Container for packaging and procedure therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container for packaging of the type that comprises a containment structure that is basically composed of a base wall ( 2 ) to which a rear wall ( 3 ), a pair of lateral walls ( 4 ) and a front wall ( 5 ) are attached and a closing element ( 6 ) where to the front wall ( 5 ) a valve ( 9 ) is attached that, in turn, is connected to an inflatable element ( 10 ) designed to contain dry ice ( 11 ). The container is designed to be operated from a rest condition, when it is inactive and no products are accommodated in the container, to a first operative condition in which there are some products in the container and in the front wall ( 5 ) there is the valve ( 9 ) with the inflatable element ( 10 ), and to a second operative condition in which the container is closed by the closing element and the dry ice expands, thereby enlarging the inflatable element that fills the remaining empty space inside the container, thereby blocking the closing element.

1 ) Container for packaging characterised by the fact that it comprises a containment structure substantially composed of a base wall ( 2 ) to which a rear wall ( 3 ), a pair of lateral walls ( 4 ) and a front wall ( 5 ) can be fixed, and a closing element ( 6 ) where to the front wall ( 5 ) a valve ( 9 ) is engaged that, in turn, is connected to an inflatable element ( 10 ) designed to contain dry ice ( 11 ), the said container being designed to be operated from when not in use when it is inactive, no products being accommodated in the container, to a first operative state in which there are some products in the container and in the front wall ( 5 ) there is the valve ( 9 ) with the inflatable element ( 10 ) and to a second operative state in which the container is closed by the closing element and the dry ice expands enlarging the inflatable element that fills the remaining empty space inside the container blocking the closing element. 
   
   
       2 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said system has a well ( 8 ) that is closed by a diaphragm ( 12 ) on which the packs of products are placed to be transported which are in turn covered by a foam septum ( 13 ) and that the said valve ( 9 ) is basically composed of a body ( 90 ) inside which an internal unit ( 92 ) is inserted to which a first shutter ( 97 ) is attached inside which a second shutter ( 98 ) is housed. 
   
   
       3 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the body ( 90 ) of the valve ( 9 ) is hollow with a diameter that allows small cylinders of dry ice to be passed through, the said body ( 90 ) having a configuration with sectors with at least three cylindrical portions ( 90   a ,  90   b  and  90   c ) each of which is endowed with a smaller diameter than the previous one. 
   
   
       4 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said internal unit ( 92 ) is basically composed of a first cylindrical section ( 92   a ) and a second cylindrical section ( 92   b ) but which has a smaller diameter than the first and between the first ( 92   a ) and the second section ( 92   b ) there is rubber sealing ring ( 93 ) designed to rest against the upper edge of the second cylindrical portion ( 90   b ) removing any possibility of contact between the body ( 90 ) and the internal unit ( 92 ), thereby making the valve hermetic. 
   
   
       5 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said internal unit ( 92 ) is hollow and functions as an air chamber that insulates so as not to let cold air pass out of the container or warm air inside. 
   
   
       6 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said internal unit ( 92 ) at the top has a small groove ( 94 ) and two overhangs ( 94   a ) diametrically opposed to each other that are designed to insert respectively into the housings ( 96 ) and engage to the body ( 90 ) the internal unit ( 92 ). 
   
   
       7 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said internal unit ( 92 ), at the bottom, has a first projection ( 92   c ) in the centre of which is a second projection ( 92   d ) and each projection is designed to engage to a corresponding spring ( 21  and  22 ). 
   
   
       8 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said internal unit ( 92 ), at the bottom, has a pair of small fixing brackets ( 92   e ) designed to engage the first shutter ( 97 ) inside which there is a cylindrical housing ( 97   a ) designed to hold the second shutter ( 98 ) which is hollow and houses the spring ( 22 ) inside it. 
   
   
       9 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said second shutter ( 98 ) is externally endowed with a rubber sealing ring ( 98   a ) designed to rest against the edge of the cylindrical housing ( 97   a ) and the said first shutter ( 97 ) is endowed with a rubber sealing ring ( 97   b ) designed to rest against the upper edge of the third cylindrical portion ( 90   c ) in order to remove, also in this sector, any possibility of contact between the body and the internal unit. 
   
   
       10 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that in the first shutter ( 97 ), the space present between the external wall and the cylindrical housing ( 97   a ) is occupied by the spring ( 21 ) the other end of which rests against the lower edge of the second section ( 92   b ) thereby engaging into the first projection ( 92   e ). 
   
   
       11 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 2 , characterised by the fact that the inflatable element ( 10 ) is attached the to the third portion ( 90   c ) of the body of the valve ( 9 ). 
   
   
       12 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said diaphragm ( 12 ) is essentially composed of a plate ( 12   a ) endowed with a lateral edge ( 12   b ) that has corners cut to 45° so that the edge portions can be slightly widened towards the outside. 
   
   
       13 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said diaphragm ( 12 ) comprises the lateral external surfaces of the upper wall ( 12   a ) and the lateral edge ( 12   b ) with an undulated profile so as to create a plurality of small vertical canals and the upper surface of the wall ( 12   a ) has at least one indentation ( 12   c ) to be able to move the diaphragm inside the container and extract it from the well ( 8 ). 
   
   
       14 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said inflatable element ( 10 ) is designed to hold a pre-determined quantity of dry ice ( 11 ) that is pre-measured depending on the dimensions of the container and the desired refrigeration time. 
   
   
       15 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said body ( 90 ) of the valve ( 9 ) is endowed with an edge ( 91 ) designed to rest against a recess ( 51 ) present in the front wall ( 5 ). 
   
   
       16 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said body ( 90 ) of the valve ( 9 ) has at least one discharge hole ( 95 ) and a pair of housings ( 96 ) near the edge ( 91 ) designed to create a housing. 
   
   
       17 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said body ( 90 ) to which the inflatable element ( 10 ) is engaged is inserted irremovably into an opening present in the recess ( 51 ). 
   
   
       18 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said body ( 90 ) is endowed with a rubber ring that seals it to the container and functions as a barrier against any release of cold air from the container through the opening. 
   
   
       19 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said second shutter ( 98 ) is joined to the internal unit ( 92 ) by the spring ( 22 ) which is set at a pre-established pressure that allows the inflatable element to inflate and the diaphragm ( 12 ) to lift up before allowing the second shutter ( 98 ) to lift up and let the gas produced by the sublimation of the dry ice to escape, thereby reducing the pressure inside the inflatable element. 
   
   
       20 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said first shutter ( 97 ) can move and let the gas escape from the inflatable element, overcoming the resistance of the spring ( 21 ) that is set to a higher pressure compared to the spring ( 22 ). 
   
   
       21 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the gas that escapes from the inflatable element is released from the valve through the 4 holes ( 95 ), the said gas remaining inside the well ( 8 ). 
   
   
       22 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said foam septum ( 13 ) is designed to be placed on top of the packs to create a protective cushion for the packs, absorb the pushing force from the diaphragm and absorb any condensation formed inside the container. 
   
   
       23 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said rear wall ( 3 ), near the upper edge ( 30 ), has a rear groove ( 31 ). 
   
   
       24 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that each lateral wall ( 4 ) is endowed with a groove ( 41 ) located near its upper edge ( 40 ). 
   
   
       25 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said front wall ( 5 ) is lower in height than the other walls ( 3  and  4 ) and this space is designed to be occupied by the front portion ( 60 ) of the closing element ( 6 ). 
   
   
       26 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said closing element ( 6 ) has the function of a lid for the containing structure and is composed of a covering wall ( 61 ) that respectively has a first projection ( 62 ) located on the rear edge and designed to be accommodated in the rear groove ( 31 ) and a pair of second projections ( 63 ) each of which is allocated to the corresponding lateral edge and designed to be accommodated in the corresponding groove ( 41 ). 
   
   
       27 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 26 , characterised by the fact that each lateral projection ( 63 ) has a bevelling ( 63   a ) near the rear edge to allow better entry and sliding inside the respective groove ( 41 ). 
   
   
       28 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 26 , characterised by the fact that the said projection ( 62 ) has bevelled corners ( 62   a ). 
   
   
       29 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said closing element ( 6 ) on the closing wall ( 61 ) is endowed with at least one indentation ( 64 ) designed to allow an easy grip of the element itself to allow its movement and sliding for the opening and closing of the lid. 
   
   
       30 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said closing element ( 6 ), in the front portion ( 60 ), is endowed with two indentations ( 64 ). 
   
   
       31 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 24 , characterised by the fact that on the upper side of each lateral groove ( 41 ) there is a plurality of first teeth ( 45 ). 
   
   
       32 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 26 , characterised by the fact that on the upper side of each projection ( 63 ) there is a plurality of second teeth ( 66 ) that serves to couple and bind with the corresponding first teeth ( 45 ). 
   
   
       33 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 24 , characterised by the fact that on the upper side of each lateral groove ( 41 ) there is a plurality of projecting parts ( 45 ). 
   
   
       34 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 26 , characterised by the fact that on the upper side of each projection ( 63 ) there is a plurality of slots ( 66 ) that serves to couple and bind with the projecting parts ( 45 ). 
   
   
       35 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 24 , characterised by the fact that on the upper side of each lateral groove ( 41 ) there is a plurality of saw teeth ( 45 ) arranged to engage with the corresponding teeth ( 66 ) located on the upper side of each projection ( 63 ). 
   
   
       36 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the valve ( 9 ) is basically composed of a body ( 90 ), that is hollow, with a small opening ( 91 ) at one end and binding means ( 92 ) at the other end designed to connect to a terminal section ( 93 ) of the body ( 90 ) inside which there are closing means ( 94 ) designed to rest against the terminal wall of the body in order to obstruct the small opening ( 91 ) and to which a thin rope ( 95 ) is connected which protrudes from a hole present in the terminal section ( 93 ). 
   
   
       37 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 36 , characterised by the fact that around the said thin rope ( 95 ) there is a spring ( 96 ) designed to rest against the closing means ( 94 ) with one end, and against the terminal section ( 93 ) with the other end, in order to keep the closing means against the opening ( 91 ) closing it. 
   
   
       38 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 24 , characterised by the fact that the said groove ( 41 ) has an overhang ( 42 ) designed to form a blocking element for the movement of the closing element ( 6 ). 
   
   
       39 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said front wall ( 5 ) is endowed with a recess ( 51 ), endowed with an opening designed to accommodate the valve ( 9 ). 
   
   
       40 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said front wall ( 5 ) is internally provided with a niche ( 51 ) designed to accommodate a plate ( 7 ) which in section is a substantially T-shape so it can be inserted into the niche ( 51 ) from top to bottom and cannot come out inside the container. 
   
   
       41 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 40 , characterised by the fact that to the plate ( 7 ), a coupling element ( 8 ) is attached which is designed to block the valve ( 9 ) and the inflatable element ( 10 ). 
   
   
       42 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 37 , characterised by the fact that between the terminal wall ( 93 ) and the closing means ( 94 ) there is a small rubber ring ( 94   a ) for a better seal. 
   
   
       43 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 37 , characterised by the fact that to the body ( 90 ) of the valve is attached a joint ( 97 ) being an L-shape in order to be perpendicular to the valve itself and allow the inflatable element  10  engaged to said joint ( 97 ) to expand easily inside the container. 
   
   
       44 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 43 , characterised by the fact that the said joint ( 97 ) is attached to the valve ( 9 ) by means of rapid coupling of a forced type so that the joint is positioned horizontally. 
   
   
       45 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 43 , characterised by the fact that the said joint ( 97 ) comprises a rubber blocking and sealing ring ( 98 ). 
   
   
       46 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 36 , characterised by the fact that the said binding means ( 92 ) are composed of a thread or notch coupling. 
   
   
       47 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said inflatable element ( 10 ) is composed of a small balloon or other in expandable material such as, for example, latex or plastic or a bag made of plastic. 
   
   
       48 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said front wall ( 5 ) is endowed with an opening ( 52 ) located near the terminal part of the valve designed to accommodate the thin rope ( 95 ) inside with a possible gripping element such as, for example, a small ring. 
   
   
       49 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the coupling element ( 8 ) is directly attached internally to the front wall. 
   
   
       50 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 36 , characterised by the fact that on the body ( 90 ) of the valve there is a pair of coupling points designed to insert into the front wall ( 5 ). 
   
   
       51 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the surface of the said diaphragm ( 12 ) is endowed with a plurality of very small pyramids or other projections with different conformations to create a corrugated floor, in order to be able to reduce to a minimum the contact surface of the packs on the surface of the diaphragm and keep them slightly raised so allowing good circulation of cold air. 
   
   
       52 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the front wall ( 5 ), the rear wall ( 3 ) and the lateral walls ( 4 ) have a plurality of vertical ribs ( 3   a ,  4   a  and  5   a ) or other protrusions with different configurations, to create a corrugated wall to reduce to a minimum the contact surface of the packs. 
   
   
       53 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the base ( 2 ) is endowed with a plurality of very small pyramids or other projections with different conformations to create a corrugated floor in order to be able to reduce to a minimum the contact surface of the packs on the floor of the container. 
   
   
       54 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that it is preferably produced in polystyrene but also in polypropylene or in any case in any other material with insulating properties. 
   
   
       55 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the valve is made of anti-impact polystyrene by means of moulding. 
   
   
       56 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the valve is made of plastic by means of moulding. 
   
   
       57 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said container comprises a valve sealing film near the recess ( 51 ) that for the final user functions as a guarantee that the container has not been opened or tampered with. 
   
   
       58 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said system comprises a base that reflects the cold upwards to further insulate the floor of the well from loss of cold air to the outside and towards the bottom. 
   
   
       59 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said base is produced in aluminium or any other material that meets the requirement of reflecting the cold. 
   
   
       60 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that under the base there can be a foundation composed of a small air chamber that creates further insulation. 
   
   
       61 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that it is internally provided with a second container, made of very thin plastic that is impermeable and resistant to corrosion to be inserted into the structure for the transport of particular products of substances. 
   
   
       62 ) Container for packaging according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the diaphragm is positioned on top of the product packs which are placed at the bottom of the container after having positioned the foam septum so that the inflatable element, on expanding, exercises a pushing action on the diaphragm towards the bottom in this way holding the packs still and, at the same time, pushes upwards and keeps the closing element blocked. 
   
   
       63 ) Procedure for packaging characterised by the fact that the said procedure comprises the following operational phases:
 Positioning inside the container structure of one or more objects to package and transport;   Coupling of a joint to the body of a valve;   Start of the expansion of the inflatable element for the sublimation of the dry ice contained in it;   Sliding of the closing element in the grooves and closure of the container;   Expansion of the inflatable element and filling of the remaining space inside the container;   Blocking of the closing element with reciprocal coupling of the plurality of teeth present on the projections;   Maintenance of a pre-established temperature range by means of the sublimation of the dry ice.   
   
   
       64 ) Procedure for packaging according to  claim 63 , characterised by the fact that the said procedure comprises a valve discharge phase if the pressure of the gas produced by the sublimation of the dry ice is above a pre-determined level. 
   
   
       65 ) Procedure for packaging according to  claim 63 , characterised by the fact that the said procedure comprises, between the phases of the start of the expansion of the inflatable element and the closure of the container, the insertion of the thin rope into the opening of the container. 
   
   
       66 ) Procedure for packaging according to  claim 63 , characterised by the fact that for the opening of the container the following phases are provided for:
 Breaking at a pre-determined point of a protective membrane of the opening present on the front wall of container;   Freeing of the valve;   Release, into the container, of the gas present in the inflatable element with the freeing of the closing element;   Reciprocal unbinding of the teeth;   Opening of the closing element by means of sliding in the grooves.   
   
   
       67 ) Procedure for packaging according to  claim 63 , characterised by the fact that for the opening of the container the further following phases are provided for:
 Extraction of the thin rope that has been inserted into the opening;   Freeing of the small opening present in the body of the valve by pulling the thin rope that causes the closing means to move.