U.S. patent application number 14/475433 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for fresh food shipping vessel.
This patent application is currently assigned to FRESHREALM LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is FRESHREALM LLC. Invention is credited to Kurt Botsai, Leif Cederblom, William Farrell, Sheldon Hoyt, Lance Hussey, Randy Jackson, Michael Lippold, Ravi Sawhney, John Styn, James Tickle, Gregory VanderPol.
Application Number | 20150060440 14/475433 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51582506 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150060440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lippold; Michael ; et
al. |
March 5, 2015 |
FRESH FOOD SHIPPING VESSEL
Abstract
A fresh food shipping Vessel is described. The food shipping
Vessel includes an outer protective shell, an internal insulation
cage with a closing lid and a plurality of drawers. The drawers and
other components are specifically designed to provide for
conductive and/or convective properties within the Vessel to assist
in maintaining food items at a desired temperature. Further, the
food containers and ice packs are also designed to assist in the
conductive and/or convective properties of the food shipping
Vessel, thereby allowing for shipment of fresh food products for
extended periods of time.
Inventors: |
Lippold; Michael; (Oxnard,
CA) ; Cederblom; Leif; (Pauma Valley, CA) ;
Farrell; William; (Deephaven, MN) ; Hoyt;
Sheldon; (Plymouth, MN) ; Styn; John; (San
Diego, CA) ; Tickle; James; (Moorpark, CA) ;
VanderPol; Gregory; (Thousand Oaks, CA) ; Hussey;
Lance; (Thousand Oaks, CA) ; Botsai; Kurt;
(Thousand Oaks, CA) ; Jackson; Randy; (Thousand
Oaks, CA) ; Sawhney; Ravi; (Thousand Oaks,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FRESHREALM LLC |
Ventura |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FRESHREALM LLC
Ventura
CA
|
Family ID: |
51582506 |
Appl. No.: |
14/475433 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61873274 |
Sep 3, 2013 |
|
|
|
61986790 |
Apr 30, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/1.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2313/04 20130101;
B65D 81/38 20130101; B65D 81/02 20130101; B65D 81/3811
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/1.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/02 20060101
B65D081/02; B65D 81/38 20060101 B65D081/38 |
Claims
1. A shipping vessel, comprising: an insulation cage, the
insulation cage being adapted to hold one or more drawers therein;
and one or more drawers for positioning within the insulation cage,
each drawer adapted to hold at least one item thereon.
2. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
insulation cage includes a crate and a tub, with an insulation
layer entirely sealed between the crate and tub.
3. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 2, wherein the
insulation cage includes a lid for sealing the one or more drawers
within the insulation cage.
4. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 3, wherein the
insulation cage includes a plurality of insulation cage magnets and
wherein the lid includes a plurality of lid magnets, with the
insulation cage magnets and lid magnets being polarity keyed such
that the lid is attachable with the insulation cage in a single
configuration.
5. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 4, wherein the one or
more drawers each include side walls surrounding a thermally
conductive bottom portion, whereby the thermally conductive bottom
portion is operable for providing conduction and radiation to items
amongst the drawers.
6. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 5, wherein the drawers
include slots formed through the side walls, whereby the slots are
operable to provide for convection flow amongst the drawers.
7. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 6, wherein the
thermally conductive bottom portion includes a plurality of holes
formed therethrough, whereby the holes are operable to provide for
convection flow amongst the drawers.
8. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 7, further comprising
a plurality of containers for attaching with a drawer, each of the
containers having a plurality of protrusions.
9. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 8, wherein each drawer
includes container connectors formed in the thermally conductive
bottom portion, the container connectors being formed as recesses
to receive the plurality of protrusions and hold the container in
place during transit.
10. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 9, wherein the
container connectors and holes are positioned in the bottom portion
such that when the containers are affixed with the container
connectors, the holes are positioned between side walls of adjacent
containers and remain uncovered by the containers, thereby
assisting convection flow amongst the drawers.
11. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 10, further
comprising at least one temperature plate for positioning within
the insulation cage, the temperature plate adapted to maintain a
desired temperature for a period of time.
12. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 11, wherein the
temperature plate is a cold plate that includes a void having water
therein, whereby a shipper can freeze the cold plate to provide a
cold temperature to the vessel during transit.
13. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 12, further
comprising an outer protective shell for holding the insulation
cage therein.
14. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 13, wherein the shell
includes front loading doors with a single, center closing
seam.
15. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 14, further
comprising a ratcheting latch mechanism that spans the center
closing seam and is adapted to pull the seam tightly closed to seal
the doors in a closed position.
16. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 15, wherein the
ratcheting latch mechanism includes a first part for connecting
with a first door and a second part for connecting with a second
door, the first and second parts being detachably attachable with
the first and second doors, respectively, whereby each of the first
and second parts are replaceable in the event of damage.
17. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 16, wherein the first
part includes an elongated portion with a clasp portion attached
with the elongated portion via a hinge, the clasp portion having a
clasp and a lifting handle.
18. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 17, wherein the
second part includes a catch formed to receive and lockingly engage
with the clasp.
19. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 18, further
comprising a tamper proof latch system, whereby the tamper proof
latch system is operable for providing assurance to an end user
that contents of the vessel have not been tampered with during
transit.
20. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 19, wherein the
tamper proof latch system includes a band and slots formed through
the second part, the slots formed to accommodate the band and
position the band over the clasp portion such that lifting the
clasp portion causes the band to break.
21. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 20, wherein the shell
includes an interior, an exterior, and outer walls, and further
comprising one or more handle assemblies that are detachably
attachable with the outer walls.
22. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 21, wherein each
handle assembly includes a base plate and a faceplate, the
baseplate having a spring-loaded handle pivotally attached thereto,
with the base plate positioned in the interior of the shell and
secured to the faceplate that is positioned on the exterior of the
shell, thereby providing a replaceable, secure and retractable
handle.
23. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 22, further
comprising open connectors affixed with the doors and outer walls
of the shell, the open connectors being positioned such that when
the doors are swung entirely open, the open connectors engage with
one another to maintain the doors affixed against the side walls in
an open position.
24. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 23, wherein the open
connectors are magnets.
25. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 24, wherein the shell
is formed of a corrugate plastic.
26. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 25, wherein the shell
and insulation cage are substantially cube-shaped.
27. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
insulation cage includes a lid for sealing the one or more drawers
within the insulation cage.
28. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 27, wherein the
insulation cage includes a plurality of insulation cage magnets and
wherein the lid includes a plurality of lid magnets, with the
insulation cage magnets and lid magnets being polarity keyed such
that the lid is attachable with the insulation cage in a single
configuration.
29. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the one or
more drawers each include side walls surrounding a thermally
conductive bottom portion, whereby the thermally conductive bottom
portion is operable for providing conduction and radiation to items
amongst the drawers.
30. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 29, wherein the
drawers include slots formed through the side walls, whereby the
slots are operable to provide for convection flow amongst the
drawers.
31. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 29, wherein the
thermally conductive bottom portion includes a plurality of holes
formed there through, whereby the holes are operable to provide for
convection flow amongst the drawers.
32. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 29, wherein each
drawer includes container connectors formed in the thermally
conductive bottom portion, the container connectors being formed as
recesses to hold a container in place during transit.
33. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 29, wherein each
drawer includes container connectors formed in the thermally
conductive bottom portion, and the bottom portion includes a
plurality of holes formed therethrough, wherein the container
connectors and holes are positioned in the bottom portion such that
when a container is affixed with the container connectors, the
holes are positioned between side walls of adjacent containers and
remain uncovered by the containers, thereby assisting convection
flow amongst the drawers.
34. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising
a plurality of containers for attaching with a drawer, each of the
containers having a plurality of protrusions.
35. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising
at least one temperature plate for positioning within the
insulation cage, the temperature plate adapted to maintain a
desired temperature for a period of time.
36. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 35, wherein the
temperature plate is a cold plate that includes a void having water
therein, whereby a shipper can freeze the cold plate to provide a
cold temperature to the vessel during transit.
37. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising
an outer protective shell for holding the insulation cage
therein.
38. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 37, wherein the shell
includes front loading doors with a single, center closing
seam.
39. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 38, farther
comprising a ratcheting latch mechanism that spans the center
closing seam and is adapted to pull the seam tightly closed to seal
the doors in a closed position.
40. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 39, wherein the
ratcheting latch mechanism includes a first part for connecting
with a first door and a second part for connecting with a second
door, the first and second parts being detachably attachable with
the first and second doors, respectively, whereby each of the first
and second parts are replaceable in the event of damage.
41. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 39, wherein the
ratcheting latch mechanism includes a first part for connecting
with a first door and a second part for connecting with a second
door, wherein the first part includes an elongated portion with a
clasp portion attached with the elongated portion via a hinge, the
clasp portion having a clasp and a lifting handle.
42. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 41 wherein the second
part includes a catch formed to receive and lockingly engage with a
clasp.
43. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 41, further
comprising a tamper proof latch system, whereby the tamper proof
latch system is operable for providing assurance to an end user
that contents of the vessel have not been tampered with during
transit.
44. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 43, wherein the
tamper proof latch system includes a band and slots formed through
the second part, the slots formed to accommodate the band and
position the band over the clasp portion such that lifting the
clasp portion causes the band to break.
45. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 37, wherein the shell
includes an interior, an exterior, and outer walls, and further
comprising one or more handle assemblies that are detachably
attachable with the outer walls.
46. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 45, wherein each
handle assembly includes a base plate and a faceplate, the
baseplate having a spring-loaded handle pivotally attached thereto,
with the base plate positioned in the interior of the shell and
secured to the faceplate that is positioned on the exterior of the
shell, thereby providing a replaceable, secure and retractable
handle.
47. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 38, further
comprising open connectors affixed with the doors and outer walls
of the shell, the open connectors being positioned such that when
the doors are swung entirely open, the open connectors engage with
one another to maintain the doors affixed against the side walls in
an open position.
48. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 47, wherein the open
connectors are magnets.
49. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 37, wherein the shell
is formed of a corrugate plastic.
50. The shipping vessel as set forth in claim 37, wherein the shell
and insulation cage are substantially cube-shaped.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/873,274, filed on Sep. 3, 2013, and entitled,
"Fresh Food Shipping Vessel System."
[0002] This is ALSO a non-provisional application of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/986,790, filed on Apr. 30, 2014, and
entitled, "Fresh Food Shipping Vessel."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] (1) Field of Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to food shipments and, more
particularly, to a shipping container (the "Vessel") that enables
the transport via common carrier of fresh foods within a re-usable,
temperature-controlled and impact-protected shipping Vessel.
[0005] (2) Description of Related Art
[0006] Shipping containers have long been known in the art.
Shipping containers come in a variety of forms and are used to ship
a variety of products. By way of example, a traditional shipping
container is a cardboard box that can be used to ship any number of
items. While operable for holding items therein, such a shipping
container may not be desirable to ship cold-food products since it
does not maintain temperatures well nor is it designed to maintain
a consistent temperature (within a narrow temperature range)
throughout the container.
[0007] As an enhancement over traditional cardboard boxes, some
retailers ship cold food products in Styrofoam.TM. ("Foam")
containers. While such Foam containers are functional for
maintaining food products at a cooled temperature, they are not
durable, present environmental problems once they are out of
service and lack a lot of the functionality that is provided by the
present invention. For example, Foam containers are not capable of
maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the container
within a narrow temperature range. As another example, a
traditional Foam container is typically filled by simply stacking
items therein. By stacking items on top of and next to one another,
a traditional Foam container does not provide for convective and/or
conductive properties that can be employed to maintain a consistent
temperature throughout the container for prolonged periods of time.
Further, a traditional Foam container allows a user to simply place
several items therein, but does little to catalog actual placement
of those items (which may be desirable if the food is being sent to
multiple consumers at one shipping location).
[0008] Thus, a continuing need exists for a new and improved fresh
food shipping container that solves the aforementioned problems
and, in doing so, provides for (1) convective and/or conductive
properties to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the
container (within a narrow temperature range) for prolonged periods
of time; (2) allows for specific inventory control; (3) ease of
shipping by common carriers; (4) reduces waste and provides for
re-usability; and (5) provide for remote monitoring and analysis of
the status of the container and its contents.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to food shipments and, more
particularly, to a fresh food shipping Vessel for safely and
effectively shipping fresh foods. The shipping Vessel includes an
insulation cage that adapted/formed to hold one or more drawers
therein. Further, the Vessel includes one or more drawers for
positioning within the insulation cage, each drawer adapted to hold
at least one item thereon.
[0010] In one aspect, the insulation cage includes a crate and a
tub, with an insulation layer entirely sealed between the crate and
tub.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the insulation cage includes a lid
for sealing the one or more drawers within the insulation cage.
[0012] In another aspect, the insulation cage includes a plurality
of insulation cage magnets and wherein the lid includes a plurality
of lid magnets, with the insulation cage magnets and lid magnets
being polarity keyed such that the lid is attachable with the
insulation cage in a single configuration.
[0013] Further, the one or more drawers each include side walls
surrounding a thermally conductive bottom portion, whereby the
thermally conductive bottom portion is operable for providing
conduction and radiation to items amongst the drawers.
[0014] In yet another aspect, the drawers include slots formed
through the side walls, whereby the slots are operable to provide
for convection flow amongst the drawers.
[0015] In another aspect, the thermally conductive bottom portion
includes a plurality of holes formed there through, whereby the
holes are operable to provide for convection flow amongst the
drawers.
[0016] Further, a plurality of containers are included for
attaching with a drawer, each of the containers having a plurality
of protrusions.
[0017] Additionally, each drawer includes container connectors
formed in the thermally conductive bottom portion, the container
connectors being formed as recesses to receive the plurality of
protrusions and hold the container in place during transit. The
container connectors and holes are positioned in the bottom portion
such that when the containers are affixed with the container
connectors, the holes are positioned between side walls of adjacent
containers and remain uncovered by the containers, thereby
assisting convection flow amongst the drawers.
[0018] In another aspect, at least one temperature plate is
included for positioning within the insulation cage, the
temperature plate adapted to maintain a desired temperature for a
period of time. The temperature plate is a cold plate that includes
a void having water therein, whereby a shipper can freeze the cold
plate to provide a cold temperature to the vessel during
transit.
[0019] Further and in another aspect, the Vessel includes an outer
protective shell for holding the insulation cage therein. The shell
includes front loading doors with a single, center closing
seam.
[0020] In another aspect, a ratcheting latch mechanism can be
included that spans the center closing seam and is adapted to pull
the seam tightly closed to seal the doors in a closed position. The
ratcheting latch mechanism includes a first part for connecting
with a first door and a second part for connecting with a second
door, the first and second parts being detachably attachable with
the first and second doors, respectively, whereby each of the first
and second parts are replaceable in the event of damage. The first
part includes an elongated portion with a clasp portion attached
with the elongated portion via a hinge, the clasp portion having a
clasp and a lifting handle. The second part includes a catch formed
to receive and lockingly engage with the clasp.
[0021] In another aspect, a tamper proof latch system is included,
whereby the tamper proof latch system is operable for providing
assurance to an end user that contents of the vessel have not been
tampered with during transit. The tamper proof latch system
includes a band and slots formed through the second part, the slots
formed to accommodate the band and position the band over the clasp
portion such that lifting the clasp portion causes the band to
break.
[0022] In another aspect, the shell includes an interior, an
exterior, and outer walls, and further comprising one or more
handle assemblies that are detachably attachable with the outer
walls. Each handle assembly includes a base plate and a faceplate,
the baseplate having a spring-loaded handle pivotally attached
thereto, with the base plate positioned in the interior of the
shell and secured to the faceplate that is positioned on the
exterior of the shell, thereby providing a replaceable, secure and
retractable handle.
[0023] In another aspect, open connectors are affixed with the
doors and outer walls of the shell, the open connectors being
positioned such that when the doors are swung entirely open, the
open connectors engage with one another to maintain the doors
affixed against the side walls in an open position. In one aspect,
the open connectors are magnets.
[0024] In another aspect, the shell is formed of a corrugate
plastic and the shell and insulation cage are substantially
cube-shaped.
[0025] Finally, the present invention also includes a method for
forming and using the invention described herein. The method for
forming the Vessel comprises a plurality of acts of forming and
assembling the parts described herein to collectively form the
Vessel. The method for using the Vessel comprises a plurality of
acts of loading and shipping the Vessel with the relevant items and
containers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions
of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with
reference to the following drawings, where:
[0027] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a shipping Vessel according to
the principles of the present invention, depicting an outer
protective shell and an internal insulation cage that includes a
plurality of drawers and a closing lid;
[0028] FIG. 2 is an exploded-view illustration of the insulation
cage according to the principles of the present invention,
depicting a crate, an insulation layer, and a tub;
[0029] FIG. 3A is an illustration of the insulation cage according
to the principles of the present invention, depicting the
insulation layer as affixed within the tub;
[0030] FIG. 3B is an illustration of the insulation cage according
to the principles of the present invention, depicting a cut-away to
illustrate the insulation layer therein;
[0031] FIG. 3C is a close-up, sectional-view illustration of the
insulation cage according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 3D is an illustration of the insulation cage with
temperature plates according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an assembled insulation cage
according to the principles of the present invention, depicting a
plurality of drawers positioned within the insulation cage;
[0034] FIG. 5A is an illustration of a drawer according to the
principles of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 5B provides several view-point illustrations of a small
food container for use with the drawer according to the principles
of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 5C provides several view-point illustrations of a large
food container for use with the drawer according to the principles
of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 5D provides several view-point illustrations of an
elongated food container for use with the drawer according to the
principles of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 5E is a top, perspective-view illustration of a
plurality of containers arranged for positioning within a
drawer;
[0039] FIG. 5F is a bottom, perspective-view illustration the
plurality of containers arranged for positioning within a
drawer;
[0040] FIG. 5G is a top, perspective-view illustration depicting
the plurality of containers being positioned into a drawer;
[0041] FIG. 5H is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of a
drawer and containers according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 5I is an illustration of a plurality of drawers
according to the principles of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 5J is an illustration of a plurality of drawers
according to the principles of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 6 is an exploded-view illustration of the closing lid
according to the principles of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 7A is an illustration of the outer protective shell
according to the principles of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 7B is an illustration of the outer protective shell
according to the principles of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 7C is an illustration of the outer protective shell
according to the principles of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a side handle for use with the
outer protective shell according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a locking mechanism for use
with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the
present invention;
[0050] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a rigid trim assembly for use
with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the
present invention;
[0051] FIG. 11A is an illustration of a tamper proof latch system
for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles
of the present invention; and
[0052] FIG. 11B is an illustration of the tamper proof latch system
for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] The present invention relates to food shipments and, more
particularly, to a fresh food shipping Vessel for safely and
effectively shipping fresh foods. The following description is
presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and
use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of
particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a
variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined
herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the
present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments
presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with
the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
[0054] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough
understanding of the present invention. However, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may
be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific
details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are
shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to
avoid obscuring the present invention.
[0055] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and
documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and
which are open to public inspection with this specification, and
the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated
herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this
specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and
drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same,
equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is
only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar
features.
[0056] Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly
state "means for" performing a specified function, or "step for"
performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a
"means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112,
Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of "step of" or "act of" in the
claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.
112, Paragraph 6.
[0057] Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back,
top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have
been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to
imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to
reflect relative locations and/or directions between various
portions of an object.
[0058] (1) Description
[0059] As noted above and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the present
invention is directed to a fresh food shipping Vessel 100. It
should be explicitly understood that although the Vessel 100 is
described with respect to shipping food items, the use of the term
"food" is used for illustrative purposes only as one suitable
application and that the Vessel 100 is not intended to be limited
thereto. For example, instead of food, the Vessel 100 can be used
to transport beverages, organs for transplant, other biologic
materials, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, fresh flowers, or
any other item or materials where it may be desirable to maintain a
stable temperature during transit. Thus, as evident below, the
Vessel 100 has been specifically designed to (1) maintain a
consistent temperature throughout the container (within a narrow
temperature range) for prolonged periods of time: (2) allow for
specific inventory control; (3) provide for ease of shipping by
common carriers; (4) reduce waste and provide for re-usability, and
(5) provide for remote monitoring and analysis of the status of the
Vessel and its contents.
[0060] The shipping Vessel 100 includes several components,
including an outer protective shell 102, an internal insulation
cage 104, a plurality of drawers 106, and a closing lid 108. As
will be evident below, each of the components of the shipping
Vessel 100 provide several unique features that individually and
collectively further enhance the operability of the shipping Vessel
100.
[0061] As noted above, the shipping Vessel 100 includes an
insulation cage 104. The insulation cage 104 is any suitable
insulating container or box that is operable for maintaining cold
(or hot) items therein. As a non-limiting example and as shown in
FIG. 2, the insulation cage 104 includes a crate 200, an insulation
layer 202, and a tub 204. The crate 200 and/or tub 204 provide a
level of rigidity and durability to the insulation cage 104 and, as
such, are formed of any suitably durable material, a non-limiting
example of which includes plastic. Alternatively, the insulation
layer 202 is any suitable material that can be employed to provide
an insulating effect to the material positioned within the
insulation cage 104. As a non-limiting example, the insulation
layer 202 is a polyurethane foam that can be blown into a gap
between the crate 200 and the tub 204. For example, FIG. 3A depicts
the insulation layer 202 as positioned within tub 204. However and
as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, foam is subject
to degradation over time. Thus, in one non-limiting example and as
shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the crate 200 includes a peripheral lip
300 that projects laterally from an end of the crate 200. The crate
200 can be positioned within the tub 204 such that the peripheral
lip 300 engages/contacts the rim 306 of the tub 204. Thus, in this
aspect, the crate 200 is affixed with the tub 204 (via, for
example, the point of contact between the peripheral lip 300 and
the rim 306). The crate 200 is affixed with the tub 204 using any
suitable adhesion technique, non-limiting examples of which include
plastic or sonic welding and use of an adhesive (e.g., glue or
epoxy). In one aspect, the crate 200 is formed such that when
positioned within and affixed to the tub 204, a gap exists between
the crate 200 and tub 204. As a non-limiting example, the gap is
approximately one and one half inches thick and surrounds the crate
200. Using any suitable filling technique, the insulation layer 202
can then be blown through a hole formed through the tub 204 and
into the gap. Upon sealing the hole, the insulation layer 202 is
then sealed in a water tight manner between the crate 200 and tub
204.
[0062] As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, by
sealing (e.g., via a watertight plastic weld seal) the insulation
layer 202 between the crate 200 and tub 204, the insulation cage
104 provides substantial insulating properties, yet can also be
easily cleaned and sanitized without detrimentally affecting the
foam (i.e., insulation layer 202) therein. In other words and in
one non-limiting aspect, the crate 200 and tub 204 completely cover
the insulation layer 202 so that the crate 200 can be sterilized
while not contaminating the insulation layer 202. The tub 204
piece, in one non-limiting example, is a thin plastic film that
prevents external contamination of the foam insulation. In another
aspect, material selection for the Vessel and its insulation cage
104 involves the use of plastics and smooth surfaces so that
chances of bacteria build up are reduced and the ease of
sterilization is maintained.
[0063] For further understanding, FIG. 3B provides an illustration
of the insulation cage 104, depicting a cut-away to illustrate the
insulation layer 202 between the crate 200 and tub 204. FIG. 3C is
a close-up, sectional-view illustration of the insulation cage 104.
As shown, the tub 204 is a thin-piece of material (although it can
be formed of any desired thickness) that is sealed against the
crate 200, with the insulation layer 202 there between.
[0064] Further and as illustrated in FIG. 4, an important feature
of the insulation cage 104 is its ability to effectively hold a
plurality of compartments and/or items. As a non-limiting example
and as illustrated, the insulation cage 104 includes a plurality of
drawers 106. As shown between FIGS. 3A and 4, the insulation cage
104 includes a rail system that allows the drawers 106 to easily
slide in and out of the crate 200. As a non-limiting example, the
rail system includes a plurality of rails 302 (shelves) that
project from an inner wall 304 of the crate 200. The rails 302 are
separately formed and attached (via an adhesive, screws, etc.) to
the wall 304 or can be integrally formed in the wall 304 during
formation of the crate 200. The rails 302 are operable for allowing
the drawers 106 to slide in and out of the cage 104 (while
supporting a drawer 106) while a rail above the drawer 106 operates
to prevent the drawer 106 from tipping when extended from the cage
104. Stop tabs 308 can optionally be included to lock the drawers
106 into the Vessel so that the drawers 106 cannot be easily
removed from the cage 104. It should also be noted that the rails
302 allow the packer or user to selectively position the drawers
106 in the desired location. As a non-limiting example, multiple
drawers 106 may be used. As another non-limiting example, a single
drawer may be used to hole a large item or positioned centrally to
provide space above and below the drawer 106, or any combination
thereof.
[0065] In one aspect, the plurality of compartments (e.g., drawers
106) can be used to allow for shipment of several different items
to a variety of individuals. Imagine a scenario where a plurality
of consumers each order a different lunch meal (e.g., a sandwich,
crackers, salad, etc.). Each consumer would ideally prefer to know
exactly which drawer 106 contained their particular food item. In
order to allow for such functionality it is desirable to catalog
which drawer 106 contains which item. In one aspect, a label (e.g.,
sticky label) can be adhered to the end of the drawer identifying
the contents of a particular drawer or an end consumer's name.
Alternatively and as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the each drawer
106 can include a unique identifier 400, a non-limiting example of
which includes a bar code. It should be understood that any
suitable identifier can be employed, such as a simple number stamp,
a label (e.g., 1, A, etc.), a bar code, a QR code, or a
radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip, or any combination
thereof. In either event, the unique identifier 400 allows a packer
(i.e., the person packing the goods into the Vessel) to catalog
exactly what is being packed into a particular drawer 106 and can
also be used to notify an end consumer which drawer 106 their
particular food item rests in. For example, the packer using an
inventory catalog/shipping system can scan the bar code when
packing a first drawer 106 and designate that the first drawer 106
has the food products for Consumers A and B. Alternatively, when
packing a second drawer 106 (for Consumers C and D), the same
inventory catalog/shipping system can be utilized to designate that
the second drawer 106 has the food products for Consumers C and D.
The inventory catalog/shipping system can then generate an email,
text, or any other suitable message, that is sent to the relevant
consumers notifying them of which particular drawer their order can
be found in (e.g., Drawer 1, 2, etc.). As can be understood by
those skilled in the art, an inventory catalog/shipping system
operates on a data processing system with a processor and memory
having instructions encoded thereon that would allow such a system
to catalog inventory and provide such notifications as described
above.
[0066] In addition to allowing for unique identification
capabilities, the drawers 106 can be designed to assist in
maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the Vessel. As a
non-limiting example, the drawers 106 are designed to provide for
both convection and conduction. Due to the convective and
conductive properties of the Vessel (and/or drawers 106), fans are
not required to maintain optimal temperature throughout the Vessel.
For example and as shown in FIG. 5A, the drawers 106 can be formed
to include a plurality of holes 500 that allows for convention (air
flow) to spread the temperature throughout the Vessel. In one
aspect, the holes pass entirely through a bottom portion 508 of the
drawers 106. In another aspect, some of the holes can be formed
into a specific shape that allows the designated hole to engage
with a protrusion on a container and, in doing so, operate as a
container connector 501. For example, the hole can receive the
protrusion in a coupling arrangement. These aspects are described
in further detail below.
[0067] In another aspect, the edges of the drawings 106 can
optionally be formed to include ridges 502 near convection slots
504 that would prevent a food pack from sliding over and covering a
convection slot 504, thereby further assisting in air flow within
the Vessel.
[0068] In another aspect, the drawers 106 are formed entirely of
any suitably stable material, a non-limiting example of which
includes plastic. However and as noted above, the drawers 106 can
also be designed to provide for conduction. Thus, the drawers 106
are optionally formed, at least partially, of any suitable material
that enhances thermal conduction, a non-limiting example of which
includes metal. For example and in one aspect, metal conduction
plates can be included between the drawers 106, with metal disks
formed in the drawers 106 to further enhance conduction between the
metal plates and the layers of drawers 106. Alternatively, the
drawers 106 are desirably formed such that a bottom portion 508
(i.e., the portion that includes the holes 500) of the drawers 106
is formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g., metal). In this
aspect, the side walls 510 can be formed of plastic, with the metal
bottom portion 508 affixed with (e.g., via a tongue and groove
connection, etc.) and surrounded by the plastic side walls 510.
Thus, temperature can be easily transferred between drawer 106
levels via the metal bottom portion 508, while the plastic side
walls 510 provide stability yet decrease overall weight of the
drawer 106 (as opposed to metal side walls). Referring again to
FIG. 3A, to further maintain a desired temperature within the
Vessel, optional temperature plates 310 (e.g., a cold plate) can be
positioned within the crate 200. The temperature plates 310 are any
suitable mechanism or device that is operable for maintaining a
stable temperature. As a non-limiting example, the temperature
plates 310 are metal plates having a void or cavity therein that is
filled with a freezable material, non-limiting examples of which
include gel and water. In this aspect, the temperature plate 310
would operate as a cold source to assist in maintaining a desired
cold temperature in the insulation cage 104 during transit.
Alternatively, if a hot item is being shipped, the temperature
plates 310 could be filled with a material that generates or
maintains heat and operates as a hot plate. In one aspect, the hot
plate can simply be filled with a gel and heated, with the gel
maintaining and radiating heat from the hot plate. In another
aspect, the hot plate could be filled with chemicals that provide a
one-time exothermic chemical reaction. For example, the hot plate
can be formed to include two breakable compartments in the cavity
such that when a packer compresses the hot plate, the compartments
break which causes the reagents to mix and produce heat. As another
non-limiting example, the hot plate can be reusable. For example,
the hot plate can include in its void a supersaturated solution of
sodium acetate (CH.sub.3COONa) in water and operate essentially as
a sodium acetate heat pad. To be activated, a portion of the hot
plate can be formed to include a rubber seal that holds a small
ferrous metal strip or disc inside the void of the hot plate. The
rubber seal is accessible on the outside of the plate and allows a
user to manipulate the rubber seal and, thereby, flex the strip or
disc that is held within the liquid inside the void. Flexing the
metal causes crystallization which releases the energy (i.e., heat)
of the crystal lattice. In order to reuse the hot plate, a packer
can simply place the hot plate in boiling water which re-dissolves
the sodium acetate trihydrate in the water and recreates a
supersaturated solution. The hot plate can then be reused to
provide heat during the next shipment.
[0069] Thus, in operation, the packer would position a pre-frozen
(or pre-heated) temperature plate 310 into the crate 200 when
packing the Vessel to provide a temperature (cold or hot) source
therein. The temperature plate 310 can be affixed with the
insulation cage 104 in any desired manner. As a non-limiting
example and as illustrated in FIG. 3D, the temperature plates 310
can be slid into the insulation cage 104 and held in place via a
shelf 320 or any other mechanism or device that is operable for
holding an item in place.
[0070] In addition to their thermal conductive/convective
properties, the drawers 106 can also be shaped to provide optimal
space utility. It should be understood that the drawers 106 can be
formed in any desired shape; however, in a desired aspect, the
drawers 106 can be formed in a square shape that allows for
optimized space utilization and cube formation when stacked.
[0071] Further, it should be understood that any item or container
can be packed in the drawers 106. As a non-limiting example, the
invention includes individual food containers that are specifically
designed to minimize lateral space waste and increase the
conductive and convective properties of the Vessel. Several
non-limiting examples of such containers are illustrated in FIGS.
5B through 5J.
[0072] For example, FIG. 5B provides several illustrations of a
small food container 520. Specifically, FIG. 5B provides front-view
521, side-view 522, top-view 523, bottom-view 524, top
perspective-view 525, and bottom perspective-view 526
illustrations, respectively, of the small food container 520. As
can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the food container
can be formed in any desired shape and of any suitable material, a
non-limiting example of which includes plastic being formed into
the shapes as illustrated throughout FIGS. 5B through 5G. In this
non-limiting example, the food containers include a lid 527 and a
basket or container portion 528. Notably, a bottom of the container
portion 528 includes at least one and desirably several protrusions
529 that are formed to engage with the container connectors
(depicted as element 501 in FIG. 5A). For example, when the food
container 520 is positioned into a drawer 106 (as shown in FIG.
5G), the protrusions 529 fit into the container connectors 501 and,
in doing so, prevent the food container 520 from sliding around in
the drawer 106. The protrusions 529 also prevent shifting which
protects against damage to the food therein. Notably, the drawers
106 can be positioned closely on top of one another such that
little space (e.g., one quarter of an inch) exists between top of a
food container 520 and the bottom of a drawer 106. Thus, in
addition to preventing shifting, the interior of the Vessel (and
its drawers 106) is designed to protect the contents and provide a
consistent and uniform temperature no matter what vertical
orientation the Vessel is positioned in (i.e., it may be upside
down at times or on its side).
[0073] Further, the protrusions 529 can be formed of any desired
depth or length. For example, the protrusions 529 can be formed to
protrude through the bottom container connector 501, yet be flush
with the bottom-side of the drawer 106 (in which the particular
container is attached). This aspect would allow for air flow in the
drawer 106 compartment below to engage with the protrusion 529 and,
in doing so, provide a cooling effect to the contents of that
particular container. In another aspect, the protrusions 529 are of
a sufficient depth or length such that they protrude through the
thickness of the bottom of the drawer 106 and contact a container
or ice pack in the drawer 106 compartment below. For example, if an
ice pack were positioned directly below a particular drawer 106 and
container 520, the protrusion 529, via contact with the ice pack
[cold source?], would assist the conductive properties of the
Vessel by allowing the temperature of the ice pack to more easily
transfer to the contents of the particular container 520. As can be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, the protrusions 529 and
container connectors 501 as described and illustrated are provided
as but one non-limiting example according to the principles of the
present invention and it should be understood that such connectors
501 and protrusions 529 can be reversed and/or positioned at any
desirable location on the respective container 520 and drawer
106.
[0074] For further understanding. FIGS. 5C and 5D provide
illustrations of additional container shapes. Specifically, FIG. 5C
provides front-view 531, side-view 532, top-view 533, bottom-view
534, top perspective-view 535, and bottom perspective-view 536
illustrations, respectively, of the large food container 530.
Finally, FIG. 5D provides front-view 541, side-view 542, top-view
543, bottom-view 544, top perspective-view 545, and bottom
perspective-view 546 illustrations, respectively, of the elongated
food container 540. Notably, both the large food container 530 and
elongated food container 540 also include the optional protrusions
529. A benefit of the multiple and modular containers is that the
modular containers enable multiple configuration layouts within the
Vessel, which prevents the containers and food from moving.
[0075] For further understanding, FIG. 5E is a top,
perspective-view illustration of a plurality of containers arranged
for positioning within a drawer, while FIG. 5F provides a bottom,
perspective-view illustration of said containers. As a non-limiting
example, the configuration as depicted in FIGS. 5E and 5F
illustrates two small food containers 520, one large food container
530, and one elongated food container 540. Further, it should be
noted that a temperature component can optionally be included. The
temperature component is any mechanism, device, or item that is
designed to affect or control temperature within the Vessel,
non-limiting examples of which include an ice pack 550 or heat
pack. For example, if the food is desirably maintained in a cooled
state, the temperature component is an ice pack 550 that operates
as a cold source (i.e., heat sink) to cool the Vessel. For example,
the ice pack 550 can be a standard ice pack or gel pack that is
positioned within the drawer to provide a cooling effect within the
Vessel. In another aspect, the ice pack can be a frozen water
bottle (e.g., a standard water bottle or shaped as illustrated in
FIGS. 5E and 5F) that is used to cool the Vessel, yet can be
retrieved by the end consumer for consumption. In yet another
aspect, the temperature component (e.g., ice pack 550) can be
formed to include protrusions 529 similar to that of the containers
520, 530, and 540. Thus, the ice pack 550 can also be securely
affixed with the drawer 106 via the protrusions 529.
[0076] It should also be noted that the containers can be formed
such that the side walls 552 rise from the ground surface at any
desired angle. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in the
figures, the side walls 522 can be formed at an angle such that
they do not lay flat against an adjacent container. In other words,
the side walls 522 are formed at angles to provide gaps 524 between
adjacent containers. An advantage to this aspect is further
illustrated in FIG. 5G. As shown in FIG. 5G, the holes 500 can be
optimally positioned in the drawer 106 such that they are not
covered when the drawer 106 is filled with containers (e.g., 520,
530, 540, and/or the ice pack 550). In this aspect, the container
connectors 501 affix the desired containers such that the holes 500
are positioned between the side walls 522 of adjacent containers.
Due to the gaps 524 between adjacent containers, air flow is
maintained throughout the Vessel to provide for appropriate
convective forces and cooling. Further, ridges or channels 560 can
also be formed in the side walls 552 of the containers (e.g., 520,
530, 540). The channels 560 increase the gap 524 slightly to
provide for air flow and convective forces and, further increase
the side wall 522 surface area of any given container, thereby
enhancing the ability of the container to maintain a desired
temperature.
[0077] As noted above and as illustrated in the cross-sectional
side-view illustration of FIG. 5H, any desired number and size of
containers (e.g., 520 and 540) can be positioned within a drawer
106. In one aspect and as illustrated, the protrusions 529 fit into
the container connectors 501 and, in doing so, prevent the food
containers (e.g., 520 and 540) from sliding around in the drawer
106. The container connectors 501 can be holes formed entirely
through the bottom portion 508 of the drawers 106. Thus, in this
aspect, the protrusions 529 rest within the holes. As another
non-limiting example and as illustrated in FIG. 5H, the container
connectors 501 can be recesses formed in the thermally conductive
bottom portion 508 such that the protrusions 529 rest within the
recesses to prevent the containers from moving.
[0078] As noted above and as further illustrated in FIG. 5I, the
drawers 106 are designed to provide for both conductive and
convective properties to achieve a uniform temperature throughout
the Vessel and in each drawer 106. Thus, in one aspect, each drawer
106 is outfitted with its own cold source (e.g., ice pack 550) as
well as a thermally conductive plate (e.g., metal bottom portion
508). The cold sources (e.g., ice pack 550) and thermally
conductive bottom portion 508 transfer cold air to its surrounding
containers and drawers 106 through convection 590, conduction 592,
and radiation 594. By use of a thermally conductive bottom portion
508, the cold (or heat if used for hot items) can be transferred
quickly and efficiently to the rest of the Vessel's contents, thus
ensuring that the containers in contact with the thermally
conductive bottom portion 508 stay within a prescribed temperature
range (e.g., plus or minus ten (five, etc.) degrees of the
pre-packed temperature). Additionally, the container connectors
501, when formed as recesses within a thermally conductive bottom
portion 508, provide protrusions on a bottom side of the drawers
106 that further assist in conduction 592 if positioned against an
adjacent container. For example, if the Vessel is upside down, a
container which would otherwise be below a particular container
connector 501 could now rest on top of the container connector 501
and receive cold/heat transfer via conductive forces. Additionally,
convection slots 504 around the drawer 106 allow for the
circulation of air inside the Vessel, thereby facilitating the
convective flow of heat.
[0079] The concept of radiation 594 and convection 590 is further
illustrated in the front-view illustration of FIG. 5J. As shown in
FIG. 5J, a plurality of drawers 106 are positioned on top of one
another. The cold sources (e.g., ice packs 550) in conjunction with
the thermally conductive bottom portions 508 radiate 594 heat or
cold to surrounding containers and drawers 106. Further, due to the
slots, holes and spaces between the drawers and containers, a
convention 590 flow occurs to further allow for maintaining a
consistent temperature throughout the Vessel.
[0080] Referring again to FIG. 1, the shipping Vessel 100 includes
a closing lid 108 that is used to seal the drawers 106 within the
insulation cage 104. The closing lid 108 is any suitable lid
mechanism or device that can be used to contain and/or seal the
drawers 106 within the insulation cage 104, a non-limiting example
of which is depicted in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 provides an exploded-view
illustration of a lid 108 assembly according to the principles of
the present invention. In this non-limiting example, the lid 108
includes an outer lid portion 600, lid insulation 602, an inner lid
portion 604, a plug 606, pressure sensitive tape (PSA) 608, a clip
610, a gasket 612, and a plurality of lid magnets 614. The outer
lid portion 600 is affixed with the inner lid portion 604 via, for
example, sonic or plastic welding. The outer and inner lid portions
600 and 602 are formed such that after they are affixed with one
another, a gap exists between the two components. The lid
insulation 602 (e.g., polyurethane foam) can then be blown through
a hole 601 and into the gap, with the hole 601 thereafter sealed
with the plug 606 (e.g., via plastic or sonic welding).
[0081] A clip 610 is optionally included and affixed with the inner
lid portion 604 using any suitable mechanism or device, a
non-limiting example of which includes the pressure sensitive tape
608. The clip 610 is operable to hold paper, receipts, inventory,
return shipping instructions, or any other suitable communication
that is desirable to provide to the recipient of the shipping
Vessel. Further, the inner lid portion 604 can be formed with a
recess 620 that accommodates such a communication. As a
non-limiting example, the recess 620 can be formed to fit an A4 of
81/2 by 11 paper.
[0082] As noted above, the door gasket 612 is attached (e.g., via
an adhesive or PSA) with the inner lid component 604. The door
gasket 612 is any suitable mechanism, material, or device that is
operable for providing an air seal between the lid 108 and the
insulation cage when the lid 108 is affixed with the insulation
cage. A non-limiting example of such a suitable door gasket 612 is
foam and/or rubber weather stripping. Further, to assist the lid
108 in maintaining connectivity with the insulation cage, the
shipping Vessel includes a cage locking device. The cage locking
device is any suitable mechanism or device that is operable for
locking the lid 108 in place against the insulation cage,
non-limiting examples of which include clasps, latches, keyed
locks, etc. In a desired aspect, the cage locking device includes
the plurality of lid magnets 614 that are polarity keyed to
insulation cage magnets such that the lid 108 can only be attached
one way. For example and referring again to FIG. 3A, a plurality of
insulation cage magnets 312 can be affixed (e.g., via an adhesive,
press-fit, etc.) with the insulation cage 104 at any suitable
location to magnetically connect with the lid magnets 614. As a
non-limiting example, a plurality of recesses 314 are formed in the
insulation cage 104, with the insulation cage magnets 312 being
press-fit and/or glued into the recesses 314. Thus and as can be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, the lid 108 can be
securely affixed with the insulation cage 104 via the magnetic
connection between the lid magnets 614 and the insulation cage
magnets 312. Thus, the lid magnets 614 in combination with the
insulation cage magnets 312 serve as an efficient method to latch
and seal the insulation cage 104 shut while still allowing quick
access to the insulation cage 104 when not in transport.
[0083] As noted above, the plurality of lid magnets 614 are
polarity keyed to insulation cage magnets 312 such that the lid 108
can only be attached one way. As a non-limiting example, all of the
lid magnets 614 (except one) can be attached such that the positive
sides of the magnets 614 protrude from the lid 108. One lid magnet
614 is reversed such that its negative side protrudes from the lid
108. In this aspect, the insulation cage magnets 312 would all be
positioned (except one) such that their negative sides are directed
to toward the lid 108. One insulation cage magnet 312 is reversed
such that its positive side is positioned toward the lid 108. Thus,
as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there would only
be one configuration in this example in which the lid 108 would
adhere to the insulation cage 104.
[0084] As illustrated, the lid 108 is freely removable from the
insulation cage 104. However, in another aspect, the lid 108 can be
designed such that it is connected with the insulation cage 104 via
a hinge.
[0085] In another aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, the
lid 108 can be formed to include handles 616 that assist the user
in grasping and pulling the lid 108 from the insulation cage 104.
As a non-limiting example, the handles 616 are formed as continuous
handles along the side lengths of the lid 108 to allow for
sufficient grasping space while minimizing space intrusive
handles.
[0086] As noted above and illustrated in FIG. 1, the shipping
Vessel 100 also includes a hollow outer protective shell 102 that
is formed to contain the insulation cage 104 (and lid 108) therein.
The outer protective shell 102 is formed of any suitably stable
and/or reusable material, a non-limiting example of which includes
plastic. It should be noted that the shell 102 serves as a
maintainable shipping container for the insulation cage and can be
reused multiple times for shipment.
[0087] Because the shell 102 is reusable, it may be subject to
wear. As such, some or all parts of the outer protective shell 102
can be easily replaced should a part turn out to be broken or no
longer functional. The design is implemented so that the failure of
one part on the shell 102 will desirably not jeopardize the
usability of the shell 102 as a whole. As a non-limiting example
and as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the outer shell 102 includes
replaceable door locking mechanisms 706 and handle assemblies 724.
The outer shell 102 and its various components are described in
further detail below.
[0088] In a desired aspect, the shell 102 is formed of a
translucent or transparent plastic corrugate that allows for
printing on both the inside and outside of the shell 102. For
example, printing on the inside of the shell 102 can be seen on the
outside of the shell 102.
[0089] Further, the outer protective shell 102 is formed in any
suitable shape and in any suitable manner to allow for containment
of the insulation cage therein 104, a non-limiting example of which
is the cube-shape as illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C. Further
and as shown in FIG. 7C, the outer protective shell 102 includes
front loading doors 700 and 702 with a single, center closing seam
704.
[0090] The doors 700 and 702 are securely closed using the door
locking mechanism 706. The door locking mechanism 706 is any
suitable mechanism or device that allows for selectively
locking/unlocking two components together. As a non-limiting
example, the door locking mechanism 706 is a ratcheting latch. In
other words, the ratcheting latch spans the center closing seam 704
and pulls the seam tightly closed to seal the doors 700 and 702 in
a closed position. Unlocking the ratcheting latch allows the front
loading doors 700 and 702 to swing 708 open to allow access to the
insulation cage contained therein.
[0091] In a desired aspect, the shell 102 includes a mechanism or
device that allows a user to maintain the doors 700 and 702 in an
open position. For example, open connectors 710 are affixed with
the doors 700 and 702 and outer walls of the shell 102. Thus, when
the doors 700 and 702 are swung 708 entirely open, the open
connectors 710 engage with one another to maintain the doors 700
and 702 affixed against the side walls. The open connectors 710 are
any suitable mechanism or device that allows for the doors 700 and
702 to be selectively maintained in an open position, non-limiting
examples of which include magnets or hook and loop fasteners (e.g.
Velcro.TM.).
[0092] In an aspect in which the outer shell 102 is formed as a
box-shape (e.g., cube-shape) with front loading doors 700 and 702,
all of the wall edges are directly connected with another wall
edge, with the exception of the front top 712 and front bottom 714
loading edges. For example, the top wall 716 of the shell 102 is
connected with a side wall 718 along the length of a top, side-edge
720. Because of the lengthwise connection along the top, side-edge
720, the top, side-edge 720 becomes relatively rigid. However, if
the outer shell 102 is formed of a material that is somewhat
flexible (e.g., plastic corrugate), the front top 712 and front
bottom 714 loading edges are not connected, with any other
component along their entire lengths and, as such, are subject to
flexion and deformation. To provide further stability/rigidity to
the front top 712 and front bottom 714 loading edges, rigid trim
assemblies 722 can be included that clip over the front top 712 and
front bottom 714 loading edges to provide rigidity to said edges.
As shown in FIG. 10, the rigid trim assembly 722 is a clip-like
device that can simply be slid over and affixed with the front top
712 and front bottom 714 loading edges to provide rigidity to said
edges. The rigid trim assembly 722 can be affixed with the relevant
edges using any suitable mechanism or device, non-limiting examples
of which include an adhesive or PSA 1000.
[0093] Referring again to FIG. 7C, to assist in carrying the
Vessel, the shell 102 can be formed to include one or more handle
assemblies 724 on one or more side walls 718 (desirably, two
opposing side walls 718). While any suitable handle device can be
employed, the handle assemblies 724 are desirably designed as
high-strength, low-profile handles, a non-limiting example of which
is illustrated in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the handle assembly
724 includes a plastic base plate 800 having a spring-loaded
plastic handle 802 pivotally attached thereto. The handle 802 is
spring-loaded via a spring 808 or any other device that biases the
handle 802 toward the base plate 800. The base plate 800 can be
positioned within the outer shell 102 and secured (via screws 804
or any other adhesion technique) to a plastic faceplate 806 that is
positioned outside of the outer shell 102. Thus, the side wall 718
of the outer shell 102 is effectively sandwiched between the face
plate 806 and base plate 800 to provide for a secure and
retractable handle 802.
[0094] As noted above with respect to FIG. 7C, the doors 700 and
702 are securely closed using a door locking mechanism 706. For
further understanding, a non-limiting example of a suitable locking
mechanism 706 is illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the
door locking mechanism includes first part 900 for connecting with
a first door (e.g., element 700 in FIG. 7C) and second part 902 for
connecting with the second door (e.g., element 702 in FIG. 7C). The
first part 900 can be affixed with the first door 700 via, for
example, a first base plate 904 with screws 906 that pass through
the first door 700 and into the first part 900. Similarly, the
second part 902 can be affixed with the second door 702 via, for
example, a second base plate 908 with screws 910 that pass through
the second door 702 and into the second part 902. Regardless of the
particular connection technique, importantly, the first and second
parts 900 and 902 are formed to securely attach with one another
and seal the doors closed. Thus, as one non-limiting example, the
first part 900 includes an elongated portion 912 with a clasp
portion 914 attached with the elongated portion 912 via a hinge. As
shown, the clasp portion 914 includes a clasp 916 and a lifting
handle 918.
[0095] The second part 902 includes a catch 920 formed to receive
and lockingly engage with the clasp 916. For example, as the clasp
portion 914 pivots downward, the clasp 916 is forced over and
against the catch 920, thereby locking the clasp 916 against the
catch 920. Notably, the elongated portion 912 serves to position
the clasp portion 914 (and its clasp 916) more directly over the
second part 902 (and its catch 920) and, in doing so, reduces the
requisite radius of rotation 922 of the clasp portion 914. Because
the radius of rotation 922 is decreased (in comparison to a clasp
that did not include such an elongated portion 912), the clasp 916
provides a returning force 924 to the catch 920. In other words, in
addition to simply locking, the clasp 916 forces the catch 920 back
toward the first part 900. By forcing the catch 920 back toward the
first part 900, the first and second doors 700 and 702 are further
tightened against one another to form a tight closing seal there
between.
[0096] Desirably, the Vessel includes a tamper proof latch system.
The tamper proof latch system is any suitable mechanism or device
that provides an indication/assurance to an end user (consumer)
that the contents of the Vessel have not been tampered with during
shipment. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in FIGS. 11A
and 11B, the door locking mechanism 706 is formed such that a
breakable band 1100 (e.g., formed of paper, plastic, etc.) can be
attached to the door locking mechanism 706. In this aspect, a
sealed band 1100 (shown in FIG. 11A) would indicate that no one has
opened the Vessel, whereas an open band 1100 (shown in FIG. 11B)
would indicate that the Vessel has been opened. For example, the
second part 902 (and corresponding second base plate) can include
slots 1104 formed there through to accommodate the band 1100. The
band 1100 can be positioned through the slots 1104 and around the
back of the second part 902 (and corresponding second base plate)
and over the clasp portion 914. The band 1100 is then sealed unto
itself to form the sealed band 1100 (as illustrated in FIG. 11A).
When someone lifts the clasp portion 914, the band 1100 is broken
into an open band 1100 (as illustrated in FIG. 11B). Thus, in this
example, it is entirely impossible to open the doors 700 and 702
and access the contents without breaking the band 1100.
[0097] As noted above, the Vessel and its components are, in one
aspect, designed for ease of shipping by common carriers. While the
Vessel and its components can be formed in any size, shape, and
dimension, desirably and in one aspect, the components are formed
to meet the volumetric and weight requirements for low-cost
shipping by common carriers. As a non-limiting example and per the
shipping requirements of one carrier (i.e., FedEx), the volume (as
measured from the exterior) must be less than 5,184 cubic inches to
avoid excess size surcharges. In other words and per this
non-limiting example, "dimensional weight" is applied to FedEx
ground packages that are three cubic feet (5,184 cubic inches) or
larger. To determine the volume, one must multiple the length of
the Vessel, by its width and height. If the total is 5,184 cubic
inches or greater, then one must calculate the dimensional weight
of the Vessel by dividing the volume by 166 (for shipments within
the U.S.) or 139 (for shipments to Canada). If the dimensional
weight exceeds the actual weight, charges may be assessed based on
the dimensional weight (now being referred to as a chargeable
weight). If the chargeable weight exceeds 150 lbs., a prorated
per-pound rate will be used. Dimensions of one-half inch or greater
are rounded up to the next whole number, whereas dimensions less
than one-half inch are rounded down. The final calculation is
rounded up to the next whole pound.
[0098] Alternatively, if the Vessel measures less than 5,184 cubic
inches, dimensional weight does not apply and shipping charges will
be assessed based on actual weight. Therefore and as noted above,
it is desirable (in this example) to form the Vessel so that its
volume (as measured from its exterior) is less than 5,184 cubic
inches (and desirably greater than 4,000 cubic inches). Thus, in
one non-limiting example and referring again to FIG. 1, the outer
protective shell 102 is formed in a cubic shape such that each of
its length 120, width 122 and height 124 are 17.25 inches,
providing a total volume of 5,134 cubic inches. If rounded down
(i.e., from 17.25 to 17 inches), then the total volume is 4,913
cubic inches. The insulation cage 104 is then cubicly-shaped to
closely fit within the shell 102 and maximize the space available
for shipping the items within the Vessel.
[0099] Also as noted above, the Vessel and its components are, in
one aspect, reusable. For example and as addressed above, many of
the components can be easily replaced if deemed damaged or broken.
Replacing individual components (as opposed to the entire Vessel)
reduces waste, provides for cost efficiencies, and is green (i.e.,
promotes environmental benefits and considerations). In addition to
simply being replaceable, the Vessel can be formed of any suitable
material that assists in reusability. For example, the Vessel and
its components are formed of material that allows it to withstand
the rigors of shipping and then, once returned, to be sanitized so
that it can be re-used. As a non-limiting example, the Vessel and
its components are formed of thermoplastics (ABS plastic),
polyethylene, polypropylene, BPA-free materials, stamped aluminum
and steel, urethane foam or alternative insulation materials, or
any combination thereof. In essence and in one aspect, the Vessel
and its components are desirably formed of stable, sealable, and/or
sanitize-able materials that allow for sterilization and reuse.
[0100] In another aspect, the Vessel can be formed to have on-board
sensing capabilities and/or analytics, such as electronic
monitoring of the temperature in the Vessel, the contents and
inventory of the Vessel, tamper and theft detection, etc. The
Vessel can also be formed to have the capability to transmit the
obtained data/information to a desired party via the Cloud or any
other suitable transmission medium (e.g., Internet, Wifi, etc.).
Thus, the Vessel can include any required sensors (e.g.,
temperature sensors, tilt sensor, GPS sensor, light sensor, etc.)
and or components that allow for sensing and/or analytics of the
status of the Vessel, a non-limiting example of which include
temperature sensors communicatively connected with a microprocessor
or chip and transmitter for analyzing and/or transmitting the
relevant temperature data to a receiving party (through the Cloud,
Internet, etc.). As another non-limiting example, a circuit can be
completed when the doors of the Vessel are closed. When the doors
are open, the circuit is broken, which is indicative of opening or
tampering with the Vessel. Thus, in one aspect, the Vessel can
include the relevant components to sense when the doors are open,
with a micro-processor or other circuitry that is operable for
analyzing and/or transmitting the data to the relevant party. As
such and as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there
are a variety of sensing and analytical features that can be
incorporated into the Vessel which provide for remote monitoring
and analysis of the status of the Vessel and its contents
[0101] In summary, described is a shipping Vessel that includes an
outer protective shell 102, an internal insulation cage 104 with a
closing lid 108 and a plurality of drawers 106. The drawers 106 and
other components are specifically designed to provide for
conductive and/or convective properties within the Vessel 100 to
assist in maintaining items (e.g., food, etc.) at a desired
temperature. Further, the food containers 520 and cold/hot sources
(e.g., ice packs 550) are also designed to assist in the conductive
and/or convective properties of the food shipping Vessel 100. Some
non-limiting example advantages over the prior art include: (1) the
ability to maintain desired temperatures (e.g., cold or hot) for a
desired period of time (e.g., at least 36 hours) after the shipping
Vessel 100 leaves the cold (or hot) chain (even when exposed to
extreme temperatures, such as 95 degrees Fahrenheit); (2) the
shipping Vessel 100 is designed to work within the existing
logistics infrastructure, including but not limited to FedEx,
United Parcel Service (UPS) and the United States Postal Service
(USPS) to meet their volumetric and weight requirements for
low-cost shipping; (3) the drawers 106 and containers are designed
to separate and protect contents from trauma during transit; (4)
the modular design allows for shipping a wide variety of contents;
(5) the Vessel 100 is constructed with durable materials that can
be re-used; (6) the materials and design allow for easy
sanitization for reuse; (7) no tape or scissors are needed to seal
or open the Vessel 100; and (8) the shipping Vessel 100 can
accommodate food or other items destined to multiple consumers at
one shipping location. Finally, it should be understood that the
specific examples described and illustrated are provided as
non-limiting examples of suitable aspects; however, the invention
is not intended to be limited thereto as it can be modified as
needed and is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the
principles and novel features disclosed herein.
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