Flattenable retrievable liner cartridge with thermal elements and methods of using the same

Abstract

A flattenable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads and method of using the same is described; the flattenable liner cartridge is configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload and includes: at least one sidewall portion; at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge; the flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration in which the flattenable liner cartridge forms a monolayer thickness.

Description

FLATTENABLE RETRIEVABLE LINER CARTRIDGE WITH THERMAL ELEMENTS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAMETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention in general pertains to the art of transportation within a controlled thermal environment. In particular, the present invention relates to a flattenable liner cartridge with thermal elements, installable to and retrievable from thermally insulating containers, as well as to methods of manufacturing and using the same.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is believed that the pertinent state-of-the-art is represented by the following patent literature: US20200148453, US11078008, US20180299059, US20210123653, US9267722, US11313605, US9950853, US8348087 and USD931059.

[0003] US20210123653 which is believed to be the most relevant prior art teaches devices and methods for transporting items and specifically crate liners for use in delivering temperature-controlled items such as perishable food. The crate liners of US20210123653 being insulated to maintain a temperature-controlled environment within the liner.

[0004] US20200148453 which is believed to be the most relevant prior art teaches a temperature-regulating lid for an insulated box assembly and a method for using an insulated box assembly are disclosed. The temperature-regulating lid for an insulated box assembly of US20200148453 can comprise a lid box comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel, the lid box defining a cavity; and a temperature-regulating insert positioned in the cavity.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The following summary of the invention is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects and features of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and as such it is not intended to particularly identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented below.

[0006] The invention was made in view of the deficiencies of the prior art and provides containers and techniques for overcoming these deficiencies. According to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, the crate liners of the present application are characterized by being flattenable to minimize the space required for storing the liner when not in use as well as for increasing the surface area thereof, available for contact with the ambient environment, for cooling, freezing or warming the liner.

[0007] In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the present invention, an assembly for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads includes: a container configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload, the container including a top panel, bottom panel and at least one sidewall panel, in which each one of the panels including a thermally insulating material; a flattenable liner cartridge including: at least one sidewall portion; at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge; in which the flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration; at least one thermal element including: an essentially closed envelope; a thermal material enclosed within the essentially closed envelope; in which the at least one thermal element is configured to be accommodated within the at least one dedicated compartment of the flattenable liner cartridge; with the proviso that the thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; in which the flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which the flattenable liner cartridge includes a monolayer thickness; at least one fastener including: a container moiety, configured to be attachable to an interior of the container; a flattenable liner moiety, configured to be attachable to an exterior of the flattenable liner cartridge; in which the at least one fastener is configured for readily connecting the flattenable liner cartridge to the container, thereby rendering the flattenable liner modularly installable within the container; in which the at least one fastener is configured for readily disconnecting the flattenable liner cartridge from the container, thereby rendering the flattenable liner retrievable from the container; with the proviso that the flattenable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the flattenable liner cartridge further includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a bottom portion; a top portion; at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a first hinge portion, formed between the bottom portion and the sidewall portion; a second hinge portion, formed between the top portion and the sidewall portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and / or accessible, to insert and / or retrieve the at least one thermal element thereto / therefrom.

[0010] In some embodiments, the at least one fastener includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM).

[0011] In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the present invention, a method of using a flattenable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads includes: providing a container configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload, the container including a top panel, bottom panel and at least one sidewall panel; providing a flattenable liner cartridge including: at least one sidewall portion; at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge; in which the flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration; at least one thermal element including: an essentially closed envelope; a thermal material enclosed within the essentially closed envelope; with the proviso that the thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; with the proviso that the flattenable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material; in which the flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which the flattenable liner cartridge includes a monolayer thickness; providing at least one fastener including: a container moiety, attachable to an interior of the container; a flattenable liner moiety, attachable to an exterior of the flattenable liner cartridge; accommodating the at least one thermal element within the at least one dedicated compartment of the flattenable liner cartridge; readily connecting the flattenable liner cartridge to the container, by attaching the at least one fastener; modularly installing the flattenable liner within the container; readily disconnecting the flattenable liner cartridge from the container, by detaching the at least one fastener; retrieving the flattenable liner from the container.

[0012] In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the present invention, a flattenable liner cartridge configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads includes: at least one sidewall portion; at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion; at least one thermal element including: an essentially closed envelope; a thermal material enclosed within the essentially closed envelope; with the proviso that the thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; with the proviso that the flattenable liner cartridge does not include anythermally insulating material; in which the at least one thermal element is configured to be accommodated within the at least one dedicated compartment of the flattenable liner cartridge; in which the flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which the flattenable liner cartridge includes a monolayer thickness.

[0013] In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the present invention, a method of using a flattenable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads includes: providing a flattenable liner cartridge configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload including: at least one sidewall portion; at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge; in which the flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration; providing at least one thermal element including: an essentially closed envelope; a thermal material enclosed within the essentially closed envelope; with the proviso that the thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; with the proviso that the flattenable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material; in which the flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which the flattenable liner cartridge includes a monolayer thickness; accommodating the at least one thermal element within the at least one dedicated compartment of the flattenable liner cartridge; modularly inserting the flattenable liner within the container; retrieving the flattenable liner from the container.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one fastener includes: a container moiety, attachable to an interior of the container; a flattenable liner moiety, attachable to an exterior of the flattenable liner cartridge; readily connecting the flattenable liner cartridge to the container, by the attaching at least one fastener; readily disconnecting the flattenable liner cartridge from the container, by detaching the at least one fastener.DEFINITIONS

[0015] The term thermal as referred to herein is to be construed as in a non-limiting manner including: (a) thermally insulating materials, configured for thermally insulating from the ambient environment, (b) thermally accumulating materials and / or elements, configured for inducing a warmed or cooled environment by been previously respectively warmed or cooled, as well as (c) thermally active materials and / or elements, configured for actively generating heat or cold, typically by a means of chemical reaction.

[0016] The term liner as referred to herein is to be construed as in a non-limiting manner including any a lining in an appliance, device, or container. The term liner is to be construed as especially including but not limited to removable, retrievable, exchangeable, modular and replaceable lining.

[0017] The term fastener or a term similar thereto, as referred to herein, is to be construed as any suitable structure, material and / or device that effects an attachment, mounting and / or affixing, in a non-limiting manner including the examples of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and- loop fasteners such as VELCRO (RTM), which is a trademark registered to Velcro Industries B.V.

[0018] The term thermally sensitive payload, as referred to herein, is to be construed as any material or object requiring transportation or storage at a temperature different from the ambient environment. The term thermally sensitive payload in a non-limiting manner includes material or object requiring transportation or storage in a hot, warmed, chilled or cold temperature, which differs from the given ambient environment.

[0019] The term matching or a term similar thereto, as referred to herein, is to be construed as having a cross-sectional area and / or shape of a component equal or essentially similar to a cross-sectional area and / or shape of another component. It should be acknowledged that the components may only to be similar in the cross-sectional areas and / or shapes, to satisfy the term matching or similar, so long as the cross-sectional areas of the components can be mated and / or inserted into each other and / or the combination thereof essentially fits together and / or occupy essentially the same space.

[0020] The term structured, as referred to herein, is to be construed as including any geometrical shape, exceeding in complexity a plain linear shape or a shape embodying a simple and / or standardized circular, elliptical or polygonal contour or profile. Any more complex shape than a plain linear shape or a shape embodying a simple and / or standardized circular, elliptical or polygonal contour or profile, constitutes an example of structured geometry.

[0021] The term modular, as referred to herein, should be construed as a including a stand-alone and / or autonomically functioning of structured unit. The term modular inter alia means a standardized unit that may be conveniently installed or deployed without significant impact to the environment. The term modular, however, doesn’t necessarily mean providingfor ease of interchange or replacement. The term modular is optionally satisfied solely by providing for ease of onetime deployment or installation.

[0022] The term readily connectable, as referred to herein, should be construed as including any structure and / or member that is configured to be conveniently connected to other structure and / or member and / or components of a larger system or assembly. The term readily connectable, however, doesn’t necessarily mean readily disconnectable or removable. The term readily connectable is optionally satisfied by providing for ease of onetime connection or coupling.

[0023] By operationally connected and operably coupled or similar terms used herein is meant connected in a specific way (e.g., in a manner allowing fluid to move and / or electric power or signal to be transmitted) that allows the disclosed system and its various components to operate effectively in the manner described herein.

[0024] The term environmentally sustainable, as referred to herein, is to be construed as including any material that is biodegradable or comprising a naturally occurring and / or excavated and / or mined material, whether in original, natural or processed form. The term environmentally sustainable, as referred to herein, is to be equally construed as including in a non-limiting manner any method or technique facilitating a reduction in: (1) energy consumption including energy consumption, whether required for manufacture, storage and / or transportation, (2) the volume or mass of disposed materials, waste or emissions, as well as (3) toxicity or non-biodegradability of disposed materials, waste or emissions.

[0025] The term fluid or liquid, as referred to herein, is to be construed as any material that deforms when a shear stress is applied. While fluid generally would refer to any liquids or gases, it may be used herein to describe fluidized solids and bulk solids and / or granulate matter that are capable of flowing or otherwise moving inside a device as a result of pressure differences and / or gravitational force. Such materials may include slurries, suspensions, pastes, powders, granular solids, particle solids, granulate matter, particulate matter, as well as any combinations thereof.

[0026] The terms pliable or pliant, as referred to herein, are to be construed as having high tensile strength and capable of being efficiently elastically flexed or bent but not being resilient and incapable of being efficiently stretched or expanded. The term tensile or tensile strength, as referred to herein, is to be construed inter alia as a shortcut of the known term ultimate tensile strength, frequently represented acronym as UTS, meaning an intensive property of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to elongate, namely to resisttension, defined as the maximum stress that a material can withstand while been stretched or pulled before sustaining breaking, substantial deformation and / or necking before fracture, such as nylon, relating to essentially non-ductile materials, having UTS value ranging between about 600 and 1000 MPa or more, but not including rigid, firm or stiff materials.

[0027] The terms elastic or resilient, as referred to herein, are to be construed as having tensile strength lower than aforesaid tensile strength of pliable or pliant material and optionally being capable of efficiently stretching or expanding, relating inter alia to essentially ductile materials, having UTS value lesser than about 600 MPa.

[0028] The terms method and process as used herein are to be construed as including any sequence of steps or constituent actions, regardless a specific timeline for the performance thereof. The particular steps or constituent actions of any given method or process are not necessarily in the order they are presented in the claims, description or flowcharts in the drawings, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any particular step or constituent action included in a given method or process may precede or follow any other particular step or constituent action in such method or process, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any particular step or constituent action and / or a combination thereof in any method or process may be performed iteratively, before or after any other particular step or action in such method or process, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, some steps or constituent actions and / or a combination thereof may be combined, performed together, performed concomitantly and / or simultaneously and / or in parallel, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, some steps or constituent actions and / or a combination thereof in any given method or process may be skipped, omitted, spared and / or opted out, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] In the specification or claims herein, any term signifying an action or operation, such as: a verb, whether in base form or any tense, gerund or present / past participle, is not to be construed as necessarily to be actually performed but rather in a constructive manner, namely as to be performed merely optionally or potentially.

[0030] The term substantially as used herein is a broad term, and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers without limitation to being largely but not necessarily entirely of that quantity or quality which is specified.

[0031] The term essentially means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, stages and or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, thestages and / or the parts do not materially alter the basic and new characteristics of the composition, method or structure claimed.

[0032] As used herein, the term essentially changes a specific meaning, meaning an interval of plus or minus ten percent (± 10%). For any embodiments disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, in some alternative embodiments, is to be understood as disclosing an interval approximately or about equal to that particular value (i.e., ± 10%).

[0033] As used herein, the terms about or approximately modify a particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus twenty percent (+ / -20%). For any of the embodiments, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure of a range equal to about that particular value (i.e. + / -20%).

[0034] As used herein, the term or is an inclusive or operator, equivalent to the term and / or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; whereas the term and as used herein is also the alternative operator equivalent to the term and / or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0035] It should be understood, however, that neither the briefly synopsized summary nor particular definitions hereinabove are not to limit interpretation of the invention to the specific forms and examples but on the contrary are to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more comprehensively from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0037] FIG 1 is a perspective view of an assembly of a container and flattenable liner cartridge, for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] FIG 2A is a perspective view of a flattenable liner cartridge in a flattened configuration, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] FIG 2B is a perspective view of a flattenable liner cartridge in a folded configuration, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] FIG 3 is a flowchart of a method of using a flattenable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payload, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] FIG 4 is a flowchart of a method of using a flattenable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payload, according to another embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF EMBODIMENTS

[0042] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 1 to 2B, showing assembly 10 for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload, as well as flattenable liner cartridge 14. Flattenable liner cartridge 14 configured to be modularly inserted into container 10 for transportation of thermally sensitive payload shown FIG 2A and 2B illustrates various features that may be interchangeable with elements of any other embodiment described in the specification.

[0043] In some embodiments, assembly 10 comprises container 12. Container 12 is configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload. Container 12 is typically thermally insulated. In some embodiments, assembly 10 further comprises flattenable liner cartridge 14. Flattenable liner cartridge 14 comprises at least one sidewall portion 16. In some embodiments, flattenable liner cartridge 14 further comprises at least one dedicated compartment 18 formed within sidewall portion 16 of liner cartridge 14.

[0044] It should be emphasized that while US20210123653 is aimed at providing an insulating and freezable liner to be inserted into a thermally non-insulating container, some embodiments of the present invention are aimed at an insertable and retrievable liner to be inserted into a thermally insulating container, where the liner is flattenable, namely capable of assuming a flattened conformation. The insulating and freezable liner of US20210123653 is incapable of assuming a flattened conformation, which does not allow to sprawl the liner into monolayer for a rapid and efficient colling.

[0045] In any case, the insulating and freezable liner of US20210123653 is incapable of being flattened into a monolayer while maintaining the structural integrity thereof, which is suboptimal for charging the liner with cold. Whereas some embodiments the liner of the present invention is flattenable into a monolayer while maintaining the structural integrity thereof and therefore is optimal for charging the liner with cold.

[0046] The liner of US20210123653 is collapsible to permit the folding of the liner to be easily transported or stored while empty. Some embodiments of the present invention teach the flattenability of the liner cartridge and thus achieving a more optimal charging of the liner with cold. The liner of US20210123653 is insulating. On the contrary, some embodiments of the present invention are aimed at a non-insulating liner insertable and into an insulating container rendering it optimal for colling down and / or freezing.

[0047] The fact that the liner of US20210123653 may further include an additional insulating layer, or any other additional layer for that matter, does not diminish or obviate the fact that the liner of US20210123653 comprises an insulating material, contradistinctively to some embodiments of the liner of the present invention. The insulating material in the liner of US20210123653 renders it suboptimal for colling down and / or freezing, whereas the absence of insulating material in some embodiments of the liner of the present invention renders it optimal for colling down and / or freezing.

[0048] In some embodiments, the liner of the present invention is preferably flattenable into a monolayer, rendering it optimal for efficient and / or rapid colling down and / or freezing. The insulating liner of US20210123653 is incapable of assuming a flattened conformation, which does not allow to sprawl the liner into monolayer.

[0049] The fact that the insulating and freezable liner of US20210123653 is incapable of being flattened into a monolayer thickness, renders it suboptimal for efficient and / or rapid colling down and / or freezing.

[0050] In some embodiments, the liner of the present invention comprises sidewalls that are disconnected from another along the edges and therefore can be folded and unfolded independently one from another. In US20210123653 the sidewalls form a continuum one with another along the edges and therefore cannot be folded or unfolded irrespectively one from another.

[0051] To achieve the folding of the sidewalls, special creases are required in US20210123653, so that one pair of sidewalls folds on itself, along the special creases are of US20210123653 and across the sidewall, to allow another pair of orthogonal sidewalls to fold along the baseplate and collapse on top of the baseplate, for instance for storage or non-rapid freezing. In some embodiments, the liner of the present invention no special crease is required, as opposed to US20210123653, because the sidewalls are disconnected one from another along the edges and can be folded along the baseplate and collapse on top of the baseplate, independently one from another.

[0052] It should be noted that in US20210123653 the sidewalls form a continuum one with another along the edges, to form an enclosed thermally insulated space. This is clearly evident throughout US20210123653 that the technical problem underlying US20210123653 is to form a thermally insulated container. Contradistinctively, in some embodiments, the liner of the present invention is not concerned with forming a thermally insulated enclosure but rather to be inserted into and used in a combination with a thermally insulated container (e.g. cold box), to actively decrease the temperature inside the cold box.

[0053] Since in some embodiments, the liner of the present invention is not concerned with the forming of thermally insulated enclosure, the sidewalls do not need to form a continuum one with another along the edges and hence do not require any special features, such as the diagonal creases in US20210123653 across the sidewall, to facilitate folding of the liner.

[0054] The foldable cold box of US8348087 differs from some embodiments of the liner of the present invention, which includes a thermally active material, typically needed to be efficiently and / or rapidly cooled down and / or frozen. In contrast, in US8348087, there is no thermally active material but only insulator.

[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG 2A and 2B, flattenable liner cartridge 14 further comprises bottom portion 20 and hinge portion 22. In some embodiments, hinge portion 22 is formed between bottom portion 20 and sidewall portion 16. In another embodiment, flattenable liner cartridge 14 further comprises a top portion and another hinge portion. In some embodiments, the other hinge portion is formed between the top portion and sidewall portion 16.

[0056] In some examples, hinge portion 22 and another hinge portion formed between the top portion and sidewall portion 16 are configured to be folded and / or bent. In some examples, hinge portion 22 and another hinge portion formed between the top portion and sidewall portion 16 include a structural element or a pliant or pliable material configured to facilitate folding and / or bending bottom portion 20 relative to sidewall portion 16 and / or the top portion relative to sidewall portion 16.

[0057] In some embodiments the flattenable liner cartridge, according to the present invention, is characterized by having a distinct hinge portion forming the hinged connection between the bottom portion and the sidewall portion and / or a top portion and the sidewall portion, embodying a certain structural element, such as a perforation pattern with gaps, an elongated groove of weakened material along which two pieces of fabric that are sewntogether, configured to sustain bending and folding of the liner cartridge. In some embodiments the flattenable liner cartridge, according to the present invention, is characterized by having a hinge portion forming the hinged connection between the bottom portion and the sidewall portion and / or a top portion and the sidewall portion, notably without embodying certain structural elements, such as a fold formed in the liner cartridge configured to sustain bending and folding thereof.

[0058] It should be acknowledged that flattenable liner cartridge 14 in the folded configuration shown in FIG 2B embodying the shape of a rectangular box open from the top is merely exemplary. Whereas in other embodiments, the flattenable liner cartridge is equally configured to assume a variety of other different shapes, in a non-limiting manner including: a cylindrical shell shape, a cylindrical shell shape open from the top, a cylindrical shape open from the top and bottom, a rectangular box shell shape, a rectangular box shell shape open from the top and bottom, a cubical shell shape, a cubical shell shape open from the top, a cubical shape open from the top and bottom, a frusto-pyramidal shell shape, a frusto-pyramidal shell shape open from the top, a frusto-pyramidal shape open from the top and bottom, a frusto-conical shell shape, a frusto-conical shell shape open from the top, a frusto-conical shape open from the top and bottom, etc.

[0059] It should be acknowledged that flattenable liner cartridge 14 in the flattened configuration shown in FIG 2A is configured for embodying a monolayer shape, in which liner cartridge 14 is not folded on itself in any way or form, so that no part or portion of liner cartridge 14 is disposed on top of and / or in layers with any other part or portion of liner cartridge 14. Accordingly, flattenable liner cartridge 14 in the flattened configuration shown in FIG 2A is configured to assume a monolayer thickness, whereby the surface area thereof s maximally exposed to the surrounding environment, therefore rendering liner cartridge 14 optimal for effective and rapid cooling down and / or freezing.

[0060] Notably, as opposed to the insulating liner of US20210123653, flattenable liner cartridge 14 is configured to assume the flattened configuration shown in FIG 2A, whereas the insulating liner of US20210123653 is uncapable of assuming a flattened configuration, rendering the insulating liner of US20210123653 suboptimal for effective or rapid cooling down and / or freezing. Moreover, as opposed to the insulating liner of US20210123653, flattenable liner cartridge 14 does not comprise any thermally insulating material, which renders cartridge 14 to be yet a fortiori optimal for effective and rapid cooling down and / or freezing.

[0061] In some embodiments, assembly 10 further comprises at least one thermalelement. The at least one thermal element typically comprises an essentially closed envelope. In some embodiments, the at least one thermal element further comprises a thermal material. The thermal material is typically enclosed within the essentially closed envelope. In some embodiments, the at least one thermal element is configured to be accommodated within at least one dedicated compartment 18 of flattenable liner cartridge 14. In some examples, the thermal material in a non-limiting manner includes at least one of: a phase-change material (PCM) which releases / absorbs sufficient energy at phase transition, aqueous gel, etc.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least one dedicated compartment 18 is rendered to be openable and / or accessible, to insert the at least one thermal element thereto. In some embodiments, at least one dedicated compartment 18 is rendered to be openable and / or accessible, so as to retrieve the at least one thermal element therefrom. In other embodiments, however, at least one dedicated compartment 18 is neither openable nor accessible, whereas the at least one thermal element is not insertable to and not retrievable from at least one dedicated compartment 18 but rather permanently accommodated within at least one dedicated compartment 18.

[0063] In some embodiments, assembly 10 further comprises at least one fastener. As shown in FIG 1 , at least one fastener comprises container moiety 24A. Container moiety 24A is configured to be attachable to interior surface 26 of container 12. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG 2B, at least one fastener further comprises flattenable liner moiety 24B. Flattenable liner moiety 24B is configured to be attachable to exterior surface 28 of flattenable liner cartridge 14.

[0064] In some embodiments, at least one fastener is configured for readily connecting flattenable liner cartridge 14 to container 12, thereby rendering flattenable liner 14 modularly installable within container 12. In some embodiments, at least one fastener is configured for readily disconnecting flattenable liner cartridge 14 from container 12, thereby rendering flattenable liner 14 retrievable from container 12.

[0065] In some embodiments, at least one fastener in a non-limiting manner comprises at least one member of: screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM).

[0066] In other embodiments, flattenable liner 14 further comprises at least one biasing means and / or elastic, pliant, pliable or resilient element and / or material, configuredfor spontaneously driving the erecting and / or folding process of flattenable liner cartridge 14 into the folded configuration shown in FIG 2B, by a means of intrinsic bias thereof. For instance, biasing means and / or elastic, pliant, pliable or resilient element 24B, as shown in FIG 2B, is configured to spontaneously drive the erecting and / or folding process of flattenable liner cartridge 14, into the folded configuration shown in FIG 2B, by a means of intrinsic bias, of biasing means and / or elastic, pliant, pliable or resilient element 24B, so that flattenable liner cartridge 14 is configured to support its own weight into the folded configuration shown in FIG 2B, and / or to perform self-structuring and / or self-assembly.

[0067] It should be acknowledged that the embodiment of flattenable liner cartridge 14 shown in FIG 1 to 2B, comprising at least one fastener, including container moiety 24A flattenable liner moiety 24B, is merely exemplary. Whereas in other embodiments flattenable liner cartridge 14 doesn’t include any fastener and is neither attachable to nor detachable from container 12.

[0068] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 3, showing a flowchart of method 100 of using a flattenable liner cartridge for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload. Method 100 of the embodiment of FIG 3 illustrates various features that may be interchangeable with elements and / or features of any other embodiment described in the specification.

[0069] In some embodiments, method 100 comprises step 102 of providing a container configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload. In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 104 of providing a flattenable liner cartridge. In some embodiments, the flattenable liner cartridge comprises at least one sidewall portion and at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge.

[0070] In some embodiments, the flattenable liner cartridge further comprises a bottom portion and a hinge portion. In some embodiments, the hinge portion is formed between the bottom portion and the sidewall portion. In another embodiment, the flattenable liner cartridge further comprises a top portion and another hinge portion. The other hinge portion is formed between the top portion and the sidewall portion.

[0071] In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 106 of providing at least one thermal element. The at least one thermal element typically comprises an essentially closed envelope and a thermal material enclosed within the essentially closed envelope.

[0072] In some embodiments, method 100 further includes step 108 of providing at least one fastener. In some embodiments, the at least one fastener comprises a container moiety attachable to an interior of the container and a flattenable liner moiety attachable to an exterior of the flattenable liner cartridge.

[0073] In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 110 of accommodating at least one thermal element within at least one dedicated compartment of the flattenable liner cartridge. In some embodiments, at least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and / or accessible.

[0074] In some embodiments, step 110 of method 100 comprises a step of inserting the at least one thermal element into the at least one dedicated compartment. In some embodiments, step 110 of method 100 comprises a step of retrieving the at least one thermal element from the at least one dedicated compartment. It should be acknowledged that step 110 of method 100 is merely optional, whereas in other embodiments the at least one dedicated compartment is not opened or closed and the at least one thermal element is not inserted thereto and not retrievable therefrom but rather the at least one thermal element is quite permanently accommodated within the at least one dedicated compartment.

[0075] In some embodiments, method 100 further includes step 112 of readily connecting the flattenable liner cartridge to the container, by attaching at least one fastener. In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 114 of modularly installing the flattenable liner within the container, upon connecting the flattenable liner cartridge to the container of step 112.

[0076] In some embodiments, method 100 further includes step 116 of readily disconnecting the flattenable liner cartridge from the container, by detaching at least one fastener. In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 118 of retrieving the flattenable liner from the container, upon connecting the flattenable liner cartridge to the container of step 112.

[0077] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 4, showing the flowchart of method 200 of using a flattenable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payload. Method 200 of the embodiment of FIG 4 illustrates various features that may be interchangeable with elements and / or features of any other embodiment described in the specification.

[0078] In some embodiments, method 200 comprises step 202 of providing aflattenable liner cartridge configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of thermally sensitive payload. The flattenable liner cartridge comprises at least one sidewall portion and at least one dedicated compartment formed within the sidewall portion of the liner cartridge.

[0079] In some embodiments, method 200 further comprises step 204 of providing at least one thermal element and optionally step 206 of accommodating the at least one thermal element within the at least one dedicated compartment of the flattenable liner cartridge, where the at least one dedicated compartment is configured to be openable and / or accessible.

[0080] In some embodiments, step 206 of method 200 optionally comprises inserting at least one thermal element into at least one dedicated compartment. In some embodiments, step 206 of method 200 optionally comprises retrieving at least one thermal element from at least one dedicated compartment.

[0081] In some embodiments, method 200 further includes step 208 of modularly inserting the flattenable liner within the container. In some embodiments, method 200 further comprises step 210 of retrieving the flattenable liner from the container.

[0082] In some embodiments, method 200 further comprises an optional step of providing at least one fastener. The at least one fastener may include a container moiety attachable to an interior of the container and a flattenable liner moiety attachable to an exterior of the flattenable liner cartridge.

[0083] In some embodiments, method 200 further comprises an optional step of readily connecting the flattenable liner cartridge to the container, by attaching at least one fastener. In some embodiments, method 200 further comprises an optional step of readily disconnecting the flattenable liner cartridge from the container, by detaching at least one fastener.

[0084] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow:

Claims

CLAIMS1. An assembly for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads, said assembly comprises:(a) a container configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload, said container comprising a top panel, bottom panel and at least one sidewall panel, wherein each one of aforesaid panels comprising a thermally insulating material;(b) a flattenable liner cartridge comprising:(I) at least one sidewall portion;(II) at least one dedicated compartment formed within said sidewall portion of said liner cartridge; wherein said flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration;(c) at least one thermal element comprising:(I) an essentially closed envelope;(II) a thermal material enclosed within said essentially closed envelope; wherein said at least one thermal element is configured to be accommodated within said at least one dedicated compartment of said flattenable liner cartridge; with the proviso that said thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; wherein said flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which said flattenable liner cartridge comprises a monolayer thickness;(d) at least one fastener comprising:(I) a container moiety, configured to be attachable to an interior of said container;(II) a flattenable liner moiety, configured to be attachable to an exterior of said flattenable liner cartridge; wherein said at least one fastener is configured for readily connecting said flattenable liner cartridge to said container, thereby rendering said flattenable liner modularly installable within said container; wherein said at least one fastener is configured for readily disconnecting said flattenable liner cartridge from said container, thereby rendering said flattenable liner retrievable from said container; with the proviso that said flattenable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said flattenable liner cartridge further comprises:(a) at least one member selected from the group consisting of:(I) a bottom portion;(II) a top portion;(b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of:(I) a first hinge portion, formed between said bottom portion and said sidewall portion;(II) a second hinge portion, formed between said top portion and said sidewall portion.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and / or accessible, so as to insert and / or retrieve said at least one thermal element thereto / therefrom.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM).

5. A method of using a flattenable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads comprises:(a) providing a container configured for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload, said container comprising a top panel, bottom panel and at least one sidewall panel;(b) providing a flattenable liner cartridge comprising:(I) at least one sidewall portion;(II) at least one dedicated compartment formed within said sidewall portion of said liner cartridge; wherein said flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration;(III) at least one thermal element comprising:(i) an essentially closed envelope;(ii) a thermal material enclosed within said essentially closed envelope; with the proviso that said thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; with the proviso that said flattenable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material;wherein said flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which said flattenable liner cartridge comprises a monolayer thickness;(c) providing at least one fastener comprising:(I) a container moiety, attachable to an interior of said container;(II) a flattenable liner moiety, attachable to an exterior of said flattenable liner cartridge;(d) accommodating said at least one thermal element within said at least one dedicated compartment of said flattenable liner cartridge;(e) readily connecting said flattenable liner cartridge to said container, by attaching said at least one fastener;(f) modularly installing said flattenable liner within said container;(g) readily disconnecting said flattenable liner cartridge from said container, by detaching said at least one fastener;(h) retrieving said flattenable liner from said container.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said flattenable liner cartridge further comprises:(a) at least one member selected from the group consisting of:(I) a bottom portion;(II) a top portion;(b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of:(I) a first hinge portion, formed between said bottom portion and said sidewall portion;(II) a second hinge portion, formed between said top portion and said sidewall portion.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein said at least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and / or accessible, further comprises:(a) inserting said at least one thermal element into said at least one dedicated compartment;(b) retrieving said at least one thermal element from said at least one dedicated compartment.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM).

9. A flattenable liner cartridge configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads, wherein said container comprising a top panel, bottom panel and at least one sidewall panel, said flattenable liner cartridge comprises:(a) at least one sidewall portion;(b) at least one dedicated compartment formed within said sidewall portion;(c) at least one thermal element comprising:(I) an essentially closed envelope;(II) a thermal material enclosed within said essentially closed envelope; with the proviso that said thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; with the proviso that said flattenable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material; wherein said at least one thermal element is configured to be accommodated within said at least one dedicated compartment of said flattenable liner cartridge; wherein said flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which said flattenable liner cartridge comprises a monolayer thickness.

10. The flattenable liner cartridge, of claim 9, further comprises at least one fastener comprising:(a) a container moiety, configured to be attachable to an interior of said container;(b) a flattenable liner moiety, configured to be attachable to an exterior of said flattenable liner cartridge; wherein said at least one fastener is configured for readily connecting said flattenable liner cartridge to said container, thereby rendering said flattenable liner modularly installable within said container; wherein said at least one fastener is configured for readily disconnecting said flattenable liner cartridge from said container, thereby rendering said flattenable liner retrievable from said container.

11. The flattenable liner cartridge, of claim 9, wherein said flattenable liner cartridge further comprises:(a) at least one member selected from the group consisting of:(I) a bottom portion;(II) a top portion;(b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of:(I) a first hinge portion, formed between said bottom portion and said sidewall portion;(II) a second hinge portion, formed between said top portion and said sidewall portion.

12. The flattenable liner cartridge of claim 9, wherein said at least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and / or accessible, so as to insert and / or retrieve said at least one thermal element thereto / therefrom.

13. The flattenable liner cartridge of claim 10, wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM).

14. A method of using a flattenable liner cartridge for transportation of thermally sensitive payloads, wherein said container comprising a top panel, bottom panel and at least one sidewall panel, said method comprises:(a) providing a flattenable liner cartridge configured to be modularly inserted into a container for transportation of a thermally sensitive payload comprising:(I) at least one sidewall portion;(II) at least one dedicated compartment formed within said sidewall portion of said liner cartridge; wherein said flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration;(III) providing at least one thermal element comprising:(i) an essentially closed envelope;(ii) a thermal material enclosed within said essentially closed envelope; with the proviso that said thermal material specifically excluding a thermally insulating material; with the proviso that said flattenable liner cartridge does not include any thermally insulating material; wherein said flattenable liner cartridge is configured to assume a flattened configuration, in which said flattenable liner cartridge comprises a monolayer thickness;(b) accommodating said at least one thermal element within said at least one dedicated compartment of said flattenable liner cartridge;(c) modularly inserting said flattenable liner within said container;(d) retrieving said flattenable liner from said container.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprises:(a) providing at least one fastener comprising:(I) a container moiety, attachable to an interior of said container;(II) a flattenable liner moiety, attachable to an exterior of said flattenable liner cartridge;(b) readily connecting said flattenable liner cartridge to said container, by said attaching at least one fastener;(c) readily disconnecting said flattenable liner cartridge from said container, by detaching said at least one fastener.

16. The method, of claim 14, wherein said flattenable liner cartridge further comprises:(a) at least one member selected from the group consisting of:(I) a bottom portion;(II) a top portion;(b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of:(I) a first hinge portion, formed between said bottom portion and said sidewall portion;(II) a second hinge portion, formed between said top portion and said sidewall portion.

17. The method, of claim 14, wherein said at least one dedicated compartment is rendered to be openable and / or accessible, further comprises:(a) inserting said at least one thermal element into said at least one dedicated compartment;(b) retrieving said at least one thermal element from said at least one dedicated compartment.

18. The method, of claim 14, wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of: bolts, screws, staples, pins, clips, magnetic couplings, zippers, snaps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, adhesives, welding, nails, rivets, hooks, buckles, straps, stings, knots, hook-and-loop fasteners and VELCRO (RTM).

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