Transport package with phase change material

Abstract

A transport package includes: an envelope including a closed end and a closable end; a heat insulating sheet disposed within the envelope; and a phase change material pad positioned within the envelope and adjacent to the thermally insulating sheet. A product to be transported may be positioned within the envelope adjacent the phase change material pad. The envelope may have double walls including a pad of phase change material and a thermally insulating sheet. The thermally insulating sheet may provide a structure for the envelope. The envelope may include an indicator of a time period (season) compatible with the phase change material pad. The phase change material pad may be divided into phase change material cells. The envelope may include a plurality of closures arranged in series at the closable end to provide for reuse of the transport package.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Shipping is a worldwide industry. Shippers and their customers are generally concerned with delivery time and cost. However, many products require additional attention. Certain types of products, such as pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical products or components, food, laboratory samples and medical supplies or materials, may require temperature control during transportation. Often, such products need to be kept cool, at a stable temperature below the ambient nominal temperature. Freezer ice packs, ice, dry ice and other technologies have been used to address this problem. Summary of the invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a transport package includes: an envelope including a closed end and a closable end; and an insulating sheet folded and disposed within the envelope. A bent portion of the insulating sheet is positioned at the closed end of the envelope. The transport package also includes a pair of phase change material pads positioned within a space between opposing legs of the insulating sheet. A product to be transported may be positioned between the pair of phase change material pads.

[0003] The insulating sheet may have resiliency and the envelope may be sized relative to the insulating sheet to cooperate with the resiliency to shape the envelope.

[0004] The insulating sheet may be resilient and the envelope may be sized relative to the insulating sheet to cooperate with the resilient to bring side edges of the insulating sheet at the legs together.

[0005] Phase change materials can be composed of recyclable materials.

[0006] The insulating sheet may be made of cellulose, open cell polyurethane, rubber (natural or synthetic), foam rubber, cotton, linen, or a combination thereof.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a shipping package includes: an envelope including a closed end and a closable end; an insulating sheet disposed within the envelope; and a phase change material pad positioned within the envelope adjacent to the insulating sheet. A product to be shipped may be positioned adjacent to the phase change material pad. The envelope includes a season indicator compatible with the phase change material pad.

[0008] The indicator may be the color of the envelope.

[0009] The phase change material pads can be the color of the envelope.

[0010] The phase change material pad may be composed of recyclable materials.

[0011] The insulating sheet may be made of cellulose, open cell polyurethane, rubber (natural or synthetic), foam rubber, cotton, linen, or a combination thereof.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a transport package includes: an envelope including a closed end and a closable end; an insulating sheet disposed within the envelope adjacent to the insulating sheet; and a phase change material pad positioned within the envelope. A product to be transported may be positioned adjacent to the phase change material pad. The phase change material pad is divided into phase change material units.

[0013] The cells may extend along the length of the phase change material pad from the closed end of the envelope to the closable end of the envelope.

[0014] Cells can be arranged in a grid.

[0015] The phase change material pad may be composed of recyclable materials.

[0016] The insulating sheet may be made of cellulose, open cell polyurethane, rubber (natural or synthetic), foam rubber, cotton, linen, or a combination thereof.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a transport package includes: an envelope including a closed end and a closable end; an insulating sheet disposed within the envelope adjacent to the insulating sheet; and a phase change material pad positioned within the envelope. A product to be transported may be positioned adjacent to the phase change material pad. The envelope includes a plurality of closures arranged in series at the closable end to provide for reuse of the transport package.

[0018] The plurality of closures may include a first closure that is removable from the envelope to open the closable end and a second closure that is usable in the same manner as the first closure after removal of the first closure.

[0019] Phase change materials can be composed of recyclable materials.

[0020] The insulating sheet may be made of cellulose, open cell polyurethane, rubber (natural or synthetic), foam rubber, cotton, linen, or a combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary shipping package according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of an exemplary shipping package along section line AA.

[0023] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 Front cross-sectional view of an exemplary transport package along section line BB.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A perspective view of an exemplary shipping package of when opened.

[0025] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another exemplary shipping package having multiple closures according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5A is a plan view of an exemplary phase change material pad according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5B is a plan view of another exemplary phase change material pad according to the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5C is a plan view of another exemplary phase change material pad according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] There are many problems with the prior art of providing temperature control for transporting products. Ice, frozen packages and similar items are often dropped into conventional transport boxes or envelopes along with the product to be transported. This can result in uneven temperature distribution in the package, which can cause the product to become too hot or too cold, or leaks, which can contaminate the product. Another technique is a box with walls that have interior panels containing gel or other materials. In addition to being complex and costly, this solution is difficult to store when not in use and sometimes requires disassembly. It can take up more space than necessary, increasing storage and transportation costs.

[0030] Discussed herein is a technology for solving these and other problems. As will be discussed below, a transport package includes a double-wall envelope with a phase change material pad between the walls. The double wall means that leakage of the phase change material is less likely to contaminate the product. An insulating sheet may also be provided in the inter-wall space. The sheet may provide structure to the envelope to protect the product while also providing insulation. At the same time, the phase change material may be provided in a pad (panel) with a unit that allows a certain flexibility so as to conform to the shape of the package and avoid leakage that may be caused by overstress. The technology also includes color coding the package and its components to simplify the selection of the package for a particular shipment. In addition, a series of closures may be provided to the package to provide limited reuse. These technologies simplify the construction and use of the transport package and also improve the thermal efficiency of the transport package. In addition, increased user convenience may also be achieved.

[0031] Figure 1 An exemplary shipping package 100 is shown that uses a phase change material to control the temperature inside the package 100. The shipping package 100 can be used to transport products that are temperature sensitive and / or require temperature stability, particularly at temperatures below ambient. Examples of such products include drugs, pharmaceutical products or components, foods, laboratory samples, medical supplies / materials, etc. In this figure, the package 100 is shown as closed.

[0032] The transport package 100 includes an envelope 102. Most or all of the envelope 102 is double-walled, wherein the outer wall is Figure 1 In various examples, the space between the walls of the envelope 102 contains phase change material and insulation to provide temperature control to the interior of the package 100. The envelope 102 can be generally rectangular, as shown, or have another shape.

[0033] The sleeve 102 is closed along two sides 104, 106 and a closed end 108, and also includes a closure 112 at the closable open end 110. The closure 112 may include a flap of sleeve material having a permanent or semi-permanent closure mechanism (such as adhesive tape, glue, a surface for applying adhesive or glue, or the like). The closure 112 may include a reusable closure mechanism, such as a hook and loop strip (e.g., Velcro TM ), a grommet and strap fastening arrangement, snaps, or the like. Multiple identical or different closures 112 may be used. For example, in some instances, multiple adhesive strips may be provided to allow limited reusability in the sense that one adhesive strip is used each time the shipping package 100 is used. In other instances, multiple closures 112 may be used to increase reliability and / or safety.

[0034] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the envelope 102 includes an outer layer 200 and an inner layer 202, which may be formed from one or more sheets of a thin flexible material, such as polyethylene. An exemplary laminate suitable for the envelope 102 is formed from layers of polyamide and polyethylene. The layers 200, 202 extend from the closed end 108 of the envelope 102 toward the open end 110. Near the open end 110, the inner layer 202 joins the outer layer 200. Therefore, except for the open end 110, the envelope 102 is double-walled. The double wall may extend closer to the open end 110 than depicted.

[0035] The space between the layers 200, 202 may be referred to as a thermal control space 204. The space bounded by the inner layer 202 and a relatively small portion of the outer layer 200 facing the open end 110 is a cavity or interior space 206 for containing a product 208 being transported.

[0036] The transport package 100 also includes a phase change material in the form of a pad 210. The pad 210 is a generally flat, hollow body, within which is a phase change material (PCM). The pad 210 may be a shell or bag of PCM. The pad 210 may include one or more internal cells containing the phase change material. The pad 210 may be composed of a recyclable material, such as polyethylene, polyamide, nonwoven film, or the like, in the form of a single layer of material or a laminate of the same or different materials. Any suitable number and configuration of PCM pads 210 may be used.

[0037] Examples of suitable PCMs include water-based gels (e.g., superabsorbent polymers or SAPs, carboxymethyl cellulose or CMC, etc.); paraffin waxes; hydrated salts or other binary eutectic mixtures; linear alcohols; organic compounds derived from animal fats or vegetable oils (sometimes referred to as bio-based materials); materials based on palm oil, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, or soybean oil; and similar materials. The PCM may include viscosity-modifying additives. The PCM may include additives that make it more flexible or pliable. The type and composition of the PCM may be selected to achieve the desired cooling effect.

[0038] The PCM pad 210 used in the same package 100 can contain PCMs of different types and / or compositions in order to adjust the performance of the package 100. Multiple pads 210 containing different PCMs can be stacked together on one side of the interior space 206 to adjust the performance of the package 100. In a given pad 210, different units can have different PCMs. In various examples, multiple PCMs are provided, each PCMs having different temperature limits. For example, a transport package 100 is used to keep a product between 2 degrees Celsius (°C) and 30°C, and a PCM rated at 5°C and 23°C can be used, wherein the 5°C PCM prevents the product from getting too cold and the 23°C PCM prevents the product from getting too hot. In another example, a transport package 100 is used to hold a product between 2°C and 8°C, and a PCM rated at 3°C ​​and 7°C can be used, wherein the 3°C PCM prevents the product from getting too cold and the 7°C PCM prevents the product from getting too hot. In other examples, the PCM is selected based on the season. For example, a 5°C PCM may be used in the winter and a 23°C PCM may be used in the summer. In various examples, different PCMs may be located on opposite sides of the package 100. For example, one pad 210 may have a PCM rated for 5°C and the opposing pad 210 may have a PCM rated for 23°C. In other examples, different cells in the same pad 210 may be filled with different PCMs.

[0039] In this example, the PCM pads 210 are positioned within the thermal control space 204 between the inner layer 200 and the outer layer 202 of the envelope 102 at the large sides of the package 100. That is, in the example where the package 100 is generally rectangular, it has two large sides, and at each of these sides, a PCM pad 210 is positioned within the thermal control space 204. Thus, in this example, a pair of opposing PCM pads 210 sandwich the interior space 206, and therefore the transported product 208.

[0040] The transport package 100 may also include an insulating sheet 212 disposed within the thermal control space 204 and positioned outside the PCM pad 210, i.e., between the PCM pad 210 and the outer layer 200 of the envelope 102. In this example, the insulating sheet 212 is folded to have two legs 214 extending along the PCM sheet 210 and having a bend 216 positioned at the closed end 108 of the envelope 102. In this example, the insulating sheet 212 is generally rectangular to match the overall shape of the envelope 102 and has approximately twice the planar area of ​​each of the PCM pads 210 in order to match their combined area. In other examples, two separate insulating sheets may be provided, one for each PCM pad 210.

[0041] The insulating sheet 212 may be flexible and may be resilient. The insulating sheet 212 may be shaped and sized relative to the envelope 102 so that its flexible resiliency imparts shape to the envelope 102. For example, the normal shape of the insulating sheet 212 may be flat so that when the sheet 212 is folded, the bends 216 cause the legs 214 to move away from each other and push against the outer layer 200 of the envelope, thereby expanding the envelope 102 to a certain extent to impart shape to it.

[0042] By the same principle, the flexible resiliency of the insulating sheet 212 can urge the side edges 218 of the legs 214 closer together. That is, the shape and size of the envelope 102 can be set to restrain the tendency of the insulating sheet 212 to unfold, which can urge the side edges 218 closer together to reduce what may otherwise be large insulation gaps.

[0043] The insulating sheet 212 may be made of cellulose, open cell polyurethane, rubber (natural or synthetic), foam rubber, cotton, linen, or similar materials.

[0044] The edges of the envelope 102 may be heat sealed, glued or adhesively bonded, or otherwise joined. The PCM mat 210 and the insulating sheet 212 may be positioned relative to the sheet of material used to form the envelope 102 prior to joining the edges of the material so that the PCM mat 210 and the insulating sheet 212 are permanently enclosed within the thermal control space 204.

[0045] In operation, the shipping package 100 is placed in an environment, such as a refrigerator, cooler, or freezer, which causes an exothermic phase change (e.g., freezing) of the PCM in the pad 210. The product 208 to be shipped is then inserted into the interior space 206 of the shipping package 100, and the closure 112 is closed. The shipping package 100 is then transported to the destination. During transportation, the PCM in the pad 210 undergoes an endothermic phase change (e.g., it melts) to regulate the temperature of the interior space 206 and the product 208 contained therein. That is, ambient heat that might otherwise warm the product 208 is instead absorbed by the PCM pad 210. Once the shipping package 100 reaches its destination, the closure 112 can be opened and the product 208 removed. The shipping package 100 can then be reused, provided that the closure 112 is reusable.

[0046] For added protection, during handling, the transport package may be inserted into an outer envelope, cardboard box or plastic box, or may be shrink-wrapped with plastic film. This outer protection may be replaced with each use, or may be reusable. For example, the outer envelope or shrink-wrap may be replaced with each use, and the box may be reused.

[0047] Figure 3 The shipping package 100 is shown when opened. As can be seen, in this example, the closure 112 includes a cover 300 of a wrapper material and an adhesive strip 302 attached to the cover 300. To close the package 100, the cover 300 can be folded over the open end 110 and the adhesive strip 302 adhered to the outside of the wrapper 102 (see FIG. Figure 1 ). To open the package 100 , the cover 300 may be pulled to separate the adhesive strip 302 from the exterior of the envelope 102 .

[0048] Figure 4 Another exemplary shipping package 400 is shown. Features and aspects of package 400 may be the same as package 100, with only the differences discussed in detail herein.

[0049] The transport package 400 includes a plurality of closures to allow limited reuse. Each closure includes adhesive strips 402, 404, 406 disposed continuously on the cover 300 of the wrapping material. Each adhesive strip 402, 404, 406 is disposed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to Figure 3 The adhesive strip 302 discussed above functions in the same manner. Each time the package 400 is used to transport a product, one adhesive strip 402, 404, 406 can be used. Therefore, the number of reuses is the same as the number of adhesive strips 402, 404, 406, which is three in this example. In other examples, other numbers of adhesive strips 402, 404, 406 or other types of multiple closures can be used.

[0050] Perforated lines 408, 410 may be provided between adhesive strips 402, 404, 406 to allow easy opening of the package 400 and to facilitate reuse. For example, the adhesive strip 402 closest to the end of the cover 300 may be used to seal the package 100 for first use. Then, in order to open the package 100, the perforated line 408 adjacent to the strip 402 may be destroyed, thereby separating the strip 402 from the cover 300 and allowing the cover 300 to open, while the strip 402 remains adhered to the outside of the envelope 102. Then, for the second use, the next adhesive strip 404, now closest to the end of the cover 300, is used in the same manner, wherein the next perforated line 410 is used to open the package 400. This process may be repeated to consume all adhesive strips 402, 404, 406 (or other closures) provided.

[0051] As discussed herein, limited reuse of packages reduces waste compared to single-use packages while also ensuring that the packaging remains fit for purpose. The useful life of the package may be limited by the number of continuous closures provided to the package. It is conceivable that, depending on the specific application expected, the various embodiments of the packages discussed herein will have different amounts of closure. For example, packages for critical applications (e.g., drug delivery) may be limited to one or two uses, while packages for food delivery may be limited to four or five uses.

[0052] Figures 5A-5C An example of a PCM mat 500, 510, 520 that can be used with the packages discussed herein is shown. The PCM mat 500, 510, 520 can include two layers of material that are bonded (e.g., heat sealed) at certain areas to form the boundaries of the cell and remain unbonded at other areas to form the cell itself to contain the PCM.

[0053] like Figure 5A As shown, PCM mat 500 has a bonded perimeter 502 and three linear areas 504 of bonding material extending (e.g., horizontally) between opposing points on perimeter 502 to form four rectangular cells 506 containing PCM. Because they lack PCM, bonded areas 504 can allow mat 500 to flex and thus conform to the shape of a package.

[0054] like Figure 5BAs shown, PCM mat 510 has a bonded perimeter 512, three linear regions 514 of bonding material extending (e.g., horizontally) between opposing points on perimeter 512, and one linear region 516 of bonding material extending in a perpendicular direction (e.g., vertically) between opposing points on perimeter 512. Bonded regions 514, 516 thus form a 2×4 grid of PCM-containing cells 516. Because they lack PCM, bonded regions 514, 516 can allow mat 510 to flex in two dimensions and thus conform to the shape of a package.

[0055] like Figure 5C As shown, PCM pad 520 has a bonded perimeter 522, three linear regions 524 of bonded material extending between opposing points on perimeter 522 (e.g., horizontally), and two linear regions 526 of bonded material extending in a perpendicular direction (e.g., vertically) between opposing points on perimeter 522. Bonded regions 524, 526 thus form a three-by-four grid of PCM-containing cells 526. Again, because they lack PCM, bonded regions 524, 526 can allow pad 520 to flex in two dimensions and thus conform to the shape of a package.

[0056] As described above, the pads selected for the package can have different PCMs to adjust performance. Similarly, different cells of a given pad can have different PCMs to adjust performance.

[0057] The PCM for a given package may be selected based on the desired performance of the package, which may depend on the season. The same applies to the insulation sheet. The term "season" is used herein to refer to different time periods with different environmental conditions, not just the conventionally known seasons. For example, during the summer, a product may be more susceptible to overheating than at other times. It may be useful to select different PCMs and / or insulation for use at different times of the year. It may also be useful to keep a stock of packages on hand to facilitate shipping of the product.

[0058] Thus, as discussed herein, shipping packages may be provided with indicators of the PCM and / or insulation contained therein. Such indicators may indicate whether the package is intended for, for example, winter, spring, summer, or fall service. Exemplary indicators include stickers on the envelope, the color of the envelope, text labels on the envelope, and the like. PCM pads and insulating sheets may also be given the same or similar indicators to facilitate maintenance and / or manufacture of the packages. For example, envelopes, PCM pads, and / or insulating sheets may be provided in color groups with the intent of using components of the same color together. For example, blue, gray, and white components may be used to indicate the three seasons, and envelopes, PCM pads, and / or insulating sheets of different configurations may be provided in those colors.

[0059] Shipping packages can use the techniques discussed above to increase efficiency, reduce complexity (and cost), promote reuse, and provide convenience to the user.

[0060] It should be appreciated that the features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into other examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the drawings are not drawn to scale, and size and shape may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes.

Claims

1. A transport package, comprising: an envelope, the envelope comprising a closed end and a closable end; an insulating sheet folded and disposed within the envelope, wherein a bent portion of the insulating sheet is positioned at a closed end of the envelope; and A pair of phase change material pads are positioned in the space between the opposing legs of the insulation sheet, wherein a product to be transported is positionable between the pair of phase change material pads.

2. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating sheet has a resilient property and the envelope is sized relative to the insulating sheet to cooperate with the resilient property to shape the envelope.

3. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating sheet has resiliency, and the envelope is sized relative to the insulating sheet to cooperate with the resiliency to bring side edges of the insulating sheet at the legs together.

4. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein: The phase change material pad is composed of recyclable materials.

5. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal insulation sheet is made of cellulose, open-cell polyurethane, rubber (natural or synthetic rubber), foam rubber, cotton, linen or a combination thereof.

6. A transport package, comprising: an envelope, the envelope comprising a closed end and a closable end; A heat-insulating sheet material, the heat-insulating sheet material being arranged in the envelope; and a phase change material pad positioned within the envelope adjacent to the insulating sheet, wherein a product to be transported can be positioned adjacent to the phase change material pad; Wherein the envelope includes an indicator of a season that is compatible with the phase change material pad.

7. The transport package according to claim 6, wherein: The indicator is the color of the envelope.

8. The transport package according to claim 7, wherein: The phase change material pad is the color of the envelope.

9. The transport package according to claim 6, wherein: The phase change material pad is composed of recyclable materials.

10. The transport package according to claim 6, wherein: The thermal insulation sheet is made of cellulose, open-cell polyurethane, rubber (natural or synthetic rubber), foam rubber, cotton, linen or a combination thereof.

11. A transport package, comprising: an envelope, the envelope comprising a closed end and a closable end; an insulating sheet disposed within an envelope adjacent to the insulating sheet; and a phase change material pad positioned within the envelope, wherein a product to be transported can be positioned adjacent to the phase change material pad; Wherein, the phase change material pad is divided into phase change material units.

12. The transport package according to claim 11, wherein: The cells extend along the length of the phase change material pad from the closed end of the envelope to the closable end of the envelope.

13. The transport package according to claim 11, wherein: The cells are arranged in a grid.

14. The transport package according to claim 11, wherein: The phase change material pad is composed of recyclable materials.

15. The transport package according to claim 11, wherein: The thermal insulation sheet is made of cellulose, open-cell polyurethane, rubber (natural or synthetic rubber), foam rubber, cotton, linen or a combination thereof.

16. A transport package, comprising: an envelope, the envelope comprising a closed end and a closable end; an insulating sheet disposed within an envelope adjacent to the insulating sheet; and a phase change material pad positioned within the envelope, wherein a product to be transported can be positioned adjacent to the phase change material pad; Wherein, the envelope comprises a plurality of closures which are arranged in series at the closable end to provide for the reuse of the transport package.

17. The transport package according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of closure members include: a first closure member removable from the envelope to open the closable end; and A second closure that can be used in the same manner as the first closure after the first closure has been removed.

18. The shipping package according to claim 16, wherein: The phase change material pad is composed of recyclable materials.

19. The shipping package of claim 16, wherein: The thermal insulation sheet is made of cellulose, open-cell polyurethane, rubber (natural or synthetic rubber), foam rubber, cotton, linen or a combination thereof.

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