Refrigeration – Processes – Packaging
Patent
1990-07-30
1991-09-24
King, Lloyd L.
Refrigeration
Processes
Packaging
62438, 624572, 62530, B65B 6308
Patent
active
050503871
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a method of the type stated in the claim and a container therefor.
The quality properties of most fresh foodstuffs are highly affected by the temperature at which the foodstuffs are stored and distributed. On, for example, the producer's side there can be noted a strong trend towards chilled ready-cooked dishes holding a temperature about 0.degree. C. as long as possible from the moment of production until the consumer buys the product in the shop. The essential thing is that the product does not reach a temperature below its freezing-point which may be lower than 0.degree. C. if freezing-point lowering substances, such as salt, are included in the product. In fact, a slow refrigeration at a few degrees below zero deteriorates the structure and certain quality properties of the product.
Since foodstuffs requiring different temperatures are now co-distributed, it is difficult to maintain an unbroken chain of refrigeration around 0.degree. C. for the products which, from the point of view of quality, require such a low temperature without reaching their own freezing-point.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,781,643 illustrates a method and a container for storing and distribution of foodstuffs at a temperature around 0.degree. C. The known method and device, however, involve the use of a number of loose and removable water filled panels or screens to be taken out of the container, inserted in a refrigerating chamber to make the water therein freeze, removed from such chamber and reinserted as a loose jacket inside the foodstuff container; the bottom panel and the wall panels before the packing of the foodstuff and the lid, after such packing.
The object of the invention is to provide an improved method and arrangement in a container permitting the temperature to be maintained within limits set, where the manual handling of cooling panels, screens or the like is entirely eliminated and a sturdy, easy to handle, load and unload container.
The characteristic features of the invention are stated in the appended claims.
The invention is based on the idea that the product which is to be held at a fixed temperature, is shut off from the surroundings and enclosed in a container but together with products requiring the same temperature, the container being designed in such manner that it comprises a compartment which encloses the space for the products and holds a medium capable of storing cold. The medium is to be of such a type that it requires, because of its physical properties, a considerable supply of heat which is taken from the products, before its storing capacity decreases. Water is such a medium.
By integrating the pre-filled compartments in the walls, in the bottom and in the lid or in like, no extra measures--as compared with the handling of ordinary non-cool transport containers--are necessary but for the simple added measure to park the empty container with its door opened inside a freeze room until the water in the walls is frozen and the container is ready to be packed or taken out and be packed. There are no loose objects to be removed and inserted and of course no extra cleaning to be done beyond the normal cleaning of any foodstuff container.
The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, partly in section, of a container adapted to the method according to the invention,
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the wall in a modified embodiment, and
FIG. 3 is a similar cross-sectional view of a portion of the wall in another modified embodiment.
The container 1 comprises an outer wall 2 and an inner wall 3 which define compartments 4. The compartments extend not only along the sides but also along the bottom which is also designed with a double wall. Also the lid which is designated 5, is provided with an outer layer 2 and an inner layer 3 which define a compartment 4. All said compartments are adapted to be filled with water with or without freezing-point affecting additives.
The cont
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King Lloyd L.
Pallet-Cooler KB
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