Shipping system and container for transportation and in-store maintenance of temperature sensitive products

Abstract

A shipping container for cooling a product contained therein is provided. The shipping container includes a frozen material which is mostly insulated from the central chamber of the shipping container. Cool air circulates from the frozen material, to the central chamber of the shipping container. The recirculation of air over the frozen material maintains the central chamber of the shipping container at a predetermined temperature over time. Optionally, a heat exchanger, such as a fan or baffle, can be provided to further enhance the recirculation of the air through the shipping container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from co-pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/758,367, filed on Jan. 12, 2006, and from co-pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/817,992, filed on Jun. 30, 2006, both entitled SHIPPING SYSTEM AND CONTAINER FOR TRANSPORTATION AND IN-STORE MAINTENANCE OF TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE PRODUCTS.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of containers for transporting temperature sensitive products. More particularly, the invention relates to a container, system and method for transporting temperature sensitive products wherein the container maintains those products during transit, as well as after arrival at the product's destination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Temperature sensitive products are currently shipped in boxes with dry ice or frozen gel packs that keep the temperature sensitive product cold for about three days of shipping.

For example, flowers are shipped in buckets filled with water and ice and are enclosed in large corrugated cardboard cartons, and shipped in refrigerated cargo trucks to their final destination. Once at the flowers' final destination, the cartons must be reopened and the cut end of the flower stems immediately placed in water or some other hydrating material to extend the life of the flowers. For every hour that the flower is at room temperature in which the cut end of the flower is not in liquid, the presentation lifetime of the flower is reduced by one day.

However, three day shipping is more expensive than, for example, third class shipping. The cost of shipping the temperature sensitive products could be greatly reduced if longer shipping times were possible. As such, what is needed is a container and system for transporting temperature sensitive products that extends the shipping lifetime of the temperature sensitive product.

Further, the repacking of the product at the distribution center is labor intensive, adding a further cost to that of shipping the product. Transporting the products in refrigerated trucks adds yet another cost to that of shipping the temperature sensitive products. What is additionally needed is a container and system that reduces the amount of labor necessary for preparing a temperature sensitive product for shipping and which maintains the product within a desired temperature range for a longer period of time.

What is further needed is a container that prolongs the lifetime of the product, once the container reaches room temperature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A shipping container is provided that will provide a predetermined amount of cold air to a temperature sensitive product, over time, to maintain the product within a predetermined temperature range.

This and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent in the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shipping container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a shipping container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevated top plane view of one portion of a shipping container, in accordance with one particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of a shipping container according to another embodiment of the instant invention.

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of the lower section of a particular shipping container according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the lower section of the particular shipping container of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of the upper section of a particular shipping container according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of the upper section of the particular shipping container of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is an isometric exploded view of a shipping container in accordance with one particular embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the shipping container of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view taken from the top front of a portion of the shipping container of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a further cross-sectional view, taken from corner to corner, of the shipping container of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is an isometric partial view of a shipping container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a further cross-sectional view of the shipping container of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a shipping container in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a shipping container in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown one particular preferred embodiment of a shipping container 10 made in accordance with the present invention. The shipping container is made from a material that permits it to be used for transporting a product that needs to be cooled during shipping to a customer or end-recipient. Additionally, it is desirable for the material of the shipping container 10 to provide some insulation. For example, in a preferred embodiment the shipping container 10 is made from a light-weight multicellular closed foam material such as STYROFOAM®. Alternatively, the shipping container 10 can be manufactured from another material, such as paper board or corrugated cardboard.

Shipping container 10 is constructed to be of a size to hold fresh-cut flowers for transport to a customer. Container 10 can be manufactured as a double walled construction, such that internal cavities may hold elements, such as ice, gel packs, etc., which can be used to maintain the innermost cavity and items shipped therein, at a desired temperature during the shipping process.

Alternatively, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIGS. 1-3, the shipping container 10 includes a compartment or area 12 at the bottom of the container 10 for receiving a frozen material 30 such as ice or, more preferably, dry ice. Alternatively, the shipping container 10 can include a tray located internally at the bottom of the container 10, which tray will hold a specific amount of frozen material 30, i.e., a specific sized block of dry ice. A floor panel 14 can be placed over the compartment 12 or tray at the bottom of the shipping container. The remainder of the interior of the shipping container 10, above the floor panel 14, defines a central chamber 13. In one preferred embodiment, the floor panel 14 is additionally made from a light-weight, multicellular, closed foam material, such as STYROFOAM®, although other materials may be used. As will be described herebelow in connection with FIG. 3, floor panel 14 is additionally provided with air holes therein, to allow ventilation.

Further, in a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, liquid-containing members 16, which in the present embodiment are achieved using the vertical plastic casings 16, may be provided on two of the sides of the shipping container. Although, the present embodiment is described herein as including two compartments or vertical plastic casings, this is in no way meant to be limiting. For example, as few as one compartment or vertical casing may be provided for use in the shipping container. Alternatively, three or more vertical plastic casings may be used, if desired. Additionally, the liquid containing member of the present invention need not be limited to a plastic casing, as other types of liquid containing members are known and may be used.

The vertical plastic casings 16 of the present invention are constructed to contain a liquid substance, therein. For reasons that will be described in connection with another embodiment of the present invention this liquid substance can be either any suitable liquid for maintaining the interior of the shipping container 10 cold, or may be a liquid that is nourishing for the plants or flowers that will be shipped in the shipping container 10. For example, the liquid may be water, a plant nutrient immersed in a liquid, and/or some other liquid. Further, the liquid containing members (16 of FIGS. 1-3) of the present invention, are sized to fit into the central chamber and would resemble removable wall panels for the central chamber.

In one preferred embodiment, the vertical casings are gel packs that slide into tracks formed in the interior walls of the shipping container 10, and thus, are maintained by the tracks in a desired relationship with the walls of the shipping container 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vertical plastic casings 16, are spaced a distance “d”, away from the sides of the box. This spacing allows air to circulate between the vertical plastic casings 16 and the inner walls of the shipping container 10 to provide ventilation between the vertical plastic casings 16 and the sides of the box 10. Additionally, the sizing of the vertical plastic casings 16 is, in the most preferred form, chosen to be the width and height of the interior chamber, such that the air circulating in the distance “d”, does not circumvent the liquid containing members 16.

Referring more specifically, to FIG. 3, there is shown in more particular detail, the floor panel 14 with the gel packs 16 spaced thereon. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 3, the channels or air holes 18 through the floor panel 14 are provided only in the portions of the floor panel 14a corresponding to the spacing “d”. This insures that the circulation of cool air from the dry ice or other frozen material in the compartment/tray 12 will be limited in circulation to the back side of the vertical plastic casings 16. Additional air holes or channels 18 can be provided, if desired. However, one advantage to the use of the air holes 18 only in the areas 14a, is that this limits the release of the cold air throughout the shipping container, thus providing a time-release effect on the cooling. The number and size of the holes 18 used can be varied to further control the timed release of the cool air from the chamber/tray 12 and limit the melting of the frozen material contained therein. Further, the thickness of the floor panel 14 can be chosen, if desired, so as to insulate the inner chamber of the shipping container from direct cooling from the frozen material 30, so that the items to be shipped, (e. g., fresh-cut flowers) placed inside the shipping container 10 do not, themselves, freeze. Rather, the inner chamber of the shipping container 10 will be maintained at a proper temperature by the cooling properties of the liquid contained, and possibly frozen, within the vertical plastic casings 16, and chilled air provided via holes 14a.

As a result, the combination of the present product will allow the items to be shipped, such as fresh-cut flowers, to be kept at a constant cool temperature during shipment, which will extend the perishable life of the product. More specifically, the cool air will circulate behind the vertical plastic casings 16, cooling the liquid therein, which will, in turn, keep the main chamber of the shipping container containing the fresh cut flowers or other items cool. The release of the cold air through only the air holes 18, will extend the lifetime of the frozen material 30. Thus, the shipping container 10 of the present invention can be shipped for longer periods of time before the shipped items are in danger of spoilage. For example, where prior art systems would use overnight or two day air transportation to provide fresh flowers to a distribution center, where they were repacked and sent in refrigerated trucks to the customer, the present system maintains the cold of the shipping container without freezing or spoiling the flowers without the need for the intervening distribution center or refrigerated truck. More specifically, the present invention prolongs the lifetime of the fresh flowers by slowing the degeneration of the frozen material 30 and prolonging the period of coolness in the shipping container 10. This permits the items, fresh-cut flowers in the present example, to be shipped in the shipping container 10 by regular mail or transport, thus avoiding: 1) the excessive cost of shipping via an overnight or two/three day carrier; 2) the cost of the intervening distribution center, and the labor required therein; and 3) the cost of shipping the flowers by refrigerated truck. Instead, using the shipping container 10 of the present invention, fresh cut flowers or other items can be shipped from the farm or other originating location, directly to the customer, inexpensively.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, particularly adapted to the shipment of a product benefiting from hydration at some stage of the process, such as fresh-cut flowers, the shipping container 10 of the present invention can be further used to keep the product in a state ready for sale, in the customer's location, without requiring the customer's immediate attention.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a wet pack or sponge 22 is located in the center of the box, on top of the floor panel 14. This wet pack 22 will then house the fresh flowers that are being shipped.

For example, the surface of one or more of the vertical plastic casings 16, may contain perforations on the side facing into the center compartment of the shipping container 10, i.e., throughout the plastic sheeting, or just at the lower portion of the plastic sheeting. While the frozen material 30 continues to provide cool air to the liquid containing members, the liquid contained therein remains viscous or frozen, and does not exit through the perforations. As the shipping container reaches room temperature, the liquid in the vertical plastic casings is able to melt and is directed into the wet pack 22. Thus, instead of the flowers arriving and possibly sitting in the warm room without moisture on the cut stems, the liquid from the gel packs 16, as the temperature within the chamber rises, will melt and provide liquid to the wet pack sponge 22. This liquid is absorbed by the cut end of the flower stems which rest upon the sponge 22, thus keeping the flowers hydrated until the customer is ready to work with them.

Additionally, the shipping container 10 may also include a perforated edge 20 on the top or on a side panel, which allows the customer, upon receipt of the product, to open the package and place the flowers directly on display.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown another embodiment of a shipping container 100 in accordance with the invention. The shipping container 100 operates on the same principle as the above-described embodiments. More particularly, temperature control is achieved by circulating air from the central section 100b of the shipping container into the bottom section 100a of the shipping container 100, via channels 110 and 120. A channel 150, which may be circular in cross section, is used to store a frozen material in the bottom portion of the shipping container 100. The channels 110 and 120 are in fluid communication with the channel 150 to permit the air to be circulated, as described herein. A chamber 160 in the bottom portion 100a can be used to receive a portion of the cargo stored in the shipping container, and/or some other material such as water or a wetted sponge. Alternately, the chamber 160 may be merged with the channel 150, if desired, and more frozen material can be stored.

Note that, although two channels are shown in connection with the present preferred embodiment, more channels can be used, if desired. A lid 140 is fitted to the top of the shipping container 100, thus providing a closed system for the circulation of air through the shipping container 100. The air, thus circulated, comes into thermal contact with a frozen material stored in the bottom section 100a of the container 100. The frozen material of the present invention can be wet ice, dry ice, a chilled gel pak and/or other type of cooling material.

The shipping container of FIG. 4 includes a fan 130, or other similar device, to promote and regulate air circulation through the shipping container. More particularly, air from the article storage portion of the shipping container 100 is pulled into the channel 110 by the fan 130, wherein warmer air is removed from the central section 100b of the shipping container into the lower or bottom section 100a. Although shown as two separate, mating parts 100a and 100b, it should be noted that the bottom section 100a and central section 100b of the shipping container 100 can also be made as a single integrated unit.

The frozen material stored in the lower portion 100a of the shipping container 100 then cools the air. Additionally, the fan 130 drives cooler air from the lower section 100a of the shipping container into the central portion of the shipping container. Thus, cool air is re-circulated through the shipping container in order to keep the contents of the central portion 100b of the shipping container 100 cool.

The fan 130 is preferably battery operated and thermostatically regulated. Thus, the fan 130 can be set to turn on only when the temperature of the central portion of the shipping container reaches a predetermined temperature. Cycling of the fan will prolong the battery life, and thus prolong the time at which the cargo will be maintained at a desired temperature in the shipping container 100. In one preferred embodiment, the temperature in the central portion of the shipping container 100 is desirably maintained between 2-8° C. The desired temperature range can be adjusted to optimize the transportation temperature of the particular cargo. For example, in one particular embodiment of the invention wherein the cargo stored in the central portion of the shipping container 100 is cut flowers, the optimum temperature internal to the cargo portion of the shipping container may be 2-8° C. Thus the fan 130 may operate when the thermostat registers a temperature outside the desired range. However, the instant invention is not limited to use with cut flowers, but may be used for transporting any perishable cargo (i.e., meat, produce, blood plasma, etc.). As such, the thermostat may be set to control the fan for lower or higher temperatures for other perishable products shipped in the shipping container 100 (i.e., lower temperatures for frozen products, etc.). The materials used to make the shipping container 100, as well as the frozen material selected, can be balanced by the temperature characteristics desired for transporting a particular cargo. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the shipping container is designed to maintain the internal temperature of the central portion of the shipping container 100 at 33-40° F. for a period of between 72-120 hours at an ambient outside temperature of 33-85° F. In a more preferred embodiment, the shipping container is designed to maintain the internal temperature of the central portion of the shipping container 100 at 33-40° F. for a period of between 72-120 hours at an ambient outside temperature of 33-85° F. using wet ice as the frozen material.

Additionally, the shape and size of the cargo volume of the shipping container 100 can be adjusted according to the item to be shipped.

Note that, other devices can be used for keeping the central portion of the shipping container cool and still be in accordance with the instant invention. For example, the instant invention can include other heat exchange devices in place of the fan 130. For example, a shipping container in accordance with the present invention can maintain the temperature in the refrigerated volume using a heat pipe, heat pump, thermo-siphon, thermo-loop or any similar means for moving heat energy from the refrigerated volume into the frozen material.

Further, as stated above, wet ice may be used as the frozen material in the shipping container 100. Note that, in all embodiments of the instant invention, the use of wet ice can additionally be used to produce humidity in the central cargo portion of the shipping container 100. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, as warmer air is driven by the fan 130 from the central portion of the shipping container 100 into the lower portion, wet ice stored in the lower portion melts upon thermal contact with the warmer air. When air is blown from the lower portion 100a of the shipping container 100 to the central portion 100b, this melted liquid humidifies the air and, correspondingly the cargo portion of the shipping container 100. This humidity can be advantageous when shipping certain products, such as produce, live plants and/or cut flowers, thus, further extending the lifetime of such products.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-6B, there are shown two of the three components making up one particular shipping container 200 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 4. More particularly, the shipping container 200 is a refrigerated box including three major sections, each section being constructed from an insulating material such as, thermal insulating foam, a multicellular closed foam material, or other similar material.

The shipping container 200 includes a bottom section 210, a center section 250 and a top (such as, top 140 of FIG. 4). As described above, the bottom section 210 of the shipping container 200 is designed to receive frozen material into a cavity or channel 215, which in the present embodiment is circular in cross section. The frozen material may be ice or some other means for absorbing heat energy at a sufficiently low temperature. In one preferred embodiment, the bottom 210 also includes a chamber or volume 217 for holding water or some other means for receiving and hydrating flower stems. Note that such a chamber may be omitted for shipping containers used to transport other types of perishable items. Alternately, frozen material can additionally be placed in the chamber 217.

The center section 250 of the shipping container 200 includes a cavity or void volume 260 (i.e., the refrigerated volume), preferably formed therein. The void volume 260 is sized to contain and constrain the perishable cargo/products, thus surrounding the cargo with an insulating material. The top or lid section allows the cargo/products to be retained within the void volume 260 of the center section. Additionally, the top or lid is used to thermally seal the void volume 260, as well as the entire shipping container 200.

The lower or bottom section 210 is designed to mate with the center section 250 to form the body of the shipping container 200. Note that the tapered base portion 250a of FIG. 6B is designed to snap into a receiving portion 210a of FIG. 5b and be maintained therein in a friction fit. When mated, the channel portions 220 and 230 in the center section communicate with the channel 215 in the bottom section to recirculate air throughout the void volume 260 and into contact with the frozen material in the bottom section 210. Note that, in the instant embodiment an opening 250b permits the cargo stored in the center section to extend into the chamber 217 of the bottom section. As such, one particular embodiment, flower stems from cut flowers (or plant roots, if live plants are being shipped) can be passed into the chamber 217, which can include water or a wet sponge (or even soil, if live plants are being shipped), as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. Alternately, additional frozen material may be placed in the chamber 217, and/or the chamber 217 may be merged with the channel 215 to put a greater volume of frozen material in circulation path. Further, if desired, the chamber 217 can be omitted. Additionally, if desired, the opening 250b may be omitted or provided with a floor section to separate the void volume 260 from the chamber 217 (which may be filled with additional frozen material) and provide a base for cargo stored in the void volume 260.

As in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, a fan 270, or other heat exchanger device, is located in or near the void volume 260 in direct communication with one of the channels, i.e., channel 220, in order to force warmer air from the void volume 260 in the center section 250 into thermal contact with the frozen material in the bottom section 210. The opening 230a of the other channel 230 into the void volume 260 is left open, so that cool air from the bottom section 210 can be, likewise forced up the channel 230 and into the void volume 260 of the center section 250. As noted above, additional channels may be provided to increase the airflow from the bottom section 210 into the center section 250. However, in the present embodiment, two channels are preferred.

Note that, the void volume 260 of the center section 250 can be particularly shaped to receive and frictionally hold a particularly shaped cargo, such as a bucket, pot or box. Additionally, the channels 220 and 230 extend through the insulating material to open into a wider portion of the void volume 260 as openings 220a and 230a in the insulating material. In this way, the air is circulated into an uppermost portion of the void volume 260.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, there is shown yet another embodiment of a shipping container 300 in accordance with the instant invention. The shipping container 300 operates on the same principle as the above-described embodiments. More particularly, temperature control is achieved by circulating moist, cold air from the top section 300a of shipping container 300, through the central section 300b of the shipping container 300, and into the bottom section 300c of the shipping container 300, via channels 310 and 320. As with the previous embodiments, most preferably, the shipping container 300 is made from a rigid insulating material, such as polyurethane, polystyrene, other types of insulating foam, corrugated cardboard, etc.

One main difference between the shipping container 300 of the instant embodiment and the shipping containers of the previous embodiments is that, in the present embodiment, the frozen material is stored at the top of the shipping container 300, rather than in the bottom section. More particularly, the top section 300a of the shipping container 300 includes a top cavity 330 for receiving a frozen material, such as wet ice, dry ice, a frozen gel pack, etc. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the top cavity 330 is square in cross-section. However, this is not meant to be limiting, as it can be seen that other cross-sectional shapes could be provided and still work with the instant invention.

A bottom wall 335 of the frozen material cavity 330 separates the upper section 300a from the central section 300b. The bottom wall 335 can be chosen to be any material, as desired. However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall 335 is a thermal conductive, heat exchanger plate, upon which the frozen material is directly placed. Thus, an additional heat transfer mechanism is used to cool the perishable items in the central section 300b. More particularly, the air below the bottom wall 335 is cooled by natural convection, and therefore falls to the bottom of the void volume. As such, in the instant embodiment, in addition to air flow through the channels 310, 320, air is circulated in the void volume by natural convention. The bottom wall 335 can be made from a thin member or membrane, such as a thin sheet of metal or rigid plastic. In a most preferred embodiment, the bottom wall 335 is a thin sheet of steel. In one preferred embodiment, the thickness of the thin member is chosen within the range of about 10-60 mils. In a more preferred embodiment, the thin member is chosen to be about 20 mils in thickness.

In one particular embodiment of the instant invention, if the frozen material is chosen to be wet ice, or another frozen material that melts to produce a liquid, the frozen material can be placed within the frozen material cavity 330, leaving a void around the periphery of the frozen material. Then, if desired, a liquid absorbing material, such as potassium polyacrylamide hydrogel, which material absorbs hundreds of times its weight in liquid, can be placed in the void left around the frozen material. An amount of the liquid absorbing material sufficient to absorb all of the liquid produced as the frozen material melts, is placed in the void around the frozen material. Thus the liquid is held in a gel or non-fluid state, so that liquid will not leak from the frozen material chamber 330. The liquid absorbing gel additionally inhibits the flow of heat. As such, when placed around the periphery of the frozen material, the gel serves to better insulate the frozen material as it melts, thus allowing the frozen material to maintain intimate contact with the thermal exchanging bottom wall 335, and maximize the cooling effect in the void volume 350.

The uppermost open portion of the cavity 330 can be sealed by an upper lid 340, a portion 340a of which is sized to be received in the uppermost portion of the top cavity 330, as shown more particularly in FIG. 8. A upper lid 340 additionally includes a flange portion 340b, surrounding the portion 340a, which further seals and insulates the top cavity 330, by abutting the uppermost surfaces of the walls of the top section 300a. The shipping container 300, including the upper lid 340, can be made from a rigid insulating material, such as polyurethane, polystyrene or other type of insulating foam or material.

The central section 300b of the shipping container 300 includes a void volume 350, into which perishable items, such as flowers, live plants, food products, etc., can be placed. If desired, the void volume 350 of the central section 300b can be particularly shaped to receive and frictionally hold a particularly shaped cargo, such as a bucket, pot or box.

Because, of the location of the frozen material chamber at the top of the shipping container 300, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the void volume 350 is accessible via an opening 301 in one side of the central section 300b. Once the perishable item(s) have been inserted into the void volume 350, a compartment lid 360 can be used to close and seal the opening 301. As shown more particularly in FIG. 7, the compartment lid 360 can, optionally, include support portions 365, which are shaped to complete the curvature of the void volume and/or support the perishable items in a predefined position. Both the upper lid 340 and the compartment lid 360, are designed to mate with the shipping container 300 so as to frictionally resist disengagement from the shipping container 300, as well as, to provide an insulating, water-resistant seal.

In the present preferred embodiment, wherein plants and/or flowers are being shipped, the bottom section 300c includes a well cavity 370, for receiving water and/or the stems/roots of the articles to be shipped. If other perishable items are being shipped in the shipping container 300, it can be seen that other modifications can be made to the bottom section 300c to accommodate those items.

If plants/flowers are being shipped, if desired, water or another nutrient carrying material and/or a wetted sponge can be placed in the well chamber 370, thus feeding the roots/stems of the items being transported. Additionally, if desired, the bottom section 300c of the shipping container 300 can be molded to include, or can include an insert 375, which permits the height of flower/plant bundles to be staggered. For example, referring more particularly to FIG. 11, the stems/root balls of four flower/plant bundles can be placed in the openings 370a, 370b, 370c, 370d, while the stems of five flower/plant bundles can be supported by the solid portions 370e, 370f, 370g, 370h, 370i. Staggering the flowers/plants in this way allows for the maximum utilization of the volume for plant/flower blossoms in the top portion of the central section 300b.

Additionally, the water/nutrient fill line in the well chamber 370 is chosen to ensure that the roots/stems supported by the solid portions 370e, 370f, 370g, 370h, 370i will also be maintained in water/nutrients. Note however, if the frozen material is able to keep the perishables sufficiently cold, water/nutrients may be omitted from the well chamber 370.

As stated above, the channels 310 and 320 run from the top section 300a, through the central section 300b and into the bottom section 300c. More particularly, the channels 310 and 320 include openings into the frozen material cavity 330, the void volume 350 and the well chamber 370, thus permitting the air to be circulated, as described elsewhere herein.

Optionally, a battery powered fan 390, or other heat exchanger device, can be located in communication with one of the of the channels, i.e., channel 320, to pull warmer air from the void volume 350 up the channel 320, which opens into the frozen material cavity at opening 320a, and blow the air across the frozen material stored in the top section 300a. Additionally, the fan circulates the chilled, humid air, back down into the void volume 350, via the opening 310a to the channel 310. As noted elsewhere herein, additional channels may be provided to increase the airflow from the top section 300a into the void volume 350. However, in the present embodiment, two channels are preferred.

Additionally, in the present preferred embodiment, the central portion further includes the volumes or reservoirs 380a and 380b, which are in communication with both the well chamber 370 and the channels 310 and 320, and which are separated from the void volume 350. The reservoirs 380a and 380b are sized to hold most, if not all, of the water/nutrient contained in the well chamber 370 when the shipping container 300 is placed on any side, or on its top, preventing the water/nutrient from leaking out of the box or into the void chamber 350.

Note that the top section 300a, the bottom wall 335, the central section 300b, the bottom section 300c and the insert 375 can all be formed of a single molded article. However, preferably, at least each of the top section 300a, the bottom wall 335, the central section 300b and the bottom section 300c are formed as separate articles that are fixed together using friction or, preferably, a weld or an adhesive, such as mastic. The portion 375 can additionally be formed integrally with the bottom section 300c, or may be formed as a separate insert, which is fit into the well chamber 370 by friction, by weld or by adhesive.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is shown a shipping container 400, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shipping container 400 is similar to the shipping container 300, in that it is made from an insulating material and contains a frozen material cavity 430, including a frozen material (455 of FIG. 13), which, optionally, can be surrounded along its periphery by a liquid absorbing material (457 of FIG. 13), and is sealed by an upper lid (not shown), a central section including a void volume 450 sized to receive a perishable item, and, if the shipping container is for shipping plants or flowers, a well chamber including a support portion 475. A compartment lid (not shown), similar to the compartment lid 360 of FIG. 7, is additionally provided.

However, the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 differs from that of FIGS. 7-10, in that the present embodiment does not include air circulation channels between the frozen material cavity 430 and the void volume 450. Rather, the instant embodiment, relies purely on air circulation caused by natural convention, to maintain the cool temperature in the void volume 450. More particularly, a thin, heat conducting, thermal exchanger or membrane 435 is provided between the frozen material contained in the frozen material cavity 430, and the void volume 450. As discussed above, a thin sheet of metal, such as steel, or a thin rigid sheet of plastic may be used as the thermal exchanger 435. Thus, warmer air rises to the top of the void volume 450 and is cooled at the bottom surface of the thermal exchanger 435, thus causing chilled, air to fall back to the bottom of the void volume 450. If the air is maintained suitably cold and has a high relative humidity, no further water or liquid nutrient need to be provided in the well cavity 470, if flowers or plants are being transported. Alternately, a liquid or liquid soaked sponges may be provided in the well cavity 470. Additionally, the well cavity 470 can include a support portion 475 to stagger the items being shipped, as described above in connection with portion 375 of FIGS. 7-10.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a further embodiment of a shipping container 400′, made in accordance with the present invention. The shipping container 400′ is virtually identical to the shipping container 400, with the exception that a thermally conductive heat exchanger 435′, including heat transfer fins 445, has been provided in place of the heat exchanger 435 of FIG. 12. The heat transfer fins 445 have been added to the bottom of the heat transfer sheet or baffle, i.e., on the side of the heat exchanger present in the void volume 450, to further enhance the heat transfer (i.e., provide a more heat exchanging surface area) between the air in the void volume and the frozen material disposed on the top of the heat exchanger 435′ in the frozen material cavity.

Referring now FIG. 14, there is shown a further preferred embodiment of a shipping container 500, in accordance with the present invention. The shipping container 500 is made from insulating materials, as previously described herein. Further, the shipping container 500 is shown as being constructed from multiple components, for example, having a separate top section 500a, central section 500b, bottom section 500c, heat exchanger 510 and support 520, mated together through fiction, a weld, adhesive or a combination of the above. Note that, if desired, the sections of the shipping container 500, including the support 520 and a thin, rigid heat exchanger baffle 510, can be molded as a unitary piece. As with the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 11 and 13, the shipping container 500 includes a frozen material chamber 530, in which a frozen material is placed directly on the heat exchanger baffle 510, sealed by an upper lid 540. The bottom surface of the heat exchanger baffle 510 is located within a void volume 550, in which perishable items are also located. The void volume 550 is sealed by a volume lid or door 580. The support 520 can, of course, be omitted if not useful to the shipping of the perishable items contained within the void volume 550.

In the present embodiment, channels (not shown), located between the frozen material cavity 530 and the well chamber 570, permit liquid from the melting frozen material to flow down into the well chamber 570. If flowers or plants are being shipped, this liquid is used to hydrate the stems or roots of the plants or flowers. Additionally, shipping container 500 includes volumes 560a and 560b, within the central portion, which, in the event the shipping container 500 is tipped onto its side, collects the liquid from the well chamber, thus preventing the items in the void volume 550 from getting wet.

It is important to note that, in the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 11, 13 and 14, the heat transfer mechanism using a heat exchange sheet or baffle (335, 435, 435′) is independent of any water or any liquid contained in a well chamber (370, 470) of the shipping container. Rather, both the heat transfer mechanism and the well chamber can be employed, in various combinations, to maximize the lifetime of the perishable items.

Note that the described embodiments are exemplary and that the above invention is not meant to be limited only to its preferred embodiments. It can be seen that other modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments and still be within the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shipping container, comprising:

a container housing, including interior walls defining a central interior chamber;

an area for receiving a frozen material; and

a heat exchanger, in communication with said area for receiving a frozen material, for causing air cooled by said frozen material to be circulated within said central interior chamber.

2. The shipping container of claim 1, further including, at least one channel extending between said area for receiving a frozen material and said central interior chamber.

3. The shipping container of claim 2, wherein said heat exchanger forces warmer air from said central interior chamber into said area for receiving a frozen material, via said at least one channel.

4. The shipping container of claim 2, wherein said heat exchanger is a fan.

5. The shipping container of claim 4, including at least a second channel, wherein air from said central interior chamber is removed by said fan, via the at least one channel, and air cooled by said frozen material is sent from said area for receiving a frozen material to said central interior chamber via said at least a second channel.

6. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein said heat exchanger is thermally conductive member disposed between said area for receiving a frozen material and said central interior chamber.

7. The shipping container of claim 6, wherein said thermally conductive member is one of a rigid sheet of plastic and a sheet of metal.

8. The shipping container of claim 6, additionally including a second heat exchanger for forcing warmer air from said central interior chamber into said area for receiving a frozen material, via at least one channel extending between said area for receiving a frozen material and said central interior chamber.

9. The shipping container of claim 6, wherein said thermally conductive baffle additionally includes heat dispersing fins.

10. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the area for receiving a frozen material is disposed below said central interior chamber.

11. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the area for receiving a frozen material is disposed above said central interior chamber.

12. The shipping container of claim 11, wherein said heat exchanger is a thermally conductive member disposed between said area for receiving a frozen material and said central interior chamber.

13. The shipping container of claim 12, additionally including a second heat exchanger for forcing warmer air from said central interior chamber into said area for receiving a frozen material, via at least one channel extending between said area for receiving a frozen material and said central interior chamber.

14. A shipping container, comprising:

an insulated housing, including interior walls defining a central interior chamber;

an area for receiving a frozen material disposed above said central interior chamber; and

a thermally conductive membrane disposed between said area for receiving a frozen material and said central interior chamber, said frozen material being disposed adjacent to said thermally conductive membrane.

15. The shipping container of claim 14, additionally including a fan for forcing warmer air from said central interior chamber into said area for receiving a frozen material, via at least one channel extending between said area for receiving a frozen material and said central interior chamber, and wherein air cooled by said frozen material is returned to said central interior chamber via at least a second channel extending between said area for receiving a frozen material and said central interior.

16. A shipping container, comprising:

an insulated housing, including interior walls defining a central interior chamber;

an area for receiving a frozen material;

a first channel extending between said central interior chamber and said area for receiving a frozen material;

a second channel additionally extending between said central interior chamber and said area for receiving a frozen material;

a fan for forcing air from said central interior chamber into said area for receiving a frozen material, via said first channel; and

wherein air cooled by said frozen material is sent into said central interior chamber from said area for receiving a frozen material, via said second channel.

17. The shipping container of claim 16, wherein the area for receiving a frozen material is disposed below said central interior chamber.

18. The shipping container of claim 16, wherein the area for receiving a frozen material is disposed above said central interior chamber.

19. A container for transporting plants or flowers, comprising:

a container housing, including interior walls defining a central interior chamber for receiving the plants or flowers;

an area for receiving a frozen material; and

a heat exchanger, in communication with said area for receiving a frozen material, for causing air cooled by said frozen material to be circulated within said central interior chamber.

20. The container of claim 19, wherein the portion of said central interior chamber receiving the roots or stems of the plants or flowers includes a liquid therein.

21. The container of claim 20, additionally including at least one reservoir located in said housing, adjacent to said central interior chamber, for receiving said liquid if the container is placed on its side or upside-down.

22. The container of claim 19, additionally including a stand, located in a portion of said internal chamber, to offset a first group of plants or flowers, relative to at least a second group of plants or flowers within said central interior chamber.

23. A shipping container, comprising:

a container housing, including interior walls defining a central interior chamber;

an area for receiving a frozen material;

a floor panel partially isolating said central interior chamber from said frozen material, at least one hole being defined through said floor panel;

at least one liquid containing member, located in said central interior chamber, said liquid containing member being spaced away from at least one wall of said central interior chamber; and

said at least one hole being defined in said floor panel between said liquid containing member and said at least one wall.

24. The shipping container of claim 23, further including a sponge located on a portion of said floor panel, and wherein at least one wall of said liquid containing member is perforated, proximal to said sponge.

25. The shipping container of claim 1, further including a liquid absorbing material in communication with said frozen material.

26. The shipping container of claim 25, wherein said liquid absorbing material is disposed in said area for receiving a frozen material around the periphery of said frozen material.

27. The shipping container of claim 25, wherein said liquid absorbing material includes a potassium polyacrylamide hydrogel