U.S. patent application number 14/512135 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for transport container assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to PARADIGM DESIGN SOLUTIONS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is PARADIGM DESIGN SOLUTIONS, INC.. Invention is credited to Peter Kohn, Steffen Smith.
Application Number | 20150239640 14/512135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52813686 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150239640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Steffen ; et
al. |
August 27, 2015 |
TRANSPORT CONTAINER ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A transport container assembly is provided for transporting
temperature-sensitive material. The container includes a housing
assembly that defines an interior cavity that provides a stable
temperature environment therein. The housing includes a shell and a
phase control material (PCM) within the shell. The shell defines an
internal volume and the PCM is confined within the internal
volume.
Inventors: |
Smith; Steffen; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Kohn; Peter; (Solana Beach,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PARADIGM DESIGN SOLUTIONS, INC. |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PARADIGM DESIGN SOLUTIONS,
INC.
Los Angeles
CA
|
Family ID: |
52813686 |
Appl. No.: |
14/512135 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61889031 |
Oct 10, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/592.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2331/809 20130101;
F25D 2303/0843 20130101; A01N 1/0273 20130101; B65D 81/3823
20130101; F25D 2331/804 20130101; A61J 1/165 20130101; F25D 3/08
20130101; B65D 43/162 20130101; B65D 1/40 20130101; B65D 81/113
20130101; B65D 81/3825 20130101; F25D 2303/08222 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/38 20060101
B65D081/38; B65D 43/16 20060101 B65D043/16; B65D 1/40 20060101
B65D001/40 |
Claims
1. A transport container assembly for transporting
temperature-sensitive material, comprising: a housing assembly that
defines an interior cavity that provides a stable temperature
environment for securing biological material therein, the housing
includes a first side and a second side that mate with each other
to define the interior cavity therebetween, the first side includes
a shell and a phase control material (PCM) within the shell, the
shell defines an internal volume and the PCM is confined within the
internal volume, and the second side includes a shell and a phase
control material (PCM) within the shell, the shell defines an
internal volume and the PCM is confined within the internal
volume.
2. The transport container assembly of claim 1, wherein the shells
of the first and the second sides each include an opening for
inserting the PCM within internal volume and a cap that closes the
opening.
3. The transport container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first
side and the second side are mounted to a tray assembly having a
hinge disposed therebetween.
4. The transport container assembly of claim 3, wherein the tray
assembly includes a cover portion having a planar rigid support
that is sandwiched between planar thermal sheets.
5. The transport container assembly of claim 1, wherein the PCM of
the first side and the second side is selected from a group
consisting of salt hydrates, fatty acids and esters, and
paraffins.
6. The transport container assembly of claim 5, wherein the PCM of
the first side and the second side is mixture of salt hydrates.
7. The transport container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first
side defines a plurality of recesses each sized to receive a single
vial.
8. The transport container assembly of claim 1, further comprising
a sleeve that receives the housing assembly, and a shipping
container that receives the combination of the sleeve and housing
assembly, the sleeve sheets comprises sheets of metallized
polyethylene terephthalate that define captured gas pockets.
9. The transport container assembly of claim 8, wherein the gas
pockets have an elongated tubular shape in parallel alignment with
one another and argon gas is confined within the gas pockets
10. The transport container assembly of claim 1, further comprising
an exterior assembly having two sides coupled together, wherein the
first and the second sides of the housing assembly are each
attached to the corresponding side of the exterior assembly and
aligned to mate together to form the interior cavity.
11. A transport container assembly for transporting
temperature-sensitive material, comprising: a housing assembly that
defines an interior cavity that provides a stable temperature
environment for securing biological material therein, the housing
includes a first side and a second side that mate with each other
to define the interior cavity therebetween, the first side includes
a shell and a phase control material (PCM) within the shell, the
shell defines an internal volume and the PCM is confined within the
internal volume, and the second side includes a shell and a phase
control material (PCM) within the shell, the shell defines an
internal volume and the PCM is confined within the internal volume;
and a shipping container that receives the housing assembly
therein.
12. The transport container assembly of claim 11, wherein the first
side and the second side are disposed in a hinged tray
assembly.
13. The transport container assembly of claim 12, wherein the tray
assembly includes a cover portion having a planar rigid support
that is sandwiched between planar thermal sheets.
14. The transport container assembly of claim 11, wherein the PCM
of the first side and the second side is selected from a group
consisting of salt hydrates, fatty acids and esters, and
paraffin.
15. The transport container assembly of claim 14, wherein the PCM
of the first side and the second side is mixture of salt
hydrates.
16. The transport container assembly of claim 11, wherein the first
side defines a plurality of recesses each sized to receive a single
vial.
17. A transport container assembly for transporting
temperature-sensitive material, comprising: a housing assembly that
defines an interior cavity that provides a stable temperature
environment for securing biological material therein, the housing
includes a shell and a phase control material (PCM) within the
shell, the shell defines an internal volume that confines the PCM
within the internal volume.
18. The transport container assembly of claim 17, wherein the shell
includes an opening for inserting the PCM within internal volume
and a cap that closes the opening.
19. The transport container assembly of claim 17, wherein the PCM
is selected from a group consisting of salt hydrates, fatty acids
and esters, and paraffin.
20. The transport container assembly of claim 17, wherein the PCM
is mixture of salt hydrates.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App.
No. 61/889,031, filed Oct. 10, 2013, which is incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to containers for
transporting within a controlled environment and, more
particularly, to containers for transporting material that is
temperature sensitive.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Biological and medical materials are routinely transported
among medical facilities, e.g., clinics, hospitals, and
laboratories. Several issues need to be considered with regard to
transporting medical and other laboratory materials, such as
contamination, damage, and viability of the transported
material.
[0004] Temperature control during transportation is an important
consideration for many items during transport. For example, blood
samples for testing must be maintained within tight temperature
ranges to ensure accurate lab results. Moreover, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) requires documented temperature tracking for
the transport blood, blood products, human tissues, stem cells, and
donor organs, for use in certain circumstances.
[0005] Transporting such materials, e.g., blood and blood products
always were a problem. Generally, the health care industry has
relied on products developed and manufactured for the recreational
industry for keeping food and beverages cold as a working solution.
However, this generic approach has shortfalls. Current approaches
for transporting such materials are expensive. Often, such methods
do not meet criteria of the product being shipped. Often, overnight
shipping required to meet temperature parameters.
[0006] It should, therefore, be appreciated that there exists a
need for a transport container assembly that meets these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly, and in general terms, the invention provides a
transport container assembly for transporting temperature-sensitive
material. The container includes a housing assembly that defines an
interior cavity that provides a stable temperature environment
therein. The housing includes a shell and a phase control material
(PCM) within the shell. The shell defines an internal volume and
the PCM is confined within the internal volume.
[0008] More particularly, by way of example only and not
limitation, the housing includes a first side and a second side
that mate with each other to define the interior cavity
therebetween. Each side includes a shell and a phase control
material (PCM) within the shell. The shells each define an internal
volume and the PCM is confined within the internal volume
[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the shells of the first and the
second sides each include an opening for inserting the PCM within
internal volume and a cap that closes the opening.
[0010] In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the first
side and the second side are mounted to a tray assembly having a
hinge disposed therebetween. The tray assembly includes a cover
portion having a planar rigid support that is sandwiched between
planar thermal sheets.
[0011] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment,
[0012] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
achieved or implemented over the prior art, certain advantages of
the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be
understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved
or implemented in accordance with any particular embodiment of the
invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a
manner that achieves, optimizes, or implements one advantage or
group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving
or implementing other advantages as may be taught or suggested
herein.
[0013] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope
of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of
the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention
not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment
disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
transport container assembly in accordance with the invention,
depicting a tray assembly and a shipping carton for housing the
tray assembly.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tray assembly of the
transport container assembly of FIG. 1, depicting the tray assembly
opened exposing defined recesses for securing specimen containers,
e.g., collection tubes for biological material.
[0017] FIG. 3 is cross sectional view of the tray assembly of FIG.
2, depicting a planar support disposed between thermal sheets and
exterior sheets of the tray assembly, as well as insulating
structures with phase control material (PCM).
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of second embodiment of a
transport container assembly in accordance with the invention,
depicting an exterior view of the transport container.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the transport container
assembly of FIG. 4, depicting the interior of the container
assembly, which defines two pre-formed cavities for receiving
specimen vials.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of third embodiment of a
transport container assembly in accordance with the invention,
depicting an exterior view of the transport container having a
carrying handle.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the transport container
assembly of FIG. 6, depicting the interior of the container
assembly, which defines five pre-formed cavities for receiving
specimen vials.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a
transport container assembly in accordance with the invention,
depicting the shipping container, a tray assembly, and a housing
(PCM) having insulating phase control material (PCM), wherein the
housing is nested within the tray assembly which in turn is
received within the shipping container.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a
transport container assembly in accordance with the invention,
similar to FIG. 12, in which the tray assembly is excluded, rather
the PCM housing is inserted directly into the shipping
container.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a
transport container assembly in accordance with the invention,
similar to FIG. 8, further comprising a vial bio container assembly
that is configured to be received within the PCM housing for
shipment.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the vial assembly of the
transport assembly of FIG. 14, depicting a vial, the intermediate
vial container and an exterior vial container that are sized to
such that the vial nests within the immediate container which in
turn nests within the exterior container.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a
transport container assembly in accordance with the invention,
similar to FIG. 12, excluding the tray assembly and rather
comprising a sleeve for receiving the PCM housing, in which the
sleeve is formed of bubble wrap material formed of insulating
sheets.
[0027] FIGS. 13-16 are perspective views of a side of PCM housings
of various configurations in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Referring now to the drawings, there are shown several
embodiments of transport container assemblies for shipping medical
materials, such as, vials of blood for laboratory testing, in
accordance with the present invention. These container assemblies
are configured to provide a stable temperature environment for the
material housed therein throughout shipment. More particularly, the
container assemblies maintain this temperature environment for long
durations even when exposed to extreme external temperature
environments. In this manner, the transport container assemblies
can be used for shipping medical interiors, such as vials of blood
valid laboratory testing, using standard mail methods without need
of relying upon overnight shipments.
[0029] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a transport container
assembly 10 as shown having a tray assembly 12 configured to be
disposed within a shipping container 14. The shipping container can
be a traditional shipping box, such as cardboard transport boxes,
sized to receive the tray assembly. The tray assembly defines an
interior compartment 16 sized to conformably receive vials 18 of
medical material via recesses 20 defined to secure the vials (see
FIG. 2).
[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the tray assembly 12 comprises
two conforming sides that couple together via a hinge 22, providing
a book style configuration. The tray assembly is opened to access
the interior compartments 16 for inserting and removing the vials
22. When closed, the sides conformably mate to obtain the vials
within the recesses. In the exemplary embodiment, both the first
side 24 and second side 26 contribute to form the recesses for the
vials.
[0031] With reference now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the
tray assembly 12 is shown. The cover portion 28 of the tray
assembly comprises a rigid planar support 30 and thermal insulating
material. More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment, the
planar support material 30 is sandwiched between two planar thermal
sheets 32 (such as, metallized polyethylene terephthalate), and
further includes a visible planar exterior 34 that can be used for
the logo placement of product branding. In the exemplary
embodiment, the planar support 30 is formed by a grayboard paper
product. The other materials can be used such as cardboard,
corrugated material, or grayboard, such as that used in
commercially available "three-ring binder" products. The planar
support can be formed by other materials providing sufficient
structural support such as plastic, laminated paper printed,
plastic, thermoform material, or metal among others.
[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, the thermal sheets 32 of the
tray assembly 12 is formed of metallized polyethylene
terephthalate. The thermal sheets aid in maintaining control
temperature environment within the tray assembly isolating the
interior cavity from the external environment thereby inhibiting
heat transfer therebetween. In other embodiments there is a
materials having thermal isolating properties can be used.
Alternatively, in certain applications thermal sheets and can be
excluded entirely without requiring an invention.
[0033] The interior walls 36 of the tray assembly are formed by a
thermoform inlay that defines recesses 20 (FIG. 2) for receiving
collection vials 18. The interior walls are coupled to the cover 28
of the tray assembly on opposing sides of the hinge 22 such that
when the tray assembly is closed, the interior walls securely mate
to one another. Moreover, the interior walls provide a surface that
can be easily cleaned. In the exemplary embodiment, the interior
walls are defined by thermoform plastic; however, in other
embodiments various other materials can be used such as thermoform
or injection molded--ABS, EPS, HDPE, LDPE, APET, GAG, PET, molded
pulp, molded paper, PLA corn plastic, bio plastic, among others.
Yet other embodiments, the plastic interior wall can be excluded
entirely, as requirements dictate.
[0034] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the first side 24 and
the second side 26 both include insulating structures 40 that are
captured between the interior walls 36 and the cover 28. The
insulating structures that not only acts as an insulator but also
provides structural support. Insulating structures are shaped to
conform with the interior walls depicted in FIG. 5, such as
defining the cavities for the collection vials. In the exemplary
embodiment, the insulating structures comprises a PCM housing that
includes a shell 42 that defines an internal volume that holds a
phase control material 44 (PCM), as discussed in further detail
below.
[0035] In other embodiments, the insulating structures 40 can be
formed of various other insulating materials can be used such as
ABS expanding foam, styrene, among other. For example, insulating
structures can be an EPS foam having a high "R-rating," such as
that commercially available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and
Company, and/or Corning Inc.
[0036] Tamper seals can be used to ensure that the container was
not opened prior to delivery to the intended recipient. Tamper
seals can be provided on the vials, tray assembly, and/or the
shipping container, as desired. It should further be appreciated
that tamper seals can be used on various other embodiments in
accordance with the invention such as those discussed in
detail.
[0037] With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a transport container
assembly 50 is as shown having an exterior assembly formed of
molded plastic such as ABS having two sides 54, 56 coupled via
hinge 58 and secured by a lock assembly 60. The interior
compartment of the transport container assembly defines cavities 62
for receiving specimen vials formed by an insulating structures 64,
66, PCM housing, as discussed above. Although not shown, transport
containers and can further include interior walls formed of similar
materials discussed above (e.g., FIG. 3 with reference to the
interior walls). The transport container can also include thermal
sheets disposed between the insulating structure (e.g., EPS foam)
and the exterior walls.
[0038] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, transport container 70
assembly is shown having a similar construction (and related
construction options) as discussed with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
In this embodiment, the assembly includes a handle and two lock
assemblies, and it further defines five recesses therein.
[0039] With reference now to FIG. 8, a transport container assembly
80 is shown, having a shipping container 82, a tray assembly 84,
and a housing of two sides 86, 88 having PCM having insulating
phase control material (PCM). The PCM housing is nested within the
tray assembly, which in turn is received within the shipping
container.
[0040] With reference now to FIG. 9, a transport container assembly
90, similar to that of FIG. 8, can exclude tray assembly. Rather,
the PCM housing can be inserted directly into the shipping
container. This configuration might be desirable in circumstances
in which the anticipated ambient temperature will not adversely
influence control temperature with the environment within the
container, or wherein a desired temperature range is not
particularly should strict.
[0041] With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a transport container
assembly 100 is shown, similar to that of FIG. 12, further
comprising a vial container assembly 102. The vial container
assembly sized to be received within the cavity of the PCM housing
86, 88. The vial assembly includes a vial 104, the intermediate
vial container 106, and an exterior vial container 108 that are
sized to such that the vial nests within the intermediate
container, which in turn nests within the exterior container.
[0042] With reference now to FIG. 12, a transport container
assembly 120 can excludes the tray assembly and rather comprising a
sleeve 122 for receiving the PCM housing 86, 88. The sleeve 122 is
formed of bubble wrap material that defines a sealable open end for
receiving the PCM housing within the confines of the sleeve. In the
exemplary embodiment, the sleeve is formed of bubble wrap
comprising sheets of metallized polyethylene terephthalate that are
formed to define captured gas pockets therebetween. In the
exemplary embodiment, the gas pockets have an elongated tubular
shape in parallel alignment with one another and argon gas is
confined within the gas pockets. Alternatively, various other
configurations can be used without departing from the
invention.
[0043] With reference now to FIGS. 13-16, various embodiments of
PCM housings are depicted comprise two sides that mate with each
other to provide an internal compartment for receiving material for
shipment, such as blood vials. Each side is formed of an external
shell that defines an internal volume for receiving PCM. As best
seen in FIG. 15, the external shell can include an neck opening 132
through which the PCM material can be poured or otherwise inserted
into the external shell during assembly of the housing. A cap is
placed on the neck opening to retain the PCM within the shell.
[0044] It should be noted that various types of phase change
materials (PCM) can be used, including encapsulated PCM, salt
hydrates, fatty acids and esters, and various paraffins (such as
octadecane), among others. For example, the PCM can be a mixture of
salt hydrates having a capacity to store thermal energy as latent
heat. Examples of such salt hydrates are available under the trade
name SavEnrg.TM. provided by RGEES LLC, of Candler N.C.
[0045] Once PCM material is received within the external shell the
opening can be captured or otherwise secured to retain the PCM
material within the external shell.
[0046] The transport container assembly is configured to maintain a
relatively constant temperature, set between -4 degrees F. and 71
degrees (plus/minus 5 degree) when exposed to temperatures extremes
while in transport. Tests demonstrate requirements can be
maintained in excess of 72 hours.
[0047] The sides of the PCM housing are configured to mate with one
another in a secure manner. In the exemplary embodiment, the
opposing sides of projections and corresponding recesses to provide
a secure fit. The opposing sides further defined one or more
cavities for receiving vials, and/or file assemblies. Interior
cavities can further receives a data logger (sensor assembly)
configured to monitor the temperature environment within the PCM
housing during shipment, in compliance with the appropriate
regulations.
[0048] Although in the exemplary embodiments references made
primarily to shipment of blood vials for laboratory testing, it
should be appreciated that the present invention can be used for
shipment of other products or materials, particularly those
requiring me maintaining a temperature controlled environment
during shipment. For example only, and not limitation, various
other biological materials that can utilize the present invention
include any type of biological, medical or other laboratory samples
such as blood, urine, feces, sperm, eggs, saliva, umbilical fluid,
cerebrospinal fluid, biopsy core, bacterial culture and other body
fluids, fetes, organs, and limbs of humans and of animals; as well
as water for analysis, food fractions for analysis, medications,
animals and portion of animals, and other materials, specimens or
samples that it may be sought to transport by use of the present
invention.
[0049] It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present
invention provides a transport container assembly and/or related
kit that enables shipment of temperature sensitive materials the
cost effective manner. Moreover, transport container assemblies
and/or related kits in accordance with the invention enable a
modular shipping solution that is lightweight, expandable, and
adaptable to the needs of the customer, such as extending the
temperature-controlled time period to reduce or eliminate the need
for overnight shipping.
[0050] The present invention has been described above in terms of
presently preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the
present invention can be conveyed. However, there are other
embodiments not specifically described herein for which the present
invention is applicable. Therefore, the present invention should
not to be seen as limited to the forms shown, which is to be
considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, the
invention is defined only be the claims set forth below.
* * * * *