An insulating transport and storage container

Abstract

A transport container formed of insulated board such as corrugated or laminated plastics and treated paper and treated card that can provide a high degree of thermal insulation. A pallet shipper storage container that can operate at ultra-low temperatures akin to those at which solids such as carbon dioxide sublimate and method of use of such shippers and containers.

1 . A thermally insulating transport container comprising:
 a cuboid body comprising six insulating panels;   and a coolant support member;   wherein the coolant comprises a solid that sublimates;   wherein the cuboid panels comprise a base panel, first and second end-wall panels and first and second sidewall panels and a cover panel;   wherein the insulation panels are fastened such that they provide a substantially gas-tight seal along mutually orthogonal edges;   wherein the coolant support member comprises at least a support tray spaced, in use, from an inside face of the cover panel, the support tray being provided with upstanding support members;   wherein a payload volume is defined below the coolant support tray, which payload volume provides sufficient space for a palletized good;   wherein, in use, once assembled and provided with coolant, the coolant gases emanating from the coolant are operable to cool the payload volume by sublimation; and   wherein a gas valve is provided to enable gaseous pressure control within the cuboid volume due to the sublimation gases arising from the coolant.   
     
     
         2 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the insulating panels are formed from multilayer insulating boards selected from one or more of vacuum insulation panels (VIPS), polyurethane foam, plastics foam, cardboard, paper-board, corrugate board, metalized board and glass fibre. 
     
     
         3 . The container according to  claim 1 , the container is provided with a pallet-style base. 
     
     
         4 . The container according to  claim 3 , wherein the pallet style base is affixed to the base panel. 
     
     
         5 . The container according to  claim 4 , wherein the panels are retained together in place by compression restraints. 
     
     
         6 . The container according to  claim 5 , the compression restraints comprise webbing provided with ratchet straps. 
     
     
         7 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein adjacent panels are provided with resilient tapes along at least one mating face thereof to ensure gas-tight resilience between the panels. 
     
     
         8 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper lid is removable in use, to permit replenishment of coolant upon sublimation of an initial or subsequent amount of coolant; and provided with coolant, the coolant gases emanating from the coolant are operable to cool the payload volume by sublimation; and wherein a gas valve is provided to enable gaseous pressure within the cuboid volume due to the sublimation gases arising from the coolant. 
     
     
         9 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the gas valve is defined by means of a slit provided within the seal to control pressure within the cuboid volume. 
     
     
         10 . The container according to  claim 9 , wherein the gas valve is compressed by a weight of a panel or by compression forces acting by means of a strapping arrangement whereby to control pressure within the cuboid volume. 
     
     
         11 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the coolant support member is one of a metallic structure or a plastics structure. 
     
     
         12 . The container according to  claim 11 , wherein the coolant support member is a metallic structure formed from sheet of one of an aluminium alloy or a stainless steel, conveniently apertured whereby to provide a high degree of thermal conduction with a reduced thermal capacity. 
     
     
         13 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the coolant support member is provided with a thermal barrier (liner) to create a temperature gradient to enable the payload area to be maintained at a temperature above the sublimation temperature of the coolant. 
     
     
         14 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the side and end panels are provided by way of a “U”-section single panel, to provide a more resilient structure. 
     
     
         15 . The method of assembling a transport container per  claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
 assembling the container;   filling the coolant volume with a required amount of coolant for an anticipated journey and/or storage period after opening a cover or prior to closing the cover;   closing the cover;   permitting stabilization of temperature within the container to the required degree;   loading the container with a temperature sensitive payload;   closing a payload aperture;   securing the panels together;   maintaining the payload at the desired temperature; and   removing the payload when desired at the appropriate time after removing panel secure men means and opening the door.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising the steps of:
 opening the cover after removing additional panel securement means;   filling the coolant volume with a required amount of additional coolant for an additional period of time;   closing the cover; and   maintaining the payload at the desired temperature for an additional period of time.