Method and apparatus for handling and transporting temperature-sensitive items

• US 6,332,334 B1
• Filed: 05/09/2000
• Issued: 12/25/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: JUNE RAY LIMITED
• Original Assignee: Webvan Group, Inc.
• Inventors: Faryabi, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Bennett, Henry
• Assistant Examiner(s): JIANG, CHEN WEN
• Application Number:
  US09/566,912
• Time in Patent Office: 595 Days
• Field of Search: 623/71, 623/72, 624/572, 624/577, 625/30, 220/495.03, 220/495.06
• US Class Current: 62/371
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/064 the movable parts being an attached or integral cover made of one or two pieces
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/06 Arrangements on packages concerning bar-codes
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 25/16 Loose, or loosely-attached, linings
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/18 providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient with thermal insulation B65D81/38; ice-boxes with cooling means F25D
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3823 formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2331/804 Boxes
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2500/02 Geometry problems
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 3/08 portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 3/14 portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally

Abstract

A container for handling and transporting temperature-sensitive items. The container includes a tote made of a resilient material, the tote including an opening for inserting items and flaps for covering the opening, wherein the tote has dimensions compatible with commercial product-handling equipment. The container further includes a liner sized to fit into the tote. In one embodiment, the liner includes a shell made of a resilient material and shaped to cover the interior surfaces of the tote. The liner has a layer of a temperature insulating material enclosed within the shell. A liner is lid sized to fit securely over the opening of the shell, and in one embodiment, includes a layer of the insulating material and a cavity for inserting a refrigerant material therein.

Claims

1. A container for handling and transporting temperature-sensitive items, comprising:

a tote made of a resilient material, the tote including an opening for inserting items and flaps for covering the opening, wherein the tote has dimensions compatible with commercial product-handling equipment; and

a liner sized to fit into the tote, the liner comprising;

a shell made of a resilient material and shaped to cover the interior surfaces of the tote and having an opening coincident with the opening of the tote;

a layer of a temperature insulating material, the insulating layer enclosed within the shell; and

a lid sized to fit securely over the opening of the shell such that the flaps close over the lid and the shell without interference, the lid comprising;

a layer of the insulating material; and

a compartment adjacent to the layer of the insulating material such that the compartment faces the interior of the liner when the lid is in place on the shell, wherein the compartment is accessible for the insertion of a refrigerant material, and wherein the layer of the insulating material and the compartment are coated by a layer of resilient material.