sheet (34) and the lower metal sheet (36), wherein, The substrate (30) is disposed on top of the bottom heat insulation plate (32).

6. The container (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The thermoplastic polymer of the inner core (38) is high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

7. The container (10) according to claim 1, the container (10) comprising a bottom heat insulation plate (32) disposed on the top of the bottom wall and having a plurality of breaks (88) extending through the bottom heat insulation plate (32), the container (10) comprising a plurality of thermal break members (80) having a thermal break height greater than the thickness of the bottom heat insulation plate, wherein each of the plurality of thermal break members (80) is disposed within a corresponding one of the plurality of breaks (88), such that each of the plurality of thermal break members (80) engages the top surface (92) of the bottom wall and extends upward beyond the upper surface of the bottom heat insulation plate (32), and wherein, The bracket rests on top of the plurality of thermal insulation elements (80) and is spaced apart above the upper surface of the bottom insulation plate (32), such that the thermal insulation elements (80) support the weight of the bracket (42, 44) and the plurality of refrigerant bottles (40).

8. The container (10) according to claim 7, the container comprising a substrate (30) having an upper metal sheet (34), a lower metal sheet (36), and an inner core (38), the inner core (38) being made of a thermoplastic polymer and disposed between the upper metal sheet (34) and the lower metal sheet (36), wherein, The substrate (30) is disposed on the top of the bottom heat insulation plate (32), wherein the substrate (30) has a plurality of partition slots (90) defined in the substrate (30), each of the plurality of partition slots (90) having a position corresponding to one of the plurality of broken holes (88) of the bottom heat insulation plate (32), wherein each of the plurality of thermal break members (80) extends upward beyond the upper surface of the substrate (30).

9. The container (10) according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the plurality of thermal insulation elements (80) includes: Partition main body (82); Partition legs (84) extending downward from the partition body (82) and engaging the top surface (92) of the bottom wall when each of the plurality of thermal break members (80) is disposed within a corresponding one of the plurality of break holes (88); and A partition shoulder (86) extends upward from the partition body (82) and extends above the bottom heat insulation plate (32) and engages the brackets (42, 44) when each of the plurality of thermal insulation members (80) is disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of break holes (88).

10. The container (10) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the top support (42), the first side support, and the second side support includes: Multiple parallel strips (46) are arranged on either side of the bracket (42, 44); A plurality of first tracks (48) are perpendicular to and connected to the plurality of parallel slats (46) and oriented such that the first track channels are open in a first direction; and A plurality of second tracks (50) are perpendicular to and connected to the plurality of parallel slats (46) and oriented such that the second track channels are open in a second direction, wherein the plurality of first tracks (48) and the plurality of second tracks (50) space the plurality of parallel slats (46) on either side of the bracket (42, 44) and are arranged alternately such that each corresponding pair of first tracks (48) and second tracks (50) defines one of the plurality of slots of the bracket (42, 44) with a corresponding portion of the plurality of parallel slats (46).

11. The container (10) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of insulation panels includes: Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIP); and The outer cover is made of expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam.

12. A container (10) suitable for air cargo, said container (10) comprising: A container body having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing side walls, wherein the container body defines a cargo space (26) within the container (10), and wherein the container body is manufactured as a compliant Containerized Equipment (ULD) container that meets specified aerospace sector structural requirements; and A passive temperature control system (16) located within the cargo space (26) and comprising: a plurality of heat insulation panels, each heat insulation panel being connected to the inner surface of a corresponding wall of the container body, wherein the plurality of heat insulation panels are exposed within the cargo space (26) of the container (10); supports (42, 44) having a top support (42) disposed near the top wall, a first side support disposed near a first side wall of the oppositely disposed side walls, and a second side support disposed near a second side wall of the oppositely disposed side walls, wherein the top support (42), the first side support, and the second side support are connected to each other to form an integral structure inserted into the cargo space (26) within the container (10); and a plurality of refrigerant bottles (40) filled with a heat medium and received by the top support (42), the first side support, and the second side support for passively maintaining the cargo space temperature in the cargo space (26) during cargo transportation.

13. The container (10) according to claim 12, wherein, The container body includes: The tray forms the bottom wall; A housing forming the top wall, the rear wall, and the opposing side walls, wherein the housing is mounted on the tray; and A door that forms the front wall, wherein the door is connected to one of the side walls, and the door is rotatable between an open position and a closed position.

14. The container (10) according to claim 12, the container comprising a telemetry system for transmitting data to a remote processor in real time.

15. The container (10) according to claim 12, the container (10) comprising a bottom heat insulation plate (32) disposed on the top of the bottom wall and having a plurality of breaks (88) extending through the bottom heat insulation plate (32), the container (10) comprising a plurality of thermal break members (80) having a thermal break height greater than the thickness of the bottom heat insulation plate, wherein each of the plurality of thermal break members (80) is disposed within a corresponding one of the plurality of breaks (88) such that each of the plurality of thermal break members (80) engages the top surface (92) of the bottom wall and extends upward beyond the upper surface of the bottom heat insulation plate (32), and wherein, The first side bracket (44) and the second side bracket (44) rest on top of the plurality of thermal insulation members (80) and are spaced apart above the upper surface of the bottom heat insulation plate (32) such that the thermal insulation members support the weight of the brackets and the plurality of refrigerant bottles (40).

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