WO1989009913A1 - Coolant pack - Google Patents

Coolant pack Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1989009913A1
WO1989009913A1 PCT/AU1989/000168 AU8900168W WO8909913A1 WO 1989009913 A1 WO1989009913 A1 WO 1989009913A1 AU 8900168 W AU8900168 W AU 8900168W WO 8909913 A1 WO8909913 A1 WO 8909913A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
coolant
pack according
coolant pack
gas
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1989/000168
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Kenneth Bethune
Original Assignee
John Kenneth Bethune
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by John Kenneth Bethune filed Critical John Kenneth Bethune
Publication of WO1989009913A1 publication Critical patent/WO1989009913A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/36—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G5/00—Floral handling
    • A01G5/06—Devices for preserving flowers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/36—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling
    • A23L3/363—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling the materials not being transported through or in the apparatus with or without shaping, e.g. in form of powder, granules, or flakes
    • A23L3/364—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling the materials not being transported through or in the apparatus with or without shaping, e.g. in form of powder, granules, or flakes with packages or with shaping in form of blocks or portions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
    • F25D3/06—Movable containers
    • F25D3/08—Movable containers portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/082—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid disposed in a cold storage element not forming part of a container for products to be cooled, e.g. ice pack or gel accumulator
    • F25D2303/0822—Details of the element

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a coolant pack particularly useful in the cold storage of items such as foodstuffs.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a means for indirectly cooling articles. Thereby minimising the effect of very cold surfaces upon the product to be packed. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • the present invention provides a coolant pack comprising:
  • the principal involved in this form of pack is the use of the gaseous medium as a heat exchanger which permits gradual cooling of the article in a controlled way.
  • the amount of ga located in the second chamber or the size of the second chamber it is possible to provide a pack which is suitable for cooling any type of article.
  • the provision of the gas-filled second chamber is also conducive to save handling of the packed article.
  • the second chamber will present a cushion to absorb shocks which may otherwise be transmitted to the article during movement of a container in which the article is packed.
  • the first chamber may be partially or fully filled with coolant. Whether there is a partial or full filled of coolant depends upon the proposed use of the coolant pack. Where only small gaps are presented betwee articles, a partial filled first chamber is more desirous as it enables ready deformation of the pack to the space in which it i to be located.
  • the gas with which the second chamber is filled may be any convenient gas such as air or other gas which is preferably iner to both the cooling medium and article to be cooled. Similarly, the gas should be innocuous to humans so that upon leaking it will not present a health hazard to any person packing or unpacking the container.
  • the flexible material may be moisture impermeable in which case coolant material which is sensitive to the presence of moisture can be utilised. Further maintenance of a moisture level in the packaging may be desirable. For example, in horticultural products, it is desirable to ensure that the horticultural products such as flowers do not dry out.
  • the flexible material may be moisture permeable and present an additional advantage. Wher it is desirable that any moisture be removed from about the article adjacent to the material, the outer surface of the first chamber is provided with openings and the coolant material selected from superabsorbent coolant materials.
  • the superabsorbent material will absorb any itinerant water or moisture passing onto the outer surface of the first chamber. Further maintenance of a moisture level in the packaging may be desirable. For example, in horticultural products, it is desirable to ensure that the horticultural products such as flowers do not dry out.
  • the second chamber is defined by flexible gas impermeable material and is formed as a plurality of second chambers about the first chamber.
  • the second chambers are in the for of bubbles disposed on the first chamber. As indicated, each of these bubbles is filled with gas and if one of the bubbles is ruptured, this will not affect the usefulness of the other bubbles thereby ensuring that the cushioning and cooling effect is substantially maintained.
  • the second chambers may be only disposed in one discreet area or on one side of the first chambe where a direct cooling effect is also desirable on one side of the first chamber whilst an indirect cooling is desirable on the other side.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pack according to one aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a cross-section of the pack of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is an exploded view of an alternate form of the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the alternate form of the invention of Figure 4.
  • a package A is depicted having an outer layer 1 of flexible plastic material forming a container into which coolant material 3 is placed. Outer surface 1 is sealed about its periphery thereby encapsulating coolant material 3. A plurality of bubbles 2 are formed on the outer surface 1, each bubble 2 being filled with gaseous material.
  • the plurality of bubbles 2 provide a cushion for shock resistanc for both the article (not shown) against which it is packed and for the coolant material 3.
  • the extent of this cushioning can b varied according to the pressure of the gaseous material placed into the bubbles 2.
  • These bubbles 2 also ensure that the coolan material 3 is spaced from the article to be cooled.
  • the gaseous material in bubbles 2 provide a convenient heat exchange medium to thereby control the rate at which the cooling of the article take place. Marking or other deleterious effects on the article is reduced or eliminated.
  • the valleys formed between bubbles 2 may be provided with apertures which extend through outer surface 1. These are provided where moisture circulating or present adjacent the package A needs to be removed.
  • coolant material 3 is a superabsorbent polyomer which is capable of absorbing this moisture.
  • the presence of moisture is to be maintained and therefore it is not necessary to either select a superabsorbent polyomer 3 nor provide holes in the valleys between bubbles 2.
  • FIG. 4 An alternate arrangment is shown in Figures 4 and 5 in which onl one side of the pack is provided with bubbles 2. This is particularly useful as a lining for the container in which case the bubbles 2 are presented towards the article being packed.
  • the package of the present invention is a significant improvemen over the present packaging which does not allow for control cooling of articles.
  • the system proposed therein is simple and maintains control of cooling. It is also advantageous shock absorbing properties.

Abstract

A cooling pack comprising: (a) a first chamber defined by a plurality of walls of flexible material (1), (b) coolant (2) disposed in the first chamber, and (c) at least one second chamber (3) which is filled with gas and disposed on or about the first chamber.

Description

COOLANT PACK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a coolant pack particularly useful in the cold storage of items such as foodstuffs.
Whilst the following description is in terms of packaging of foodstuffs, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited and in particular could apply to packing of any article which requires a cool atmosphere. For example, horticultural products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When packaging foodstuffs such as fruit, care must be taken to ensure that the cooling medium is not such as to burn the fruit. In particular, the use of the dry ice may burn or discolour frui though nevertheless keeping it at a temperature to assist its longevity. Normal ice has the same effect.
In one attempt to provide a substitute for these conventional cooling mediums, it is known to use packages of coolants which are either pre-frozen or pre-cooled and are placed arbitrarily i the packaging for the foodstuffs. The use of such coolant packages has been found to be effective. However, some food¬ stuffs are still sensitive to direct contact with very cold surfaces and as such may be marked or discoloured.
The object of the present invention is to provide a means for indirectly cooling articles. Thereby minimising the effect of very cold surfaces upon the product to be packed. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a coolant pack comprising:
(a) a first chamber defined by a plurality of walls of flexible material;
(b) coolant disposed in the first chamber, and
(c) at least one second chamber which is filled with gas and disposed on or about the first chamber.
The use of the second chamber which is gas-filled, interposed between the coolant and the article to be cooled, considerably reduces the likelihood of such coolant marking or discolouring, articles sensitive to extremes in temperature, for example, a foodstuffs. Additionally, this pack permits the use of varying types of coolants which hitherto were found unsuitable because o their effect upon foodstuffs or the like.
The principal involved in this form of pack is the use of the gaseous medium as a heat exchanger which permits gradual cooling of the article in a controlled way. By varying the amount of ga located in the second chamber or the size of the second chamber, it is possible to provide a pack which is suitable for cooling any type of article.
The provision of the gas-filled second chamber is also conducive to save handling of the packed article. Clearly, by appropriate pressurisation of the gas within the second chamber, the second chamber will present a cushion to absorb shocks which may otherwise be transmitted to the article during movement of a container in which the article is packed.
In one preferred form of the invention, the first chamber may be partially or fully filled with coolant. Whether there is a partial or full filled of coolant depends upon the proposed use of the coolant pack. Where only small gaps are presented betwee articles, a partial filled first chamber is more desirous as it enables ready deformation of the pack to the space in which it i to be located.
The gas with which the second chamber is filled may be any convenient gas such as air or other gas which is preferably iner to both the cooling medium and article to be cooled. Similarly, the gas should be innocuous to humans so that upon leaking it will not present a health hazard to any person packing or unpacking the container.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the flexible material may be moisture impermeable in which case coolant material which is sensitive to the presence of moisture can be utilised. Further maintenance of a moisture level in the packaging may be desirable. For example, in horticultural products, it is desirable to ensure that the horticultural products such as flowers do not dry out.
In another embodiment of the invention, the flexible material ma be moisture permeable and present an additional advantage. Wher it is desirable that any moisture be removed from about the article adjacent to the material, the outer surface of the first chamber is provided with openings and the coolant material selected from superabsorbent coolant materials. The superabsorbent material will absorb any itinerant water or moisture passing onto the outer surface of the first chamber. Further maintenance of a moisture level in the packaging may be desirable. For example, in horticultural products, it is desirable to ensure that the horticultural products such as flowers do not dry out.
In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the second chamber is defined by flexible gas impermeable material and is formed as a plurality of second chambers about the first chamber. By adoption of a regular array of second chambers about the first chamber, it is possible to maximise the cushioning advantage of the coolant pack. Typically, the second chambers are in the for of bubbles disposed on the first chamber. As indicated, each of these bubbles is filled with gas and if one of the bubbles is ruptured, this will not affect the usefulness of the other bubbles thereby ensuring that the cushioning and cooling effect is substantially maintained.
Further, by providing discreet areas between the second chambers, it is possible to effectively separate the article from the firs chamber and allow air permeating there through to also carry out heat exchange.
In yet a further embodiment, the second chambers may be only disposed in one discreet area or on one side of the first chambe where a direct cooling effect is also desirable on one side of the first chamber whilst an indirect cooling is desirable on the other side.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be illustrated in more detailed with reference to accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pack according to one aspect of the invention.
Figure 2 is a cross-section of the pack of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of an alternate form of the invention.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the alternate form of the invention of Figure 4.
In the drawings, a package A is depicted having an outer layer 1 of flexible plastic material forming a container into which coolant material 3 is placed. Outer surface 1 is sealed about its periphery thereby encapsulating coolant material 3. A plurality of bubbles 2 are formed on the outer surface 1, each bubble 2 being filled with gaseous material.
The plurality of bubbles 2 provide a cushion for shock resistanc for both the article (not shown) against which it is packed and for the coolant material 3. The extent of this cushioning can b varied according to the pressure of the gaseous material placed into the bubbles 2. These bubbles 2 also ensure that the coolan material 3 is spaced from the article to be cooled. The gaseous material in bubbles 2 provide a convenient heat exchange medium to thereby control the rate at which the cooling of the article take place. Marking or other deleterious effects on the article is reduced or eliminated.
The valleys formed between bubbles 2 may be provided with apertures which extend through outer surface 1. These are provided where moisture circulating or present adjacent the package A needs to be removed. In this alternative, coolant material 3 is a superabsorbent polyomer which is capable of absorbing this moisture. Of course, in some applications, the presence of moisture is to be maintained and therefore it is not necessary to either select a superabsorbent polyomer 3 nor provide holes in the valleys between bubbles 2.
An alternate arrangment is shown in Figures 4 and 5 in which onl one side of the pack is provided with bubbles 2. This is particularly useful as a lining for the container in which case the bubbles 2 are presented towards the article being packed.
The package of the present invention is a significant improvemen over the present packaging which does not allow for control cooling of articles. The system proposed therein is simple and maintains control of cooling. It is also advantageous shock absorbing properties.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. A coolant pack comprising:
(a) a first chamber defined by a plurality walls of flexible material,
(b) coolant disposed in the first chamber, and
(c) at least one second chamber which is filled with gas and disposed on or about the first chamber.
2. A coolant pack according to claim 1 wherein the flexible material is moisture impermeable.
3. A coolant pack according to claim 1 wherein the flexible material is moisture permeable.
4. A coolant pack according to claim 1 wherein the coolant partially fills the first chamber.
5. A coolant pack according to claim 1 wherein the coolant totally fills the first chamber.
6. A coolant pack according to claim 2 wherein the second chamber is filled with a gas which is either air or an inert gas.
7. A coolant pack according to claim 1 wherein the second chamber surrounds the first chamber.
8. A coolant pack according to claim 1 wherein the second chamber is defined by a flexible gas impermeable material,
9. A coolant pack according to claim 1 wherein more than one second chamber is disposed on the first chamber.
10. A coolant pack according to claim 1 wherein more than on second chamber is disposed on the first chamber in a regular aray.
11. A coolant pack according to either claims 9 or 10:
wherein the first chamber has apertures located in at least one area between the plurality of second chambers.
12. A coolant pack according to claim 11 wherein the coolant is a super absorbent coolant.
PCT/AU1989/000168 1988-04-12 1989-04-12 Coolant pack WO1989009913A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPI770388 1988-04-12
AUPI7703 1988-04-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1989009913A1 true WO1989009913A1 (en) 1989-10-19

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1989/000168 WO1989009913A1 (en) 1988-04-12 1989-04-12 Coolant pack

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1989009913A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0534967A1 (en) * 1989-11-14 1993-04-07 Thermo Rite Ag Apparatus for manufacturing flexible containers.
EP0841260A1 (en) * 1996-11-12 1998-05-13 Edwin Francis Tattam Freezable protective pouch
FR2818256A1 (en) * 2000-12-18 2002-06-21 Cool Sarl Eutectic liquid sachet comprises three compartments and is in shape of envelope
FR2854231A1 (en) * 2003-04-22 2004-10-29 Daniel Cholet Casing system for protecting pharmaceutical package content, has inner pouch placed in outer pouch and containing frozen liquid, where inflation of pressure is introduced between pouches to exert counter-pressure between pouches
EP1477751A1 (en) * 2003-05-12 2004-11-17 Kalibox Isothermal package for heat sensitive products and method for its production

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2595328A (en) * 1949-04-29 1952-05-06 Goodrich Co B F Heat-transfer container
US3736769A (en) * 1971-07-01 1973-06-05 Union Carbide Corp Cooling device
GB1383536A (en) * 1972-03-22 1974-02-12 Kay Laboratories Inc Hot or cold pack
GB2014713A (en) * 1978-01-23 1979-08-30 Gilles Gilbert Jacquette A heat-insulated carrier bag
US4311022A (en) * 1980-04-18 1982-01-19 Hall John M Foldable ice pack
US4324111A (en) * 1980-06-19 1982-04-13 Jerry B. Gallant Freezing gel containment structure and method
US4399668A (en) * 1981-09-17 1983-08-23 Williamson Alma J Individual beverage cooler

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2595328A (en) * 1949-04-29 1952-05-06 Goodrich Co B F Heat-transfer container
US3736769A (en) * 1971-07-01 1973-06-05 Union Carbide Corp Cooling device
GB1383536A (en) * 1972-03-22 1974-02-12 Kay Laboratories Inc Hot or cold pack
GB2014713A (en) * 1978-01-23 1979-08-30 Gilles Gilbert Jacquette A heat-insulated carrier bag
US4311022A (en) * 1980-04-18 1982-01-19 Hall John M Foldable ice pack
US4324111A (en) * 1980-06-19 1982-04-13 Jerry B. Gallant Freezing gel containment structure and method
US4399668A (en) * 1981-09-17 1983-08-23 Williamson Alma J Individual beverage cooler

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0534967A1 (en) * 1989-11-14 1993-04-07 Thermo Rite Ag Apparatus for manufacturing flexible containers.
EP0534967B1 (en) * 1989-11-14 1997-05-14 Therma Rite Pty. Ltd. Apparatus for manufacturing flexible containers
EP0841260A1 (en) * 1996-11-12 1998-05-13 Edwin Francis Tattam Freezable protective pouch
FR2818256A1 (en) * 2000-12-18 2002-06-21 Cool Sarl Eutectic liquid sachet comprises three compartments and is in shape of envelope
FR2854231A1 (en) * 2003-04-22 2004-10-29 Daniel Cholet Casing system for protecting pharmaceutical package content, has inner pouch placed in outer pouch and containing frozen liquid, where inflation of pressure is introduced between pouches to exert counter-pressure between pouches
EP1477751A1 (en) * 2003-05-12 2004-11-17 Kalibox Isothermal package for heat sensitive products and method for its production
FR2854875A1 (en) * 2003-05-12 2004-11-19 Kalibox ISOTHERMAL PACKAGING DEVICE FOR TEMPERATURE-SENSITIVE PRODUCTS AND MANUFACTURING METHOD

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