阅读说明：本技术 杂货运送系统及在可密封的容器中递送冷藏货物的方法 (grocery delivery system and method of delivering refrigerated goods in a sealable container ) 是由 卡尔·法尔格伦 芒努斯·吉尔马克 于 2015-05-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及一种杂货运送系统以及一种在可密封的容器中递送冷藏货物的方法。该杂货运送系统包括：用于货物的储存设备；储存设备包括具有受控环境的一个或几个储存室,在该受控环境下空气的温度和相对湿度控制为将保持在一定预定范围内；其中货物包括分类到不同温度范围内的多种不同类型的货物,将每种类型的货物储存在相应的具有根据相应货物温度范围的温度的储存室中；装载设备,其用于使得能够将冷藏货物或冷冻货物塞入可闭合且可密封的容器中；所述装载设备包括多个所述容器,以在将所述冷藏货物或冷冻货物在大气环境中分配时使用；递送车辆,其用于当所述容器装有预定量的冷藏或冷冻货物时将所述容器运送至递送目的地。(The present application relates to a grocery delivery system and a method of delivering refrigerated goods in a sealable container. The grocery delivery system includes: a storage facility for goods; the storage facility comprises one or several storage chambers having a controlled environment in which the temperature and relative humidity of the air are controlled to be kept within certain predetermined ranges; wherein the goods include a plurality of different types of goods classified into different temperature ranges, each type of goods being stored in a corresponding storage chamber having a temperature according to the corresponding temperature range of the goods; a loading device for enabling chilled or frozen goods to be stuffed into a closable and sealable container; the load device comprising a plurality of said containers for use in dispensing said refrigerated or frozen goods in an atmospheric environment; a delivery vehicle for transporting the container to a delivery destination when the container is filled with a predetermined amount of refrigerated or frozen goods.)

1. A grocery delivery system comprising:

A storage device (600) for goods; the storage facility comprises one or several storage chambers having a controlled environment, wherein the temperature and relative humidity of the air in the storage chamber are controlled such that the temperature and relative humidity of the air are maintained within certain predetermined ranges; wherein

The cargo comprises a plurality of different types of cargo classified into different temperature ranges (TI, TII, TIII, TIV), each type of cargo being stored in a respective storage compartment (650) having a temperature according to the respective cargo temperature range (TI, TII, TIII, TIV)_TI、650_TII、650_TIII、650_TIV) Performing the following steps;

A loading device for enabling the loading of refrigerated or frozen goods into a closable and sealable container (20); the loading device comprises a plurality of said closable and sealable containers (20) for use when dispensing said refrigerated or frozen goods in an atmospheric environment;

A delivery vehicle for transporting the closable and sealable container (20) to a delivery destination when the closable and sealable container is filled with a predetermined amount of the refrigerated or frozen goods, wherein such closable and sealable container comprises:

A wall adapted to enclose an interior storage space for transporting the refrigerated and/or frozen goods, the wall being shaped and adapted to form the interior storage space for a volume of at least 10 litres; the wall includes:

a) a layer of material having a thermal conductivity of less than 0.2W/(K m); and

b) A substantially water vapor impermeable film bonded to at least one side of the layer of material; and

c) A closable opening such that the container in a closed state substantially seals the interior storage space from the environment to minimize or prevent air from entering the interior storage space from the environment; and wherein

The material layer has a thickness of more than 0.133N/mm²The tensile strength of (2).

2. The grocery delivery system of claim 1 comprising:

A server computer (540) having a communication port for communicating via the internet.

3. A method of delivering refrigerated goods in a sealable container comprising the steps of:

Receiving an order for a quantity of refrigerated goods; and loading a quantity of refrigerated goods into a closable container for use in an atmospheric environment, the container having:

a wall adapted to enclose an interior storage space for transporting refrigerated and/or frozen goods, said wall being shaped and adapted to form said interior storage space for a volume of at least 10 litres; the wall includes:

a) A layer of material having a thermal conductivity of less than 0.2W/(K m); and

b) a substantially water vapor impermeable film bonded to at least one side of the layer of material; and

c) A closable opening such that the container in a closed state substantially seals the interior storage space from the environment to minimize or prevent air from entering the interior storage space from the environment; and wherein

the material layer has a thickness of more than 0.133N/mm²The tensile strength of (2); and, the method further comprises the steps of:

loading the container with goods initially chilled or frozen; and is

Transporting the loaded container to a Delivery Destination (DD).

Technical Field

The present application relates to a container for transporting refrigerated or frozen goods. The present application also relates to a foldable, handleably carried grocery shopping bag. It also relates to a method for providing a collapsible carrier bag, a method for providing a carrier bag, and a method of delivering groceries. The application also relates to a grocery shopping bag package that can be carried by a handle. It also relates to a kit of parts comprising a shopping bag, and to a grocery delivery system.

background

Grocery stores are retail stores that sell primarily food. In modern grocery stores, a piece of grocery, or a piece of food items, may be provided in individual packages, the size of which is adapted to contain a quantity of food intended to be convenient for the customer. Thus, a grocery customer may choose to purchase a food item by selecting a plurality of food item packages. The purchase process typically involves a customer collecting several packages of food items in a physically transported shopping cart and transporting the cart to a cash register or cash register for payment. Once the customer has purchased the collected packages of food items, the customer is faced with the problem of shipping the collected grocery items from the grocery store. As a result, grocery stores often provide shopping bags for enabling customers to carry groceries from the store in a convenient manner.

German utility model application DE 8904678 discloses such a shopping bag for groceries. The shopping bag according to DE 8904678 is made of paper only and has handles attached to the open upper portions of the side walls to enable the grocery shopping bag to be conveniently carried. According to DE 8904678, the production of paper bags consists in forming a tubular web (web, roll) from a flat sheet of paper by placing the two edges so that they overlap. The overlapping areas are bonded to form a tubular web. The tubular web is folded to form a carrier bag having four sides and a square bottom. The embodiment of the shopping bag disclosed in DE 8904678 also has two handles made of reinforced paper strips. Each handle is made by folding a strip of paper to form a U-shape. The two ends of the U-shaped handle strip of the handle are glued (at a distance a from each other) to the outer surface of one side wall of the bag.

Another shopping bag is disclosed by US 2013/0315507. More specifically, US 2013/0315507 discloses a bag made of paper, the essential feature of which is that the handle for grasping and carrying the bag is embedded in its own body, formed by a number of punched holes. The die-cut hole is located at a sufficient distance from the top edge of the paper bag to allow some folding to be performed and to close the paper bag in such a way that the die-cut hole is located just below the crease allowing the fingers of the user to pass through to grasp the paper bag.

Disclosure of Invention

Based on the prior art, the problem to be solved by an aspect of the invention is how to achieve an improvement but still cost-effective transport of goods with containers.

This problem is solved with a grocery delivery system comprising:

A storage facility for goods; the storage facility includes one or more storage chambers having a controlled environment for controlling the temperature and relative humidity of the air in the storage chamber such that the temperature and relative humidity of the air are maintained within certain predetermined ranges; wherein

The goods comprise a plurality of different types of goods classified into different temperature ranges, and each type of goods is stored in a corresponding storage chamber with a temperature according to the corresponding temperature range of the goods;

a loading device for enabling the packaging of refrigerated or frozen goods into a closable and sealable container; said loading facility comprising a plurality of said closable and sealable containers for use in dispensing said refrigerated or frozen goods in an atmospheric environment;

A delivery vehicle for transporting the closable and sealable container to a delivery destination when it is filled with a predetermined amount of refrigerated or frozen goods, wherein such container comprises:

A wall adapted to enclose an internal storage space for transporting refrigerated and/or frozen goods, the wall being shaped to form said internal storage space for a volume of at least 10 litres; the wall includes:

a) a layer of material having a thermal conductivity of less than 0.2W/(K m); and

b) A substantially water vapor impermeable film bonded to at least one side of the layer of material; and

c) The opening is closable such that the container in its closed state substantially seals the internal storage space from the environment to minimize or prevent air from entering the internal storage space from the environment; and wherein

The material layer has a thickness of more than 0.133N/mm²The tensile strength of (2).

Drawings

For a simple understanding of the invention, the invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an environment 10 in which an embodiment of a grocery bag 20 may be used.

FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of a single folded grocery shopping bag 20A.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the folded grocery shopping bag 20A; and

Fig. 4 is a rear view of the folded grocery shopping bag 20A.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the folded grocery shopping bag 20A as seen in the direction of arrow a in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the open unfolded state 20B. In fig. 6, the folds of the paper wall are shown, and also several parts on the inside of the shopping bag are indicated.

FIG. 7 is another front view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the open unfolded state 20B, showing the appearance of one embodiment of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20, 20B.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the open unfolded state 20B.

Fig. 9 is a front view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed unfolded state 20C.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed unfolded state 20C.

Fig. 11 is a front view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed unfolded state 20C.

Fig. 12 is a side view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed unfolded state 20C, as seen in the direction of arrow B in fig. 11.

fig. 12B to 12D show a part of a kraft paper wall layer.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the wall material at the point indicated by arrow C in fig. 11.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of one embodiment of a closure device 240.

Fig. 15 is a representation of kraft pulp fibers.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of one embodiment of a first elongate closure element 240A and a second elongate closure element 240B.

Fig. 17A is a perspective view of a portion of the closure device 240 shown in fig. 14.

Fig. 17B is a side view of the closure device 240.

Fig. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment of an insulator device.

FIG. 19 is a front view of one embodiment of an unfolded grocery shopping bag in an open unfolded state, resting on the side of one embodiment of a collapsible grocery cold pack.

FIG. 20 is a front view of one embodiment of a package of grocery cold-stored shopping bags that may be carried by a handle.

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a system for delivering groceries.

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a storage apparatus including a plurality of storage compartments.

fig. 23A-23C are schematic block diagrams of an embodiment of a method for delivering refrigerated or frozen goods according to an embodiment.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of one embodiment of a substantially sealed container.

Fig. 25 is a graphical representation of the test results.

Fig. 26 shows an example of a graph of the development of temperature over time in two locations of ice cubes placed in a bag.

Fig. 27 shows an example of a graph of the temperature development over time in two locations in a 4.7 litre freshwater tank placed in a bag.

Fig. 28 shows a side view of an elongated closure element.

Fig. 29A to 29C are illustrations of examples of the closing element.

fig. 30A to 30B are flowcharts of a method for providing shopping bags.

fig. 31 illustrates a method for providing a shipping container.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart of a method for providing a handle.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart of a method for providing a closure for a shipping container.

Fig. 34A is a front view of the cone-shaped container in an expanded state.

Fig. 34B is an illustration of a cone-shaped container in a flattened state.

Fig. 35A-35B are illustrations of stacked cone-shaped containers.

Fig. 36A-36B show front and plan views, respectively, of a container having a truncated cone.

Fig. 37A to 37C are illustrations of an example of how the folding described with respect to fig. 43 and 44 is applied to a bag having the base pattern of fig. 40.

Fig. 38A to 38C are illustrations of an example of how the folding described with respect to fig. 43 and 44 is applied to a bag having the base pattern of fig. 40.

Fig. 39 is an illustration of a method for providing a closure to a bag.

Fig. 40 is an illustration of one example of a predetermined pattern.

Fig. 40A to 40N are illustrations of possible steps of how the predetermined pattern of fig. 40 is shaped and folded to obtain a bag.

Fig. 41 is an illustration of one example of a predetermined pattern.

Fig. 42 is an illustration of one example of a predetermined pattern.

Fig. 43 shows a projection at the front panel.

fig. 44 shows a side view of the protrusion.

Fig. 45A to 45C are illustrations of examples of the handle.

FIG. 46A is an illustration of a shopping bag with a handle in a flattened state.

Fig. 46B is an illustration of the bag in an expanded state.

Fig. 47 is an illustration of a cord provided as a handle.

Fig. 48A-48E are illustrations of different types of attached closures.

FIG. 49 is an illustration of one example of providing a closure element.

Detailed Description

In the following description, similar features in different embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an environment 10 in which a container 20 for goods may be used. According to one embodiment, the container 20 is a grocery bag 20. The environment may include a grocery store 30, with a large number of grocery items 40 being offered in the grocery store 30. A piece of grocery 40, or food item 40, in a modern grocery store 30 may be provided in a separate package 40A, the grocery package 40A being sized to contain a quantity of packaged food 40B intended for customer convenience.

Thus, a grocery store customer 60 may select to purchase a food item by selecting a plurality of food item packages 40. The purchase process may generally include a customer walking through a grocery store while collecting several food item packages 40 in a physically transported shopping cart 70 and transporting the cart to a cash register 80, or cash register 80, for payment.

Grocery packages 40 collected by customers 60 may include fresh produce, such as fruit or mushrooms, which may be provided in individual portion-sized packages or containers 40A. Fresh agricultural products can be provided at cool temperatures of about 15-18 degrees celsius. Thus, some grocery items may be provided at a first cool temperature range of approximately 15-18 degrees Celsius.

Groceries may include dairy products such as milk, cream, and butter. The dairy product may be provided in separate individual packages and it may be provided in a refrigerator at a temperature of about 6-8 degrees celsius. The size of the individual dairy product packages may typically range from about 100g to about 4 kg. Dairy packages intended for use in private homes usually have a size between 200g and 2 kg. For example, milk may be provided in carton packages, e.g. Tetra containing e.g. 1 litre of milk weighing about 1kgand (6) packaging. Thus, some grocery items may be provided at a second non-refrigerated cold temperature range. The non-freezing cold temperature range may be in the range of approximately +6 to +8 degrees celsius. Alternatively, the non-freezing cool temperature range may be in the range of approximately +1 to +4 degrees Celsius.

Groceries that may be collected by a customer may also include frozen food packages 40 provided in a freezer within the grocery store. Thus, a customer may collect frozen food items 40B directly from the ice bin for delivery at a temperature of, for example, about-18 degrees Celsius. The frozen food 40B may be individually packaged in, for example, a carton 40A. The frozen food product may include, for example, frozen fish, frozen meat, frozen vegetables. The frozen food product may have been frozen in its original state or it may be provided in a ready-prepared manner so that it can be eaten after thawing or heating. Thus, some grocery items may be provided at a freezing temperature range of about-18 degrees celsius or colder. Typically, frozen goods do not suffer any damage when chilled to temperatures below-18 degrees celsius, and therefore frozen grocery goods can be provided at freezing temperatures in the range of-25 to-40 degrees celsius. Providing frozen goods in such a low temperature range may advantageously extend the time required for the frozen goods to warm towards the lowest freezing temperature (e.g., -10 or-4 degrees celsius).

To achieve cost-effective handling of goods 40 for sale in a grocery store, the grocery store will typically receive a plurality of food items, each of which is typically received in bulk, i.e., each received food item type is received as a large number of smaller packages. As noted above, the smaller package is adapted to contain a quantity of packaged food 40B intended to be convenient to a customer who typically only sells one or a few packs of each item.

Similarly, it is important to provide grocery bags 20 in bulk to grocery stores to allow for cost savings. Accordingly, grocery bags 20 should preferably be foldable. Advantageously, collapsible grocery bags 20 may be delivered to grocery stores in bulk, requiring a very small storage volume, thereby contributing to cost savings. Thus, a large number of collapsible grocery bags in collapsed state 20A may be advantageously delivered, enabling the carrying of grocery bags in substantially flattened state 20A. In this manner, a large number of collapsible grocery bags may be conveniently provided at a location in a grocery store. In this manner, a customer may conveniently collect and carry a desired number of grocery bags to carry groceries.

According to another embodiment, the container 20 may be shaped in such a way that a plurality of containers 20 may be stacked on top of each other in a space-saving manner. An example of such a space-saving shape is a conical container. In this way, a plurality of cone-shaped containers can be stacked by placing one cone-shaped container on top of another, so that the space required to store 10 containers is only slightly larger than the space required to store 1 cone-shaped container. According to one embodiment, the container may be shaped as a truncated cone, such that a substantially flat bottom region is provided within the truncated cone container, with the cone walls sloping outwardly from the bottom region. In this way, truncated cone containers can also be stacked or stacked, such that one container is placed within the next substantially identical container, thereby enabling a large number of stacked containers to be transported in a very small space. This feature of the container advantageously helps to enable bulk shipping of the containers 20 at low cost.

As described below, the folded grocery bag 20A, including kraft paper, has a balanced stiffness and flexibility that allows it to be simply unfolded. In its expanded state 20C, the grocery bags provide an internal storage space large enough to carry multiple grocery packages, even when each grocery bag is greater than 1 liter. According to some embodiments, the carrier bag has a volume of between 10 and 50 litres in the unfolded state of the carrier bag.

after the desired combination of grocery packages 40 have been collected in the physical shipping cart 70, the customer 60 may ship the cart to a cash register 80, or cash register 80, for payment.

referring to FIG. 1, a customer 60 may collect folded grocery bags 20A from a stack 90 of folded grocery bags 20A. The customer 60 can then unfold the grocery shopping bag 20A to its open unfolded state 20B (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 8) so that it is ready to be loaded with groceries.

FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of a single folded grocery shopping bag 20A.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the folded grocery shopping bag 20A; and

Fig. 4 is a rear view of the folded grocery shopping bag 20A.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the folded grocery shopping bag 20A as seen in the direction of arrow a in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the open unfolded state 20B. In fig. 6, the folds of the paper wall are shown, and also several parts on the inside of the shopping bag are indicated.

FIG. 7 is another front view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the open unfolded state 20B, showing the appearance of one embodiment of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20, 20B.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the open unfolded state 20B.

When the unfolded grocery bag 20 has been filled with the refrigerated or frozen grocery packaging 40, the unfolded grocery bag 20 can be closed.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed unfolded state 20C, showing the appearance of one embodiment of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed state 20C.

fig. 10 is a top plan view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed unfolded state 20C.

Fig. 11 is a front view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed unfolded state 20C.

fig. 12 is a side view of the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed unfolded state 20C, as seen in the direction of arrow B in fig. 11.

As shown in fig. 12, the unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed unfolded state 20C may have a larger cross-sectional area a1 near the bottom panel 140 and a smaller cross-sectional area a2 near the closed opening (i.e., near the edge portion 150). As schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, the grocery shopping bag 20 in the closed expanded state 20C may have a generally tapered shape with a greater cross-sectional area near the bottom panel and a smaller cross-sectional area near the opening.

Thus, the foldable, handleable grocery shopping bag 20 is suitable for use in an atmospheric environment. The carrier bag has a folded condition 20A (see fig. 2, 3 and 4) for enabling transportation of the carrier bag in a substantially flat condition.

As described above, the carrier bag may also have an expanded condition 20B, 20C such that the carrier bag in its expanded condition may provide an interior storage space 100 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) for shipping the refrigerated and/or frozen grocery packages 40 (see FIG. 8). The carrier bag may comprise a paper layer which is shaped and folded to form:

Front wall panel 110, S1A (see figure 3),

The rear wall panel 120, S1B (see figure 4),

Two side wall panels 130A, S2A, 130B, S2B (see fig. 11); and

A bottom panel 140 (see fig. 4).

Wall panels, namely, a front wall panel 110, a rear wall panel 120, two side wall panels 130A and 130B, and a bottom panel 140, may cooperate to form the internal storage space 100. In the unfolded state of the carrier bag, the internal storage space 100 may have a volume of more than 10 litres. The volume depends on the dimensions of the bottom panel and the wall panel.

The edge portions 150 of the wall panels 110, 120, 130A, and 130B opposite the pouch bottom panel 140 can provide a pouch opening 160 (fig. 6 and 7). The carrier bag may further comprise a first handle 170A connected to the edge portions 150, 150A of the front wall panel S1A. The first handle 170A may be shaped and sized to allow grasping with a human hand, for example, to enable convenient carrying of grocery shopping bags. In some businesses that use shopping bags, it is necessary to consider providing handles for the shopping bags, since grocery shopping bags that can be carried with the handles are considered a basic customer convenience requirement. Thus, in some instances, grocery bags that can be carried by a handle or a pair of handles are considered a basic customer convenience requirement. According to some embodiments, it is thereby advantageous to provide the carrier bag with one integral handle, or a pair of integral handles, such that a grocery carrier bag is provided that is portable with the handles. This solution advantageously allows a person to carry the filled bag in a convenient and ergonomically advantageous manner by means of the built-in handle or handles.

As described above, the carrier bag may have an open expanded condition 20B (FIGS. 6 and 7) for loading and/or unloading grocery packages to be shipped, and a closed expanded condition 20C (see FIGS. 9 and 10). In its closed, expanded state 20C, the shopping bag may provide a substantially closed interior storage space 100. The bag opening 160 (fig. 6 and 7) is a closable opening that is cooperable with the wall and bottom panels in the closed, expanded condition of the carrier bag (fig. 9) to minimize or prevent air from the environment from entering the interior storage space. Thus, the substantially closed interior storage space may be advantageously used for transporting refrigerated and/or frozen grocery packages, as the carrier bag in its closed expanded state 20C may exhibit a very good ability to maintain the low temperature of refrigerated or frozen items stored in the closed interior storage space.

container wall

It is believed that the advantageous cold-retention characteristics of these embodiments of the container 20 depend on a combination of container features. For example, in the shopping bag 20, selection of the materials forming the front wall panel S1A, the rear wall panel S1B, the side wall panels S2A, S2B, and the bottom panel contributes to favorable cold insulation characteristics. It should be noted that the design of the container wall does not require the above shape. But rather the word wall is understood to be the material that forms the boundary of the internal storage space of the container 20. The wall or walls of the container 20 form the boundaries of an interior storage space for transporting refrigerated and/or frozen goods.

According to some embodiments, the walls of the container 20 include a layer of kraft paper 180. Kraft paper is a material that is available at reasonable cost and is readily available in large quantities. In addition, kraft paper bags (e.g. shopping bags as disclosed in DE 8904678) are produced in bulk at low cost using readily available production machinery. Thus, embodiments of the shopping bag 20 may be produced with such readily available machines, or with only minor modifications to existing kraft bag production machines. This availability of the existing paper bag production machine, in combination with an embodiment of the bag design enabling the use of such existing production machines for the production of kraft paper shopping bags with cold insulation, helps to enable advantageously low production costs to be achieved. Thus, the fact that existing manufacturing machines can be used helps to enable cost-effective manufacturing of cold-keeping kraft bags according to embodiments of the invention. This is particularly important for facilitating market entry, i.e. for enabling kraft shopping bags according to embodiments of the invention to be introduced and sold on the market in a short to medium term time frame, as the use of existing machines helps to enable lower production costs to be achieved. In this document, embodiments of a method for producing kraft paper shopping bags are discussed further below. Furthermore, kraft paper is advantageous because it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

The kraft layer 180 may have 40 and 240g/m²Surface weight in the range between, and less than 1200kg/m³The density of (c). According to the use ofThe tensile strength applied to the bag is selected to select the surface weight of the kraft paper. In this connection, it should be noted that shopping bags of various sizes may be produced, for example, 10-liter bags, 20-liter bags, 30-liter bags, 40-liter bags or 50-liter bags. When smaller sized bags are to be used to carry less weight, it is possible to use bags having a storage space as low as 40g/m, at least for small sized bags of 10 or 20 litres²Surface weight of less than 1200kg/m³Kraft paper of density (1). The maximum weight of the goods to be transported will be limited to some extent by the size of the bag.

Thus, the walls, including the bottom panel, may include a kraft layer 180 (fig. 13). It has been found that the surface weight is between 60 and 160g/m²The bulk grocery bags with the kraft layer in between, typically provide satisfactory strength while also providing sufficient flexibility to be user friendly. According to a preferred embodiment of the kraft paper bag, the kraft paper is selected to have at least 60g/m²Surface weight of less than 1000kg/m³The density of (c).

According to a preferred embodiment of the kraft grocery bag, the kraft layer has 100 and 140g/m²Surface weight of less than 1000kg/m³The density of (c).

The inventors have considered the following factors in selecting kraft quality:

A)The surface weight of the paper increases while the paper density does not change,Resulting in an increased thickness of the paper layer. Due to internal thermal resistance R of the wall_twin terms of heat conduction, proportional to the wall thickness, an increase in the thickness of the paper layer advantageously increases the thermal resistance of the kraft paper wall, resulting in a reduction in the heat conduction from the environment through the container wall.

B) Furthermore, it should be noted that,The density of the paper layer is reduced while the surface weight remains unchanged,It will advantageously result in an increased thermal resistance of the kraft paper wall, resulting in a reduced heat conduction from the environment through the container wall when the bag is in use. In fact, the effect on the thermal resistance is advantageously twofold when the density of the paper layer is reduced while the surface weight remains unchanged, since this would result in:

I) The wall thickness is increased, an

II) the amount of air left in the kraft paper increases. This referencefig. 12B, 12C, and 12D show. FIG. 12B shows a portion of a kraft wall layer 180B having a wall thickness t₁And density D₁. Thermal resistance of wall R_tw1Is a thickness t₁And density D₁Function of (c):

R_tw1＝f(t₁,D₁)

Referring to FIG. 12C, wall 180C has been made to have a greater thickness t₂＝K₁*t₁，K₁is a number greater than 1. Internal resistance R_tw2will increase proportionally to:

R_tw2＝f(t₂,D₁)＝K₁*R_tw1

Referring to FIG. 12D, wall 180D has been made to have a greater thickness t₂And which also has a reduced density D₂＝K₂*D₁，K₂Is a number less than 1. Therefore, the thermal resistance R is compared to the wall 180B of FIG. 12B_tw3Will first increase proportionally to the increase in thickness, which will then also increase further due to the decrease in density.

R_tw3＝f(t₂,D₂)＞K₁*R_tw1

When the density is reduced, a greater proportion of air will be present in the kraft layer. For the purpose of understanding the effect of density variation, the following assumptions were made: the ratio P of gas (such as nitrogen or air) in the kraft layer can be adjusted_GExpressed as:

P_G＝V_G/V_tot＝(D_mean-D_fib)/(D_gas-D_fib)

assuming that the average density of the paper fiber and gas content (apparent density of kraft paper) is, for example, 901kg/m³the air density was 1.2kg/m³The proportion of air in the kraft paper is about 40%. At NTP (i.e., normal temperature and pressure), dry air has a density of 1.204kg/m³The density of (c).

In this connection, it should be noted that air has a very low thermal conductivity of about 0.024W/(m · K), and therefore an increased proportion of air in kraft paper proves to have a significant effect in reducing the thermal conductivity of the kraft paper layer.

C) The increased surface weight and reduced density of kraft paper results in a further increase in the internal thermal resistance of the kraft paper wall.

Therefore, the inventors concluded that when designing kraft paper bags, this can be done by the following procedure:

S1. the surface weight of the kraft paper is first selected according to the tensile strength that will be applied to the bag when in use.

S2. reduceselected density of paper layer and surface weight maintenanceto achieve an increase in the thermal resistance of the kraft paper wall.

S3. when the reduction in density of the kraft paper may have a slightly weaker effect on the tensile strength, a certain safety factor may be added to the surface weight selected in step 1 to ensure the integrity of the paper bag when in use.

The required tensile strength is generally higher for larger bags, as larger bags will enclose a larger volume and weight of the cargo. Therefore, when transporting a certain amount of frozen or refrigerated goods, a container of a suitable size should be selected. The bag size should be selected to be large enough for the refrigerated goods to fit into the shelf, but of course for optimum cold holding capacity of the bag, the refrigerated or frozen goods should preferably fill more than 30% of the interior volume of the container 20. Thus, when the refrigerated goods are packed in the container, the container size should be selected to be small enough so that when packed with cold or frozen goods, the refrigerated or frozen goods fill more than 30% of the interior volume of the selected container 20. Selecting an appropriately sized container helps to improve the cold retention characteristics of a packed container because the thermal resistance of the walls is reduced as the surface area of the walls increases.

The kraft layer advantageously provides good tensile strength and it also contains a certain amount of air or gas, thereby helping to improve the insulating ability of the container 20.

Another embodiment includes a nonwoven material as the wall material. This advantageously enables inexpensive bags to be manufactured from materials having a high air content, and is therefore a good alternative. The nonwoven material may comprise elongated fibers that are nonwoven or nonwoven but are otherwise held together, such as by entanglement. The nonwoven material may comprise a textile-like material. The following is a list of other suitable materials:

-traditional textiles.

-a film of foamed/cellular thermoplastic. The thermoplastic may be a conventional oil-based plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyurethane. It is also possible to use bio-based plastics, polylactic acid (PLA).

a film of foamed/porous rubber, which can be of many types, but neoprene (chloroprene rubber) is preferred. The nonwoven and conventional textiles have a tensile index value in excess of 50 kNm/kg.

All these vessel wall materials are selected to have a thermal conductivity value of less than 0.2W/(m · K):

λ＜0.2W/(m·K)。

Insulating air gap

preferably, the bag dimensions should be selected so as to allow an air gap to be formed between the inner surface of the container and the outer surface of the refrigerated or frozen goods. Such an air gap is advantageous because it provides additional insulation from the potentially warm external environment. According to one embodiment, the interior of the surface of the bag bottom may be marked in the middle to indicate that it is a loading area for refrigerated goods. This advantageously indicates to the user of the refrigerated container that the goods to be transported should preferably be placed in the indication area in order to obtain an optimal cold retention during transport. In this way, a simple label for the bottom of the bag will represent a three-dimensional bag loading area volume within the bag that is separated from the side walls of the bag by an air gap.

according to another embodiment, a plurality of slips, for example kraft slips, are provided, having a length comparable to the width and breadth of a paper bag; the paper strips are attached to the inner surface of the walls such that when the bag is in its unfolded state, the paper strips are arranged to stretch from one wall to the other. In this way, the paper strip may advantageously provide a visual indication of the loading area volume of the bag. The paper strip may also advantageously provide support for goods to be shipped to prevent such goods from resting against the walls of the bag when the bag is being shipped.

According to one embodiment, the middle portion of the interior of the surface of the bag bottom may be marked to indicate that it is a loading area for refrigerated goods (as described above), and a strip of paper may be attached and positioned to the bag wall such that when goods to be shipped are stacked on the marked loading area of the bag bottom (which may result in the bottom area of the mark being covered), the strip of paper will still indicate the loading area volume of the bag.

Thus, for optimum cold holding characteristics of a filled container, the container dimensions should be selected to be small enough so that when filled with refrigerated or frozen goods, the refrigerated or frozen goods will fill more than 30% of the selected container 20 internal volume while also allowing an air gap to form between the cold or frozen goods and the inner surface of the container wall or walls.

Also, the kraft layer 180 may have a substantially water vapor impermeable film 190 bonded to at least one side of the kraft layer.

Film 190 on the wall!

According to one embodiment, polymer film layer 190 may comprise Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). The LDPE film may have a density of from 910 to 940kg/m³A density within the range of (1). The LDPE film layer may have a permeability of less than 0.35 μm/(Pa · s) according to ISO5636-3: 2013.

according to a preferred embodiment, polymer film layer 190 may comprise biodegradable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), for example poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). Alternatively, the polymer film layer 190 may include biodegradable plastic such as Polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), or Polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH), polybutylene succinate (PBS), Polycaprolactone (PCL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Alternatively, the polymer film layer 90 may comprise a biodegradable plastic, such as a starch-based plastic, a natural grease-based plastic (a fatty acid ester obtained by transesterification of a naturally occurring fat and grease). Alternatively, polymer film layer 190 can comprise a biodegradable plastic, such as a cellulose-based plastic (e.g., cellulose acetate).

A polymer film layer 190 comprising biodegradable plastic as defined above may be extrusion coated onto the kraft layer.

Alternatively, the biodegradable plastic as defined above may be dispersion coated on the kraft layer. Advantageously, the dispersion coated biodegradable plastic can be recycled in a conventional paper recycling process.

The use of biodegradable plastic for the polymer film layer 190 is preferred because it can be combined with wall materials that have sufficient tensile strength and are also biodegradable, such as kraft paper, so that the kraft paper shopping bag not only provides excellent cold insulation properties, but is also completely biodegradable.

according to another embodiment, polymer film layer 190 comprises a non-biodegradable plastic that can be produced from petroleum. Such a plastic film advantageously provides a good water vapour barrier.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the wall material at the point indicated by arrow C in fig. 11. Fig. 13 is an illustration of one embodiment of a layer of material at an edge portion 150 of the front wall 110 where the handle strip is attached to the front wall 110. According to one embodiment, a water and water vapor impermeable film 190 may be provided on the side of the kraft layer 180 facing the interior of the bag, as shown in fig. 13. According to one embodiment, the water-vapour impermeable film 190 is distributed over substantially all surfaces on one side of the paper layer 180. According to one embodiment, the water vapor impermeable film 190 comprises a polymer. According to one embodiment, the polymer layer 190 may be a layer of PE or polyethylene.

For example, as shown in fig. 6, the first handle 170A may comprise a slip formed in a U-shape and having two slip ends 200A and 210A. The strip ends 200A and 210A of the first handle 170A may be attached to the edge portion 150 of the front wall panel 110, S1A. Referring to fig. 13, strip end 210A may be attached to film 190 by glue layer 220.

a substantially planar first reinforcing panel 230 (see fig. 6 and 13) may be provided that is sized to distribute the lifting force from the first handle web end to a greater surface area of the front wall panel 110, S1A. The substantially planar first reinforcement plate 230 may have a first plate face 230A and a second plate face 230B on opposite sides of the substantially planar reinforcement plate 230. A first reinforcing panel 230 may be attached to the strip end 210A of the first handle 170A and to the edge portion 150 of the front wall panel 110, S1A such that the strip end 210A of the first handle 170 is located between the front wall panel 110, S1A and the reinforcing panel 230.

The first surface 230A of the first reinforcing panel 230 faces the strip end 210A of the first handle 170A and the edge portion 150 of the front wall panel 110, S1A. The first surface 230A of the first reinforcing plate 230 may be bonded to the strip end 210A and to the edge portion 150 of the front wall panel 110, S1A to distribute lifting forces from the strip end to the front wall panel via the first reinforcing plate.

Referring to fig. 6 in conjunction with fig. 9, the bag opening 160 may be closed by a mechanical interlock 240 or a closure 240 attached to the rim portion 150. In the closed, unfolded state of the carrier bag, the closure device 240 cooperates with the wall and bottom panels to minimize or prevent air from entering the interior storage space from the environment. The closure device 240 includes a first elongate closure element 240A and a second elongate closure element 240B.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of one embodiment of a closure device 240. The first elongated closure element 240A is combined with a second substantially planar reinforcing panel 250A, the second reinforcing panel 250A having an extension of a predetermined area that is greater than the certain dimension of the first substantially planar reinforcing panel 230. A substantially planar second reinforcement panel 250A may be attached to the first reinforcement panel 230 and to the edge portion 150 of said front wall panel 110, S1A such that the first reinforcement panel 230 is located between the front wall panel 110, S1A and the substantially planar second reinforcement panel 250A. The substantially planar second reinforcement panel 250A may be attached by a glue layer 260. According to one embodiment, the substantially planar second reinforcement plate 250A comprises a polymeric material. According to another embodiment, the substantially planar second reinforcement panel comprises paper.

The substantially planar second reinforcing sheet bonded to the second face of the substantially planar first reinforcing sheet advantageously achieves two effects. On the one hand, the elongated closure device is thereby attached to the bag wall, and on the other hand, the substantially planar second reinforcement panel 250A also serves to distribute a lifting force from the substantially planar first reinforcement panel to the front wall panel via the second reinforcement panel, the lifting force being generated from the handle 170A (see fig. 6) when the bag is carried by the lifting handle. As shown in fig. 14 and 6, the substantially planar second reinforcement panel 250A may have a lower edge 270, and the substantially planar second reinforcement panel 250A may have a physical extension of between 10% and 30% of the height of the wall panel 110.

A second substantially planar reinforcing panel 250A may be attached to the inner surface of the edge portion 150 of the front panel 110 and to a portion of the inner surface of the edge portion 150 of the side panel, as shown in fig. 6.

The paper strip end of the first handle and the first reinforcing panel are sized and dimensioned to withstand a force in excess of 100 newtons.

The kraft layer includes a quantity of air trapped within the kraft layer. It is believed that this trapped air helps to achieve good barrier properties between the bag walls and the bag bottom. In practice, these embodiments of shopping bags have been tested and the test involves measuring a duration of more than 24 hours with an infrared camera while the closed shopping bag is placed in a greenhouse at a temperature of 25 ℃. The bag is placed so that the bottom panel 140 is placed on the floor panel and the edge portion 150 of the bag stands facing upward. During this test, the temperature on the outer surface of the closed bag is monitored and the development of temperature is recorded over time. The closed shopping bag is filled with a number of refrigerated and frozen grocery packages. However, these measurements show that the outer surface of the lower part of the bag side wall remains cooler than the outer surface of the upper edge portion 150, and tests have also shown that it is not possible to detect the shape of the contents of the grocery bag from the outer surface temperature as detected with an infrared camera. In other words, the individual frozen or refrigerated packages 40 located in the interior storage space 100 (fig. 8) cannot be distinguished by measurement of the temperature of the exterior surface of the bag wall. This is believed to indicate that the material of the wall is an effective insulation of infrared radiation (i.e. thermal radiation).

For some uses of the shopping bag, is more than 140g/m²The kraft layer of (a) may be advantageous, however, it allowsAn embodiment of a grocery shopping bag intended for use in grocery stores, which end-users are allowed to pack their groceries into the bag, will preferably have 140g/m²or less than 140g/m²The kraft layer of (1). This is because it is larger than 140g/m²the kraft layer may feel slightly too hard and 140g/m²or less than 140g/m²The kraft layer will be softer and thus more convenient to handle.

Fig. 15 is a representation of kraft pulp fibers. According to one embodiment, the kraft layer may include a plurality of kraft pulp fibers arranged one above the other to form a plurality of air gaps within the kraft layer. According to one embodiment, the kraft layer comprises a plurality of kraft fibers arranged one above the other to form a plurality of air gaps within the kraft layer, and at least a portion of the kraft fibers have a length in a range between 1 and 3mm and/or a width in a range between 10 and 50 microns. According to this embodiment, at least a part of the plurality of air gaps has a volume exceeding 200000 cubic micrometers.

According to one embodiment, a substantially water vapour impermeable film is bonded to the side of the kraft layer facing the outside of the bag. This solution advantageously allows the user to place the bag on the ground, even when it is rainy and wet, without causing deterioration of the strength of the bag, since the water-vapor impermeable film prevents or minimizes the kraft paper from absorbing any water deposited on the outer surface of the bag.

Closeability of container opening

FIG. 16 is an illustration of one embodiment of a first elongate closure element 240A and a second elongate closure element 240B. The first and second elongated closure elements 240A and 240B are adapted to mate with one another in the closed state. According to one embodiment, the first elongated closure element 240A comprises an elongated cavity having lips forming a gap along its length such that a matching protrusion can enter the gap between the lips. The lip of the elongate cavity may be flexible to close around the projection to grip it once it has entered the cavity. According to one embodiment, the first elongated closure element 240A comprises at least two parallel arranged elongated cavities to accommodate at least two parallel arranged, corresponding elongated protrusions of the second elongated closure element 240B.

According to one embodiment, the elongated cavity of the first elongated closure element 240A forms an elongated tubular hollow adapted to receive the projection of the second elongated closure element 240B.

Fig. 17A is a perspective view of a portion of the closure device 240 shown in fig. 14, and fig. 17B is a side view of the closure device 240.

According to one embodiment, a movable pressure device 280, also called a "runner" 280, may be provided for the purpose of forcing the projection of the second elongated closure element 240B into the elongated tubular hollow of the first elongated closure element 240A. This solution enables an advantageously simple handling of the bag 20. In particular, a customer who has loaded refrigerated groceries into the bag 20 can easily close the bag by simply sliding the movable pressure device 280 from one edge 290 to the other edge 300 (see fig. 14 in conjunction with fig. 8 or 7). In this manner, a patron may easily close and substantially seal the interior storage space from the environment to minimize or prevent air from entering the interior storage space from the environment.

However, frozen groceries that are quickly thawed often exhibit a deterioration in taste and/or a reduction in quality, the inventors have noted that the taste and/or quality of the grocery product can be substantially maintained when such frozen groceries are allowed to thaw only very slowly. Moreover, the inventors have noted that frozen food or groceries may actually be allowed to thaw to a temperature of about 0 degrees celsius, or even slightly above 0 degrees celsius, and then refreeze while maintaining their original taste and/or quality fully or substantially intact. In this regard, it should be noted that grocery bags 20 exhibit the ability to maintain the frozen state of the initially frozen groceries over a significant period of time, thereby maintaining the initial quality and/or taste of the initially frozen food product stored therein.

Referring to fig. 1, 7 and 8, the customer 60 can easily close the carrier bag 20, for example by sliding a "chute" or slide 280, to achieve a closed and sealed condition 20C of the carrier bag, as shown in fig. 9. Referring to fig. 1, a customer 60 may then carry the bag 20 by lifting the handle 170, thereby bringing the frozen or refrigerated groceries to a destination 330, such as a freezer 310 or a refrigerator 320 in the customer's home.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of an isolation device. The insulation may be disposed and positioned on at least a portion of the bottom panel in the internal storage space 100 of the bag 20 to reduce heat transfer through the bottom panel. According to one embodiment, the spacer comprises a piece of material shaped and adapted to provide a cellular air cushion to reduce heat transfer through said bottom panel.

According to one embodiment, the insulation means comprises paper and a material substantially impermeable to water vapour. This solution advantageously enables the insulation means to withstand a humid or humid environment without absorbing water. According to one embodiment, the substantially water-vapour impermeable material of the insulation means comprises at least one layer of a polymer material.

according to another embodiment, the isolation device comprises at least one layer of plastic material. This solution advantageously enables the insulation means to withstand a humid or humid environment without absorbing water. According to one embodiment, the isolation device comprises

Fig. 19 is a front view of one embodiment of an unfolded grocery shopping bag 20 in an open unfolded state 20B, which is placed on the side of one embodiment of a foldable grocery cold pack bag 400.

The collapsible grocery cold pack 400 is adapted for use within a shopping bag 20. Similar to grocery shopping bags 20, the internally-refrigerated bag 400 may have:

A folded state 20A for enabling transport of the internally cooled storage bag in a substantially flat state, and

An expanded state such that the inner refrigeration bag in its expanded state provides a second interior storage space 410 for transporting refrigerated groceries and/or frozen grocery packages. The inner pouch 400 may include:

An inner wall and an insole cooperating to form the second interior storage space; wherein a second edge portion of the inner wall facing away from the insole provides an inner bag opening 420. The inner bag 40 may have an open expanded condition for loading and/or unloading grocery packages to be shipped, an

The closed and unfolded state is such that the inner refrigeration bag in its closed and unfolded state provides a substantially closed second interior storage space for transporting refrigerated and/or frozen grocery packages. The inner bag opening 420 can be a closable opening that cooperates with the inner wall and the inner bottom in the closed, expanded state of the inner refrigeration bag to minimize or prevent air from the environment from entering the second interior storage space. According to one embodiment, the collapsible grocery cold pack bag 400 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the shopping bag 20 in its expanded state.

FIG. 20 is a front view of one embodiment of a grocery refrigerated shopping bag package 450 that may be carried by a handle. The cold bag package 450 illustrated in fig. 20 includes the unfolded grocery bag 20 in its closed unfolded condition 20C, and the collapsible grocery cold bag inner 400 in its unfolded condition; the interior cold pack bag 400 is shaped and dimensioned for enclosing within the shopping bag 20.

Thus, one embodiment of a handle-transportable grocery cold-storage shopping bag 450 can include a collapsible, handle-transportable grocery cold-storage shopping bag 20 and a collapsible grocery cold-storage bag 400. Thus, a package of grocery cold-stored shopping bags that can be carried by a handle in use can comprisein its closed and unfolded stateThe foldable grocery internal cooling bag 400; andat which it is In the closed and unfolded statesIn which the foldable grocery cold storage bag is placed in the interior storage space 100 of the foldable, handleable grocery cold storage shopping bag 20.

This solution advantageously enables the insertion of frozen grocery packages into the second internal storage space 410. This solution therefore enjoys a high thermal resistance from the frozen grocery packages in the second internal storage space to the environment outside the handle-portable grocery shopping bags, since any air inside the first internal storage space 100 serves as insulation between the second internal storage space and the environment outside the handle-portable grocery shopping bags. In addition, when both bags are in their closed, unfolded condition, there is a double barrier for minimizing or preventing air from entering the second internal storage space from the environment outside the handle-portable grocery shopping bag, because the second internal storage space is sealed by the closed inner bag and by the closed outer bag.

As noted above, when in use, the interior of the bag 20 may initially be cryogenically cooled with a frozen or refrigerated grocery package placed in the interior storage space 100. While this is sufficient to maintain the frozen or refrigerated state of the frozen or refrigerated grocery package for an extended period of time, the inventors have recognized that this period of time may be further extended.

According to one embodiment, means 460 for cooling the interior of the bag 20 are provided to enable further extension of the period of time during which the frozen or refrigerated state of the frozen or refrigerated grocery package is maintained.

According to one embodiment, the handleable grocery refrigerated shopping bag package 450 may further comprise, in use, means 460 for cooling the interior 100 of the bag 20 and/or for cooling the second interior storage space 410.

According to one embodiment of the means 460 for cooling the interior of the bag, a coolant is provided. A piece of dry ice is one example of such a coolant.

Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide. The chemical formula of carbon dioxide is CO₂. Thus, a carbon dioxide molecule includes two oxygen atoms bonded to a single carbon atom. It is colorless, nonflammable, and slightly acidic. Carbon dioxide can change from a solid to a gas through a process called sublimation, with no intervening liquid form. The opposite process is called desublimation, in which CO₂From the gas phase to the solid phase (dry ice). Sublimation/desublimation occurs at-78.5 ℃ under earth's atmospheric pressure. The enthalpy of sublimation is 571kJ/kg (25.2 kJ/mol).

The density of the dry ice varies, but is usually between about 1.4 and 1.6g/cm³In the middle range. The low temperature and direct sublimation into gas make dry ice an effective coolant becauseIt is cooler than liquid ice and, when it changes state, leaves no residue. According to one embodiment of the dry ice coolant, dry ice pellets are provided that are sized to fit within the interior storage space 100 of the bag 20 when the bag 20 is used as a cold storage bag in use. Thus, when the dry ice particles are gradually changed from solid form to gaseous carbon dioxide without an intervening liquid form (sublimation), there is a corresponding energy consumption of 571kJ/kg, which results in a temperature drop of any food package surrounding the dry ice particles. A block of dry ice of suitable size may be provided, depending on the amount of refrigeration desired. According to one embodiment, a single block of dry ice may comprise 1kg of dry ice. According to another embodiment, a single block of dry ice may comprise, for example, 10 grams of dry ice. According to yet another embodiment, a single block of dry ice may comprise, for example, 100g of dry ice. Such relatively small pieces of dry ice may be referred to as dry ice pellets. One or several dry ice pellets may be used simultaneously in the interior storage space 100 of the cold bag 20, depending on the duration of the period of time during which the interior storage space 100 is expected to be maintained at the freezing temperature.

According to another embodiment of an apparatus for cooling the interior of a bag, a pressurized container containing a gas is provided.

According to one embodiment, the container may contain compressed air.

According to another embodiment, the container may contain compressed carbon dioxide gas. The container may be embodied as a cylinder. Thus, the cooling device may comprise a cylinder in which carbon dioxide gas is stored under pressure. The pressurizing cylinder may be provided with a valve. According to one embodiment, the valve of the pressurizing cylinder is adjustably set between a fully closed state and a state in which the valve allows compressed carbon dioxide gas to flow out of the pressurizing cylinder. According to a preferred embodiment, the valve may be set to a predetermined amount of opening to obtain an appropriate amount of cooling effect.

according to one embodiment, a user may obtain a pressurized cylinder with a closed valve and set the valve to a predetermined amount of opening to activate the pressurized cylinder cooling device. The activated pressurized cylinder cooling device is placed in the interior storage space 100 of the cold storage bag 20, along with the frozen or refrigerated grocery package.

When the carbon dioxide gas or air exits the pressurized cylinder and enters the relatively much lower pressure (earth's atmospheric pressure) in the interior storage space 100 of the cold bag 20, a corresponding drop in the temperature of the existing gas occurs, thereby producing a cooling effect. In addition, carbon dioxide or air that slowly seeps out of the pressurized air cylinder may cause a slight increase in the pressure of the air within the cold storage bag 20. This slight increase in the pressure of the air inside the cold bag 20 may advantageously further minimize or prevent air from entering the interior storage space 100 of the cold bag 20 from the environment. According to one embodiment of the bag 20, a valve is provided in one wall of the bag 20 to prevent any significant pressure build-up in the bag 20. The valve may be a check valve adapted to allow air to pass only in a direction from the interior storage space 100 of the cold bag 20 to the ambient environment.

Thus, the cylinder containing compressed carbon dioxide gas may interact with the cold pack 20 such that when a grocery package including frozen food items is being transported in the interior storage space, the grocery bag is adapted to minimize or prevent air from entering the interior storage space 100 from the environment by providing a controlled flow of gaseous carbon dioxide from the interior storage space to the environment. This solution may advantageously further minimize or prevent condensation from occurring within the internal storage space 100.

According to one embodiment, the cylinder containing compressed carbon dioxide may be held in an ice bin at a temperature of about-18 ℃ (degrees celsius). The carbon dioxide pressure in the pressurizing cylinder may then be about 18 bar. In this manner, the low initial temperature pressurized air cylinder will also assist in maintaining the frozen or refrigerated state of any grocery packages containing frozen food products being transported in the interior storage space 100 of the refrigeration bag 20. According to one embodiment, the pressurized carbon dioxide cylinder may contain, for example, 2kg of carbon dioxide, 0.75kg of carbon dioxide per liter of cylinder volume. According to another embodiment, the pressurized carbon dioxide cylinder may contain carbon dioxide at 0.67kg of carbon dioxide per liter of cylinder volume. According to an embodiment, the pressurized carbon dioxide cylinder may contain less than 0.5kg of carbon dioxide at a fill level of less than 0.75kg of carbon dioxide per liter of cylinder volume. According to one embodiment, the pressurized carbon dioxide cylinder may initially contain less than 0.5kg of carbon dioxide at a fill level of less than 0.67kg of carbon dioxide per liter of cylinder volume. One or several pressurized carbon dioxide cylinders may be used simultaneously in the internal storage space 100 of the cold bag 20, depending on the duration of the period of time during which the internal storage space 100 is expected to be maintained at the freezing temperature.

According to yet another embodiment of an apparatus for cooling the interior of a bag, an ice bag for maintaining a freezing temperature for an extended period of time is provided. According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the ice bag may comprise a pouch containing a gel, which gel may be frozen and maintain a freezing temperature for an extended period of time. According to one embodiment, the ice bag may comprise a pouch made of PE material, and the gel-filled pouch may have a weight of about 100g (0.1 kg). One or several ice packs may be used simultaneously in the internal storage space 100 of the cold storage bag 20, depending on the duration of the period of time during which the internal storage space 100 is expected to be maintained at the freezing temperature.

container production method

Fig. 30A shows a flow chart of a method 1300 for providing shopping bags. Method 1300 begins with step 1301. In step 1301, a shopping bag is provided, wherein the shopping bag has a shopping bag housing formed by a front wall panel S1A, a rear wall panel S1B, two mutually opposing side wall panels S2A, S2B. The shopping bag further has a substantially rectangular bottom BP. The wall panel and the bottom portion BP of the shopping bag cooperate to form the outer shell. A portion of the wall panel facing away from the bag bottom includes a closable housing opening. After step 1301, method 1300 ends.

FIG. 30B shows a flow diagram of a method 1302 for providing shopping bags. Method 1302 begins with step 1303. In step 1303 a collapsible carrier bag is provided, wherein the collapsible carrier bag has a collapsible state for enabling transportation of the carrier bag in a substantially flat state, and an expanded state for transporting food items in the carrier bag housing, in which expanded state the carrier bag housing has a volume of more than 10 liters. The shopping bag further may have a front wall panel S1A, a rear wall panel S1B, two mutually opposed side wall panels S2A, S2B. The shopping bag further may have a substantially rectangular bottom BP. The wall panels and the bottom BP of the shopping bag may cooperate to form an outer shell. The outer shell may be a shopping bag outer shell. A portion of the wall panel facing away from the bag bottom includes a closable housing opening.

Fig. 31 illustrates a method 1305 for providing a shipping container. The shipping container may be a collapsible shopping bag.

The method 1305 will be described in several examples that can be seen in fig. 40-49. Fig. 40, 41, and 42 show examples of predetermined patterns. The predetermined pattern that can then be formed and folded to provide the pockets will be described below. In fig. 40, 41 and 42, the solid lines show the outer boundaries of the predetermined patterns and possible cuts in these patterns. In the other figures from fig. 40 to 49, the solid lines show the boundaries of the bag, or of the corresponding unformed bag, or of a part thereof, as seen from the viewing direction. In the three-dimensional view, the solid lines may also show lines where the bag has been folded or not formed. The dashed lines in fig. 40 to 47 show possible folded edges. In fig. 48 to 49, a broken line shows an element or a part of an element covered by another element when viewed in the viewing direction. The regions delimited by dotted lines in fig. 40 to 47 show the regions described below. These areas may be bounded by folded edges and/or boundaries of the panel or other physical boundaries. However, these regions may also be imaginary regions which do not necessarily have physical boundaries, for example, as can be seen by the horizontal lines of the triangles 4030a, 4030b, 4030c, 4030d in fig. 40. It will be appreciated that the dotted lines delimiting these regions are essentially always drawn slightly outside the regions they should delimit in the figure. This is to make the dotted line visible in the figure, as it might otherwise be covered by a solid and/or dashed line. The half-dashed lines in fig. 40A to 40N show some lines along which the bag or the unformed bag has been folded and which are covered by other elements when viewed in the viewing direction. All of fig. 40-49 are front views, which are front views of a bag or an unformed bag, except for fig. 40F, 40H, 40J, 40L and 40N, to provide a three-dimensional view. Fig. 44 is another example and shows a side view in the observation direction D of fig. 43. However, this side view is a view of a different state of the portion of the bag shown in fig. 43. This will be explained in more detail later.

Fig. 40A to 40N show possible steps how the predetermined pattern of fig. 40 may be formed and folded to obtain a pocket. The bag may be a flattened bag according to the invention. The figures may be chronologically, wherein the front view corresponds to the front view above it. Fig. 40N is an alternative to that shown in fig. 40F. One large difference between fig. 40 and fig. 41 is the triangles 4030a, 4030b, 4030c, 4030d not provided in fig. 41. However, when someone is to remove the triangles from these figures, the pattern in fig. 41 may be formed and folded in a corresponding manner to that shown in fig. 40A to 40M. Since these triangles are well visible in fig. 40A to 40M, and it will be apparent how the pattern is folded when it is without triangles, a clear sketch of the folding process of fig. 41 is omitted.

In fig. 40A through 40N, only examples of the fold edges that are most important to the current step of the method 1305 are shown in order not to overburden the drawing. These illustrated folded edges preferably correspond to the folded edges in fig. 40. The dashed arrows indicate the direction that can be along the shown folded edge towards its folded area in the preferred example. The straight solid line arrows without reference numbers show the direction in which the bag can be pulled or pushed or the bag not formed, depending on the direction of the arrows.

When viewing fig. 40 or 41, at the end of the method 1305, the area bounded by the uppermost solid horizontal line and by the folded edges F3a, F3c, and F4a may form the front panel S1A of the bag. At the end of the method 1305, the area bounded by the solid horizontal line at the bottom and by the folded edges F3b, F3d, and F4b may form the back panel S1B of the bag. At the end of the method 1305, two zones delimited by the folded edge F6 on the left side of figures F3a, F4a and by the uppermost horizontal line and by the folded edge F6 on the left side of figures F3b, F4b and by the lowermost horizontal line, respectively, may form one side panel S2A of the bag. At the end of the method 1305, the two zones delimited by the folded edge F6 on the right side of figures F3c, F4a and by the uppermost horizontal line and by the folded edge F6 on the right side of figures F3d, F4b and by the lowermost horizontal line, respectively, may form the other side panel S2B of the pouch. At the end of method 1305, the bottom BP may be formed by an area delimited by folding edges F4a, F4b, and two vertical fold lines of which folding edges F3a and F3b, and F3c and F3d, respectively, are part.

In fig. 42, at the end of the method 1305, the front panel S1A, the rear panel S1B, and the side panels S2A, S2B may be bounded on one side by a folded edge F4' and on the other side by the leftmost vertical solid line in the figure. The front panel S1A may be further defined by a folded edge F3a and by the uppermost solid horizontal line in the figure. The back panel S1B may be further bounded by folded edges F3b and F3 c. One side panel S2A may be further defined by folded edges F3a and F3 b. The other side panel S2B may be further bounded by folded edges F3c and F3 d. The area bounded by the folded edge F4', by the leftmost solid vertical line, by the uppermost horizontal line, and by the lowermost horizontal line, may be part of the bottom BP of the bag. At the end of the method 1305, the outer portion of the bottom may preferably consist of a folded edge F4'. In one example, at the end of method 1305, bottom BP will have a substantially rectangular shape with four sides consisting of a cross-section of F4' between the uppermost horizontal solid line and fold edge F3a, of fold edge F3a and fold edge F3b, of fold edge F3b and fold edge F3c, and of fold edge F3c and fold edge F3d, respectively.

Method 1305 begins with step 1310.

In step 1310, a plate is provided. The provided panel may be a substantially planar panel of a multi-layer material. The substantially planar sheet has a first sheet face and a second sheet face on an opposite side of the substantially planar sheet. The multi-layer material preferably comprises a layer of kraft paper having a substantially water vapor impermeable film bonded to at least one side of the layer of kraft paper. The method 1305 continues with step 1320.

In step 1320, the plate is cut. The cutting is performed according to a predetermined pattern such that the resulting planar sheet has at least two edges. Some examples of predetermined patterns are given in fig. 40 to 42.

In one example, the predetermined pattern is substantially rectangular 4210. An example is shown in fig. 42. In one example, the predetermined pattern comprises a substantially rectangular base pattern 4010, 4110, further comprising at least one protrusion 4020, 4120 at or near at least one corner of the rectangular base pattern. In one example, the at least one protrusion 4020, 4120 is at least two protrusions 4020a, 4020 c; 4020a, 4020 b; 4120a, 4120 c; 4120a, 4120 b; … … are provided. In one example, the at least one protrusion 4020, 4120 is at least four protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020 d; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120 d. In one example, two protrusions are located at or near two corners of the rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110. In one example, four protrusions are located at or near four corners of the rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110. In one example, the at least one protrusion 4020, 4120 comprises at least one protrusion having a substantially rectangular shape, such as two protrusions 4020a, 4020c having a substantially rectangular shape; 4020a, 4020 b; 4120a, 4120 c; 4120a, 4120 b; … … or four protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020d having a substantially rectangular shape; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120 d. The shorter sides of the protrusions 4020, 4120 are preferably oriented parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the long sides of the substantially rectangular base pattern 4020, 4120. As a result, the long sides of the protrusions 4020, 4120 are preferably parallel or at least substantially parallel to the short sides of the substantially rectangular shaped base pattern 4020, 4120. The long sides of the protrusions 4020, 4120 are preferably much longer than the short sides of the protrusions 4020, 4120. In one example, this is to enable the formation of a handle for the protrusions 4020, 4120, as will be described in more detail later. In one example, the length of the long side is at least two, three, four, six, or eight times the length of the short side. An example is shown in fig. 41. Examples of the short sides in fig. 40 and 41 are W4020b and 24120 b. Examples of the long side in fig. 40 and 41 are L4020b and L4120 b. It will be appreciated that the other protrusions 4020, 4120 in these figures also have corresponding long and short sides, however, these are not specifically shown in the figures in order not to make them too numerous.

even other shapes of the pattern of bumps or pedestals are possible. In one example, the protrusions have the shape of rectangles 4020 with the addition of triangles 4030. In one example, one side of the triangle attaches the longer side of the rectangle and the other side of the triangle attaches the longer side of the base pattern. One example can be seen in fig. 40. Such a pattern will allow for a more convenient opening of the bag when in use. This can be seen in fig. 40n, where such a bag has a larger opening on the top compared to the size of the bottom. This may make it particularly easy to place the product in the bag. It also has the advantages of: the protrusions are attached to the side panels S2A, S2B, or another portion of the unformed bag, along a line longer than without the triangles. This may better distribute the lifting force between the handle and/or the housing and the bag, thereby increasing the stability of the bag.

In one example, the shape of the substantially rectangular pedestal pattern extends in a bottle-like shape, i.e., a narrowed shape, on the shorter side thereof so as to have a shorter diameter than the shorter side of the substantially rectangular pedestal pattern, and then extends again. After being re-extended, it may have a longer diameter than the short side of the substantially rectangular base pattern.

In one example, the predetermined pattern includes at least one or two openings 4510. The at least one or two openings 4510 are preferably sized such that four fingers of a human hand (preferably an adult) can easily pass through at least one or two of the openings. The purpose of opening 4510 is then to provide handles 4520, 4530 when using the shopping bag.

In one example, the predetermined shape and may be two additional rectangular or substantially rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2 attached to substantially rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110. These two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2 preferably have long sides 4040.1L, 4040.2L; 4140.1L, 4140.2L, which is equal to or less than half of the long side of the rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110. These two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2 are preferably oriented in such a way that their long sides 4040.1L, 4040.2L; 4140.1L, 4140.2L are attached to the long sides 4010a, 4010b of each rectangular base pattern 4010, 4110; 4010c, 4010 d; 4110a, 4110 b; 4110c, 4110 d. These two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2 are preferably also positioned in such a way that each long edge 4010a, 4010b of the rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110; 4010c, 4010 d; 4110a, 4110 b; at least half 4010b, 4010d, 4110b, 4110d of 4110c, 4110d is not covered by the two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2. The uncovered halves 4010b, 4010d, 4110b, 4110d of each long side of the rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110 are preferably connected so as not to contact the two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2.

The predetermined pattern is preferably arranged in such a way that overlapping portions 4050, 4150, 4250 will be provided in step 1340. This overlap 4050, 4150, 4250 would consist of first overlap regions 4050a, 4050c, 4050e, 4050 g; 4150a, 4150 c; 4250a and second overlapping areas 4050b, 4050d, 4050f, 4050 h; 4150b, 4150 d; 4250 b. First overlap regions 4050a, 4050c, 4050e, 4050 g; 4150a, 4150 c; 4250a is preferably located on the first panel, second overlapping areas 4050b, 4050d, 4050f, 4050 h; 4150b, 4150 d; 4250b are preferably located on the second deck. The first and second overlapping areas are preferably of equal size. An example of how the overlap will be provided is given in step 1330. In another example, the two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2 are part of what is referred to as an overlap in step 1340. These two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2 are, for example, first overlap areas 4050a, 4050 c; 4150a, 4150 c.

Following step 1320, optional step 1331 and/or optional step 1330 are performed. In step 1330, the sheet is formed or folded into a substantially tubular shape. The tubular shape is preferably such that the at least two edges overlap to allow the first overlap area 4250b of the first panel to contact the second overlap area 4250a of the second panel. The first panel then forms the interior surface of the unformed bag. It is understood that in another example, reference numeral 4250a may represent a first overlap region and reference numeral 4250b may represent a second overlap region. Performing the forming or folding into a tubular shape may provide the advantage that: only one first overlap region 4250b and only one second overlap region 4250a are required, so that only a small number of production steps are required when these regions are attached to each other.

In step 1331, the panel is folded. In one example, the folding is performed in such a way that a large part of the chassis pattern overlaps each other. In one example, at least 60% of the area of the base pattern overlaps each other. In one example, the amount of area of the base pattern that overlaps each other is at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95%. If the predetermined shape is substantially rectangular 4210 or has a substantially rectangular base pattern 4010, 4110, the board is preferably folded along a line F1, line F1 being parallel or at least substantially parallel to the short sides of the rectangular shape 4010, 4110, 4210. The line F1 is preferably equidistant, or at least substantially equidistant, from the short sides of the oblong shapes 4010, 4110, 4210. In one example, the folding is performed in such a way that about half of the rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110 cover the other half of the rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110. Preferably the folding is performed in such a way that a part of the first panel faces another part of the first panel. An example of the result of such folding is given in fig. 40A and 40B.

The folding step may also include providing a folded edge on the base pattern 4010, 4110. In one example, when the predetermined pattern includes the two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2, substantially all of the remaining space between the two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2 provide folded edges F2 where they attach to the rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110. Other examples of fold edges that may be provided are described with respect to step 1350 or with respect to step 1360. It will be appreciated that the type of folded edge described there may already be readily provided in step 1331.

After optional steps 1330 and/or 1331, step 1340 is performed.

In step 1340, first overlap areas 4050a, 4050c, 4050e, 4050 g; 4150a, 4150 c; 4250a is attached to second overlapping regions 4050b, 4050d, 4050f, 4050 h; 4150b, 4150 d; 4250 b. An example is shown in fig. 40 b. If the predetermined base pattern comprises the two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2, then second overlapping areas 4050b, 4050d, 4050f, 4050 h; 4150b, 4150 d; 4250b may be comprised of a portion of the second panel of the rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110 having the same shape as the two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2 are approximately the same shape. In step 1331, the portion is preferably made up of a portion of the rectangular base shapes 4010, 4110, when the two additional rectangular shapes 4040.1, 4040.2; 4140.1, 4140.2 are provided on the long sides 4040.1L, 4040.2L of the rectangular base patterns 4010, 4110; 4140.1L, 4140.2L and on said line F1, this part of the rectangular bottom shape 4010, 4110 is realized. However, many other possibilities of what the first and second overlapping areas may be are possible. In one example, the attachment is made by gluing. In one example, the attachment is by fusion.

In one example, the protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020 d; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d are attached in part or in whole to the overlap region. In one example, a portion of the protrusions (e.g., 4020a, 4020 b; 4120a, 4120b) has a different length than the other protrusions (e.g., 4020c, 4020 d; 4120c, 4120 d). Then, a protrusion having a longer length may provide a first overlap region, and then a protrusion having a shorter length may provide a second overlap region. In one example, the first overlap region corresponds to a region formed by a difference in length between projections having longer and shorter lengths. In this example, the second overlapping area may correspond to an area having a corresponding dimension at the projection having the shorter length. This is described in more detail with respect to fig. 43.

After step 1340, the method continues with step 1350.

In step 1350, the panels are formed or folded to form the outer surface of the shipping container. In one example, the outer surfaces are the front panel S1A, the back panel S1B, and two side panels S2A, S2B of the unformed bag. An example is shown in fig. 40C to 40F. It will be appreciated that there are folded edges on the other side of the unformed bag corresponding to those in fig. 40C and 40D. These corresponding folded edges are shown in fig. 40. These corresponding edges are preferably also folded as indicated in fig. 40C and 40D with dashed arrows preferably indicating different folding directions for the folded edges shown in the figures and the corresponding folded edges on the other side of the unformed bag. Fig. 40N is an alternative example that looks like fig. 40F. In fig. 40F, for example, the projections may have been directly attached to each other, e.g., for providing a very stable connection between the projections and the side panels of the bag. In fig. 40N, the triangular projections are not attached to each other, except via the overlap regions previously described. This allows the bag to have a larger opening. In fig. 40N, the outer portions of the protrusions having a substantially rectangular shape may also attach well to each other. Similar alternatives between fig. 40F and 40N can easily be provided for fig. 40H, 40J and 40L, but these alternatives are not shown here, as the differences in the shape of the pockets will correspond to the differences in the shape of the pockets between fig. 40F and 40N. In one example, the plate is formed or folded in such a way that a substantially cubic base shape is achieved. In one example, this is done in such a way that a substantially parallelepiped base shape is achieved. The parallelepiped base-shaped surface area preferably comprises four substantially rectangular areas. The four substantially rectangular areas are located on four different sides of the parallelepiped base shape. In the following we will refer to a parallelepiped base shape, since a cube is one particular form thereof.

The front panel S1A and the back panel S1B of the unformed bag are preferably two mutually opposing sides of a parallelepiped. The two mutually opposite side panels S2A, S2B of the unformed bag are preferably two mutually opposite sides of a parallelepiped. In one example, the front panel S1A, the back panel S1B, and the two opposing side panels S2A, S2B have a substantially rectangular shape. One side of each side panel S2A, S2B is attached to one side of the front panel S1A and one side of each side panel S2A, S2B is attached to one side of the back panel S1B.

Preferably, the side panels S2A, S2B and the side of connection between the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B include folded edges F3, e.g., folded edges F3a, F3b, F3c, and F3 d.

In one example, an intermediate fold F6 is provided in each of the side panels S2A, S2B. In one example, the middle fold F6 of the side panel extends in a direction substantially parallel to the fold (e.g., fold F3) where the side panels S2A, S2B connect the front panel S1A. In one example, the intermediate fold F6 is provided at a later step (e.g., at step 1370).

In one example, a base and housing are not yet provided. Thus, in one example, two opposing sides of the parallelepiped base shape are not covered by a plate in step 1350.

in another example, especially if folding is performed along said line F1 in step 1330, only one side of the parallelepiped base shape is not covered by a plate in step 1350. In this case, the sheet is folded along a folded edge F4, the folded edge F4 being substantially parallel to the line F1 in step 1330. This folded edge F4 is on all four panels of the unformed bag. While the folded edge F4 will generally be continuous or nearly continuous when the provision of the bag is complete, the folded edge F4 may not be continuous at this time. Thus, in one example, the folded edge F4 includes two folded edges F4a and F4 b. It is preferably folded in such a manner as to be folded toward the first panel at the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B. Folding is preferably done in such a way that it folds along the side panels S2A, S2B towards the second panel. After this folding, a bottom panel will be provided, except for the other four panels S1A, S1B, S2A, and S2B. To achieve this effect, four additional folded edges F5 are preferably provided, such as F5a, F5b, F5c and F5 d. The four additional folded edges F5 are preferably directed toward the first panel. The four additional folded edges preferably begin at the point where folded edge F4 intersects folded edge F3 and end at the end of line F1. The end point of the line F1 is preferably the end point closest to the start point of the respective folded edge F4.

The method may continue with optional step 1360.

in step 1360, a bottom is generated. An example is given in fig. 40e to 40 j. The bottom is created by forming or folding a multi-layer sheet to create the bottom BP of the unformed bag. The bottom BP connects panels S1A, S1B, S2A, and S2B. Thus, a semi-manufactured bag is obtained which in the unfolded state exhibits four wall panels, one bag bottom panel and one bag opening. The bag opening is preferably formed by the opening edges of four wall panels facing away from the bag bottom. For example, if a shipping container according to fig. 34A and 34B is provided, then bottom creation may not be necessary.

in one example, the forming of the bag bottom includes folding the panels along fold edges F4', F4 that are substantially perpendicular to fold edge F3. In one example, at least a portion of the folding described herein has been performed in an earlier step, such as at step 1330. This may be, for example, a fold along the folded edge F4.

In one example, the fold along the folded edge F4' is toward the first panel. Furthermore, an additional four folded edges F5 ' are provided, such as F5a ', F5b ', F5c ' and F5d '. The four additional folded edges F5 'preferably begin where the folded edge F4' intersects the folded edge F3. The four additional folded edges F5 'are preferably closed at an angle of substantially 45 degrees to the folded edge F4'. The four folded edges are located on the bottom BP. In one example, after folding along the four folded edges F5, F5', the areas that overlap as a result of the folding are connected (e.g., via gluing or gluing).

In one example, the distance between the folded edge F4 'and the bottom edge of the panel is greater than the length of the folded edge F4' on the side panels S2A, S2B. By this, it can be ensured that there will be an overlapping portion of the portions of the panels attached to the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B and folded along the fold line F4'. These overlapping parts are preferably connected (e.g. via gluing or gluing).

In one example, if the fold had been previously performed toward the second panel along the fold edge F4, then this fold is now performed in the opposite direction. After this, a substantially rectangular bottom BP is obtained. In one example, the portions that overlap as a result of being folded in opposite directions are connected (e.g., via gluing or gluing).

Creating a bottom of a predetermined pattern similar to that in fig. 40 or fig. 41 has the advantage that: there will be no gap at the bottom of the bag. As can be seen from these figures, the bottom BP comprises a substantially rectangular connecting portion of the plate covering the entire bottom BP. This is in contrast to the bottom of the predetermined pattern, which is similar to that of fig. 42, where one first has to overlap some portion of the predetermined pattern to cover the entire bottom. The advantage of having no gap in the bottom is that no moisture will enter the space of the bag from the ground through the bottom BP. Also, air exchange will be prevented. In one example, creating the bottom region includes adding elements to the unformed bag. This additional element may be, for example, an isolation device. The spacer may comprise a piece of material shaped and adapted to provide a honeycomb cushion to reduce heat transfer through the bottom panel BP. According to one embodiment, the insulation means comprises paper and a material substantially impermeable to water vapour. In one embodiment, the substantially water vapor impermeable material of the isolation device comprises at least one layer of a polymeric material. For example, the isolation device may be placed in the bag through the bag opening. The spacer may have substantially the same shape and size as the bottom panel BP. In this manner, the spacer may cover the entire bottom panel BP after insertion. This may allow the bag and/or the isolation device to withstand a moist or humid environment without absorbing water. The spacer may be attached to the bottom panel BP from the inside of the bag. The spacer may also be placed loosely on the bottom panel BP from the inside of the bag. The spacer may also be attached to the bottom panel BP from the outside of the bag.

the method continues with step 1370.

in step 1370, the semi-manufactured bag is folded. An example is given in fig. 40k to 40 m. This folding is done by folding along the fold edge where the front panel S1A joins the bottom panel (e.g., along fold edge F4). If not previously provided, an intermediate fold F6 may be provided in each of the side panels S2A, S2B, the intermediate fold F6 of the side panel extending in a direction substantially parallel to the fold (e.g., F3) at which the side panels S2A, S2B connect the front panel.

In one example, the folding step is performed such that the side panel intermediate fold F6 is bent outwardly to cause the front-most inner surface portion of the side panel to face the rear-most second inner surface portion of the side panel. In another example, the folding step is performed such that the side panel medial fold F6 is bent inwardly to cause one inner surface of each side to face the inner surface of the front panel and the other inner surface of each side to face the inner surface of the back panel.

in a preferred embodiment, two or four folded edges F7, F7 ' are provided in step 1370 or in a previous step (e.g., step 1331, step 1350 or step 1360) as F7a and F7b, or F7a ', F7b ', F7c ' and F7d '. These folded edges preferably begin at the intersection between the folded edges F4, F4' and the folded edge F3. If only two folded edges F7 are provided, then the two folded edges F7 preferably begin at the intersection at the front panel, or at the intersection at the rear panel. Two folded edges F7 are preferred when bending the side panel middle fold F6 outward, and four folded edges F7' are preferred when bending the side panel middle fold F6 inward.

The folded edges F7, F7 'are closed at an angle of substantially 45 degrees to the folded edges F4, F4' and are located on the side panels S2A, S2B. The folded edges F7, F7' stop at the intersection with the side panel intermediate fold F6. The unformed bag is folded along the folded edges F7, F7'. In one example, the fold along the folded edge F7 of the fold is outward. In another example, the fold along the folded edge of the fold F7' is inward.

Preferably, additional folded edges F8, F8' are provided. What has been said before in connection with the folded over edge F7, F7 'that can be provided in an earlier step also applies to this additional folded over edge F8, F8'. This additional folded edge F8, F8 'begins at the point where one of the folded edges F7, F7' stops at the side panel intermediate fold F6. This additional folded edge F8, F8 ' is substantially parallel to the folded edge F4, F4 ' and stops at the point where the other of the folded edges F7, F7 ' stops at the other side panel intermediate fold F6. Thus, the additional folded edge F8, F8' would be located on the front panel S1A, or on the rear panel S1B. When the bag is folded, the bag is folded along the additional folded folding edges F8, F8'. The folding along the additional folded edge F8 is preferably such that the outer portions of the front panel S1A or the rear panel S1B on both sides of and proximate to the additional folded edge F8, F8' face each other. If the additional fold along the folded edge F7 is outward, the outer portions of the side panels S2A, S2B on both sides of the additional folded edge F8 and proximate to the additional folded edge F8 preferably face each other. If the additional fold along the folded edge F7 ' is inward, the outer portions of the side panels S2A, S2B on both sides of the additional folded edge F8 ' and proximate to the additional folded edge F8 ' preferably face away from each other.

The method continues with step 1380.

It should be understood that the folded edges described so far with respect to method 1305 are not necessarily exhaustive. Instead, possible additional folded edges can easily be provided in the above-described steps.

In optional step 1380, a housing and/or a handle are provided. In one example, the handle provided is a handle for allowing a user to carry the shipping container. In one example, a handle is attached to the front panel S1A and the back panel S1B. The handle and/or the housing may be part of a provided panel. In one example, the handle is part of the predetermined pattern used for cutting in step 1320. The predetermined pattern may have, for example, openings 4510 as already described previously. An example is given in fig. 45c, where the grip 4520 is part of a predetermined pattern. The illustrated shape of handle 4520 is merely one example. Any other form of handle may be used, such as handle 4530 in fig. 45A, which would thus provide an opening similar to opening 4510 in fig. 45C. As an example, when starting with a panel as shown in fig. 42, the handle 4520 as shown in any of fig. 45A-45C will be rotated 90 degrees clockwise and located on the right side of the rectangular panel as shown, e.g., in the middle of the right side of the unformed front panel S1A and/or unformed rear panel S1B. The handle and/or housing may also include additional elements attached to the plate.

The provision of the handle and/or housing is completely independent of how the other parts of the shipping container have been provided. Accordingly, it should be understood that everything discussed with respect to the handle and/or housing may be simply interchanged and/or combined between different embodiments and/or examples of the shipping container described in this disclosure. Different types of providing handles and/or housings will now be described.

The method 1305 preferably ends after optional step 1380.

other methods besides 1305 may be used to provide the shipping container. According to one embodiment, the container 20 may be shaped in such a way that a plurality of containers 20 may be stacked on top of each other in a space-saving manner. An example of such a space-saving shape is a conical container. An example is shown in fig. 34A and 34B. In fig. 34A, the cone-shaped container is shown in its expanded state in a front view. In fig. 34B, the cone-shaped container is shown in its flattened state. In this way, a plurality of conical containers can be stacked by placing one conical container on top of another, so that the space required to store ten containers is only slightly larger than the space required to store one conical container. An example is shown in fig. 35A and 35B, in which three cone-shaped containers in an expanded state and in a substantially flat state are stacked, respectively. Fig. 35A and 35B are for illustrative purposes only. In practice, such containers may be more closely stacked than in the figures.

According to one embodiment, the container may be shaped as a truncated cone, such that a substantially flat bottom region is provided in the interior of the truncated cone container, with the cone walls sloping outwardly from the bottom region. An example is shown in fig. 36A and 36B, where such a container is shown in a front view and a plan view, respectively. In this way, truncated cone containers can also be stacked or stacked, such that one container is placed within the next substantially identical container, thereby enabling a large number of stacked containers to be transported in a very small space. This feature of the container advantageously helps to enable bulk shipping of the containers 20 at low cost.

Fig. 32 shows a flow chart for a method 3200 of providing a handle. In one example, method 3200 is part of step 1380 of method 1305. In one example, the method 3200 is performed several times, e.g., twice, in step 1380. Method 3200 includes step 3210.

In step 3210, a handle for transporting the container is provided. In one example, the handle is attached to the shipping container, such as via gluing or adhesive. In the following, we will describe providing handles to shopping bags. However, it should be understood that it is equally applicable to other types of shipping containers. In one example, the handle is attached to the inside of the shopping bag. In one example, this is done by attaching a handle to the first deck. In one example, the handle is attached to the outside of the shopping bag. In one example, this is done by attaching a handle to the second panel. The handle is preferably attached to the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. However, it is in principle also possible to attach handles to the side panels S2A, S2B. The handle may have a U-shape comparable to handle 4530 in fig. 45A. The handle may have an angled U-shape comparable to handle 4520 in fig. 45B. Any other shape may also produce an effect. The handle may be thicker than the bag panel to provide greater strength. The handle may be made of the same material as the plate. The handle may comprise several layers of bag panels. These several layers may be provided by folding one layer over the other. When attaching a handle similar to that shown in fig. 45A-45B, the two parallel vertical cross-sections are preferably longer than indicated in fig. 45A-45B. Then, the longer portions of the two parallel sections are preferably attached to the plate. In one example, optional step 3220 is performed after step 3210. In one example, this additional step is preferred when attaching a handle similar to that shown in fig. 45A-45B to increase the robustness of the shopping bag when carried in the handle.

In one example, a handle is provided as described in WO 2014/187582 a1. Thus, WO 2014/187582 a1 is incorporated by reference in its entirety in this disclosure. An example of such a handle is shown in fig. 46A and 46B. In this example, the shapes of the handle 4610 and the support plate 4620 are preferably complementary. In the flat state of the shopping bag, as shown in fig. 46A, the handle 4610 and the support plate 4620 are also arranged in the flat state. In this flat state, the handle 4610 and the support plate 4620 are oriented such that the handle 4610 is located at their complementary portions of the support plate 4620. Then, the combined thickness of the handle 4610 and the support plate 4620 will be equal to the thickness of the handle 4610 and/or the support plate 4620 alone. In step 1310, support panel 4620 is attached to front panel S1A and/or rear panel S1B in one example. The handle 4610 is attached to the support plate via a folded edge 4630. Preferably, the handle is not directly attached to the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. When the bag is in the unfolded state, as shown in fig. 46B, this allows the user to fold the handle up and use the handle.

In one example, the handle provided is a string 4710. The cord 4710 may be attached, for example, on the upper side 4060A, 4060B proximate the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B; 4160A, 4160B; 4260A, 4260B; 4660; 4760 position. In one example, the term upper side refers to the upward side of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B when the bag is in an upright position. The string 4710 may be placed on the upper side 4060A, 4060B of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B; 4160A, 4160B; 4260A, 4260B; 4660; 4760 a substantially parallel position. The cord 4710 may have upper sides 4060A, 4060B beyond the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B; 4160A, 4160B; 4260A, 4260B; 4660; 4760 length of width. The cord 4710 may have upper sides 4060A, 4060B beyond the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B; 4160A, 4160B; 4260A, 4260B; 4660; 4760 a length twice the width of the container. In one example, the cords 4710 are arranged to provide a closed loop 4713. This may be done, for example, by providing a knot 4720 between the ends of the rope 4710. The cords may then be arranged to contact the upper sides 4060A, 4060B of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B; 4160A, 4160B; 4260A, 4260B; 4660; 4760 substantially parallel such that the looped cords have two substantially parallel and preferably upper sides 4060A, 4060B of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B; 4160A, 4160B; 4260A, 4260B; 4660; 4760 portions 4711, 4712 of the string 4710 are proximate to each other. When the length of the cord exceeds the upper sides 4060A, 4060B of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B; 4160A, 4160B; 4260A, 4260B; 4660; 4760 twice the width, will be on the upper sides 4060A, 4060B of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B; 4160A, 4160B; 4260A, 4260B; 4660; 4760 two rings 4714, 4715 are provided at each side of the ring 4760. The length of the string is preferably so long that the two loops 4714, 4715 can be extended by moving the string forming the two loops 4714, 4715 so that, preferably, at least the human hand, or at least the four fingers of the human hand, can then be grasped by the two loops 4714, 4715.

In an alternative embodiment, only one, if any, ring 4714, 4715 is provided. In one embodiment, the cords are attached vertically to the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. In one example, the material of the rope is cotton sail line. In one example, the cord comprises plastic.

in one example, the pattern is defined by the protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020d of the predetermined base pattern; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d to provide a handle. This is described in more detail with respect to fig. 37A to 37C and 38A to 38C. In one example, the protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020 d; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d are not part of the predetermined pedestal pattern. Rather, the projections are individual strips that are attached to the chassis pattern. This attachment may in principle be performed at any stage during the method 1305, but is preferably performed after step 1320. An advantage of attaching the strip after cutting the predetermined chassis pattern is that material loss due to the cut pattern can be minimized. When looking at fig. 41, for example, one may cut a substantially rectangular base pattern 4110 from a piece of material, possibly with two additional rectangular shapes 41401.1, 4140.2 cut at the same time. Then, one may individually cut the protrusions 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d and attach them to the substantially rectangular base pattern 4110. One may also provide a long strap where the protrusion is the end of the strap. In one example, the strap extends from a left edge of the projection 4120a to a right edge of the projection 4120 c. Thus, when attached to the rectangular base pattern 4110, such a strip will also cover a portion of the sides S2A, S2B and a portion of the front panel S1A. The same applies to the protrusions 4120b and 4120 d. The first plate surface of the predetermined base pattern may be connected, or alternatively, the second plate surface of the predetermined base pattern may be connected. When discussing how the protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020C, 4020d may be used with respect to fig. 37A to 37C and 38A to 38C; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d provide a handle, and it will be appreciated that the same applies to the protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020 d; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d, which are part of the predetermined base pattern, are the same as the protrusions adapted to be achieved via the connection of the strips. It should also be noted that the strips do not necessarily have to have a rectangular shape, but may have different shapes to provide different shaped protrusions when attached to a predetermined chassis pattern.

Method 3200 continues with optional step 3220. In optional step 3220, an enhancement device is provided. The reinforcing means provided may be a reinforcing plate. The reinforcing plate may be substantially planar. The reinforcing apparatus is preferably attached as a handle to the same side of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. The attachment is for example made by gluing or gluing. The portion of the handle attached to the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B is preferably located between the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B and the reinforcement panel. In one example, the reinforcement device is directly attached to a portion of the handle and to the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. In one example, the width of the reinforcement panel is greater than the width of the handle. In one example, the width of the reinforcement panel is at least 1.5 times the width of the handle. The width of the reinforcement panel is preferably no greater than the width of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B to which the reinforcement panel is attached. When a reinforcing panel is provided, one advantage is that the lifting force can be distributed from the handle to a greater area of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B than the overlap between the handle and the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. The reinforcing plate has a certain height. This certain height is preferably greater than the height of the overlap between the handle and the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. In one example, the term overlap herein refers to the area on which the handle is attached to the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B.

in one example, optional step 3220 is repeated. By doing so, a second enhancement means is provided. This second reinforcing means preferably has a larger area than the first reinforcing plate. When referring to the first reinforcement panel herein, the objective is the reinforcement panel provided the last time step 3220 was performed. Preferably, the second reinforcing plate has a width greater than that of the first reinforcing plate. Preferably, the height of the second reinforcement plate is greater than the height of the first reinforcement plate. Then, a second reinforcement panel may be attached to the first reinforcement panel and the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. Preferably, the second reinforcement panel covers a majority of the first reinforcement panel, for example at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95%. Then, in one example, the first reinforcement panel is positioned between the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B and the second reinforcement panel. When the second reinforcement panel is provided, there is an advantage in that a lifting force can be distributed from the first reinforcement panel to a region of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B which is larger than an overlapping portion between the first reinforcement panel and the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B.

Method 3200 may end after step 3220.

In fig. 33, a flow diagram of a method 3300 for providing a closure device for shipping a container is shown. In one example, method 3300 is part of step 1380 of method 1305. The method begins with step 3310.

In step 3310, at least one closure device is provided at the shipping container. In the following we will describe the provision of a closure means for a shopping bag. However, it should be understood that the same applies to other types of shipping containers. In one example, the closure device comprises the one or more predetermined chassis pattern protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020 d; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120 d. These protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020d are described with respect to fig. 43 and 44; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d may form a closure device. It should be understood that the protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020d are provided above with respect to the adhesive provided via the strips attached to the predetermined chassis pattern; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d are also applicable here. In other words, relative to the protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020 d; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d, independently of whether the protrusions are part of a predetermined base pattern or whether they are attached in a later step, apply. In one example, the strips are thereby attached to a predetermined pattern, as described above.

In one example, the provided closure device is a closure apparatus. In one example, the closure device provided is formed integrally in a reinforcement panel. In one example, the reinforcing board is the second reinforcing board that has been described with respect to step 3220 of method 3200. In one example, the reinforcing panel is another reinforcing panel in addition to the second reinforcing panel already described with respect to step 3220.

In one example, the closure device is the closure device 240 as described with respect to fig. 14-17. In one example, the closure device has a first elongated closure element 250A and a second elongated closure element 250B. The first and second elongated closure elements 250A, 250B may have upper and lower cross-sections, respectively. In one example, the lower section is attached to an unformed bag. In one example, the lower section is attached to the front panel S1A and/or the pouch panel S1B. This attachment is for example achieved via gluing or gluing. The lower section may comprise a reinforcement plate. In one example, the upper section is not attached to the front panel S1A and/or the pouch panel S1B. The upper cross-sections of the first and second elongated closure elements may have complementary patterns. These complementary patterns may be provided in such a way that the first and second elongate closure elements may interact to provide closure between the two, thereby providing closure of the bag. This closure may be caused, for example, by a movable pressure device 280, also called a "slide" or "slider". Even later opening of the bag may be provided by the chute/slider 280.

In the following, different types of attached closures are described with respect to fig. 48A to 48D. In these figures, only one side of the pouch is shown, for example the side of the front panel S1A. In a preferred example, the other side of the pouch looks similar, such as the side of the back panel S1B. The same element covered by another element is drawn with a dashed line. In fig. 48A and 48B, a handle 4820 is attached to the outer surface of the front panel S1A and/or the pouch panel S1B. In fig. 48C and 48D, the handle 4820 is attached to the inner surface of the front panel S1A and/or the pouch panel S1B. The attachment may be direct or include some other element between the handle 4820 and the exterior and/or interior surfaces of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. In fig. 48, the handle 4820 is integrated into the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B, e.g., as described with respect to fig. 45C. In fig. 48A-48D, a reinforcement panel 4810 is attached to the handle and to the same surface of the front panel S1A and/or rear panel S1B as the handle 4820 is attached. Thus, in fig. 48A and 48B, a reinforcement panel 4810 is attached to the outer surface of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B and covers the lower portion of the handle 4820. In fig. 48C and 48D, a reinforcement panel 4810 is attached to the inner surface of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B and covers the lower portion of the handle 4820. In the example shown, there is a vertical distance 4890 between the reinforcement panel 4810 and the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. In one example, this distance is zero or substantially zero. In another example, this distance is at least 1 centimeter, such as 1cm, 2cm, or 3cm, 4cm, or 5 cm. Also shown in fig. 48A-48E is a slide/slider 4880 or another element that may cause an actual closure. In the following, when referring to an elongated closure element, this may be the first or the second elongated closure element. In fig. 48A, an elongate closure element 4870a is attached on the outside of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. Attachment is made in such a way that the handle is located outside of the elongated closure element 4870a so as not to intersect the closing action of the slide/slider 4880. In one example, the elongated closure element 4870a has a width that is longer than the width of the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. This has the advantage that: the first and second elongated closure elements may be attached to each other at overlapping areas outside the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B, providing a particularly good closure of the shipping container, as air exchange will be well prevented at the corners of the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. In fig. 48B, an elongate closure element 4870B is attached on the inside of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. Thus, the handle will automatically be positioned out of the elongated closure element 4870b so as not to intersect the closing action of the slide/slider 4880. The width of the elongated closure element 4870a is preferably substantially the width of the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. Thus, a good closure of the shipping container will be provided.

In fig. 48C, an elongate closure element 4870C is attached on the inside of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. The attachment is made in such a way that the handle is located between the elongated closure element 4870c and the front panel S1A and/or rear panel S1B so as not to intersect the closing action of the slide/slider 4880. The width of the elongated closure element 4870c is preferably substantially the width of the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B.

In fig. 48D, an elongate closure element 4870c is attached on the inside of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. The attachment is made in such a way that the handle is located between the elongated closure element 4870d and the front panel S1A and/or rear panel S1B so as not to intersect the closing action of the slide/slider 4880. The width of the elongated closure element 4870d is preferably substantially the width of the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. The difference between fig. 48C and fig. 48D is that the vertical distance of the lower portion in fig. 48D is larger than that in fig. 48C. In fig. 48D, the entire reinforcement panel is covered by the lower portion of the elongated closure element. This has the additional advantage that: the attached underside of the elongated closure element provides an additional barrier to air to prevent air exchange between the interior and exterior of the bag when the bag is in the closed state.

In fig. 48E, an elongate closure element 4870E is attached on the inside of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. Since the handle is part of the panel providing the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B, the handle does not intersect the closing action of the slide/slider 4880. The width of the elongated closure element 4870e is preferably substantially the width of the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. The underside of the lower portion of the elongated closure element 4870e is not shown, but in one example may be similar to that in fig. 48C or fig. 48D.

In fig. 48A-48E, a slide/slider 4880 is shown. However, in one example, this is not required. Any of the elongated closure elements 4870a, 4870b, 4870c, 4870d, 4870e can have a first pattern 5010 on the side facing the interior of the bag. The corresponding elongated closure elements at the panel opposite the one shown in fig. 48 a-48 e may have a second pattern 5020 on the side thereof facing the interior of the bag. The second pattern 5020 may be complementary to the first pattern 5010. By pressing the elongated closure elements on the front panel S1A and the back panel S1B together, one can then cause the first and second patterns to interact in such a way that their corresponding portions of the patterns are connected. This may provide attachment between the first pattern 5010 and the second pattern 5020 due to locking of the patterns by their shapes. One example of a side view of the first pattern 5010 and the second pattern 5020 of the elongated closure elements is shown in figure 28.

another example of providing a closure element is shown in fig. 49. A closure element 4910 is provided at the medial and/or lateral side of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. This closure element may be of a strip size and have a width preferably substantially of the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. The closure element 4910 may be attached to the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. This attachment may be achieved by gluing or gluing. The closure element 4910 may be an adhesive strip. The closure element 4910 may be an adhesive tape. Thus, when the front panel S1A is pressed to the rear panel S1B, the glue strips and/or tapes may hold the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B proximate to each other, thereby providing closure of the shipping container. In one example, once the front panel S1A and the back panel S1B are in contact with each other via the closure element 4910, the front panel S1A and the back panel S1B remain attached to each other by the closure element 4910. In one example, the closure element 4910 is located only at the front panel S1A or only at the rear panel S1B. This may be sufficient to provide closure of the bag via adhesive force. The closure element 4910 may include an additional strip of protective material (not shown in the figures). This strip may have substantially the same dimensions as the glue strip/tape. This additional strip may be provided in such a way that it must be removed before allowing the glue strip/tape to provide its adhesive force between the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B. This prevents the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B from permanently sticking together when the shipping container is in a flat condition.

In one example, the closure element 4910 is located on an exterior side of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. Assuming that the closure element 4910 is located on the outside of the front panel S1A, the rear panel S1B may have a greater vertical height than the front panel S1A. A folded edge may be provided at the back panel S1B. The folded edge may be substantially parallel to the upper side of the back panel S1B. The folded edge may be located at a distance from the upper side of the rear panel S1B. The distance may be about the distance of the difference between the vertical height of the rear panel S1B and the vertical height of the front panel S1A. Then, one may fold the rear panel S1B along the folding edge in the direction of the front panel S1A. The folded portion of the back panel S1B can then be placed over the front panel S1A such that it covers the exterior of the front panel including the closure element 4910. In this way, closure of the bag may also be provided. Of course, the closure element 4910 may also or instead be located inboard of the folded portion of the back panel S1B. The roles of the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B may also be simply interchanged. The closure element 4910 may also be an element that allows the transit element to be closed with the aid of an external closure element. As one example, the closure element 4910 may include a weld bar. The weld bar may be formed from a layer of PE. The welding strips may be made of a weldable material to enable the bag opening to be closed by heat welding so that air is minimized or prevented from entering the bag interior. In one example, the outer element is a sealing element, such as a heat sealing element. It may also be a pulsed sealing element. The external element may be a welding element. The external element may be a so-called heat welding gun. One may attach the exterior element, for example, on the upper side of the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B, such that it closes the upper side of the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B at the portion where the closing element 4910 is located. Thus, one can close the transport container in the latter state with the aid of an external element. In one example, the closure element is a portion of a plate provided to be cut in a method similar to method 1305. Thus, in one example, the closure element 4910 is not an additional element that must be attached to the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B, but is already part of the front panel S1A and the back panel S1B. In one example, the closure element 4910 is made of the same material as the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B. According to one embodiment, the water vapor impermeable film 190 forms a welded strip.

When the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B have the same dimensions, a closure element 4910 may also be provided at the outer side of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. This may be advantageous when providing closure as described with respect to fig. 43 and 44.

Other examples of closure elements are provided in fig. 29A and 29B. In fig. 29A, closure element 5170a is provided with tape or another adhesive material. This tape can be folded over the upper side of the bag after the front panel S1A and the upper side of the back panel S1B are attached. This provides a simple way of closing the bag. The length of the tape may be longer than the width of the bag. The outer edges of the tape may then be brought together to attach to each other. This provides a better closure of the bag. In fig. 29B, a closure element 5170B is provided with a clip. The clamp 5170b may press the upper portions of the front panel S1A and the rear panel S1B together, for example. This pressing together may be caused by, for example, the shape and hardness of the clamp 5170 b. The clamp 5170b may have a width longer than the upper width of the pouch. The shape of the clamp 5170B may be different from that shown in fig. 29B. Although shown without a handle, it would not be problematic to provide a handle in fig. 29A and 29B, for example, as in fig. 48A or fig. 46.

What has been said with respect to fig. 29A and 29B can also be combined with other examples of the present disclosure. The tape 5170a or closure element 5170b can be combined with a fold closure as described with respect to fig. 43 and 44, for example. In this case, in one example, it may be advantageous to provide one or more clips having a width that is shorter than the upper width of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. This is due to the fact that: such a clamp may be sufficient to hold a closure as shown in fig. 44 in its place so that the closure will not automatically deploy.

yet another possibility is depicted in fig. 29C. The front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B may have a projection 5110c extending to an upper side thereof. This projection 5110c may be substantially rectangular. The projection may have an opening 5120 c. The opening 5120c can be such that the opening provides a handle. It has been described above how the opening may provide a handle. At a portion of the projection 5110c between the opening 5120c and the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B, a closure element 5170c may be provided. This closure element 5170c can have any of the characteristics of closure element 4910 already described above. In particular, the closure element 5170c can provide adhesion. The closure element 5170c may also be such that closure may be provided with the help of the external element already described above.

Method 3300 may end after step 3310.

In fig. 39, a method of providing an enclosure for a bag is shown. The housing provided therein may be, for example, a housing as shown in fig. 48A. This housing may or may not have a slide/slider 4880. Multiple manufactured pouches 3910a, 3910b, 3910c, … … may be provided. In the example shown, the plurality of manufactured pouches 3910a, 3910b, 3910c, … … are in an expanded state. It should be understood that the plurality of manufactured pouches 3910a, 3910b, 3910c, … … may likewise be in a flattened condition. An elongate strip 3920 is provided which would be an elongate closure element 4870 a. This strip 3920 may include two strips, one for the front panel S1A and one for the rear panel S1B. One or more cutting elements 3930 may be provided to cut the strip 3920 between the plurality of manufactured pouches 3910a, 3910b, 3910c, … …, for example along the dotted lines shown in fig. 39. The one or more cutting elements 3930 are only schematically depicted in fig. 39. In one example, the one or more cutting elements 3930 are in a substantially fixed position, at least in one or two dimensions, and the plurality of manufactured bags 3910a, 3910b, 3910c, … … may be transported relative to the one or more cutting elements 3930. This way of providing an outer shell to the bag may facilitate mass production.

In the following, additional ways of providing the handle and/or the housing are described. Some steps may be part of any of methods 1300, 1302, 1305, 3200, and/or 3300. It should also be emphasized that what has been described herein can be combined well with what has been described above. This combination may then provide additional embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 43 shows an example of a cross section for shipping an unformed bag. This cross section may be, for example, the cross section of the plate cut in step 1320 of method 1305. The cross-section is, for example, an enlargement of the upper left corner of fig. 41. Portions of this section in fig. 41 that are present but will not be discussed below have been removed from fig. 43 so as not to overly obscure the drawing. Fig. 43 thus shows projection 4320 at front panel S1A. As already described above, the projection can also be attached in the latter state. Thus, it need not be part of the predetermined pattern cut in step 1320. It should also be emphasized that the protrusion need not be rectangular. Projection 4320 may also have a rectangular shape with an attached triangle, as shown in fig. 40, or any other shape.

An edge portion 4330 of the projection 4320 may be attached to a corresponding portion of another projection of the base pattern. When viewing fig. 41, this other protrusion may be, for example, protrusion 4120b or protrusion 4120 c. This attachment may be by gluing or gluing. To make attachment possible, the protrusion may be folded or bent, for example, along the folding/bend start line F10. This allows the provision of a handle. When the edge pattern 4330 is attached to the protrusion 4120b, a handle may be provided on the side panel S2A. When the edge pattern 4330 is attached to the protrusion 4120c, a handle will be provided on the front panel. The edge portion 4330 may be much larger than that shown in fig. 43. In one example, the edge portion is substantially the entire protrusion. This may provide a particularly robust handle.

in an alternative example, the protrusions 4120b and/or 4120c are not provided. The edge portion 4330 may then be attached to a corresponding region on another element of the bag. This corresponding region may be, for example, a region at the side panel S2A, or a region of the front panel S1A proximate to where the protrusions 4120b and/or 4120c have been attached.

At least one additional folded edge F11 may be provided at projection 4320. In one example, the at least one additional folded edge F11 includes four additional folded edges F11.1, F11.2, F11.3, F11.4. This at least one additional folded edge may continue through the front panel S1A and/or also through one or both of the side panels S2A, S2B. There may also be at least one additional folded edge F12 on the front panel S1A and/or one or both of the side panels S2A, S2B. In one example, the at least one additional folded edge F12 includes three additional folded edges F12.1, F12.2, F12.3. The additional folded edge F12 preferably comprises between 1 and 10 folded edges. The additional folded edge F11 preferably comprises between 1 and 10 folded edges. Corresponding folded edges may be provided at the back panel S1B and/or at the projections thereof. Only how the projection 4320 and the front panel S1A can be folded will be described below. The same applies to the other projections or to any other panel S1B, S2A, S2B. In one example, the folded edges F11, F12 are substantially parallel and are a distance from the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the projection 4320.

In one example, projection 4320 or front panel S1A is folded in the same direction along fold edges F11, F12. Thus, in one example, the fold is always in the direction of the first panel face of front panel S1A/projection 4320. In another example, the fold is always in the direction of the second panel face of front panel S1A/projection 4320.

In one example, the back panel S1B is brought into contact with the front panel S1A prior to beginning the now described folding scheme. This may be done by contacting the upper side of the rear panel S1B with the upper side of the front panel. In one example, there are closed areas FS1, FS2, FS3, … … between two adjacent folded edges F11/F12, and/or between the folded edge F11/F12 and the upper side of the front panel S1A/the upper side of the projection 4320. Preferably, the contact between the rear panel S1B and the front panel S1A is along the enclosed areas FS1, FS2, FS 3. In one example, the same discussion relating to contacting the back panel S1B with the front panel S1A also applies to the projection 4320, which projection 4320 may be brought into contact with a corresponding projection at the back panel S1B, such as projection 4120b of FIG. 41.

In one example, folding is performed in such a way: the closure region FS1 between the upper side of the upper side/front panel S1A of projection 4320 and the uppermost folded edge (in the illustrated example F11.1) faces the closure region FS2 between the uppermost folded edge F11/F12 (in the illustrated example F11.1) and the second uppermost folded edge F11/F12 (in the illustrated example F11.2). Closure of the shipping container is provided when the folded edges corresponding to F11/F12 exit from the rear panel S1B at the rear panel S1B/projection, and when folding is performed along these corresponding folded edges in the same direction as the folding at the front panel S1A/projection 4320. Thus, the term same direction means that the fold at the front panel S1A must be toward the second panel of the rear panel S1B when the fold at the front panel S1 3583 is toward the first panel of the front panel S1A, and vice versa. Contact between the front panel S1A and the back panel S1B and/or corresponding protrusions is preferably maintained during folding so that the first panel of the front panel S1A and the back panel S1B and/or corresponding protrusions always contact each other.

In the next folding step, the closed region FS2 between the uppermost folded edge F11.1 and the second uppermost folded edge F11.2 is folded towards the closed region FS3 between the second uppermost folded edge F11.2 and the third uppermost folded edge F11.3. Thus, enclosed region FS1, and preferably its counterpart on rear panel S1B, would be located between regions FS2 and FS 3.

The folding may be continued along several or all of the folded edges F11/F12. Fig. 44 shows a schematic example of how the result of such folding looks. When looking in the direction of arrow D in fig. 43, fig. 44 can be obtained. In fig. 44, it is shown how the closed areas FS1, FS2, … … may be arranged after the folding process. For clarity reasons, only the horizontal lines in fig. 44 for providing intermediate spaces between the closed areas FS1, FS2, … … are sketched. The horizontal line is preferably not there in practice, or at least much narrower with respect to the vertical line. In one example, there is substantially no space between enclosed areas FS1, FS2, … …. The lines in FIG. 44 preferably bring the front panel S1A and the back panel S1B together, i.e., each line represents a front panel S1A and a back panel S1B, with the front panel S1A on one side of the line and the back panel S1B on the other side of the panel. As can be seen, this folding provides for the closing of the bag. This has the advantage that no additional closing element is required. However, it is also possible to combine such folding with a closing element. As one example, closure element 4910 as described with respect to fig. 49 may be provided at containment region FS7 to attach containment region FS5 to containment region FS 7. This additionally increases the closing capacity of the folding method described above.

In FIG. 43, the folded edge FS11/FS12 is sketched equidistantly. However, this is not a requirement. Conversely, it may be preferable to slightly increase the distance between the folded edges. The reason can be seen in fig. 44. The folded region has a certain thickness and the next folded region needs to compensate for this thickness when folding around the previous region, as indicated by the horizontal lines in fig. 44. As the number of folds increases, more and more regions, each having a certain thickness, must be compensated for. For the same reason, it may be preferable to have a slight difference between the distance between the folded edges F11/F12 on the front panel S1A as compared to the corresponding folded edges on the back panel S1B.

One example of how to fold as described with respect to fig. 43 and 44 may be applied to the bag shown in fig. 37A-37C that is manufactured into the base pattern in fig. 40. The starting point may be the bag in the open position as shown in fig. 40 j. The bag can be closed by bringing the front panel S1A and the upper portion of the back panel S1B together as shown in FIG. 37A. The bag of fig. 37A may then be folded along the folded edges F12.1-F12.4, as described with reference to fig. 43 and 44. A pouch as shown in fig. 37A will be obtained. If the combined length L5210 of the protrusions 5210 in the folded state is more than three times the length of the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B, the protrusions 5210 in the folded state may be rotated to form a handle 5210C, as shown in fig. 37C. Preferably, the combined length L5210 of the projections 5210 in the folded state is at least four times greater than the length of the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. This has the advantage that: no additional elements have to be provided to form the handle and/or the housing of the bag, other than the plate providing the predetermined base pattern. To form the handle 5210c, the outer ends of the projections 5210 in the folded state may be attached to each other.

As shown in fig. 44n, pouches with triangles unattached to each other can be folded in the same manner.

a bag starting with a base pattern as shown in fig. 41, a handle and/or housing may be provided in a manner similar to that shown in fig. 37A-37C. In one example, the combined length L5210 of the projections 5210 in the folded state is only slightly greater than the length of the upper side of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B. Then, a handle 5210C of the type shown in fig. 37C will not be provided. In one example, portions of the protrusion 5210 in the folded state are folded toward the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B.

When referring to the upper length of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B with respect to fig. 37B and 37C, it is understood that this is the upper length in the state shown in fig. 37B and 37C. This length may be different from the upper length of the front panel S1A and/or the back panel S1B in FIG. 37A, since the upper length there is now folded.

It should also be noted that fig. 40A to 40N and fig. 37A to 37C are only schematic. The relationship of the area of the front panel S1A and/or the rear panel S1B and the bottom plane BP may be quite different from that shown in the figures. As an example, the remaining portion of the front panel S1A in fig. 37C may be several times, e.g., 5 or 10 times, the area of the bottom plane.

Fig. 38A to 38C show still another example, in which fig. 38A corresponds to fig. 37A, and so on. In this example, only the protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020 d; 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d are attached to each other on the outside. Protrusions 4020a, 4020b, 4020c, 4020 d; the other portions of 4120a, 4120b, 4120c, 4120d are preferably not attached to each other, allowing the protrusions to form at least one opening 5305. Folding similar to that from fig. 37A to 37B is performed between fig. 38A and 38B. Then, the projection 5310 in the folded state looks similar to that shown in fig. 37B except that the projection 5310 in the folded state has the at least one opening. This at least one opening 5305 can serve as a handle for the bag when the projection 5310 is rotated in the folded state. This is shown in fig. 38C. The contents regarding the size of the area described with respect to fig. 37A to 37C also apply here. Providing a handle as shown in fig. 38C has the advantage of: no additional elements are required for the handle.

Method for delivery of groceries

According to one embodiment, the shopping bag 20 may be advantageously used by an online store to deliver frozen or refrigerated groceries that have been ordered, for example, via the internet. The advantageous ability of bag 20 to maintain the frozen or refrigerated state of groceries for an extended length of time may enable a reduction in the cost of delivering frozen or refrigerated groceries.

Figure 21 shows a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a system for delivering groceries in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 500 refers to a customer location with a computer 510, the computer 510 having a user interface 520 for enabling a customer (e.g., a person wishing to purchase goods) to access the internet. The computer 510 has a communication port 520 for bi-directional data exchange. The communication port 520 may be connected to a communication network 530 via, for example, a data interface 19. The communication network 530 may be the global internet, also known as the internet. Communication network 530 may also include a public switched telephone network.

A server computer 540 is also connected to the communication network 530. The server computer 540 may include a database 560, a user input/output interface 570 and data processing hardware 580, and a communication port 590. Server computer 540 is located at server location 592, which is geographically isolated from customer location 500. The server location 592 may be located in a first city, such as capital stockholm, sweden, and the customer location may be located in another city, such as berlin, germany. Alternatively, server location 592 may be located in a first portion of a town and the customer location may be located in another portion of the same town. Server location 592 can also be referred to as provider portion 592, or provider portion location 592. The server computer may be part of an online business entity 595 for the sale and delivery of goods that need to be kept cold, cold or frozen.

the online business entity also includes a storage device 600 for goods 40. The storage computer 610 is connected to a communication network 530. Storage computer 610 may include user input/output interface 620 and data processing hardware 630, and communication port 640.

The storage apparatus 600 further includes one or more storage compartments 650. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the storage chamber 650 has a controlled environment in that the temperature and relative humidity of the air in the storage chamber 650 are controlled such that they are maintained within certain predetermined ranges. The cargo may include a plurality of different types of cargo, and the cargo may be classified into different temperature ranges TI, TII, TIII, and TIV, each type of cargo being stored in a corresponding storage compartment 650_TI、650_TII、650_TIIIAnd 650_TIVThese storage chambers have a temperature according to the corresponding cargo temperature range TI, TII, TIII or TIV (see fig. 22). According to one embodiment, each storage compartment 650 is configured according to a lowest acceptable cargo temperature range for the corresponding cargo_TI、650_TII、650_TIIIAnd 650_TIVOf (2) is used. According to one embodiment, each storage compartment 650 is configured according to a lowest acceptable cargo temperature range for the corresponding cargo_TI、650_TII、650_TIIIand 650_TIVAnd also sets the relative humidity of the air to a minimum acceptable value, depending on the type of cargo in the storage chamber. According to one embodiment, the relative humidity of the air is set to a value equal to or lower than 40% RH lower than the relative humidity in the storage chamber storing the refrigerated or frozen goods to reduce or minimize the condensation rate.

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a storage facility 600 including a plurality of storage compartments 650_TI、650_TII、650_TIIIAnd 650_TIV. Referring to fig. 22, the apparatus 600 may further include a cargo loading compartment 660. The cargo loading compartment 660 may be arranged such that the storage compartment 650 may be accessed directly from the cargo loading compartment 660.

According to one embodiment, the ambient air temperature in the cargo load compartment 660 is maintained below +18 degrees celsius. In environments where refrigerated or frozen goods are to be packed into the container 20, it is advantageous to keep the air humidity low to eliminate or minimize the occurrence of condensation or frost on the refrigerated or frozen goods. According to one embodiment, the relative air humidity is kept below 40% RH. According to another embodiment, the relative air humidity is kept below 20% RH.

In this connection, it can be pointed out that the occurrence of condensation leads to a significant heating of the refrigerated, non-frozen goods. If the air humidity causes condensation on a piece of refrigerated, non-frozen cargo, the increase in the average temperature of a piece of refrigerated, non-frozen cargo is:

DT_chg＝2260*m_Cond/(W_chg*m_chg) Wherein

DT_chgIncrease in average temperature of refrigerated goods [ degree centigrade ]]

m_CondGrams of water deposited on refrigerated goods by condensation

W_chgAverage heat capacity of refrigerated goods

m_chgMass of refrigerated goods (kg)]

The effect of frost formation is even more severe for frozen goods. Condensed water may also freeze when air humidity causes water droplets to form on frozen goods. Condensate is formed from the humidity of the air and subsequently freezes to form ice or frost, also referred to herein as "frost". If the air humidity causes frost to form on the surface of a frozen good, the average temperature of a frozen good increases by:

DT_FRG＝2594*m_frost/(W_FRG*m_FRG) Wherein

DT_FRGIncrease in average temperature of refrigerated goods [ degree centigrade ]]

m_frostGram number of frost (water of frozen ice) deposited on frozen goods by condensation and freezing

W_FRGAverage heat capacity of frozen goods

m_FRGMass of frozen goods (measured in kilograms)

It is therefore an object and advantageous feature of the present invention to eliminate or minimize the warming of refrigerated or frozen goods during stuffing into the container 20 by eliminating or minimizing the occurrence of frost and/or condensation on the refrigerated or frozen goods. According to one embodiment, the ambient air temperature in the cargo load compartment 660 is thereby maintained below +10 degrees Celsius and, in the environment in which refrigerated or frozen cargo is to be stuffed into the container 20, the air humidity is also maintained low to eliminate or minimize the occurrence of condensation or frost on the refrigerated or frozen cargo. According to one embodiment, the relative air humidity is kept below 30% RH. According to another embodiment, the relative air humidity is kept below 20% RH.

In fact, the energy released by 1g of water vapour converted into a layer of ice on a package containing 1kg of frozen water is in fact sufficient to heat the whole 1kg of frozen water by 1.18 degrees. Thus, if for example 12g of water vapour is allowed to be converted into a frost layer of ice on a frozen grocery package, this energy (just over 31kJ) may be sufficient to heat the grocery by a few degrees. The exact temperature change depends on the specific heat capacity W of the particular grocery piece_FRGAs illustrated by the equations set forth above. Pure fresh water ice has a specific heat capacity of 2200J/(kg K), so 12g of frost formed will be sufficient to heat 1kg of fresh water ice to about 14 degrees celsius.

In this regard, the maximum amount of water vapor at various air temperatures may be relevant. The right hand column in table 1 below provides an overview of the relationship between water mass and steam saturated air per volume. The left hand column indicates the corresponding temperature and the middle column indicates the pressure of the saturated steam.

TABLE 1

The storage apparatus 600 further comprises a storage device for the containers 20 for transporting refrigerated or frozen goods. The container 20 may be a shopping bag 20 for carrying refrigerated or frozen goods. A variety of predetermined sizes of containers 20 may be provided, such as five different sizes. The internal storage volume of the container 20 size may include, for example, 10 liters, 20 liters, 30 liters, 40 liters, and 50 liters.

Referring to fig. 22, the apparatus 600 may include a plurality of storage compartments 650_TI、650_TII、650_TIIIAnd 650_TIVAs described above. Cargo storage facility #, can store a pile of cargo 40_IMaintained in a first temperature range T_IThe first cool temperature inside. The first temperature range may be 15-18 degrees celsius. Such cargo 40_IGroceries such as fresh produce, e.g., fruits or mushrooms, may be included, which may be provided in individual portion-sized packages or containers 40A. Thus, some cargo may be in a first cool temperature range T of approximately 15-18 degrees Celsius_IThe following are provided. | A | A

Some cargo may be in the second non-refrigerated cold temperature range T_IIThe following are provided. The second non-freezing cool temperature range may be in the range of approximately +6 to +8 degrees celsius. Alternatively, the non-freezing cold temperature range may be in the range of approximately +1 to +4 degrees Celsius.

Some cargo may be in a third temperature range T_IIIThe following are provided. A third temperature range T_IIIMay be a freezing temperature range of, for example, -18 to-22 degrees celsius.

Also, some cargo may be in a fourth freezing temperature range T that is cooler than the third range_IVThe following are provided. The fourth range may be, for example, -25 to-40 degrees CelsiusBetween degrees. Providing frozen goods in such a low temperature range may advantageously extend the frozen goods towards a minimum freezing temperature T_frMinThe time required for warming. Minimum freezing temperature T_frMinMay be, for example, -10 or-4 degrees celsius. Minimum freezing temperature T_frMinThe value of (d) depends on the type of cargo.

according to one embodiment, the fourth freezing temperature range T_IVIs a settable range so that the fourth freezing temperature range T can be set_IVset to a value T_IV＝T_f4+/-T_raWherein, T_IVIs a temperature, T, between-25 and-40 degrees Celsius_raError range. Error range T_raCan be a narrow span of several degrees, the error range T_raMay be a narrow span of, for example, less than 2 degrees.

When transporting refrigerated or frozen goods in embodiments of the cold-keeping container 20, the refrigerated or frozen goods are inserted into the cold-keeping container 20 until the goods have reached a certain higher temperature T_ch2the duration of which depends on the initial temperature T of the refrigerated or frozen goods_ch1. Thus, a lower initial cargo temperature T_ch2Will increase the duration T_COOLAt the duration T_COOLis kept below a certain limit value T_chlimit. Thus, a lower initial cargo temperature T_ch2Will enable longer acceptable delivery times of refrigerated or frozen goods.

however, the inventors concluded that: lowering the initial temperature T_ch1does not result in the cargo being kept below a certain limit value T during the process_chlimitDuration T of_COOLProportionally longer.

Fig. 23A and 23B show schematic block diagrams of an embodiment of a method of delivering refrigerated or frozen goods according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to fig. 23A, a left flow chart F10 illustrates actions performed by the customer location computer 510. In step S200, a customer (e.g., a person wishing to purchase goods) places an order for refrigerated and/or frozen goods by causing the customer location computer 510 to communicate with a server computer 540 located at a server location 592. Accordingly, the customer may place an order to deliver a quantity a of refrigerated and/or frozen goods to the delivery destination DD.

Thus, the server computer 540 may be adapted to receive orders, as indicated with step S300 in the right-hand flowchart F20 in fig. 23A. Server computer 540 may also include a debit function, and a receipt function for confirming orders.

When the order includes a request corresponding to goods held in different temperature ranges from each other, the server computer 540 may be adapted to classify the order information according to the goods temperature ranges (step S310).

Referring to fig. 23A and 21, in step S320, the server computer 540 may transmit a delivery instruction DI to the storage computer 610 at the storage apparatus 600. The delivery instructions DI may include information relating to the amount of each ordered good and information indicating the delivery destination DD. The delivery instructions DI may also represent one or more cargo temperature ranges associated with the ordered cargo.

In step S330, the storage computer 610 at the storage device 600 may receive the delivery instruction DI. In step S340, the storage computer 610 may be adapted to generate wrapping instructions PI. The packaging instructions may include information relating to the quantity of each of the ordered items.

It should be noted that step S310 may be performed by the storage computer 610 as an alternative to being performed by the server computer.

When the order comprises requests for goods held in mutually different temperature ranges, the storage computer 610 may be adapted to include structured information in the packaging instructions PI such that the packaging instructions PI represent an approximate volume and/or an approximate quality of the goods in the respective temperature range TI, TII, TIII or TIV. Based on the information in the packaging instructions PI, the storage computer 610 may generate an indication of the appropriate type and/or the appropriate size of shipping containers for the ordered good. As described above, a plurality of predetermined sizes of containers 20 may be provided, such as five different sizes. The internal storage volume of the container 20 size may include a variety of container volume sizes V1, V2, V3, V4, V5. The container volume may comprise V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, which are different sizes from each other, such as 10 liters, 20 liters, 30 liters, 40 liters and 50 liters.

Referring to fig. 21 in conjunction with fig. 22, in step S340 in fig. 23A, the storage computer 610 may deliver the packing instructions PI to the relevant user input/output interface 620_I、620_II、620_IIIOr 620_IVDepending on the volume and/or mass indicated with the packaging instructions PI for the goods in the respective temperature range TI, TII, TIII or TIV. Thus, for example, when the packaging instructions PI include an indication to be stuffed with goods within the fourth temperature range TIV of X kg, the instructions may be sent to the corresponding user input/output interface 620_IV(see FIG. 22). User input/output interface 620_I、620_II、620_IIIAnd/or 620_IVA display may be included. Display 620_I、620_II、620_IIIAnd/or 620_IVMay be adapted to display to a person the task of which is to transfer an indicated amount of goods from the indicated storage room 620_TI、620_TII、620_TIIIAnd/or 620_TIVInto a container 20 having the indicated dimensions V1, V2, V3, V4 or V5. It has been found that there is an optimum filling level of the refrigerated container 20. Furthermore, it has been found that if X kg of a certain refrigerated or frozen good is to be transported, it is better to include X kg in one refrigerated container 20 than to divide X kg into a plurality of smaller containers. Thus, all goods within a certain temperature range should preferably be packed together in as few containers as possible, while not exceeding an optimal filling degree of the refrigerated container 20. The optimum filling level allows an air gap to be formed between the inner surface of the container 20 and the outer surface of the cold or frozen goods. Preferably, the container is filled to such a degree that the refrigerated goods avoid physical contact with any side walls and with the interior of the closed upper surface (i.e., the sealed open portion of the container 20). Thus, the package order PI may include information indicating the recommended number of containers 20 and the recommended container size V1, V2, V3, V4, or V5 for the cargo within each temperature range (see step S350 in fig. 23A) to allow packaging of the minimum number of uniform cargo temperature containers filled to the optimum fill level.

In step S360, one or more containers 20 are packaged. According to a preferred embodiment, a certain container 20 is filled with goods having mutually uniform temperatures. This advantageously helps to achieve a substantially uniform temperature in the cargo in the container 20 and it minimizes any temperature redistribution between the pieces of cargo that are different from one another. Thus, in step S360, one or more containers 20 may be packaged such that a minimum number of uniform cargo temperature containers are filled to an optimal fill level. Referring to fig. 22, the actual packaging of the containers 20 may be performed manually by a person receiving instructions from the user interface 620 in the cargo load compartment 660.

When the containers 20 have been filled, as described above, each container 20 may be closed and sealed, as indicated in step S370 (fig. 23B). This may also be done manually, as described elsewhere in this document, and there are many alternatives by which the closing and/or sealing of the container 20 may be performed. This may include heat welding, gluing, sealing by using tape, or by clamping. The closing and/or sealing of the container 20 may also be performed by folding the edge portions of the bag 20. Referring to the drawings, according to yet another embodiment, the container 20 may include a neck 662 made of a flexible material at a rim portion of the container wall, the flexible material being shaped and sized to allow a cord 664 to be placed around the neck to cinch the neck so that the container becomes substantially sealed.

According to one embodiment, the storage computer 610 may send the wrapping instructions PI to the wrapping robot 670 (see fig. 21 in connection with step S340 in fig. 23A). Although fig. 21 shows only one reservoir 650, it is understood that there may be multiple reservoirs 650_TI、650_TII、650_TIII、650_TIVAnd, a storage chamber 650_TI、650_TII、650_TIII、650_TIVOne, several or all of which may be provided with a packaging robot 670, enabling complete packaging to be performed in a cold and dry environment.

When packaging is performed robotically, the respective storage chambers 650 having controlled air temperature and controlled air humidity may be provided_TI、650_TII、650_TIII、650_TIVIn which the entire packaging process is performed. In order to obtain the best cold-retention characteristics of the container 20 during shipping, the container 20 should preferably be packaged and sealed such that the air remaining within the container 20 has a relative humidity of less than 70% at an air temperature equal to the surface temperature of the goods during packaging. | A The purpose of this feature is to minimize or eliminate the risk of condensation occurring within the container 20. Since the relative air humidity decreases in response to an increase in temperature, such relatively dry air that is initially left in the container may not only avoid causing condensation, but it may also be advantageously capable of absorbing and diluting some humidity that may originate from refrigerated goods or from small amounts of ambient air that enters during transport.

referring to step 380 in fig. 23B and fig. 21, the sealed container 20 may be placed in or on a transport vehicle 680 for distribution to a delivery destination DD. The delivery destination may be customer location 500, or a geographically different location.

As shown in step S390 in fig. 23C, the sealed container is conveyed to the delivery destination DD according to the information in the delivery instruction DI. Due to the interplay of many smart combination features, as described elsewhere in this document, the sealed container 20 may have the ability to maintain an initial low cargo temperature for a long period of time, even when in an atmospheric environment having an ambient air temperature greater than +10 degrees celsius. The sealed container 20 may also have the ability to maintain an initial low cargo temperature for an extended period of time when the atmospheric environment has an ambient air temperature greater than +20 degrees celsius or greater.

Referring to step S400 in fig. 23B and fig. 21, the sealed container 20 may be delivered to the delivery destination DD according to the information in the delivery instruction DI.

In fact, where the atmospheric environment has an ambient air temperature of +60 degrees Celsius, tests have been conducted and, according to one embodiment of the invention, a 5kg weight of frozen chicken has been loaded into a kraft shopping bag 20. The kraft paper bag according to this example used in the test had:

Kraft paper basis weightThe amount is 136.3g/m²

Thickness of kraft paper layer 161 μm

Kraft paper density 848kg/m³

air permeability of the PE layer impermeable to water vapor: less than 0.35 μm/pas, i.e. low enough not to be measured according to ISO5636-3:2013

Thermal conductivity of the bag wall with a kraft layer and a water vapour impermeable PE layer as defined above: 0.098W/(mK) (note that thermal conductivity was established at 22 ℃ and 50% RH, respectively).

A temperature probe was placed between 1kg of packaged frozen chicken, the total weight of frozen chicken being 5 kg. The results of the experiment are indicated in fig. 25. The horizontal axis in fig. 25 represents time, and the vertical axis represents temperature. The initial temperature of the frozen chicken was-30.9 degrees celsius at 15:03, i.e., at 3 pm local time, as indicated by the measurement probe. Ambient air has a constant temperature of 60 degrees celsius and the measurement continues until the next morning at 07: 43. As shown in fig. 25, it took four hours before the chicken reached-10 degrees celsius at 19: 13.

the above-described method of packaging containers with refrigerated and/or frozen goods thus advantageously enables the delivery of refrigerated and/or frozen goods in a very cost-effective manner. It should be noted in particular that the above-described method of packaging containers with refrigerated and/or frozen goods advantageously enables the refrigerated and/or frozen goods to be transported for an extended amount of time without the need to use vehicles with active cooling or freezing devices.

In another test, the atmospheric environment had an ambient air temperature of +20 degrees celsius and a relative humidity of 70% RH. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a kraft shopping bag 20 is filled with a weight of 4.7kg of chilled fresh water. The kraft paper bag according to this example used in the frozen fresh water test had:

kraft paper basis weight 136.3g/m²

Thickness of kraft paper layer 161 μm

Kraft paper density 848kg/m³

air permeability of the PE layer impermeable to water vapor: less than 0.35 μm/pas, i.e. low enough not to be measured according to ISO5636-3:2013

Thermal conductivity of the bag wall with a kraft layer and a water vapour impermeable PE layer as defined above: 0.098W/(mK) (note that thermal conductivity was established at 22 ℃ and 50% RH, respectively).

Fig. 26 shows a graph of the time progression of the temperature in two locations in a piece of ice placed in a bag 20 according to the above embodiment. By way of comparison, fig. 26 also shows a graph of the time progression of the temperature in two locations in a block of ice placed in a bag according to the prior art. Tables 2 and 3 (immediately in this document) provide the measurements.

fig. 27 shows a graph of the time progression of the temperature in two positions placed in a 4.7 litre freshwater tank in the bag 20 according to the above described embodiment. By way of comparison, fig. 27 also shows a graph of the time progression of the temperature in two positions in a 4.7 litre fresh water tank placed in a bag according to the prior art. Tables 4 and 5 (next page of this document) provide the measured values.

TABLE 2

TABLE 3

TABLE 4

TABLE 5

Other embodiments are described below: