A wet cold chain distribution system and apparatus therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of the transportation and storage of goods and to temperature control systems for such, commonly referred to as cold chain systems or distribution. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system, apparatus and a method for a wet cold chain distribution system. There is a growing concern with the over-use of plastics in the packaging industry and the present invention seeks to provide a wet distribution box having being formed from a cardboard blank. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention also seeks to provide a temperature controlled transport/storage assembly that can be made from cardboard and recycled materials and be further re-used or recycled in due course.

1 . A wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container for the transport /storage of wet products comprising:
 a corrugated board box and an insert; wherein the corrugated board box comprises at least a base panel and a wall panel, the wall panel having a height defined by an upper edge with respect to the base, the corrugated board box being provided with at least one aperture in a wall portion proximate to the base panel or within the base panel, the base and wall panel having inside faces and an external faces;
 wherein the insert comprises a waterproof membrane in a general bag-like shape having an open end with a perimeter edge, a sleeve portion which terminates at a closed end and a height being greater than twice the height of the sidewall of the box; 
 wherein the closed end of the insert is arranged against the inside base panel of the box and the closed end is provided with at least one aperture, each said at least one aperture being associated with a corresponding aperture of the box; wherein the perimeter edge of the open end of the insert is arranged about the external faces of the wall panel depending below the base of the box lowermost outside, wherein a further aperture within the sleeve portion and in correspondence with an aperture of the closed end to form an aperture pair, each aperture pair being sealed together to form a unitary aperture; 
 the transport /storage container permitting placement of wet goods within the insert, the or each aperture pair permitting drainage of fluid from within the insert, outside of the container. 
   
     
     
         2 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the box is provided with a lid comprising a flat portion in correspondence with the plan dimensions of the box, with edge portions depending downwardly to secure the lid to the box. 
     
     
         3 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the insert is such that the perimeter edges of the insert can be sealed together to provide a waterproof box. 
     
     
         4 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 2 , wherein the lid is formed from cardboard and is enclosed with a waterproof covering. 
     
     
         5 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein corrugated board is formed from paperboard. 
     
     
         6 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein each pair of apertures is sealed by means of an eyelet system. 
     
     
         7 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein each pair of apertures is sealed by means of a heat crimp. 
     
     
         8 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein a nozzle is provided to assist in drainage of fluid from the inside of the box. 
     
     
         9 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 8 , wherein a manifold system is provided to drain the or each nozzle from one or more boxes. 
     
     
         10 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the box is provided with reinforcement section about the upstanding edge corners to permit stacking of boxes. 
     
     
         11 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the box has a rectangular base and four upstanding wall panels. 
     
     
         12 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the box is provided with reinforcement section about the upstanding edge corners to permit stacking. 
     
     
         13 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein there is an aperture defined within a wall panel proximate the base panel. 
     
     
         14 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein there is an aperture defined within a base panel. 
     
     
         15 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior walls of the box is sheathed in plastics film prior to placement of the insert. 
     
     
         16 . The wet cold chain distribution transport/storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the box is placed within a first bag-like element, such that the sides of the box are at least partially sheathed, whereupon placement of the insert within the box and depending of the circumferential rim and throat of the insert down the sides of the box, the integrity of the cellulose box is maintained in use. 
     
     
         17 . A system of containers comprising at least first and second containers of  claim 1 , wherein a second box is placed upon a first box, the arrangement permitting drainage of any wet goods associated with the second box through at least one drainage tube thereof, the drainage tube being arranged such that the tube is operable to drain clear of the lower, first box.