Hardened reusable transporter

Abstract

Disclosed herein are hardened reusable shipping containers (e.g., shippers). A shipper can have a base enclosure configured to receive a cargo and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the cargo. The shipper can have various features, such as bosses, compartments, and surface features, to facilitate protection of dewars within the base enclosure, as well as to maintain the cargo during shipping. The shipper can have various features to facilitate immediate stacking of shippers and suitability for use in air operations.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 570,139 entitled “Hardened Reusable Transporter”, filed March 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology 1. Technical Field

[0004] The various aspects and embodiments described herein relate to transport containers, particularly hardened reusable transporters.

[0005] 2. Description of related technologies

[0006] In the health, medical, pharmaceutical, and / or life sciences industries, the safe storage and rapid transport of cargo in temperature-controlled and waterproof environments is crucial. When transporting temperature-sensitive cargo in these industries, hardened reusable transport containers capable of maintaining, regulating, or controlling the temperature of the cargo's compartment are desirable. The cargo compartment temperature can be maintained using phase change materials (e.g., dry ice) and / or cryogenic liquids (e.g., liquid nitrogen). Due to the temperature sensitivity of the transported goods, transport problems leading to delivery delays can cause cargo to expire, deteriorate, lose quality, or become damaged. Furthermore, rough handling can result in cargo damage. Therefore, there is a need for an improved, robust hardened reusable transport container that conveniently displays the shipping address, instructions, and cargo-specific information to handlers and prevents improper handling of the hardened reusable transport container, thereby mitigating or eliminating delivery delays and preventing cargo damage. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This document discloses a hardened reusable transporter. A transporter can be configured to hold a Dewar flask for transport. The transporter may include a base having an inner compartment wall defining an inner compartment for receiving the Dewar flask. The transporter may include a cap that can be selectively closed onto the inner compartment to secure the Dewar flask within the inner compartment. The cap may include a registration boss received by an aspect of another transporter to allow stacking of the transporters. The registration boss may include a front main ramp portion that increases in height away from the base in at least one dimension along a first direction; a front bend portion that bends along a path of changing direction; and a front secondary ramp portion that increases in height away from the base in at least one dimension along a second direction. The front main ramp portion extends from an end of the front main ramp portion to the front bend portion. The front secondary ramp portion extends from an end of the front secondary ramp portion to the front bend portion. The height of the front curved portion away from the base is the maximum height of any portion of the front registration boss away from the base. This at least one registration boss causes the transporter to sway in response to the transporter resting on the cover rather than the base.

[0008] It may include one or more further aspects. For example, the cover may include a rear registration boss spaced apart from a front registration boss and received by an aspect of the other transporter to allow stacking of the transporters. The rear registration boss may include a rear main ramp portion that increases in height away from the base in at least one dimension along a first direction; a rear bend portion that bends along a path of changing direction; and a rear secondary ramp portion that increases in height away from the base in at least one dimension along a second direction. The rear main ramp portion extends from the end of the rear main ramp portion to the rear bend portion. The rear secondary ramp portion extends from the end of the rear secondary ramp portion to the rear bend portion. The height of the rear bend portion away from the base is the maximum height of any portion of the rear registration boss away from the base. The rear registration boss causes the transporter to sway in response to the transporter resting on the cover rather than on the base.

[0009] In various embodiments, the rear main ramp portion and the front main ramp portion are parallel. In various embodiments, the rear secondary ramp portion and the front secondary ramp portion are parallel. The rear bend portion and the front bend portion may be of the same size. The rear secondary ramp portion may be smaller than the rear main ramp portion. The rear main ramp portion and the front main ramp portion may have a first identical size, and the rear secondary ramp portion and the front secondary ramp portion may have a second identical size, which is smaller than the first identical size.

[0010] In various embodiments, the base further includes a document compartment wall that defines a document compartment within an inner compartment, the document compartment defining a sub-segment of the inner compartment. A foam stabilizing block system may be provided. This foam stabilizing block system may include a plurality of foam blocks inserted into an inner compartment, each of the plurality of foam blocks having an outer contour edge and an inner contour edge, the outer contour edge corresponding in shape to at least a portion of the inner compartment wall, and the inner contour edge corresponding in shape to at least a portion of a Dewar flask.

[0011] A transporter configured to hold a Dewar flask for transport is provided. The transporter may include a base having an inner compartment wall defining an inner compartment for receiving the Dewar flask. The transporter may include a cap that is selectively closable on the inner compartment to secure the Dewar flask within the inner compartment. The base may include a reinforcing face opposite the cap. The reinforcing face may have a base plate parallel to the cap when closed, and an annular channel defining an annular flange of the base plate. The annular channel may include an inwardly curved face providing a first curved portion of the reinforcing face inwardly away from the base plate and into the inner compartment.

[0012] It may include one or more further aspects. The annular channel may have a basin surface that provides the innermost bottom plate of the annular channel, the tangent of which is parallel to at least a portion of the base plate. The annular channel may include an outwardly curved face that provides a second curved portion of the reinforcing face that extends outward from the basin surface away from the inner compartment and toward the base plate. The reinforcing face may also include a central recess.

[0013] The central recess can provide a connecting plane that connects all the outermost points of the second curved section. The connecting plane can be circular. The connecting plane can be parallel to the base plate and closer to the cover than the base plate.

[0014] In various embodiments, (i) the base plate, (ii) the inwardly curved face, (iii) the basin surface, (iv) the outwardly curved face, and (v) the central recess are all recessed into the lid by an inner wall extending around the base plate and orthogonal to each of the lid, the base plate, and the connecting plane. The surrounding inner walls may define a closed perimeter of the base plate. The base plate may define a closed perimeter of the annular channel. The annular channel may define a closed perimeter of the central recess.

[0015] In various embodiments, the first curved portion has a profile corresponding to a portion of the Dewar flask's outline. The Dewar flask can be nested within an inner compartment against at least a portion of the reinforcing face. In various embodiments, the first curved portion has a profile corresponding to a portion of the Dewar flask's outline, and the distance between the Dewar flask and the reinforcing face, measured in a direction orthogonal to the reinforcing face, is a constant distance. A foam block can be received within this constant distance. The reinforcing face can support the foam block. The foam block can support the Dewar flask.

[0016] In various embodiments, a transporter is configured to hold a Dewar flask for safe transport. The transporter may include a base. The base may include an inner compartment wall defining an inner compartment for receiving the Dewar flask. The transporter may include a cap that is selectively closable on the inner compartment to secure the Dewar flask within it. The base may have a reinforcing face opposite the cap. The reinforcing face may have a base plate parallel to the cap when closed. The reinforcing face may have a concave wall providing a central region of the base surrounded by the base plate and recessed inward relative to the cap. The concave wall spacees the Dewar flask received in the inner compartment from the base plate, such that the base lifts the Dewar flask away from the base plate. Lifting the Dewar flask away from the base plate mechanically isolates it from direct vibration transmission from a resting surface beneath the base. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other apparatuses, methods, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed embodiments. The components shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and may be enlarged to better illustrate the important features of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1A An external perspective view of a transporter configured to hold a Dewar bottle for transport, according to various embodiments, is shown, with the lid of the transporter closed. Figures 1B to 1C Two opposite side views of a transporter configured to hold a Dewar bottle for transport, according to various embodiments, are shown, with the lid of the transporter closed. Figure 1D A top view of a transporter configured to hold a Dewar bottle for transport, according to various embodiments, is shown, wherein the lid of the transporter is closed, and the view is oriented downward toward the closed lid; Figure 1E A front view of a transporter configured to hold a Dewar bottle for transport, according to various embodiments, is shown, with the lid of the transporter closed. Figure 1F A rear view of a transporter configured to hold a Dewar bottle for transport, according to various embodiments, is shown, with the lid of the transporter closed. Figure 2 An external perspective view of a transporter configured to hold a Dewar bottle for transport, according to various embodiments, is shown, with the lid of the transporter open to reveal the Dewar bottle; Figure 3 An exploded view of a foam stabilizing block system, according to various embodiments, is shown that can be installed into the interior of a transporter configured to hold a Dewar bottle for transport, with the lid of the transporter open to show the exploded view of the Dewar bottle and the foam stabilizing block system. Figure 4 A view of the inner compartment of the base of a transporter configured to hold a Dewar bottle for transport, according to various embodiments, is shown, and specifically a file compartment with file compartment walls is shown within the inner compartment. Figure 5 Detailed views of a file compartment according to various embodiments are shown, including a top view and a bottom view of the same file compartment in an exploded view format. Figure 6A A bottom view of a transporter configured to hold a Dewar bottle for transport, according to various embodiments, is shown, the bottom of which includes a registration recess and a reinforcing face; Figure 6B A partial sectional side view of a transporter including a Dewar flask according to various embodiments is shown, which illustrates in detail various aspects of the reinforced face; Figure 7 A full sectional side view of a transporter configured to hold a Dewar flask for transport, according to various embodiments, is shown, with the lid of the transporter closed and the Dewar flask inside the transporter; Detailed Implementation

[0019] This document discloses a hardened reusable transport container (or “transporter”). The transporter can maintain, regulate, or control the temperature or temperature range within a cargo area. Systems including cryogenic liquids and / or phase change materials can be used in conjunction with the transporter to set or maintain the temperature within the cargo area at a desired temperature or temperature range. The desired temperature or temperature range can be the temperature or temperature range used to preserve the cargo within the cargo area before, during, and / or after transport. The transporter can be made of a hardened material (e.g., polycarbonate, polyethylene, etc.) that protects the cargo from environmental factors including shock and vibration. Furthermore, the transporter can be cleaned and purified, allowing for reuse.

[0020] Some transport vehicles can maintain, regulate, or control the temperature or temperature range within a cargo area for a limited time. Therefore, rapid cargo delivery is crucial to prevent the temperature within the cargo area from becoming an undesirable temperature or range that could damage the cargo. Errors such as mishandling or misdelivery of transport vehicles can cause or contribute to transport delays, thereby jeopardizing the cargo. Transport vehicles with features that facilitate easy viewing of transport and handling information can mitigate errors. Transport vehicles with enhanced robustness features and features that prevent improper handling can also mitigate damage.

[0021] Finally, airline procedures for air cargo limit the air transport availability of traditional Dewar flasks or other non-linear shaped containers. Therefore, developing a transporter that also presents a linear shape and securely holds Dewar flasks (which may have shapes that are not permitted for air cargo) could enhance air transport availability and facilitate rapid delivery to prevent unwanted temperature shifts and damage to cargo.

[0022] Now for reference Figures 1A to 1F Various views of the transporter 2 are depicted. The transporter 2 can be a container with a shape suitable for air transport and configured to receive a Dewar flask therein. The transporter 2 can be rectangular, square, or linear. The transporter 2 can be trapezoidal or any suitable shape. The transporter 2 can have surface features, channels, and cutouts to facilitate different functions and aspects. For example, aspects that might protrude beyond the edge plane of the transporter 2, disrupting the shape (e.g., disrupting a linear profile), can be placed in indentations, embossings, channels, cutouts, etc., to mitigate disruption to the shape (e.g., linear profile). The transporter 2 can be stackable. The transporter 2 can resist rolling or tipping. The transporter 2 can be made of plastic, metal, or other suitable materials to provide desired rigidity, flexibility, or other material properties.

[0023] In various embodiments, the transporter 2 has a cap 4 and a base 6. The base 6 may include a larger body of the transporter 2 and may be configured to secure the Dewar flask therein. The cap 4 may include a smaller body of the transporter 2 and may be removably coupled and / or hingedly coupled to the base 6 to selectively close the base 6, thereby selectively sealing the Dewar flask secured therein.

[0024] The transporter 2 may have a handle 8. The handle 8 may be attached to one side of the base 6. In various embodiments, the handle 8 may be extendable, for example, by extending outward for operation by a person operating the transporter 2, and then extending inward for storage.

[0025] The transporter 2 may have one or more wheels 10. The transporter 2 may have two wheels 10, four wheels 10, or any number of wheels 10. The wheels 10 may be rolling devices to facilitate easy movement of the transporter 2. In various embodiments, two wheels 10 are attached to the transporter 2 and biased toward the same face of the transporter 2 to facilitate rolling when the transporter 2 tilts toward the wheels 10 and to resist rolling when the transporter 2 tilts away from the wheels 10 to rest on the base 6 of the transporter 2.

[0026] The transporter 2 may have a removable plate 12. The removable plate 12 may include a cleanable surface suitable for adhesive label adhesion. Labels, instructions, or other information may be printed on adhesive labels and adhered to the removable plate 12. The removable plate 12 can be removed for cleaning. In various embodiments, the removable plate 12 includes a bent metal plate shaped to protect at least a portion of the handle 8 from accidental contact when in an inward-facing position for storage.

[0027] The transporter 2 may have one or more latches 24. The latches 24 may be devices configured to achieve selective closure of the combination of the cover 4 and the base 6. The transporter 2 may have two latches 24 spaced apart at the front of the base 6 and selectively engageable with corresponding aspects near the edge of the cover 4. The latches 24 may include clips, loops, straps, hooks, or any other latching construction.

[0028] The transporter 2 may have a transport tag 52. The transport tag may be an electronic tag module. In various embodiments, an electronic display screen, such as an electronic ink display, provides transport information, address tags, etc. In other embodiments, the transport tag 52 may be a conventional adhesive transport tag.

[0029] Having provided a general overview of each feature of the transporter 2, attention now turns to the cover 4 to discuss its specific aspects. In various embodiments, the cover 4 may include a handle channel 26. The handle channel 26 may include cutouts, recesses, or other clearance structures to provide an unobstructed passage for the handle 8 between its outwardly extended (extended) and inwardly extended (retracted) positions without requiring operation or opening or closing of the cover 4.

[0030] The cover 4 may include a front registration boss 28. The front registration boss 28 may be a boss (e.g., a raised surface feature) extending away from the cover 4 on its upper side (along direction 506) when the cover 4 is closed. The front registration boss 28 may be biased toward one side of the transporter 2 (e.g., the front side 502 of the transporter 2). The front registration boss 28 may facilitate the alignment of another transporter 2 when it is stacked on top of the cover 4 for storage or transport. The boss may interact with a corresponding feature on the bottom of the base 6 of the other transporter 2, allowing the transporter 2 to rest more securely on top of the front registration boss 28.

[0031] Similarly, the cover 4 may have a rear registration boss 30. The rear registration boss 30 may be a boss (e.g., a raised surface feature) extending away from the cover 4 on its upper side (along direction 506) when the cover 4 is closed. The rear registration boss 30 may be biased toward one side of the transporter 2 (e.g., the rear side 504 of the transporter 2). The rear registration boss 30 may be biased toward the side of the transporter 2 opposite to the front registration boss 28 (e.g., the rear side 504 opposite to the front side 502). The rear registration boss 30 may facilitate the alignment of another transporter 2 when it is stacked on top of the cover 4 for storage or transport. The boss may interact with corresponding features on the bottom of the base 6 of the other transporter 2, allowing the transporter 2 to rest more securely on top of the rear registration boss 30.

[0032] The front registration boss 28 and the rear registration boss 30 may each have various features. For example, the front registration boss 28 may have a front main ramp portion 32 that slopes upward (along direction 506) away from the cover 4, with the distance from the starting point at the end 38 of the front main ramp portion to the highest point at the front curved portion 34 increasing. The front curved portion 34 may be a curved portion of the front registration boss 28, wherein the boss curves from a first direction 508 to a second direction. For example, the front registration boss 28 may extend parallel to the edge of the cover 4 (or in any other direction) along the front main ramp portion 32 (e.g., in the first direction 508), then extend along the front curved portion 34 in a changing direction (e.g., curved), and then extend along the second direction 510, such as along the front secondary ramp portion 36 parallel to different edges of the cover 4 (or in any other direction). The first secondary ramp portion 35 can slope upward (along direction 506) away from the cover 4, with the distance from the starting point at the end 40 of the first secondary ramp portion to the highest point at the first curved portion 34 increasing.

[0033] The post-registration boss 30 may have a rear main ramp portion 42 that slopes upward (along direction 506) away from the cover 4, with the distance increasing from the starting point at the end 48 of the rear main ramp portion to the highest point at the rear bend portion 44. The rear bend portion 44 may be a curved portion of the post-registration boss 30, wherein the boss bends from one direction to another. For example, the post-registration boss 30 may extend along the rear main ramp portion 42 (e.g., in the first direction 508) parallel to the edge of the cover 4 (or in any other direction), then extend along the rear bend portion 44 in a changing (e.g., curved) direction, and then extend in another direction, such as along the rear secondary ramp portion 46 (e.g., in the second direction 510) parallel to different edges of the cover 4 (or in any other direction). The secondary ramp portion 46 can slope upward (along direction 506) away from the cover 4, with the distance from the starting point at the end 50 of the secondary ramp portion to the highest point at the rear curved portion 44 increasing.

[0034] The front registration boss 28 and the rear registration boss 30 can cooperate to orient and securely stack on top of the cover 4 for storage or transport of other carriers 2. For example, the following discussion will describe in detail an example construction of the front registration boss 28 and the rear registration boss 30. Then, the discussion will describe in detail an example cooperative feature of the front registration boss 28 and the rear registration boss 30.

[0035] For example, in various embodiments, the cover 4 includes a front registration boss 28 received by one aspect of another transporter 2 to allow stacking of the transporters. The front registration boss 28 includes a front main ramp portion 32 that increases in height away from the base 6 in at least one dimension along a first direction 508. The front registration boss 28 may include a front curved portion 34 that bends along a path of changing direction; and a front secondary ramp portion 36 that increases in height away from the base 6 in at least one dimension along a second direction 510. The front main ramp portion 32 extends from the end 38 of the front main ramp portion to the front curved portion 34. The front secondary ramp portion 35 extends from the end 40 of the front secondary ramp portion to the front curved portion 34. The height of the forward bend 34 away from the base 6 is the maximum height of any portion of the forward registration boss 28 away from the base 6, and this at least one registration boss (e.g., the forward registration boss 28) causes the transport 2 to wobble when placed on the cover 4 instead of the base 6. Therefore, the forward registration boss 28 also prevents improper positioning of the transport 2, such as inverted positioning.

[0036] The cover 4 may include a rear registration boss 30, spaced apart from the front registration boss 28, and received by an aspect of the other transport 2 to allow stacking of the transports. The rear registration boss 30 may include a rear main ramp portion 42 that increases in height away from the base 6 along a first direction 508 in at least one dimension. The rear registration boss 30 may include a rear bend portion 44 that bends along a path of changing direction. The rear registration boss 30 may include a rear secondary ramp portion 46 that increases in height away from the base 6 along a second direction 510 in at least one dimension. The rear main ramp portion 42 extends from the rear main ramp portion end 48 to the rear bend portion 44. The rear secondary ramp portion 46 extends from the rear secondary ramp portion end 50 to the rear bend portion 44. The height of the rear bend portion 44 away from the base 6 is the maximum height of any portion of the rear registration boss 30 away from the base 6. The post-registration boss 30 causes swaying in response to the transporter 2 resting on the cover 4 instead of the base 6.

[0037] The front registration boss 28 and the rear registration boss 30 mate in all aspects. For example, in various embodiments, the rear primary ramp portion 42 and the front secondary ramp portion 36 are parallel. In various embodiments, the rear secondary ramp portion 46 and the front primary ramp portion 32 are parallel. The rear curved portion 44 and the front curved portion 34 may be of the same size. The rear secondary ramp portion 46 may be smaller than the rear primary ramp portion 42. The rear primary ramp portion 42 and the front primary ramp portion 32 may have a first identical size, and the rear secondary ramp portion 46 and the front secondary ramp portion 36 may have a second identical size, the second identical size being smaller than the first identical size.

[0038] refer to Figures 1A to 1F and Figure 2 The lid 4 includes a lid sealing face 208. The lid sealing face 208 may be a face that protrudes from the bottom side of the lid 4, and the lid sealing face 208 is at least partially received into the features of the base 6 to enhance the heat seal and provide a fixation that prevents the lid 4 from being accidentally sheared off from the base 6 when the lid 4 is closed.

[0039] The lid 4 may include a Dewar flask retaining boss 210. Although the Dewar flask retaining boss 210 is shown as a disc in the figures, other shapes are also contemplated. The Dewar flask retaining boss 210 may include a compressible boss extending downward from the bottom side of the lid 4 to rest against and press against the Dewar flask 218 stored in the base 6, compressing and securing the Dewar flask 218 to prevent accidental movement or shaking. In various examples, the Dewar flask retaining boss 210 may be foam or other compressible material.

[0040] Finally, the lid 4 may include a lid-side hinge portion 214. The lid-side hinge portion 214 may include a tab, a hinge pin, a hinge pin receiver, or another aspect of a hinge corresponding to the base-side hinge portion 216 on the base 6. The lid-side hinge portion 214 is interoperable with the base-side hinge portion 216 to provide hinge features allowing the lid 4 to be hinged open relative to the base 6. Similarly, the base 6 may include a base-side hinge portion 216. The base-side hinge portion 216 may include a tab, a hinge pin, a hinge pin receiver, or another aspect of a hinge corresponding to the lid-side hinge portion 214 on the lid 4. The base-side hinge portion 216 is interoperable with the lid-side hinge portion 214 to provide hinge features allowing the lid 4 to be hinged open relative to the base 6.

[0041] Having covered every aspect of the lid 4, let's now turn our attention to... Figures 1A to 1F To discuss base 6. In various embodiments, base 6 includes one or more clearance channels 14 defined in one or more sides of base 6. The sides of the base may be faces connecting the front side 502 and the rear side 504 of base 6. For example, Figure 1B The first side 512 is shown in the image, while Figure 1C The second side 514 is shown. A notch may extend along a portion of the sides 512, 514 of the base 6 and terminate at a protruding edge 18. The protruding edge 18 may be a protruding end of the notch, restoring the sides 512, 514 of the base 6 to a generally rectangular geometry, thereby providing a gripping surface for lifting the transporter 2 by grasping the protruding edge 18. In various embodiments, the clearance channel 14 includes an access passage 16 comprising a notch extending along at least a portion of the sides 512, 514 of the base 6, for example extending at least partially upward along the sides 512, 514 of the base 6 toward the cover 4 from the bottom of the base 6. The clearance channel 14 may include a protruding edge 18 including a terminating end of the access passage 16 to provide a gripping surface for lifting the transporter 2. In various embodiments, the clearance channel 14 is defined on each side by a guide ramp 20. The guide ramps 20 may be angled, curved, or orthogonal to the bottom of the transporter 2. Thus, a pair of guide ramps 20 and a flange 18 may define the inner boundary of the access passage 16. Two access passages 16 may be included, each on opposite sides 512, 514 of the base 6, to provide space for two hands to grip and manipulate the transporter 2. In other embodiments, the clearance passage 14 may be shaped to dock with machinery used for lifting and moving the transporter 2.

[0042] As previously described, the transporter 2 may have one or more latches 24. Each latch 24 may be disposed in a corresponding latch channel 22 of the base 6. The latch channel 22 may include recesses, partial indentations, etc. The latch channel 22 may provide clearance for arranging the latch 24 to connect with the base 6 and for securing the cover 4, but may also protect the latch 24 from accidental contact, impacts, etc., when the transporter 2 moves.

[0043] The transporter 2 may also include a surface feature channel 54. The surface feature channel 54 may include a channel to provide clearance for the handle 8 and the removable plate 12. In this way, the surface feature channel 54 provides clearance to align the handle 8 and the removable plate 12 parallel to or recessed relative to the contour of the base 6, so as to provide protection from accidental contact, impact, etc., when the transporter 2 is moved.

[0044] Now let's turn our attention to... Figure 2 The base 6 may also include an inner compartment 200. The inner compartment 200 may be a cavity defined inside the base 6 and may be closed by the combination of the base 6 and the cover 4. The inner compartment wall 202 of the base 6 may define the inner compartment 200.

[0045] The inner compartment 200 can have various features. For example, the inner compartment 200 can have an inner compartment sealing ridge 204. The inner compartment sealing ridge 204 can be a partial raised feature extending around the perimeter of the opening into the inner compartment 200 and configured to abut one or more corresponding features of the cover 4. The inner compartment sealing ridge 204 can extend at least partially into the underside of the cover 4 to mitigate any undesirable shear of the cover 4 relative to the base 6 during rough handling of the transporter 2. The inner compartment sealing ridge 204 can further provide an enhanced thermal seal, restricting the transfer of gas or heat through the areas where the cover 4 and the base 6 are opened and closed. In various embodiments, the inner compartment 200 also includes an inner compartment sealing face 206. The inner compartment sealing face 206 includes the face of the inner compartment sealing ridge 204 that contacts the cover 4. For example, the outer peripheral face of the inner compartment sealing ridge 204, i.e., the outermost face relative to the inner compartment wall 202, can be the inner compartment sealing face 206.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The inner compartment 200 may include a document compartment 220. The document compartment 220 may be a separate container defined by a document compartment wall 222. The document compartment 220 can be inserted into the inner compartment 200 and can provide a separate area for securing documents inside the inner compartment 200. Therefore, the base 6 may include a document compartment wall 222 that defines the document compartment 220 within the inner compartment 200, and the document compartment 220 defines a sub-section of the inner compartment 200. Figure 5Also shown is a top outline view 224 of the file compartment, such as the lid of the file compartment, and a bottom outline view 223 of the file compartment, such as the bottom plate of the file compartment.

[0047] Turn now Figure 2 and Figure 3 In various embodiments, the inner compartment 200 also includes a foam stabilizing block system 302. The foam stabilizing block system 302 includes one or more foam blocks 304 to stabilize the Dewar flask 218 within the inner compartment 200. The foam blocks 304 may occupy the space between the container 224 of the Dewar flask 218 and the inner compartment wall 202 of the inner compartment 200. In various embodiments, different shapes of foam blocks 304 may be implemented. For example, since the dimensions of the inner compartment wall 202 and the Dewar flask 218 may differ at different locations, the dimensions of the foam blocks 304 may also need to be varied to properly occupy the space in the inner compartment 200, thereby limiting the wobbling and movement of the Dewar flask 218. For example, three foam blocks 304 may be inserted, but any other number may also be considered. Each foam block 304 may have an outer contour edge 306, which includes the surface of the foam block 304 that contacts the inner compartment wall 202, and may have an inner contour edge 308, which includes the surface of the foam block 304 that contacts the Dewar flask 218, such as the vessel 224 of the Dewar flask 218. Therefore, the transporter 2 may include a foam stabilizing block system 302 comprising a plurality of foam blocks 304 inserted into the inner compartment 200, each of the plurality of foam blocks 304 having an outer contour edge 306 and an inner contour edge 308, the outer contour edge 306 being shaped to correspond to at least a portion of the inner compartment wall 202, and the inner contour edge 308 being shaped to correspond to at least a portion of the Dewar flask 218.

[0048] Turn now Figures 6A to 6B However, refer to it regularly. Figures 1A to 1F Further aspects of base 6 include various features of the bottom of base 6. In the preceding paragraphs, the cover 4 ( Figures 1A to 1F ) front registration boss 28 ( Figures 1A to 1F ) and post-registration boss 30 ( Figures 1A to 1F When the base 6 of one transporter 2 is stacked on the cover 4 of another transporter 2, these registration bosses can be received in corresponding recesses on the base 6. For example, the base 6 may include a front registration recess 600 to receive a front registration boss 28. Similarly, the base 6 may include a rear registration recess 608 to receive a rear registration boss 30.

[0049] The front registration recess 600 may include a front primary ramp receiving portion 602. The front primary ramp receiving portion 602 may include an abutting surface formed to abut a front primary ramp portion 32 of the front registration boss 28. Similarly, the front registration recess 600 may include a front curved portion receiving portion 604. The front curved portion receiving portion 604 may include an abutting surface formed to abut a front curved portion 34. Likewise, the front registration recess 600 may include a front secondary ramp receiving portion 606. The front secondary ramp receiving portion 606 may include an abutting surface formed to abut a front secondary ramp portion 36 of the front registration boss 28.

[0050] The post-registration recess 608 may include a rear primary ramp receiving portion 610. The rear primary ramp receiving portion 610 may include an abutting surface formed to abut the rear primary ramp portion 42 of the post-registration boss 30. Similarly, the post-registration recess 608 may include a rear curved portion receiving portion 612. The rear curved portion receiving portion 612 may include an abutting surface formed to abut the rear curved portion 44. Likewise, the post-registration recess 608 may include a rear secondary ramp receiving portion 614. The rear secondary ramp receiving portion 614 may include an abutting surface formed to abut the rear secondary ramp portion 46 of the post-registration boss 30.

[0051] The base 6 may include a reinforcing face 616. The reinforcing face 616 may include a set of features that reinforce the bottom of the base 6, such as by including convex edges, ribs, bends, and other reinforcing geometries. Furthermore, the reinforcing face 616 may include convex edges, ribs, bends, and also facilitate the connection of the adjacent inner compartment 200 of the base 6. Figure 7 The spacing and / or fixed other reinforcing geometry of the Dewar flask 218 within the ).

[0052] The reinforcing face 616 may include a base plate 640. The base plate 640 may include a planar region. The base plate 640 may extend towards the cover 4 via an inwardly recessed wall 632 extending orthogonally to the base plate 640. Figures 1A to 1FThe recessed distance 634. By making the base plate 640 recessed, a gap can be formed between the surface on which the base 6 rests and the area of ​​the base 6 corresponding to the base plate 640. This gap can provide a front registration recess 600 and a rear registration recess 608. This gap can provide further cushioning and / or isolation for the Dewar flask 218 within the base 6, as will be discussed below. The reinforcing face 616 may include an annular channel 618. The annular channel 618 may be a channel that is further recessed relative to and extends from the base plate 640. The annular channel 618 may be a curved channel and may correspond to a similar curved shape to the bottom of the Dewar flask 218 resting within the base 6. The annular channel 618 may connect to a central recess 620 defined at the center of the annular channel 618. The central recess 620 may include planar features parallel to the base plate 640. For example, a connecting plane 628 may fill the center of the annular channel 618.

[0053] The annular channel 618 can have various shapes. For example, the annular channel 618 can be a triangular channel (e.g., a ring with a triangular cross-section). The annular channel 618 can be a trapezoidal channel (e.g., a ring with a trapezoidal cross-section). The annular channel 618 can be an arcuate channel (e.g., a ring with an arcuate cross-section). In some instances, the arcuate channel can have a curved cross-section (e.g., a portion of a circle). For example, the annular channel 618 can have an inwardly curved face 622 that faces inward toward the transporter 2 ( Figures 1A to 1F ) lid 4 ( Figures 1A to 1F The basin surface 624 is the innermost portion of the annular channel 618; and the outwardly curved face 626 bends outward at least partially in the opposite direction to the inwardly curved face 622 and connects the basin surface 624 to the connecting plane 628 of the central recess 620.

[0054] Therefore, continue to refer to Figures 6A to 6B ,refer to Figure 7 and regular reference Figures 1A to 1F and Figure 2A transporter 2 configured to hold a Dewar flask 218 for transport may include a base 6 including an inner compartment wall 202 and a lid 4. The inner compartment wall 202 defines an inner compartment 200 for receiving the Dewar flask 218, and the lid 4 is selectively closable over the inner compartment 200 to secure the Dewar flask 218 therein. The base 6 includes: a reinforcing face 616 opposite the lid 4, the reinforcing face 616 having a base plate 640 parallel to the lid 4 when the lid 4 is closed; and an annular channel 618 defining an annular convex edge of the base plate 640. The annular channel 618 may include an inwardly curved face 622 including a first curved portion of the reinforcing face 616 that extends inwardly away from the base plate 640 and into the inner compartment 200.

[0055] The annular channel 618 may also have a basin surface 624, which includes the innermost bottom plate of the annular channel 618. Tangents to the basin surface 624 may be parallel to at least a portion of the base plate 640. The annular channel 618 may also have an outwardly curved face 626, which includes a second curved portion of a reinforcing face 616 extending outward from the basin surface 624 away from the inner compartment 200 and toward the base plate 640. The reinforcing face 616 further includes a central recess 620, which includes a connecting plane 628 connecting all the outermost points of the second curved portion. The connecting plane 628 may be circular. The connecting plane 628 may be parallel to the base plate 640 and closer to the cover 4 than the base plate 640. In various embodiments, (i) the base plate 640, (ii) the inwardly curved surface 622, (iii) the basin surface 624, (iv) the outwardly curved surface 626, and (v) the central recess 620 are all recessed into the cover 4 by an inwardly curved wall 632 extending around the base plate 640 and orthogonal to each of the cover 4, the base plate 640, and the connecting plane 628. The inwardly curved wall 632 defines a closed perimeter of the base plate 640, the base plate 640 defines a closed perimeter of the annular channel 618, and the annular channel 618 defines a closed perimeter of the central recess 620.

[0056] In various embodiments, the inwardly curved face 622, including the first curved portion, has a profile corresponding to a portion of the outline of the Dewar flask 218, and the Dewar flask 218 can be nested within the inner compartment 200 against at least a portion of the reinforcing face 616. In some embodiments, the inwardly curved face 622, including the first curved portion, has a profile corresponding to a portion of the outline of the Dewar flask 218. The distance between the Dewar flask 218 and at least that portion of the reinforcing face 616, measured in a direction orthogonal to the reinforcing face 616, is a constant distance. Furthermore, a foam block 630 can be received within this constant distance, the reinforcing face 616 can support the foam block 630, and the foam block 630 can support the Dewar flask 218.

[0057] In various example embodiments, the transporter 2 is configured to hold the Dewar flask 218 for safe transport and includes a base 6 comprising an inner compartment wall 202 defining an inner compartment 200 to receive the Dewar flask 218. The transporter 2 includes a cap 4 that is selectively closable over the inner compartment 200 to secure the Dewar flask 218 therein. The base 6 has a reinforcing face 616 opposite the cap 4, the reinforcing face 616 having a base plate 640 parallel to the cap 4 when closed, and the concave wall 632 including a central region of the base 6 surrounded by the base plate 640 and recessed inward relative to the base plate 640 into the cap 4. The concave wall 632 spaced the Dewar flask 218 received in the inner compartment 200 from the base plate 640, thereby lifting the Dewar flask 218 away from the base plate 640 to at least partially mechanically isolate the Dewar flask 218 from direct vibration transmission from the resting surface 650 below the base 6.

[0058] Exemplary embodiments of the methods / systems have been disclosed in an illustrative manner. Therefore, the terminology used throughout this document should be interpreted in a non-limiting manner. While minor modifications may be made to the teachings herein by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that all such embodiments intended to be defined within the scope of this patent claim reasonably fall within the scope of the technical advancements contributed herein, and that scope should not be limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A transporter configured to hold a Dewar flask for transport, the transporter comprising: The base includes an inner compartment wall that defines an inner compartment for receiving the Dewar flask; as well as A lid, which can be selectively closed onto the inner compartment to secure the Dewar flask within the inner compartment. The cover includes a front registration boss, which is received by an aspect of another transporter to allow stacking of the transporters. The front registration boss includes: The front main ramp portion increases in height away from the base in at least one dimension along a first direction; The forward bending portion bends along a path that changes direction; and The preceding secondary slope portion increases in height away from the base along a second direction at least in at least one dimension. The front main ramp portion extends from the end of the front main ramp portion to the front curved portion. The preceding secondary ramp portion extends from the end of the preceding secondary ramp portion to the preceding curved portion. Wherein, the height of the front curved portion away from the base is the maximum height of any portion of the front registration boss away from the base, and The front registration boss causes the transporter to sway in response to the transporter resting on the cover rather than the base.

2. The transporter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover includes a rear registration boss, spaced apart from the front registration boss, and received by the other aspect of the transporter to allow stacking of the transporters. The rear registration boss includes: The rear main slope portion increases in height away from the base along the first direction in at least one dimension; The rear-bending portion bends along a path that changes direction; and The secondary slope portion increases in height away from the base along the second direction in at least one of the at least one dimensions. The rear main ramp portion extends from the end of the rear main ramp portion to the rear curved portion. The secondary ramp portion extends from the end of the secondary ramp portion to the rear bend portion. Wherein, the height of the rear-bent portion away from the base is the maximum height of any portion of the rear registration boss away from the base, and The post-registration boss causes the transporter to sway in response to the transporter resting on the cover rather than the base.

3. The transporter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear main slope portion is parallel to the front main slope portion.

4. The transporter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The subsequent secondary slope portion is parallel to the preceding secondary slope portion.

5. The transporter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear curved portion and the front curved portion are the same size.

6. The transporter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The secondary slope portion is smaller than the primary slope portion.

7. The transporter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear main slope portion and the front main slope portion have a first identical size, wherein the rear secondary slope portion and the front secondary slope portion have a second identical size, the second identical size being smaller than the first identical size.

8. The transporter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base also includes a file compartment wall that defines a file compartment within the inner compartment, the file compartment defining a sub-section of the inner compartment.

9. The transporter according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a foam stabilizing block system comprising a plurality of foam blocks inserted into the inner compartment, each of the plurality of foam blocks having an outer contour edge and an inner contour edge, the outer contour edge corresponding in shape to at least a portion of the inner compartment wall, and the inner contour edge corresponding in shape to at least a portion of the Dewar flask.

10. A transporter configured to hold a Dewar flask for transport, the transporter comprising: The base includes an inner compartment wall that defines an inner compartment for receiving the Dewar flask; as well as A lid, which can be selectively closed onto the inner compartment to secure the Dewar flask within the inner compartment. The base includes a reinforcing surface opposite the lid, the reinforcing surface having a base plate and an annular channel, the base plate being parallel to the lid when the lid is closed, and the annular channel defining an annular protrusion of the base plate, the annular channel including: The inwardly curved face includes a first curved portion of the reinforcing face that extends inward away from the base plate and into the inner compartment.

11. The transporter according to claim 10, characterized in that, The annular channel also includes a basin surface, which includes the innermost bottom plate of the annular channel, and the tangent of the basin surface is parallel to at least a portion of the base plate.

12. The transporter according to claim 11, characterized in that, The annular channel also includes an outwardly curved facet, which includes a second curved portion of the reinforcing facet that extends outward from the basin surface away from the inner compartment and toward the base plate.

13. The transporter according to claim 12, characterized in that, The reinforced surface also includes a central recess, which includes a connecting plane that connects all the outermost points of the second curved portion.

14. The transporter according to claim 13, characterized in that, The connecting plane is circular.

15. The transporter according to claim 14, characterized in that, The connecting plane is parallel to the base plate and is closer to the cover than the base plate.

16. The transporter according to claim 15, characterized in that, (i) the base plate, (ii) the inwardly curved surface, (iii) the basin surface, (iv) the outwardly curved surface, and (v) the central recess are all recessed into the lid by an inwardly curved wall extending around the base plate and orthogonal to each of the lid, the base plate, and the connecting plane, the inwardly curved wall defining a closed perimeter of the base plate, the base plate defining a closed perimeter of the annular channel, and the annular channel defining a closed perimeter of the central recess.

17. The transporter according to claim 10, Its features are, The first curved portion has a profile corresponding to a portion of the outline of the Dewar flask, and The Dewar bottle is capable of nesting against at least a portion of the reinforcing face within the inner compartment.

18. The transporter according to claim 10, Its features are, The first curved portion has a profile corresponding to a portion of the outline of the Dewar flask, and The distance between the Dewar flask and the reinforcing face, measured in a direction orthogonal to the reinforcing face, is a constant distance.

19. The transporter according to claim 18, Its features are, The foam block is received at the stated constant distance, and The reinforced face supports the foam block, and the foam block supports the Dewar bottle.

20. A transporter configured to hold a Dewar flask for safe transport, the transporter comprising: The base includes an inner compartment wall that defines an inner compartment for receiving the Dewar flask; as well as A lid, which can be selectively closed onto the inner compartment to secure the Dewar flask within the inner compartment. The base includes a reinforcing portion opposite the lid, the reinforcing portion having a base plate and a concave wall. The base plate is parallel to the lid when the lid is closed. The concave wall includes a central region of the base surrounded by the base plate and recessed into the lid relative to the base plate. The concave wall separates the Dewar bottle, which is received in the inner compartment, from the base plate, so that the base lifts the Dewar bottle away from the base plate.

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