Envelopes – wrappers – and paperboard boxes – Paperboard box – Thermally insulated
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-30
2001-12-04
Elkins, Gary E. (Department: 3727)
Envelopes, wrappers, and paperboard boxes
Paperboard box
Thermally insulated
C220S592250, C229S122340
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325281
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to thermally-insulated packaging and, more particularly, to packaging of the type which may be used for shipping of materials, such as perishable materials, which must be maintained within a certain temperature range.
The shipping or transportation of various perishable materials frequently requires that such materials be maintained in a stable temperature range, either higher or lower than ambient temperatures to which the packaging of the materials will be exposed. Thus, there have heretofore been provided a number of different types of thermally insulated containers. A reusable pallet shipper is sold by ISC, Inc. under the trademark “VAC-INTACT.” The insulation is provided by vacuum insulation panels, each of which includes a vacuum core formed of open-cell polystyrene, and sandwiched between a rigid polyurethane sheet and a protective hard plastic sheet, the foregoing sandwich in turn being sandwiched between a pair of corrugated outer layers, the components all being adhered together. While this arrangement provides very good thermal insulation, it has the disadvantage that, in the event that the vacuum core should be damaged, destroying the vacuum therein, the entire panel assembly must be replaced, since it is of an integral construction.
Thermal Solutions, Inc. sells an insulated container of molded construction, which includes vacuum insulation panels molded in place in the container walls to better protect them from damage. This also provides an effective thermal insulation, but is very expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved thermally insulating container which avoids the disadvantages of prior insulated containers, while affording additional structural and operating advantages.
An important feature of the invention is the provision of a thermally insulating container which is of relatively simple and economical construction.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of a container of the type set forth which is formed of separable layers, so that if one of the layers is damaged only that layer need be replaced.
Certain ones of these and other features of the invention may be attained by providing a thermally insulating container comprising: an outer closable carton, a first insulating housing removably disposed within the outer carton and formed of a first thermally insulating material, a second insulating housing removably disposed within the first housing and formed of a second thermally insulating material, and an inner closable carton removably disposed within the second housing.
The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.
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Elkins Gary E.
Polyfoam Packers Corporation
Seyfarth Shaw
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