Insulating Rolltainer Liner

Abstract

According to one aspect, an apparatus for storing temperature-sensitive goods is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base and at least one side connected to the base. The base has a lower portion and an upper portion extending from the tower portion. The base and at least one side define a receptacle portion for receiving Temperature-sensitive goods, and the at least one side is configured to fold to substantially enclose the receptacle portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/594,994, filed Feb. 3, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the transportation of goods.

2. Description of the Related Art

Material handling are used to manually transport a load of materials such as raw materials, finished products, or foodstuffs (generally referred to herein as “goods”) from one location to another. A rolling container referred to as a “container” is a material handling cart that includes swivel casters enabling a user to transport a load of materials by rolling the cart from one place to another. As used herein, rolltainers include rolling carts, wheeled carts, rolling containers, mesh carts, distribution carts, unassisted delivery carts, and rollcages.

Rolltainers are useful in the logistics of packaging for industry, distribution, transport and storage, and can provide advantages such as reducing the need for shrink wrap, pallets, and storage space. Rolltainers are also useful in reducing damage to goods while in transit, can have a nestable folding design, are towable by themselves or in groups, and can hold significant weight (for example, 1000 lb. capacity).

There is a need for storing and transporting sensitive goods, for example temperature-sensitive goods such as food products that may spoil during transport, in a temperature-controlled manner both efficiently and cost-effectively. Conventionally, lined totes, large plastic coolers, pallet blankets, or pallet covers are used. These conventional transport systems are disadvantageous for many reasons. Examples include that a liner inside a tote (i) necessitates excessive labor to prepare the numerous totes, (ii) requires numerous gel packs or large cooling systems due to the relatively small size of each of the totes, (iii) limits effective utilization of otherwise potentially useable volume due to the relatively small size of the totes, and (iv) presents high transportation costs due to the increased weight of numerous totes and the related attendant fuel usage.

Thus, among other needs, it is evident that there is a need for apparatuses an methods that provide beneficial temperature regulation for transporting goods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention preferably comprises apparatuses and methods that provide for transporting goods while providing beneficial temperature regulation. In one embodiment of the present invention, an insulating rolltainer liner fits inside of a rolltainer and functions as an insulated barrier/cooler for transporting temperature-sensitive goods. The goods are placed. inside the insulating rolltainer liner, and then temperature regulating systems such as cooled gel packs, packs of ice, or heating packs are placed on top of an absorption barrier, for example a corrugated sheet or flexible plastic bag placed over the goods. The combination of the insulating rolltainer liner, absorption barrier, and temperature regulation system serves as an insulated container to maintain the temperature and prevent spoilage of the goods during transport.

According to one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for storing temperature-sensitive goods. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a base and at least one side connected to the base. The at least one side has a lower portion and an upper portion extending from the lower portion. The base and at least one side define a receptacle portion for receiving temperature-sensitive goods, and the upper portion of the at least one side is configured to fold to substantially enclose the receptacle portion.

According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for storing temperature-sensitive goods, which, in an exemplary embodiment includes a base and a plurality of sides, each connected to the base. Each of the plurality of sides has a lower portion, connected by at least one vertical seam to adjacent tower portions of adjacent sides, and an upper portion extending from the lower portion. The base and the lower portions of the plurality of sides define a receptacle portion for receiving temperature-sensitive goods, and the upper portions of the plurality of sides are configured to fold inwardly to substantially enclose the receptacle portion. The base and plurality of sides are cooperatively dimensioned to fit within a rolltainer.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of packing temperature-sensitive goods for transport. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes placing temperature-sensitive goods into an apparatus. The apparatus includes a base and at least one side connected to the base. The base has a lower portion and an upper portion extending from the lower portion. The base and at least one side define a receptacle portion for receiving temperature-sensitive goods, and the upper portion of the at least one side is configured to fold to substantially enclose the receptacle portion. The method also includes providing a barrier system proximate the received goods, and providing at least one system configured to regulate the temperature of the goods, separated from the goods by the barrier system. The method further includes folding the upper portion of the at least one side to substantially enclose the receptacle portion.

Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a rolltainer utilized for implementing aspects of the present invention according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an insulating rolltainer liner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate steps for packing temperature-sensitive goods in an insulating rolltainer liner for transport, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating steps of a. method of packing temperature-sensitive goods in an insulating rolltainer liner for transport, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an adjustable length vertical seam for connecting side panels of an insulating rolltainer liner, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of an adjustable length vertical seam for connecting side panels of an insulating rolltainer liner, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate another example of an insulating rolltainer liner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the present invention is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value,

By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.

It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Method steps may be performed in a different order than those described herein. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified.

Now referring to FIG. 1, a rolltainer 100 that can be utilized for implementing aspects of the present invention according to exemplary embodiments is shown. The rolltainer 100 has sides 102, 104, and 106 defining a partial enclosure, and a base platform 110 upon which materials can be loaded for transport. The sides 102, 104, 106 can be constructed of durable steel or other heavy duty framework material. Swivel casters 112, which can be constructed of polyurethane, provide for easy maneuverability when rolling the rolltainer 100 from one location to another. As one example of dimensions, side 102 has a height of 72 inches and width of 42 inches, sides 104 and 106 have a height of 72 inches and width of 24 inches, and the base platform 110 has a width of 42 inches and depth of 24 inches. Netting (not shown) can be attached between sides 104 and 106, aligned with the front of the base platform 110 to serve as a fourth or closure side of the rolltainer 100, to prevent the loaded materials from shifting or falling out of the rolltainer 100 while in transit.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an insulating rolltainer liner 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A base panel 216 is connected to side panels 202, 204, 206, and 208 comprised of lower portions 202b, 204b, 206b, and 208b and upper portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 208a extending from the lower portions 202b, 204b, 206b, and 208b. Vertical seams 214a, 214b, 214c, and 214d (collectively 214) connect the lower portions 202b, 204b, 206b, and 208b of adjacent side panels. As further illustrated by examples shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the vertical seams can have an adjustable length. The base panel 216 and connected lower portions 202b, 204b, 206b, and 208b together define a receptacle portion for receiving temperature-sensitive goods (see FIGS. 3A-3D). The upper portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 208a are configured to fold inwardly to substantially enclose the receptacle portion containing the goods (see FIGS. 3E-3F). The upper portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 208a fold about lateral hinge lines 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d (collectively 212).

The side panels 202, 204, 206, and 208 comprise insulated lining material, for example, bubble wrap or foam filler covered and sealed with outside lining material such as foil, vinyl, or plastic. The base panel 216 and side panels 202, 204, 206, and 208 are sized to generally conform to dimensions of a standard rolltainer, for example the rolltainer 100 shown in Fig. As one example, side panels 202 and 206 have a width of 39 inches, and side panels 204 and 208 have a width of 22 inches. Each of the side panels 202, 204, 206, and 208 has a height, when the upper portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 208a are not in folded positions, of 60 inches.

The size and dimensions of the insulating rolltainer liner 200 preferably corresponds to the interior of the rolltainer 100, and weight should be considered to reduce the impact on transportation costs. Additionally, sizes and dimensions are such that goods can be safely and properly loaded within the insulating rolltainer liner 200 by a worker without requiring the worker to lift the goods to unreasonable heights, to avoid overexertion associated with bodily injury. The insulating rolltainer liner 200 can be sized such that the dimensions are customized based on the shipment, for example, the same insulating rolltainer liner can be used to ship six cases or sixteen cases of goods. The insulating rolltainer liner 200 can be constructed to have a dynamic nature such that additional cases of goods can be stacked on top, to allow greater utilization of the space inside the rolltainer 100. It will be appreciated that more or less than four sides can be utilized, for example one continuous side forming a receptacle having a vertical cross section that is cylindrically shaped, or three sides forming a receptacle having a vertical cross section that is triangular shaped, or five or more sides, and that more or less vertical seams can be used to connect adjacent sides, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate stages of packing temperature-sensitive goods in an insulating rolltainer liner for transport, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, components and their associated reference numerals of the insulating rolltainer liner described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3F correspond to the same components of the insulating rolltainer liner 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3A shows the insulating rolltainer liner 200 in an open position, ready for placement of goods within. As shown, the side panel upper portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 208a are unfolded. FIG. 3B shows temperature-sensitive goods 302a, 302b being placed onto the base panel 216 inside the insulating rolltainer liner 200. Hinge line 212c is defined between the upper portion 206a and lower portion 206b of side panel 206, and hinge line 212d is defined between the upper portion 204a and lower portion 204b of side panel 204. it should be recognized that the locations of the hinge lines 212 are not fixed or permanently delineated by a lateral seam or other hinge point. Rather, the hinge lines, as shown, are defined as creased lateral segments of the flexible lining material of the side panels 204, 206, 208, 210 with the orientation and location formed according to, among other factors, the length of the vertical seams 214 and forces acting on the side panels 202, 204, 206 from a worker placing the goods 302a, 302b inside the insulating rolltainer liner 200.

FIGS. 3C and 3D show an absorption barrier layer 304 comprising corrugated sheet material being placed over the goods 302a, 302b, to act as a moisture shield between the goods 302a, 302b and a temperature regulating system placed over the barrier layer 304. The temperature regulating system comprises a flexible, waterproof plastic bag 306 enclosing frozen gel packs 308 to keep the goods 302a, 302b at a low temperature to prevent spoilage during transport. Arrows shown in FIG. 3E indicate directions in which the side panel top portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 208a are folded inwardly and over, about lateral hinge lines such that the top portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 208a overlap to cover the goods 302a, 302b contained inside. FIG. 3F shows the insulating rolltainer liner 200 placed within the rolltainer 100. As shown, the top portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 208a have been folded over, and the goods are now ready to be transported via the rolltainer 100.

While embodiments of the insulating rolltainer liner 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be used to ship goods that are not temperature sensitive (i.e. without using temperature regulating cooling packs or heating packs), if used for goods that require temperature control, insulation of the insulating container liner 200 should be thick enough to maintain the interior temperature at acceptable levels. Also, while the embodiment of the insulating rolltainer liner 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is separated and distinct from the rolltainer 100 during certain functions for packing goods for transport, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises an insulating rolltainer liner integrally formed with a rolltainer, or otherwise forming a singular liner/rolltainer assembly.

Now referring to FIG. 4, a flow diagram illustrating steps of a method 400 of packing temperature-sensitive goods for transport is shown, according an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method 400 begins at step 402, placing temperature-sensitive goods into an insulating rolltainer liner, for example the insulating rolltainer liner 200 shown in FIG. 2. Next, at step 404, a barrier layer is placed proximate to the goods in the insulating rolltainer liner. From step 404, the method 400 proceeds to step 406, where a temperature regulating system is provided, separated from the goods by the barrier layer. Next, at step 408, upper portions of the side panels of the insulating rolltainer liner are folded inwardly to substantially cover the goods, barrier layer, and temperature regulating means, From step 408, the method 400 proceeds to step 410, where the insulating rolltainer liner with the goods is placed into a rolltainer for transport, for example the container 100 shown in FIG. 1. The method 400 ends following step 410.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an adjustable length vertical seam 500 for connecting side panels of an insulating rolltainer liner, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, The seam 500 can, for example, correspond to a vertical seam 214 of the insulating rolltainer liner 200 of FIG. 2. As shown, the seam 500 is comprised of a permanently connected, non-adjustable portion 506, and an adjustable portion formed by fasteners 502a, 502b, and 502c (collectively 502). The fasteners 502 have a zipper-type configuration formed by teeth 502a, 502b that can be selectively coupled (i,e. zipped or unzipped) along the seam 500, where the coupled portion 502c forms a single, connected segment.

By coupling more or less of the teeth 502a, 502b together, the effective length of the seam 500 can be increased or decreased, respectively. In this way, the vertical position of a lateral hinge line for an insulating rolltainer liner is established at the junction of the unzipped portion formed by non-coupled teeth 502a, 502b and the zipped portion 502c, which can delineate the upper portion and lower portions of side panels of an insulated rolltainer liner, for example the upper portions 202a, 208a and lower portions 202b, 208b of side panels 202 and 208 of the insulating rolltainer liner 200 shown in FIG. 2, respectively. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, lateral hinge line 212a, 212b is the effective line about which the side panel upper portions 202a, 208a fold over and inwardly (see also FIG. 3E). It will be appreciated that although the seam 500 shown in FIG. 5 is segmented with a portion that is adjustable (502) and a portion that is not adjustable (506), the seam for an insulated rolltainer liner can alternatively be permanently connected along the entire length of the seam, or adjustable along the entire length of the seam.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of an adjustable length vertical seam 600 for connecting side panels of an insulating rolltainer liner, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The seam 600 can, for example, correspond to a vertical seam 214 of the insulating rolltainer liner 200 of FIG. 2. As shown, the seam 600 is comprised of a permanently connected, non-adjustable portion 606 and an adjustable portion formed by fasteners 602a, 602b, and 602c (collectively 602), comprising mechanical snaps with female portions 602a and male portions 602b that can be selectively coupled by pressing the male portions 602b to snap into the female portions 602a. The coupled portion 602c forms a single, connected segment.

By coupling more or less of the female and male portions 602a, 602b together, the effective length of the seam 600 can be increased or decreased, respectively. In this way, the vertical position of a lateral hinge line 604 is established at the junction of the non-coupled segment formed by non-coupled snaps 602a, 602b and the coupled snaps 602c, which can delineate the upper portion and lower portions of side panels of an insulated rolltainer liner, for example the upper portions 202a, 208a and lower portions 202b, 208b of side panels 202 and 208 of the insulating rolltainer liner 200 shown in FIG. 2, respectively. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, lateral hinge line 212a, 212b is the effective line about which the upper portions 202a, 208a fold. over and inwardly (see also FIG. 3E). It should be appreciated that although the seam 600 shown in FIG. 6 is segmented with a portion that is adjustable (602) and a portion that is not adjustable (606), the seam for an insulated rolltainer liner can alternatively be permanently connected along the entire length of the seam, or adjustable along the entire length of the seam,

While the embodiments discussed above with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 use zipper-type and mechanical snap-type fasteners, other types of fasteners, for example buttons, can be used alternatively, Also, a different type of fastener can be used for one seam and another type of fastener used for another seam, or a combination of types of fasteners can be utilized for the same seam.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an insulating rolltainer liner 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7A, the insulating rolltainer liner 700 includes side panels 702, 704, and 706 (fourth side panel not shown). A hinge line 708 is defined between an upper portion 702a and lower portion 702b of side panel 702. Each of the side panels 702, 704, 706 connects to a base panel 716. Pockets 710, 712 are disposed on the side panels 704 and 706, and are configured to receive and secure temperature regulating system, for example the temperature regulating system discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, such that goods provided within the insulating rolltainer liner 700 can be cooled for heated) to control the temperature during transport. The pockets 710, 712 can be permanently attached to side panels or detachable. The pockets 710, 712 are sized and dimensioned such that the temperature regulating system can be easily placed in, and changed out, by a worker packing the goods. Although two pockets 710, 712 are shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, it should be appreciated that multiple pockets can be provided on a single panel, for example pockets arranged in a row or array. Furthermore, the pockets 710, 712 can be located at particular locations (e.g. specific heights or lateral positions) to more directly provide cooling (or heating) for particular goods due to their specific temperature needs, which may be located to one side, higher, or lower than other goods that that may also be placed in the insulating rolltainer liner 700.

A moisture separation panel 714 is disposed over the base panel 716. As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, an array of concave recesses 714b are defined within a body portion 714a, configured to collect moisture such as condensation that may originate from the temperature regulating means or goods during transport, The recesses 714b are sized and dimensioned to catch and contain moisture within the concave portions while the goods are simultaneously supported, and thereby separated from the moisture, by the remaining portions of the body portion 714a located between and around the recesses 714b. It will be appreciated that more or less recesses can be used, and that the configuration of the recesses can be shaped with other formations providing for moisture collection, for example channels or troughs. Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. While the invention has been disclosed in several forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of pads, can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing temperature-sensitive goods, comprising:

a base; and

a plurality of sides, each connected to the base and comprising: a lower portion, connected by at least one vertical seam to adjacent lower portions of adjacent sides; and an upper portion extending from the lower portion,

wherein the base and the lower portions of the plurality of sides define a receptacle portion for receiving temperature-sensitive goods,

wherein the upper portions of the plurality of sides are configured to fold inwardly to substantially enclose the receptacle portion, and

wherein the base and plurality of sides are cooperatively dimensioned to fit within a rolltainer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of sides comprises sealed and insulated lining material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a moisture regulating system to collect and separate condensation from the temperature-sensitive goods received in the receptacle portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the moisture regulating system comprises a separation panel disposed proximate the base, having one or more recesses defined therein to collect and separate the condensation from the temperature-sensitive goods received in the receptacle portion.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one vertical seam comprises a plurality of fasteners configured to be selectively coupled to define a length of the at least one vertical seam.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of fasteners comprise at least one of zippers and mechanical snaps.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of sides comprises one or more pockets configured to receive at least one temperature regulating system to regulate the temperature of the temperature-sensitive goods.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one temperature regulating system comprises at least one of cooling packs and heating packs.

9. An apparatus for storing temperature-sensitive goods, comprising:

a base; and

at least one side connected to the base, comprising: a lower portion; and an upper portion extending from the lower portion,

wherein the base and at least one side define a receptacle portion for receiving temperature-sensitive goods, and

wherein the upper portion of the at least one side is configured to fold to substantially enclose the receptacle portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one side comprises sealed and insulated lining material.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the base and at least one side are cooperatively dimensioned to fit within a rolltainer.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a moisture regulating system to collect and separate condensation from the temperature-sensitive goods received in the receptacle portion.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the moisture regulating system comprises a separation panel disposed proximate the base and having one or more recesses defined therein to collect and separate condensation from the temperature-sensitive goods received in the receptacle portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one side comprises at least two adjacent sides connected by at least one common seam.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein each of the at least two adjacent sides has a lower portion and upper portion extending from the lower portion, and

wherein the lower portions of the at least two adjacent sides are connected by the at least one common scam.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one common seam comprises a plurality of fasteners configured to be selectively coupled to define a length of the at least one common seam.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plurality of fasteners comprise at least one of zippers and mechanical snaps.

18. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one side comprises one or more pockets configured to receive at least one temperature regulating system to regulate the temperature of the temperature-sensitive goods.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least One temperature regulating system comprises at least one of cooling packs and heating packs.

20. A method of packing temperature-sensitive goods for transport, comprising:

placing temperature-sensitive goods into an apparatus comprising: a base, and

at least one side connected to the base and comprising a lower portion, and an upper portion extending from the lower portion,

wherein the base and at least one side define a receptacle portion for receiving temperature-sensitive goods, and

wherein the upper portion of the at least one side is configured to fold to substantially enclose the receptacle portion;

providing a barrier system proximate the received goods;

providing at least one system configured to regulate the temperature of the goods, separated from the goods by the barrier system; and

folding the upper portion of the at least one side to substantially enclose the receptacle portion.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising placing the apparatus, having the temperature-sensitive goods received therein, within a rolltainer.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one side comprises at least two adjacent sides connected by at least one common seam,

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising selectively coupling a plurality of fasteners to define a length of the at least one common seam.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein providing the at least one system configured to regulate the temperature of the goods comprises securing at least one of coating packs and heating packs in one or more pockets proximate one or more of the at least two adjacent sides.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein folding the upper portion of the at least one side comprises folding the upper portion of the at least one side inwardly about a lateral hinge line.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein the barrier system comprises at least one of a corrugated sheet and a flexible bag.