WO2001025701A1

WO2001025701A1 - Container

Info

Publication number: WO2001025701A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/003756
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nigel Carley
Original assignee: The Medicsafe Corporation Limited
Priority date: 1999-10-01
Filing date: 2000-09-29
Publication date: 2001-04-12
Also published as: GB9923125D0; AU7539200A

Abstract

A device for transportation and/or storage of items under temperature-controlled conditions, comprising thermally insulated container (10) means having lid means (26) openable for access to the interior of the container (10); and heat pump means (23) operable to cause heat transfer between the interior of the container (10) and the external environment, and able to be powered electrically from an external electrical power source and alternatively from electrical power storage means (38) carried by the container (10).

Description

Title: Container

Description of Invention

This invention relates to a container for storage and/or transportation of items whose temperature is required to be controlled, e.g. by refrigeration relative to typical ambient temperatures.

The invention has been developed in relation to the storage and/or transportation of medical supplies, for example drugs or vaccines, for human or animal use. Many drugs or vaccines deteriorate if not kept at a temperature within a narrow range, and usually the temperature for satisfactory storage is below typical ambient temperatures in temperate climates. Hence refrigeration is required. Such refrigeration can easily be provided where products are manufactured, and in their distribution to and storage at pharmacies. However problems can arise if, for example, a medical or veterinary practitioner has to attend premises away from his base, possibly involving travel over relatively long distances. For example a veterinary practitioner might have to visit several farms at remote locations in the course of a working day and take a range of products which might need to be used. Use of a simple "cold box" would probably not provide adequate temperature control.

A further situation in which temperature control problems can arise is that when a drug which has to be taken regularly needs to be stored at home for self-administration: a domestic refrigerator might not control the storage temperature with the required degree of accuracy. An example of a substance in relation to which such storage problems can arise is insulin, required by persons having the condition of diabetes. Particular problems can arise when a diabetic person undertakes a journey e.g. for a holiday: an adequate supply of insulin for the necessary time has to be transported under suitable conditions and stored at the destination. If safe storage conditions are not maintained, the substance in question can deteriorate with potentially hazardous consequences, or at least necessitating safe controlled disposal of the unused substance and the obtaining of a fresh supply.

It is broadly the object of the present invention to address these needs. Further objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out hereafter.

According to one aspect of the invention, I provide a device for transportation and/or storage of items under temperature-controlled conditions, comprising thermally insulated container means having lid means openable for access to the interior of the container; and heat pump means operable to cause heat transfer between the interior of the container and the external environment, and able to be powered electrically from an external electrical power source and alternatively from electrical power storage means earned by the container.

The heat pump means conveniently comprises a solid state device utilising the Peltier effect. Such a device is able to operate in a mode to effect cooling of the interior of the container by transferring energy therefrom to the external environment, and is also able to operate in the opposite sense, i.e. to cause heat energy to be transferred to the interior of the container from the external environment. In most cases, when the device according to the invention is used for storage and/or transportation of drugs or the like in temperate climates, the heat pump means will be required to operate in the first mode, as a cooling means.

The heat pump means may include or have associated therewith a fan means for causing circulation of air within the container to ensure required temperature control throughout its interior or parts thereof. Temperature sensors may be provided within the container, and a suitable control means for causing operation of the heat pump means as required in view of the temperature sensed by one or more such sensors. Preferably the desired temperature or range of temperatures is able to be set by the user to suit an item or items which is to be contained. The electrical power storage means may comprise at least one rechargeable battery or battery pack. Any appropriate type of rechargeable battery may be utilised, e.g. lead-acid batteries or batteries of the lithium ion type. Modem rechargeable batteries are able to store sufficient electrical power for operating the device, under typical conditions, for at least twenty-four hours and preferably of the order of forty-eight hours without connection to an external power source.

External connection may be to a low voltage power source, e.g. derived from a mains electrical power by way of a suitable power supply unit, or to the electrical system of a motor vehicle.

It will be appreciated from the above that a device in accordance with the invention is able to provide storage for drugs or the like under controlled temperature conditions for a long time when electrically powered from an external source, and is able to be used for transportation of the drugs or the like whilst maintaining the temperature controlled conditions by virtue of its own electiical power source afforded by its electrical power storage means.

The container may take the general form of a double-skinned box of suitable configuration, e.g. of plastics material with thermal insulation of, for example, expanded (foamed) plastics material between the inner and outer skins. If, however, a more robust device were required, an outer container of metal or other damage-resistant material might be utilised.

The interior of the container may be configured, or include a part which is configured, to hold a required number of items such as glass bottles or phials in which small quantities of drugs, vaccines or the like characteristically are supplied, and to protect same against shock if for example the device is dropped. It may have a further part or parts adapted to cany differently sized and/or shaped items, e.g. larger bottles of substances. The interior of the container may include parts which are able to be reconfigured to cany different numbers of differently sized and/or shaped items as required, or removed and replaced by alternative parts if different items are to be carried.

The lid means may include separate parts openable for access to different parts of the interior of the container.

Preferably there is locking means for locking the lid means in a closed position, and electrically operable means for releasing the locking means to permit opening of the lid means. This enables items earned in the container to be kept secure from unauthorised access.

The electrically operable means for releasing the locking means may require the inputting of a code for this purpose. A code may be inputted by means of a key pad, touch screen, or the like, and possibly the inputting of the same or a different code may also be required to lock the locking means. The facility may be provided for the user to set the code or codes as required.

The container may have associated therewith a data-storage means, and a display means, e.g. an LCD display, by which information pertaining to the container and its use may be stored and displayed as required. By way of example and not limitation, such data may include: date and time of opening and closing the container a record of the temperature maintained inside the container the state of charge of the batteries in the container and the length of time for which the device can be expected to function in accordance with the state of such charge any pertinent information and/or instructions relating to the contents of the device or the operation and use of the device.

To provide any of the above mentioned facilities, the device will require a microprocessor-based data processing system having suitable software.

The device may be adapted to be used with or communicate with an external data-processing system, e.g. a practice-management system providing for, for example, inventory control. It may be provided with scanning means, e.g. a bar code scanner, for identifying items removed from the container and recording their use. Further facilities may be provided, such as for example the printing of labels for dispensed items and the maintenance of all records.

The device may be adapted to incorporate a small computing device, e.g. a palm-top computer or "personal digital assistant" for use of any of the above facilities, and such a computing device is preferably removable. It may be adapted, alternatively or in addition, to be connected to a fixed PC or lap-top PC for such purposes.

The container may have an elongate tethering element, e.g. a carrying strap, which may be usable to lock the container to a fixed item if required. For security, means may be provided for detecting interference with such an element if it is so used, e.g. by providing for the element to cany a small electrical cuπent the inteιτuption of which will be detected if it is cut, broken or otherwise interfered with.

Such a tethering element may foim part of a locking means for locking the lid means of the device.

The device in accordance with the invention may incorporate an alarm, providing an audible and/or visible signal if the device is tampered with, e.g. if an attempt is made to open it by force when it is locked, a succession of inconect unlocking codes are inputted, its elongate tethering element is interfered with, or otherwise.

Alternatively or in addition to an audible and/or visible alarm, the device may incorporate a transmitter operable to transmit an alaπn signal to a receiving station and to cooperate with a GPS (global positioning system), so that the location of the device at any time can be identified. Thus if the device is stolen, it can be traced.

For use when the device is to be canned in a motor vehicle, it may be adapted to be connected to a car alaπn circuit so that unauthorised removal of the device from the car operates the car alarm. Conversely the car alarm, if activated, may be caused to operate the alarm associated with the device.

The principles and as many of the above-refeπed to features of the device, as required, may be incorporated in any convenient physical configuration of the device according to the purpose for which it is to be used. For example a device intended to be used by a medical or veterinary practitioner as a "portable dispensaiy" will need, in general, to be much larger than one which is to be used by an individual, e.g. a diabetic. However, in the latter case the container may provide for packing not only of a supply of insulin and the means for administering same, but also of a blood-sugar testing kit to enable the user to monitor the condition and use the insulin as appropriate.

The container may be able to be placed on a base by which an electrical power supply can be established with it, the base being connectable to an external power source and the base and container having respective complemeniaiy connecting formation. The container and/or the base may be provided with suitable data ports of standard form.

The container may be provided with one or more wheels, castors or the like, by which its movement over a ground surface may be facilitated.

The invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view, from the opposite side, of the device.

Refeπϊng to the drawings, these show a container indicated generally at 10, whose configuration and construction are seen most clearly in Figure 2. The container comprises an outer body part 11 with a closed base and side walls 12, 13 and end walls 14, 15 extending upwardly therefrom. The body part 1 1 is generally rectangular in plan view, although its side and end walls 12 to 15 are slightly outwardly curved and the comers therebetween are radiused. Within the upper part of the body part 11 there is disposed an internal component part 16 with a horizontal partition part 17 which divides the interior of the body 11 into upper and lower regions, and walls 18, 19, 20 upstanding from the partition part 17 and which lie against the interior of the end wall 14, side wall 13, and end wall 15 respectively. Above the part 16 there is disposed a part 21 which is in the form of an open-topped box extending downwardly from a peripheral flange 22 seating on the upper edge of the walls 12 to 15 of the body 11.

Above the partition part 15 adjacent the upper part of the side wall 12 of the body 1 1 a space is defined between the parts 16, 21 to accommodate a heating/cooling unit indicated generally at 23. This is a solid state device utilising the Peltier effect, and is able when electrically energised to transfer heat energy in either direction across the device, between a surface in thermal communication with the interior of the container and a surface communicating with the exterior. It includes heat-dissipation surfaces, and apertures 24 are provided in the body part 11 for access of ambient air to the heat pump 23. The heat pump incorporates a fan which may be for causing circulation of air within the container to maintain a required temperature throughout its interior or parts thereof, and forced circulation of air from the exterior of the container to the heat pump may also be provided.

Within the part 21 there is disposed an article-storage part 25 which conveniently may be configured to hold items such as the small glass bottles or phials in which small quantities, e.g. individual doses, of drugs, vaccines or the like characteristically are supplied. Preferably it holds such items in such a way as to protect them against shock if, for example, the container should be dropped.

Pivotally connected to the part 21 there is a lid 26, openable for access to the storage part 25. Interconnecting hinge formations by which the lid 26 is pivotally connected to the part 21 are indicated at 27, 28, and at the opposite end of the lid 26 there is a locking means which is operated by cooperation with an elongate tethering element 29 shown in Figure 1 only. The tethering element 29, which is captive to the lid 26 at its one end 30, has its other end able to be inserted in an aperture 31 in the lid when the lid is closed, to lock it in this condition. Unlocking is effected electrically by input of a code, e.g. by use of a keypad as refeπed to hereafter. The aπangement of the lid and its locking device preferably is generally similar to that described in published International Application No.WO00/36947.

Further storage parts in the foπn of two slidably-openable drawers 33, 34 extend into the body part 1 1 of the container beneath the partition 17, through the end wall 15. A further slidably and/or tiltably openable storage part 35 extends through the wall 13 into the lower part of the body 11. This storage compartment is usable for carrying larger phials and/or bottles, e.g. up to 500ml capacity, and may include means for holding such bottles upright and preventing them from contacting one another. The drawers 33, 34 may be used for canying instruments, consumable materials, or anything else required.

All the above described parts of the device in accordance with the invention preferably take the foπn of mouldings of a suitable plastics material or materials. The general construction of the container includes thermal insulation where appropriate, preferably by providing an insulating material between inner and outer parts of the container In particular, a high degree of insulation such as that provided by the incorporation of a foamed plastics material may be provided between the storage part 25 and the part 21, whilst the lid 26 is of "double skinned" construction with insulating material incorporated therebetween. As it is close to the heat pump means 23, a high degree of thermal insulation and temperature control within tight limits may be achieved in respect of items stored in the part 25, whilst such items stored in other parts of the container whilst still being under temperature-controlled conditions, might not have their temperature controlled to within such tight limits. However, if desired, appropriate thermal insulation and heat transfer paths may be provided for temperature control within tight limits throughout the interior of the container.

The body part 11 of the container is provided with two wheels or glides 36, enabling it to be relatively easily pulled over a ground surface if its contents make it too heavy easily to be earned.

As referred to in the introductory part of the present specification, the container requires a control system which controls operation of the heat pump means to maintain a required temperature in a part or parts of the container interior. One or more temperature sensors have to be provided and facilities preferably are provided for the user to set a required temperature depending on what is being stored or carried in the container. For the user to set such things, data input means and display means may be provided, e.g. a keypad and display or "touch screen" providing both functions. They may be provided on the lid of the container. All other data storage/processing facilities referred to in the introductory part of the specification may be provided and, by way of example, a removable "palmtop" device for communicating with the functions of the container is indicated at 37. There is also preferably incorporated an alarm system having any or all of the capabilities above refeπed to.

An electrical power supply for all the above functions is derived from a pack indicated generally at 38 of rechargeable batteries of any appropriate type, fitted beneath the storage part 35. Such batteiy packs may be recharged in situ if the container is connected to a mains electricity supply or a low voltage power supply where one is available, or may be removable and replaceable by a fresh batteiy pack(s) when required. Preferably the batteiy pack(s) provide sufficient electrical power storage capacity to enable the functions of the container to operate satisfactorily for twenty-four to forty-eight hours away from an external power supply, under average temperate climate conditions. All, or substantially all, the electrical circuitry and electronic devices providing for the above-described functions of the device in accordance with the invention may be provided in a part 39 thereof extending downwardly within the body from the part 16 thereof.

Thus the invention provides a container device which addresses the requirements herein first described for secure and temperature controlled storage of drugs or the like. It will be appreciated that the device may be of any convenient size or any physical foπn suitable for the use for which it is intended, e.g. use by an individual, a medical, or veterinaiy practitioner, or otherwise. In some cases, not all the facilities above described will be needed, in which case one or more of the features above described may be omitted.

In the present specification "comprise" means "includes or consists of and "comprising" means "including or consisting of.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for perfoπning the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A device for transportation and/or storage of items under temperature- controlled conditions, comprising thermally insulated container means having lid means openable for access to the interior of the container; and heat pump means operable to cause heat transfer between the interior of the container and the external environment, and able to be powered electrically from an external electrical power source and alternatively from electrical power storage means caπied by the container.

2. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the heat pump means comprises a solid state device.

3. A device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the heat pump means includes or has associated therewith a fan means for causing circulation of air within the container.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising control means for causing operation of the heat pump means as required in view of the temperature sensed by one or more temperature sensors within the container.

5. A device according to Claim 4 wherein the desired temperature or range of temperatures is able to be set by the user to suit an item or items which is to be contained.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electiical power storage means comprises at least one rechargeable battery or batteiy pack.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims which is adapted for external connection to a low voltage power source.

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container comprises a double-skinned bo. of suitable configuration with thermal insulation between inner and outer skins.

9. A device according to Claim 8 wherein the container is predominantly of plastics material.

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the interior of the container includes a part which is configured securely to hold a number of separate items.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lid means includes separate parts openable for access to different parts of the interior of the container.

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there is locking means for locking the lid means in a closed position, and electrically operable means for releasing the locking ni€ans to permit opening of the lid means.

13. A device according to Claim 12 wherein the electrically operable means for releasing the locking means requires the inputting of a code for this purpose.

14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a data-storage means.

15. A device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a display means by which information pertaining to the container and its use may be displayed.

16. A device according to any of the preceding claims which is adapted to be used with or communicate with an external data-processing system.

17. A device according to any one of the preceding claims which is adapted to incorporate a removable computing device.

18. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container has an elongate tethering element usable to lock the container to a fixed item.

19. A device according to Claim 18 further comprising means for detecting interference with said tethering element.

20. A device according to Claim 18 or Claim 19 wherein said tethering element forms part of a locking means for locking the lid means of the device.

21. A device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an alarm, operable if the device is tampered with.

22. A device according to Claim 21 wherein said alarm is operable to transmit an alarm signal to a receiving station.

23. A device according to Claim 21 or Claim 22 wherein said alarm is adapted to cooperate with a global positioning system.

24. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container is provided with one or more wheels, castors or the like.

25. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

26. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.