This patent application describes an insulating rolltainer liner for transporting temperature-sensitive goods. The liner fits inside a rolltainer and includes a base and sides that form an enclosed receptacle. Temperature-sensitive goods are placed inside the receptacle. A barrier layer is then placed over the goods, followed by temperature regulating packs on top of the barrier. The sides of the liner fold inward to substantially enclose the goods and temperature regulating system for transport. Methods are also described for packing goods in the liner and regulating temperature during transport.
1. US 20130199131A1
(19) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2013/0199131 A1
Johnston et al. (43) Pub. Date: Aug. 8, 2013
(54) INSULATING ROLLTAINER LINER Publication Classi?cation
(71) ApplicantszChris Johnston, Moberly, MO (US); (51) Int. Cl.
Justin Thomas, Fulton, MO (US); Josh B65D 81/00 (2006-01)
Henry, Jefferson City, MO (US); Ryan 3653 55/00 (2006-01)
Smith, Nashville, TN (US) B65D 81/26 (2006-01)
B65D 43/16 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors: Chris Johnston, Moberly, MO (US); 365D 13/00 (2006-01)
Justin Thomas, Fulton, MO (US); Josh B65D 81/38 (2006-01)
Henry, Jefferson City, MO (US); Ryan (52) U-s- Cl
smiths Nashville’ TN (Us) CPC ................ B65D 81/00 (2013.01); B65D 13/00
(2013.01); B65D 81/3813 (2013.01); B65D
81/261 (2013.01); B65D 43/16 (2013.01);
(73) Assignee: Dollar General Corporation, 3653 55/00 (2013.01)
Goodlettsville, TN (US) USPC ....... .. 53/410; 220/401; 220/5922; 206/204;
220/428; 220/810; 220/592.01
(21) App1.No.: 13/757,826 (57) ABSTRACT
According to one aspect, an apparatus for storing tempera
_ ture-sensitive goods is disclosed. In one embodiment, the
(22) Flled: Feb‘ 3’ 2013 apparatus includes a base and at least one side connected to
the base. The base has a loWer portion and an upper portion
Related US Application Data extending from the toWer portion. The base and at least one
side de?ne a receptacle portion for receiving Temperature
(60) Provisional application No. 61/594,994, ?led on Feb. sensitive goods, and the at least one side is con?gured to fold
3, 2012. to substantially enclose the receptacle portion.
206a
204a //’ 208a
202a
15. US 2013/0199131Al
INSULATING ROLLTAINER LINER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the bene?t under 35 USC
§l l9(e) of US. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/594,994, ?led Feb. 3, 2012, Which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field ofthe Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the transportation of
goods.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Material handling are used to manually transport a
load ofmaterials such as raW materials, ?nished products, or
foodstuffs (generally referred to herein as “goods”) from one
location to another. A rolling container referred to as a “con
tainer” is a material handling cart that includes sWivel casters
enabling a user to transport a load ofmaterials by rolling the
cart from one place to another. As used herein, rolltainers
include rolling carts, Wheeled carts, rolling containers, mesh
carts, distribution carts, unassisted delivery carts, and roll
cages.
[0006] Rolltainers are useful in the logistics of packaging
for industry, distribution, transport and storage, and can pro
vide advantages such as reducing the need for shrink Wrap,
pallets, and storage space. Rolltainers are also useful in
reducing damage to goods While intransit, canhave a nestable
folding design, are toWable by themselves or in groups, and
can hold signi?cant Weight (for example, 1000 lb. capacity).
[0007] There is a need for storing and transporting sensitive
goods, for example temperature-sensitive goods such as food
products that may spoil during transport, in a temperature
controlled manner both e?iciently and cost-effectively. Con
ventionally, lined totes, large plastic coolers, pallet blankets,
or pallet covers are used. These conventional transport sys
tems are disadvantageous for many reasons. Examples
include that a liner inside a tote (i) necessitates excessive
labor to prepare the numerous totes, (ii) requires numerous
gel packs or large cooling systems due to the relatively small
siZe of each of the totes, (iii) limits effective utiliZation of
otherWise potentially useable volume due to the relatively
small siZe of the totes, and (iv) presents high transportation
costs due to the increased Weight of numerous totes and the
related attendant fuel usage.
[0008] Thus, among other needs, it is evident that there is a
need for apparatuses an methods that provide bene?cial tem
perature regulation for transporting goods.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention preferably comprises appara
tuses and methods that provide for transporting goods While
providing bene?cial temperature regulation. In one embodi
ment ofthe present invention, an insulating rolltainer liner ?ts
inside of a rolltainer and functions as an insulated barrier/
cooler for transporting temperature-sensitive goods. The
goods are placed. inside the insulating rolltainer liner, and
thentemperature regulating systems suchas cooledgel packs,
packs ofice, or heating packs are placed on top of an absorp
tion barrier, for example a corrugated sheet or ?exible plastic
bag placed over the goods. The combination ofthe insulating
rolltainerliner, absorptionbarrier, andtemperatureregulation
Aug. 8,2013
system serves as an insulated container to maintain the tem
perature and prevent spoilage ofthe goods during transport.
[0010] According to one aspect, the present invention
relates to an apparatus for storing temperature-sensitive
goods. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a
base and at least one side connected to the base. The at least
one side has a loWer portion and an upper portion extending
from the loWer portion. The base and at least one side de?ne
a receptacle portion for receiving temperature-sensitive
goods, and the upper portion of the at least one side is con
?gured to fold to substantially enclose the receptacle portion.
[0011] According to another aspect, the present invention
relates to an apparatus for storing temperature-sensitive
goods, Which, in an exemplary embodiment includes a base
and a plurality of sides, each connected to the base. Each of
the plurality ofsides has a loWer portion, connected by at least
one vertical seam to adjacent toWerpor‘tions ofadjacent sides,
and an upper portion extending from the loWer portion. The
base and the loWer portions of the plurality of sides de?ne a
receptacle portion for receiving temperature-sensitive goods,
and the upper portions ofthe plurality of sides are con?gured
to fold inWardly to substantially enclose the receptacle por
tion. The base and plurality ofsides are cooperatively dimen
sioned to ?t Within a rolltainer.
[0012] According to yet another aspect, the present inven
tion relates to a method of packing temperature-sensitive
goods fortransport. In an exemplary embodiment, the method
includes placing temperature-sensitive goods into an appara
tus. The apparatus includes a base and at least one side con
nected to the base. The base has a loWer portion and an upper
portion extending from the loWer portion. The base and at
least one side de?ne a receptacle portion for receiving tem
perature-sensitive goods, and the upper portion ofthe at least
one side is con?gured to fold to substantially enclose the
receptacle portion. The method also includes providing a
barrier systemproximatethe received goods, andproviding at
least one system con?gured to regulate the temperature ofthe
goods, separated from the goods by the barrier system. The
method further includes folding the upper portion of the at
least one side to substantially enclose the receptacle portion.
[0013] Other aspects and features of embodiments of the
present invention Will become apparent to those of ordinary
skill inthe art, uponrevieWing the folloWing detailed descrip
tion in conjunction With the accompanying ?gures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a rolltainer utiliZed for implement
ing aspects of the present invention according to exemplary
embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an insulating roll
tainer liner according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate steps for packing tempera
ture-sensitive goods in an insulating rolltainer liner for trans
port, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a How diagram illustrating steps of a.
method ofpacking temperature-sensitive goods in an insulat
ing rolltainer liner for transport, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an example ofan adjustable length
vertical seam for connecting side panels of an insulating
rolltainer liner, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe
present invention.
16. US 2013/0199131A1
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates another example of an adjustable
length vertical seam for connecting side panels of an insulat
ing rolltainer liner, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate another example of an insu
lating rolltainer liner according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Although exemplary embodiments ofthe invention
are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other
embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not
intended that the present invention is limited in its scope to the
details of construction and arrangement of components set
forth in the folloWing description or illustrated in the draW
ings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments
and ofbeing practiced or carried out in various Ways. Also, in
describing the preferred embodiments, speci?c terminology
Will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.
[0022] It must also be notedthat, as used in the speci?cation
and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and
“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dic
tates otherWise.
[0023] Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, ter
minology Will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is
intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as
understood by those skilled in the art and includes all techni
cal equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish
a similar purpose.
[0024] Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or
“approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or
“approximately” another particular value. When such a range
is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one par
ticular value and/or to the other particular value,
[0025] By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is
meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or
method step is present in the composition or article or
method, but does not exclude the presence of other com
pounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other
such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the
same function as What is named.
[0026] It is also to be understood that the mention ofone or
more method steps does not preclude the presence of addi
tional method steps or intervening method steps betWeen
those steps expressly identi?ed. Method steps may be per
formed in a different order than those described herein. Simi
larly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or
more components in a device or system does not preclude the
presence of additional components or intervening compo
nents betWeen those components expressly identi?ed.
[0027] NoW referring to FIG. 1, a rolltainer 100 that can be
utiliZed for implementing aspects of the present invention
according to exemplary embodiments is shoWn. The roll
tainer 100 has sides 102, 104, and 106 de?ning a partial
enclosure, and a base platform 110 upon Which materials can
be loaded for transport. The sides 102, 104, 106 can be con
structed ofdurable steel or otherheavy duty frameWork mate
rial. SWivel casters 112, Which can be constructed of poly
urethane, provide for easy maneuverability When rolling the
rolltainer 100 from one location to another. As one example of
dimensions, side 102 has a height of72 inches and Width of42
inches, sides 104 and 106 have a height of72 inches and Width
of 24 inches, and the base platform 110 has a Width of 42
Aug. 8,2013
inches and depth of 24 inches. Netting (not shoWn) can be
attached betWeen sides 104 and 106, aligned With the front of
the base platform 110 to serve as a fourth or closure side ofthe
rolltainer 100, to prevent the loadedmaterials from shifting or
falling out ofthe rolltainer 100 While in transit.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an insulating roll
tainer liner 200 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe
present invention. A base panel 216 is connected to side
panels 202, 204, 206, and 208 comprised of loWer portions
202b, 204b, 206b, and 20819 and upper portions 202a, 204a,
206a, and 20811 extending from the loWer portions 202b,
204b, 206b, and 2081). Vertical seams 214a, 214b, 2140, and
214d (collectively 214) connect the loWer portions 202b,
204b, 206b, and 20819 of adjacent side panels. As further
illustrated by examples shoWn in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the
vertical seams can have an adjustable length. The base panel
216 and connected loWer portions 202b, 204b, 206b, and
2081) together de?ne a receptacle portion for receiving tem
perature-sensitive goods (see FIGS. 3A-3D). The upper por
tions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 20811 are con?gured to fold
inWardly to substantially enclose the receptacle portion con
taining the goods (see FIGS. 3E-3F). The upper portions
202a, 204a, 206a, and 20811 fold about lateral hinge lines
212a, 212b, 2120, and 212d (collectively 212).
[0029] The side panels 202, 204, 206, and 208 comprise
insulated lining material, for example, bubble Wrap or foam
?ller covered and sealed With outside lining material such as
foil, vinyl, orplastic. The base panel 216 and side panels 202,
204, 206, and 208 are siZed to generally conform to dimen
sions of a standard rolltainer, for example the rolltainer 100
shoWn in Fig. As one example, side panels 202 and 206 have
a Width of39 inches, and side panels 204 and 208 have a Width
of 22 inches. Each ofthe side panels 202, 204, 206, and 208
has a height, When the upper portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and
20811 are not in folded positions, of 60 inches.
[0030] The siZe and dimensions ofthe insulating rolltainer
liner 200 preferably corresponds to the interior of the roll
tainer 100, and Weight should be considered to reduce the
impact on transportation costs. Additionally, siZes and dimen
sions are such that goods can be safely and properly loaded
Within the insulating rolltainer liner 200 by a Worker Without
requiring the Workerto lift the goods to unreasonable heights,
to avoid overexer‘tion associated With bodily injury. The insu
lating rolltainer liner 200 can be siZed such that the dimen
sions are customiZed based on the shipment, for example, the
same insulating rolltainer liner can be used to ship six cases or
sixteen cases ofgoods. The insulating rolltainer liner 200 can
be constructed to have a dynamic nature such that additional
cases of goods can be stacked on top, to alloW greater utili
Zation ofthe space inside the rolltainer 100. It Will be appre
ciated that more or less than four sides can be utiliZed, for
example one continuous side forming a receptacle having a
vertical cross section that is cylindrically shaped, or three
sides forming a receptacle having a vertical cross section that
is triangular shaped, or ?ve or more sides, and that more or
less vertical seams can be used to connect adjacent sides,
Without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0031] FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate stages of packing tempera
ture-sensitive goods in an insulating rolltainer liner for trans
port, according to one exemplary embodiment ofthe present
invention. Unless otherWise speci?ed, components and their
associated reference numerals of the insulating rolltainer
liner described With reference to FIGS. 3A-3F correspond to
the same components of the insulating rolltainer liner 200
17. US 2013/0199131Al
according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3A shows
the insulating rolltainer liner 200 in an open position, ready
forplacement ofgoods Within.As shoWn, the sidepanel upper
portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 20811 are unfolded. FIG. 3B
shoWs temperature-sensitive goods 302a, 3021) being placed
onto the base panel 216 inside the insulating rolltainer liner
200. Hinge line 2120 is de?ned betWeen the upper portion
206a and loWerportion 206!) ofside panel 206, and hinge line
212d is de?ned betWeen the upper portion 204a and loWer
portion 204!) of side panel 204. it should be recogniZed that
the locations of the hinge lines 212 are not ?xed or perma
nently delineated by a lateral seam or other hinge point.
Rather, the hinge lines, as shoWn, are de?ned as creased
lateral segments of the ?exible lining material of the side
panels 204, 206, 208, 210 With the orientation and location
formed according to, among other factors, the length of the
vertical seams 214 and forces acting on the side panels 202,
204, 206 from a Worker placing the goods 302a, 3021) inside
the insulating rolltainer liner 200.
[0032] FIGS. 3C and 3D shoW an absorption barrier layer
304 comprising corrugated sheet material being placed over
the goods 302a, 302b, to act as a moisture shield betWeen the
goods 302a, 3021) anda temperature regulating systemplaced
over the barrier layer 304. The temperature regulating system
comprises a ?exible, Waterproof plastic bag 306 enclosing
froZen gel packs 308 to keep the goods 302a, 3021) at a loW
temperature to prevent spoilage during transport. ArroWs
shoWn in FIG. 3E indicate directions in Which the side panel
top portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 20811 are folded inWardly
and over, about lateral hinge lines such that the top portions
202a, 204a, 206a, and 20811 overlap to cover the goods 302a,
3021) contained inside. FIG. 3F shoWs the insulating rolltainer
liner 200 placed Within the rolltainer 100. As shoWn, the top
portions 202a, 204a, 206a, and 20811 have been folded over,
and the goods are noW ready to be transported via the roll
tainer 100.
[0033] While embodiments ofthe insulating rolltainer liner
200 shoWn in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be used to ship goods that are
not temperature sensitive (i.e. Without using temperature
regulating cooling packs or heating packs), ifused for goods
that require temperature control, insulation ofthe insulating
container liner 200 should be thick enough to maintain the
interior temperature at acceptable levels. Also, While the
embodiment of the insulating rolltainer liner 200 shoWn in
FIGS. 2 and 3 is separated and distinct from the rolltainer 100
during certain functions for packing goods for transport,
another exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention com
prises an insulating rolltainer liner integrally formed With a
rolltainer, or otherWise forming a singular liner/rolltainer
assembly.
[0034] NoW referring to FIG. 4, a How diagram illustrating
steps ofa method 400 ofpacking temperature-sensitive goods
for transport is shoWn, according an exemplary embodiment
ofthe present invention. The method 400 begins at step 402,
placing temperature-sensitive goods into an insulating roll
tainer liner, for example the insulating rolltainer liner 200
shoWn in FIG. 2. Next, at step 404, a barrier layer is placed
proximate to the goods in the insulating rolltainer liner. From
step 404, the method 400 proceeds to step 406, Where a
temperature regulating system is provided, separated from
the goods by the barrier layer. Next, at step 408, upper por
tions of the side panels of the insulating rolltainer liner are
folded inWardly to substantially cover the goods, barrier
layer, and temperature regulating means, From step 408, the
Aug. 8,2013
method 400 proceeds to step 410, Where the insulating roll
tainer liner With the goods is placed into a rolltainer for
transport, for example the container 100 shoWn in FIG. 1. The
method 400 ends folloWing step 410.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates an example ofan adjustable length
vertical seam 500 for connecting side panels of an insulating
rolltainer liner, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe
present invention, The seam 500 can, for example, corre
spond to a vertical seam 214 of the insulating rolltainer liner
200 of FIG. 2. As shoWn, the seam 500 is comprised of a
permanently connected, non-adjustable portion 506, and an
adjustable portion formed by fasteners 502a, 502b, and 5020
(collectively 502). The fasteners 502 have a Zipper-type con
?guration formed by teeth 502a, 5021) that can be selectively
coupled (i,e. Zipped or unzipped) along the seam 500, Where
the coupled portion 5020 forms a single, connected segment.
[0036] By coupling more or less of the teeth 502a, 5021)
together, the effective length ofthe seam 500 canbe increased
or decreased, respectively. In this Way, the vertical position of
a lateral hinge line for an insulating rolltainer liner is estab
lished at the junction of the unZipped portion formed by
non-coupled teeth 502a, 5021) and the Zipped portion 5020,
Which can delineate the upper portion and loWer portions of
side panels of an insulated rolltainer liner, for example the
upper portions 202a, 208a and loWer portions 202b, 2081) of
side panels 202 and 208 ofthe insulating rolltainer liner 200
shoWn in FIG. 2, respectively. In the embodiment of FIG. 2,
lateral hinge line 212a, 2121) is the effective line about Which
the side panel upper portions 202a, 208a fold over and
inWardly (see also FIG. 3E). It Will be appreciated that
although the seam 500 shoWn in FIG. 5 is segmented With a
portionthat is adjustable (502) anda portionthat is not adjust
able (506), the seam for an insulated rolltainer liner can
alternatively be permanently connected along the entire
length ofthe seam, or adjustable along the entire length ofthe
seam.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates another example of an adjustable
length vertical seam 600 for connecting side panels of an
insulating rolltainer liner, according to anexemplary embodi
ment ofthe present invention. The seam 600 can, for example,
correspond to a vertical seam 214 ofthe insulating rolltainer
liner 200 of FIG. 2. As shoWn, the seam 600 is comprised of
a permanently connected, non-adjustable portion 606 and an
adjustable portion formed by fasteners 602a, 602b, and 6020
(collectively 602), comprising mechanical snaps With female
portions 602a and male portions 602!) that can be selectively
coupled by pressing the male portions 602!) to snap into the
female portions 60211. The coupled portion 6020 forms a
single, connected segment.
[0038] By coupling more or less of the female and male
portions 602a, 6021) together, the effective length ofthe seam
600 can be increased or decreased, respectively. In this Way,
the vertical position of a lateral hinge line 604 is established
at the junction of the non-coupled segment formed by non
coupled snaps 602a, 6021) andthe coupled snaps 6020, Which
can delineate the upper portion and loWer portions of side
panels of an insulated rolltainer liner, for example the upper
portions 202a, 208a and loWer portions 202b, 2081) of side
panels 202 and 208 of the insulating rolltainer liner 200
shoWn in FIG. 2, respectively. In the embodiment of FIG. 2,
lateral hinge line 212a, 2121) is the effective line about Which
the upper portions 202a, 208a fold. over and inWardly (see
also FIG. 3E). It should be appreciated that although the seam
600 shoWn in FIG. 6 is segmented With a portion that is
18. US 2013/0199131A1
adjustable (602) and a portion that is not adjustable (606), the
seam for an insulated rolltainer liner can alternatively be
permanently connected along the entire length ofthe seam, or
adjustable along the entire length ofthe seam,
[0039] While the embodiments discussed above With
respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 use Zipper-type and mechanical
snap-type fasteners, other types of fasteners, for example
buttons, can be used alternatively, Also, a different type of
fastener can be used for one seam and another type offastener
used for another seam, or a combination oftypes of fasteners
can be utiliZed for the same seam.
[0040] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrates a cross-sectional side vieW
ofan insulating rolltainer liner 700 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. As shoWn in FIG. 7A,
the insulating rolltainer liner 700 includes side panels 702,
704, and 706 (fourth side panel not shoWn). A hinge line 708
is de?ned betWeen an upper portion 702a and loWer portion
702!) of side panel 702. Each ofthe side panels 702, 704, 706
connects to a base panel 716. Pockets 710, 712 are disposed
on the side panels 704 and 706, and are con?gured to receive
and secure temperature regulating system, for example the
temperature regulating system discussed above With respect
to FIGS. 2 and 3, such that goods provided Within the insu
lating rolltainer liner 700 can be cooled for heated) to control
the temperature during transport. The pockets 710, 712 can be
permanently attached to side panels or detachable. The pock
ets 710, 712 are siZed and dimensioned such that the tempera
ture regulating system can be easily placed in, and changed
out, by a Worker packing the goods. Although tWo pockets
710, 712 are shoWn in the embodiment ofFIG. 7, it should be
appreciated that multiple pockets can be provided on a single
panel, for example pockets arranged in a roW or array. Fur
thermore, the pockets 710, 712 can be located at particular
locations (e.g. speci?c heights or lateral positions) to more
directly provide cooling (or heating) for particular goods due
to their speci?c temperature needs, Which may be located to
one side, higher, or loWer than other goods that that may also
be placed in the insulating rolltainer liner 700.
[0041] A moisture separationpanel 714 is disposed over the
base panel 716. As shoWn in FIGS. 7B and 7C, an array of
concave recesses 71419 are de?ned Within a body portion
714a, con?gured to collect moisture such as condensation
that may originate from the temperature regulating means or
goods during transport, The recesses 71419 are siZed and
dimensioned to catch and contain moisture Within the con
cave portions While the goods are simultaneously supported,
and thereby separated from the moisture, by the remaining
portions of the body portion 714a located betWeen and
around the recesses 71419. It Will be appreciated that more or
less recesses can be used, and that the con?guration of the
recesses can be shaped With other formations providing for
moisture collection, for example channels ortroughs. Numer
ous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the
foregoing description, together With details of structure and
function. While the invention has been disclosed in several
forms, it Will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
modi?cations, additions, and deletions, especially in matters
of shape, siZe, and arrangement ofpads, can be made therein
Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention
and its equivalents as set forth in the folloWing claims. There
fore, other modi?cations or embodiments as may be sug
gested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved as
they fall Within the breadth and scope of the claims here
appended.
Aug. 8,2013
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for storing temperature-sensitive goods,
comprising:
a base; and
a plurality of sides, each connected to the base and com
prising:
a loWer portion, connected by at least one vertical seam
to adjacent loWer portions of adjacent sides; and
an upper portion extending from the loWer portion,
Wherein the base and the loWer portions ofthe plurality of
sides de?ne a receptacle portion for receiving tempera
ture-sensitive goods,
Wherein the upper portions of the plurality of sides are
con?gured to fold inWardly to substantially enclose the
receptacle portion, and
Wherein the base and plurality of sides are cooperatively
dimensioned to ?t Within a rolltainer.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, Wherein at least one of the
plurality ofsides comprises sealed and insulated lining mate
rial.
3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a moisture
regulating system to collect and separate condensation from
the temperature-sensitive goods received in the receptacle
portion.
4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, Wherein the moisture regulat
ing system comprises a separation panel disposed proximate
the base, having one or more recesses de?ned therein to
collect and separate the condensation from the temperature
sensitive goods received in the receptacle portion.
5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, Wherein the at least one vertical
seam comprises a plurality offasteners con?guredto be selec
tively coupled to de?ne a length of the at least one vertical
seam.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, Wherein the plurality of fas
teners comprise at least one ofZippers and mechanical snaps.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, Wherein at least one of the
plurality of sides comprises one or more pockets con?gured
to receive at least one temperature regulating system to regu
late the temperature ofthe temperature-sensitive goods.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, Wherein the at least one tem
perature regulating system comprises at least one of cooling
packs and heating packs.
9. An apparatus for storing temperature-sensitive goods,
comprising:
a base; and
at least one side connected to the base, comprising:
a loWer portion; and
an upper portion extending from the loWer portion,
Wherein the base and at least one side de?ne a receptacle
portion for receiving temperature-sensitive goods, and
Wherein the upper portion of the at least one side is con
?gured to fold to substantially enclose the receptacle
portion.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, Wherein the at least one side
comprises sealed and insulated lining material.
11. The apparatus ofclaim 9, Wherein the base and at least
one side are cooperatively dimensioned to ?t Within a roll
tainer.
12. The apparatus ofclaim 9, further comprising a moisture
regulating system to collect and separate condensation from
the temperature-sensitive goods received in the receptacle
portion.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, Wherein the moisture regu
lating system comprises a separation panel disposed proxi
19. US 2013/0199131Al
mate the base and having one or more recesses de?ned therein
to collect and separate condensation from the temperature
sensitive goods received in the receptacle portion.
14. The apparatus of claim 9, Wherein the at least one side
comprises at least tWo adjacent sides connectedby at least one
common seam.
15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, Wherein each ofthe at least
tWo adjacent sides has a loWer portion and upper portion
extending from the loWer portion, and
Wherein the loWerportions ofthe at least tWo adjacent sides
are connected by the at least one common scam.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, Wherein the at least one
common seam comprises a plurality of fasteners con?gured
to be selectively coupled to de?ne a length ofthe at least one
common seam.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, Wherein the plurality of
fasteners comprise at least one of Zippers and mechanical
snaps.
18. The apparatus of claim 9, Wherein the at least one side
comprises one or more pockets con?gured to receive at least
one temperature regulating system to regulate the tempera
ture ofthe temperature-sensitive goods.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, Wherein the at least One
temperature regulating system comprises at least one ofcool
ing packs and heating packs.
20. A method of packing temperature-sensitive goods for
transport, comprising:
placing temperature-sensitive goods into an apparatus
comprising:
a base, and
at least one side connected to the base and comprising
a loWer portion, and
an upper portion extending from the loWer portion,
Aug. 8,2013
Wherein the base and at least one side de?ne a receptacle
portion for receiving temperature-sensitive goods, and
Wherein the upper portion of the at least one side is con
?gured to fold to substantially enclose the receptacle
portion;
providing a barrier system proximate the received goods;
providing at least one system con?gured to regulate the
temperature ofthe goods, separated from the goods by
the barrier system; and
folding the upper portion ofthe at least one side to substan
tially enclose the receptacle portion.
21. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising placing the
apparatus, having the temperature-sensitive goods received
therein, Within a rolltainer.
22. The method of claim 20, Wherein the at least one side
comprises at least tWo adjacent sides connectedby at least one
common seam,
23. The method ofclaim 22, further comprising selectively
coupling a plurality of fasteners to de?ne a length of the at
least one common seam.
24. The method of claim 22, Wherein providing the at least
one system con?gured to regulate the temperature of the
goods comprises securing at least one of coating packs and
heating packs in one or more pockets proximate one or more
ofthe at least tWo adjacent sides.
25. The method of claim 20, Wherein folding the upper
portion of the at least one side comprises folding the upper
portion ofthe at least one side inWardly about a lateral hinge
line.
26. The method of claim 20, Wherein the barrier system
comprises at least one ofa corrugated sheet and a ?exible bag.
* * * * *
