DE29819527U1 - Thermal insulation box - Google Patents

Description

TIEDTKE

BUEHLING ^:

& PARTNERS _(Gb R)

&Ggr; Tiedtke-Bühling- Kinne, POB 2019 18, D -80019 Munich 1 Patent attorneys / representatives at the EPO'

Dipl.-Ing. Harro Tiedtke * Dipl.-Chem. Gerhard Bühling * Dipl.-Ing. Reinhard Kinne * Dipl.-Ing. Hans-Bernd Pellmann * Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Grams * Dipl.-Biol. Dr. Annette Link Dipl.-Ing. Aurel Vollnhals * Dipl.-Ing. Thomas J.A. Leson * Dipl.-Ing. Hans-Ludwig Trösch * Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Georgi Chivarov * Dipl.-Ing. Matthias Grill * Dipl.-Ing. Alexander Kühn * Dipl.-Chem. Dr. Andreas Oser * Dipl.-Ing. Rainer Böckelen * Bavariaring 4, D-80336 Munich

02 November 1998

DE 22157

1. Wolfgang Schneider

Ottenhöfen / Germany

2. Peter Reicht

Seebach / Germany

"Heat insulation box"

Telephone: 089 - 544690

Fax(G3): 089-532611
Fax(G4): 089 - 5329095
postoffice@tbk-patent.com

Deutsche Bank (Munich) Account 286 1060 (bank code 700 70010) Dresdner Bank (Munich) Account 3939 844 (bank code 700 800 00) Postbank (Munich) Account 670 - 43 - 804 (bank code 700 100 80) Dai-Ichi-Kangyo Bank (Munich) Account 51 042 (bank code 700 207 00) Sanwa Bank (Düsseldorf) Account 500 047 (bank code 301 307 00)

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Description

The present invention relates to a thermal insulation box according to the preamble of claim 1 and in particular to a thermal insulation box with a dimensionally stable housing.

Containers or cool boxes are known from the state of the art that allow objects that need to be kept cool, such as food or medicine, to be carried. Such a container is usually equipped with a handle and can be carried. Furthermore, at least one coolant container or ice pack is housed inside this container, which cools the goods to be cooled.

For example, the generic document DE 85 21 649 Ul discloses a thermal insulation box for cooling or keeping warm, in which a cooling pack is arranged in the thermal insulation box in such a way that a thermal insulation space on both sides of the cooling pack is divided into receiving spaces for cooled goods. These receiving spaces are designed in such a way that the cooled goods, such as drinks cans or bottles, can be inserted lengthways from above and stacked on top of one another. If a drinks can is to be removed, the thermal insulation box only needs to be opened at its upper lid and an upper cooled can pulled out.

However, due to the way they are inserted, the long sides of the cans or bottles are barely or not at all visible from the top opening of the container. However, the most important descriptions of the contents, labels, prints and the like are usually attached to the long sides of cans or bottles. If cans or bottles with different contents are inserted into this thermal insulation box, a

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It is practically impossible to identify and remove a specific can or bottle with the desired contents. Furthermore, the storage spaces in this heat-insulated box are larger than the corresponding refrigerated goods. As a result, it is possible that refrigerated goods fall out of the box in a certain position.

The object of the present invention is therefore to design a heat insulation box of the above-mentioned type in such a way that after opening the heat insulation box, the contents of the heat insulation space, which are kept safe for transport, can be clearly exposed and easily removed.

This object is achieved by a heat insulation box having the features of claim 1.

Advantageous further developments are defined in the subclaims.

According to the invention, the refrigerated goods can be clamped into the heat insulation box due to the shape adapted to the refrigerated goods and the flexibility of the receiving part. This ensures that the refrigerated goods can be easily filled and removed. This also protects the refrigerated goods, such as a bottle, from falling out and, ideally, from slipping. Easy operation and a high level of transport safety are achieved by the advantageous articulation of the housing parts. At the same time, it is avoided that the lid of the heat insulation box can be lost. Exposing the essentially largest cross-section of the heat insulation space ensures a particularly high level of clarity. This enables immediate access to the refrigerated goods, which are not covered and do not have to be searched for. In other words, the box according to the invention is similar to a suitcase via its

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The box is opened along its width and not along its top as in the prior art, so that all items within the box can be accessed without having to move them around.

An advantageous further development according to claim 2 brings with it the advantage of very comfortable and safe carrying of the flat heat insulation box like a tool case.

In a further advantageous development according to claim 3, two side walls of one housing part cover two side walls of the other housing part. This strengthens the housing as a whole and makes it more rigid and strong. In addition, covering the side walls results in better thermal insulation. It is possible to open and close it like a tool case or a briefcase. When the housing is open, the entire box can be moved or lifted or set down by grasping the lower housing part with both hands.

Furthermore, in an advantageous further development, the heat insulation box has a handle on an upper front wall and can therefore be carried comfortably. By implementing the linkage on the side opposite the handle, the box can also be opened when lying down in such a way that the lower housing part is held with one hand and the handle is pushed upwards with the other hand.

In addition, in an advantageous further development, the heat insulation box is provided with preferably hook-like holders on the outside of the housing so that it can be transported, for example, on a bicycle, motorcycle or similar vehicle like a saddlebag or pannier. Clear access to the contents of the opened heat insulation box is also ensured when it is opened like such a

Saddle bag hangs. Since the brackets are made of metal, they are very durable.

In a further modification, the brackets are located on the third of the base wall adjacent to the handle-side front wall. The handle and/or the brackets are arranged in such a way that the refrigerated goods are stored upright in a transport position of the thermal insulation box. To open it, the thermal insulation box can either be laid down so that the refrigerated goods are in the thermal insulation space, or one of the housing parts can be folded down from the transport position. If the box is transported like a saddlebag on a bicycle or motorcycle, it does not necessarily have to be removed in this state to open it, as the housing part can also be folded down from this position. Transport safety is further increased as the refrigerated goods, such as a bottle, are stored upright in this transport position. This minimizes any swaying of the contents of a bottle, such as a drink, and thus any undesirable foaming.

In addition, with another advantageous

Further development of the thermal insulation box, the housing and the lining are made in one piece from a resin, such as plastic, preferably using the Poxset process. This results in very inexpensive production and the possibility of simple shape design.

In a further advantageous development of the heat insulation box, the receiving part consists of a heat insulation material, which increases the efficiency of the heat insulation. Furthermore, the receiving part is divided into individual receiving sections, which preferably have a concave, curved half-shell shape. This division is designed similarly to that of a tool case. This increases the

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Clarity and transport safety, as each receiving section can accommodate a drinks can, for example, whose shell shape is adapted to the concave curvature of each receiving section. The elasticity of the receiving part makes it easier to clamp a refrigerated item in the respective receiving section.

In a further development of the thermal insulation box, the receiving part can be either detachable from the associated housing part or formed as a single piece with it. A removable structure enables different receiving parts to be exchanged for different refrigerated goods. This means that if the receiving part of a thermal insulation box is designed for drinks cans with a content of 0.33 l, for example, this can be replaced by a correspondingly adapted receiving part if drinks cans with a content of 0.5 l are to be stored, while the housing remains unchanged. This ensures that the different refrigerated goods are always clearly arranged. A single-piece structure made of a thermal insulation material allows for time-saving, cost-effective production, while a removable structure enables function-specific use of materials, since the most suitable material for fulfilling the respective task can be used for the housing part and for the receiving part.

In a further developed thermal insulation box, the receiving part has a plastic film that covers an insulation layer and is welded to the corresponding housing part at its edge, which also enables a function-specific use of material.

In another development, the refrigerated goods can be pressed into the half-shell shape of the receiving section or the receiving sections of the receiving part in such a way that

it is secured against slipping and rattling. This further increases transport safety.

In another advantageous development, the holder is adapted to drinks cans or bottles, whereby preferably six drinks cans or bottles are stored in the heat-insulated box. Drinks cans or bottles are often sold in so-called six-packs. When purchasing such a drinks set, only the packaging needs to be removed and all the cans or bottles can be stored in the heat-insulated box to save space. In addition, the arrangement is further improved by storing them next to each other on one level. One item of refrigerated goods is not covered by another when the box is opened.

In another development, each housing part is provided with a storage part for refrigerated goods. When the heat insulation box is opened, the refrigerated goods are arranged like a toolbox that is equipped on both opened sides, whereby the storage capacity can be increased while maintaining the same level of clarity.

In another development, at least one commercially available cooling pack can be housed in the heat insulation space. The cooling pack can be inserted into the receiving part in such a way that it is vertical in relation to the largest cross-section of the heat insulation space. This allows the heat insulation space to be divided into receiving compartments, which also contributes to an increased overview of the cooled goods. Since the cooled goods can be in contact with the cooling pack, a high heat transfer efficiency is achieved. The positioning of the cooled goods is at least partially predetermined in this case, which makes it easier to insert them. 35

The object as well as further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 5

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a

Embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded state.

Fig. 2 shows a receiving part of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3a shows a view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1 from the direction of arrow III.

Fig. 3b shows a section of this embodiment and in particular a holder as a sectional view.

Fig. 4 shows a view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1 from the direction of arrow IV.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded state. The heat insulation box according to the invention has a housing that is made of a resin and surrounds a heat insulation space. The housing has an upper in Fig. 1 and a lower in Fig. 1 dimensionally stable housing part 6 or 7. The lower housing part 7 in Fig. 1 is provided with a flexible receiving part 3 that is partially adapted to the shape of a refrigerated item.

The two housing parts 6 and 7 each have a larger rectangular base wall H or K and, standing perpendicularly to it in a collar-like manner, three smaller rectangular side walls A, B and C respectively.

E, F and G. The side wall of the other base wall K or H opposite the side wall-free edge of one base wall H or K is designed as an end wall B or F. This end wall B or F has the smallest area of all the walls. The remaining walls A and C or E and G are referred to below as just side walls.

The upper housing part 6 in Fig. 1 is hinged at the side wall-free edge of its base wall H to an upper edge of the front wall F of the lower housing part 7 in Fig. 1. The hinge 8 is formed as one piece with the housing by a linear thinning of the material. Due to the hinge 8, the housing can be opened like a toolbox, whereby the largest cross-section of the thermal insulation space is exposed when the housing is opened.

When closed, the housing forms a flat cuboid, with the opposing side walls A and C of the upper housing part 6 in Fig. 1 overlapping the side walls E and G of the lower housing part 7 in Fig. 1 from the outside.

The outer edges of the housing are rounded. The front wall B of the upper housing part 6 in Fig. 1 is additionally provided with a convex bulge on the outside, which is not, however, provided on the inside of the front wall B, so that a material thickening occurs in the middle section of the front wall B.

In Figures 3a and 3b it is shown that the housing is provided with two brackets 10. The brackets 10 are attached to the outside of the third of the base wall H of the upper housing part 6 in Fig. 3a that is adjacent to the front wall B. The brackets 10 are provided at the same height and spaced apart from one another parallel to the front wall B. The distance between the two brackets 10 corresponds approximately to twice the distance between each

Bracket 10 to the respective nearest side wall A or C. The brackets 10 are designed as downward-curved hooks and are made of metal. They are either cast, glued, screwed or riveted to the housing. 5

Due to these brackets 10, it is possible for the heat insulation box to be carried like a saddlebag on a bicycle, motorcycle or similar vehicle. The heat insulation box can even be opened in the position that arises when it is attached to a bicycle. In this case, only the lower housing part 7 in Fig. 3a, to which the brackets 10 are not attached, needs to be opened. The heat insulation box can also be removed and laid down with the base wall of the lower housing part 7 in Fig. 3a facing downwards.

The receiving part 3 provided in the lower housing part 7 in Fig. 1 is described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The receiving part 3 is made of an elastic, flexible heat-insulating material and is formed in one piece with the lower housing part 7 and is preferably manufactured using the Poxset method or another injection molding method. The receiving part 3 is symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane running centrally between the parallel side walls E and G.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2, in which the structure of the receiving part 3 is shown more clearly. It has a rectangular basic shape that corresponds to the inner shape of the lower housing part 7 in Fig. 1. On each of the two longer sides of the rectangular basic shape, the receiving part 3 has a narrow edge shoulder 16. Each narrow edge shoulder 16 rests against the side wall E or G of the lower housing part 7 in Fig. 1. The upper edge of each edge shoulder is located above the middle of the adjacent side walls E.

or G. In the transverse direction of the receiving part 3, this is divided into three recesses between the edge shoulders 16. These recesses each have a concavely curved cylindrical half-shell shape and form receiving sections for a refrigerated item. Between each two adjacent recesses, two webs 4 extend parallel to their longitudinal axes, which in turn are spaced apart by a groove 15 parallel to the webs 4. As a result, there are four webs 4. The height of the webs 4 is determined so that they are lower than the edge shoulders 16. The depth of the grooves 15 corresponds approximately to the depth of the recesses. The webs 4 and the grooves 15 are symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal axis of the concavely curved cylindrical half-shell shape of the recesses. In relation to the longitudinal direction of the webs 4, a notch 5 is machined in the middle of each web 4. This results in four notches 5. These notches 5 thus run perpendicular to the webs 4. They are deeper than the grooves 15.

A commercially available flat coolant container or cooling pack can be inserted or clamped vertically into the notches 5 in such a way that the concavely curved recesses are further divided into two receiving sections 9 each by this cooling pack. This creates six receiving sections 9.

The cooling pack inserted into the notch 5 also divides the grooves 15 approximately in half. A cooling pack can also be inserted or clamped vertically into each part of the grooves 15. In this case, all six receiving sections 9 are separated from one another by cooling packs.

A beverage can or a bottle as a refrigerated item can be ideally stored in a receiving section 9. Due to the structure of the receiving part 3 described above, it is possible to store six beverage cans or bottles in the

Thermal insulation box. These six drinks cans or bottles are placed next to each other and in one plane in the receiving part 3 so that their longitudinal axes run parallel to the webs 4. They are preferably in contact with the cooling packs. Due to the elastic flexibility of the receiving part 3, the respective cans or bottles are clamped in the respective receiving sections 9 between two webs 4 or between a web 4 and an edge shoulder 16.

A locking mechanism 11, 12 is attached to the opposite side walls of the housing parts 6 and 7. A locking lug 11 is located on the inside of the side walls A and C of the encompassing upper housing part 6, whereby only the locking lug 11 on the right side is shown in Fig. 1. Locking devices 12 are attached to the outside of the encompassed side walls E and G, which interact with the locking lugs 11 and, when engaged, prevent the housing from opening accidentally.

In the convex curvature of the front wall B of the upper housing part 6, an approximately hemispherical recess is provided in the middle on the outside. Parallel to an extension direction of the front wall B, a handle 2 bridges the recess in such a way that it does not protrude or only protrudes slightly from the front wall B. This handle 2 is designed in the shape of a web with a round cross section and is shown in Figures 3a, 3b and .

The operation of the embodiment of the heat insulation box according to the invention is described below.

The heat insulation box described above is suitable for six drinks cans or bottles. The box can be filled either in a laid down or hanging position. When the box is laid down, the refrigerated goods are stored in a lying position

clamped, while when the box is hanging, the refrigerated goods are clamped in an upright position. The six cans or bottles are pressed into the receiving sections 9 of the receiving part 3 in such a way that they are secured against slipping. The refrigerated goods can also be secured against slipping by means of a holding force emanating from the upper housing part 6 in Fig. 1 when the housing is closed, if the upper housing part 6 in Fig. 1 clamps the refrigerated goods from above.

The equipped flat heat insulation box can be carried comfortably and easily like a briefcase using the handle 2. However, it can also be hung on a bicycle, motorcycle or similar vehicle like a saddlebag or pannier using the brackets 10. In both cases, a hanging transport position results in which the cooled goods, such as a bottle or can, are stored upright in the heat insulation space.

Due to its specific structure, the largest cross-section of the thermal insulation space is exposed when the housing is opened. Since the long sides of the cans or bottles are visible to the user after opening the housing, the refrigerated goods are arranged very clearly in the thermal insulation space. The descriptions of the contents, labels, prints, etc. of the refrigerated goods inserted are clearly legible. This means that every refrigerated item can be accessed immediately. One refrigerated item is not covered by another and does not have to be searched for first.

Certain changes or modifications to the thermal insulation box according to the invention are possible without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

For example, the housing can be made of a material other than resin. It can be made of sheet metal provided with insulation, aluminum provided with insulation or other insulated metals or of wood. The shape of the housing is in no way limited to a flat cuboid. The invention can also be implemented using an elongated cuboid with a square base or using a flat housing of any design. The housing can also be designed in such a way that each housing part 6 and 7 has four walls perpendicular to the base wall and thus the housing is divided exactly in half.

The end wall specified in the above description does not have to be the wall with the smallest area. 15

The linkage does not have to be designed as a linear thinning of the material. Other linkage types, such as a hinge, are also possible.

The brackets can be designed differently. The brackets can even be made adjustable to offer a wide variety of transport options. They can also be made of a different material, such as a sturdy plastic. There is also no limit to the number of brackets. Three or more brackets can be arranged parallel to each other at the same height. However, a single continuous bracket made of an elongated flat profile can also be used.

The receiving part can also be designed differently. The notches 15 can have a depth that differs from the depth of the receiving spaces 9. It is even possible for the notches 15 to be omitted.

In the example shown, two rows of three receiving sections 9 for refrigerated goods are formed in relation to the longitudinal direction of the housing. Several grooves 5 can also be provided in a direction perpendicular to the webs A for several cooling packs, so that the number of rows of receiving sections 9 also increases. The receiving part 3 can be designed in such a way that fewer or more than six cans or bottles can be accommodated.

In the example shown, the receiving sections 9 have a concavely curved cylindrical half-shell shape, so that a drinks can or a bottle as a refrigerated item can be ideally accommodated in a receiving section 9. The shape of the receiving sections 9 of the receiving part 3 is, however, not limited to a concavely curved half-shell shape. The shape can be selected depending on the refrigerated item to be stored.

In the example described, only one receiving part 3 is provided in the lower housing part in Fig. 1. The heat insulation box according to the invention can also be designed so that a receiving part 3 is provided in each housing part 6 and 7. The arrangement of the cooled goods is thus such as is known from a loaded two-part tool case.

In the example shown in the figures, the receiving part 3 is formed in one piece with the lower housing part 7 in Fig. 1 on the inside. However, it can also be removable from this. The receiving part 3 can be designed in such a way that it has a film that covers an insulating layer and is welded and/or pressed to the housing part at its edge.

A locking mechanism can be installed in a different location and/or designed in a different form.

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can also be equipped with any security device, such as a padlock.

The handle can be attached in a different place. For example, it can be on the side walls. In addition, its shape is not limited in any way. It can have a square cross-section, be hollow or be designed as a continuous strip.

In the present description, a box for cooling goods to be picked up is explained, but this box is of course equally applicable for keeping goods to be picked up warm.

Claims (16)

Protection claims 15 1. Thermal insulation box with a housing surrounding a thermal insulation space, which has two dimensionally stable housing parts (6, 7), of which at least one is provided with a lining,
characterized in that 20 the lining is designed as a flexible receiving part (3) that is at least partially adapted to the shape of a refrigerated item, the two housing parts (6, 7) being hinged to one another and exposing the essentially largest cross-section of the heat insulation space for opening the housing. 2. Thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that the two housing parts {6, 7) complement each other in the closed state to form a flat cuboid, whereby each housing part (6, 7) 30 has a base wall (H; K) which essentially completely forms the largest boundary surface of the flat cuboid, to which is adjacent at least one wall which forms another complete boundary surface of the flat cuboid. 35 3. Thermal insulation box according to claim 2, Phone: 089-544690 Fax(G3): 089-532611 Fax(G4): 089 - 5329095 postoffice@tbk-patent.com Deutsche Bank (Munich) Account 286 1060 (bank code 700 700 10) Dresdner Bank (Munich) Account 3939 844 (bank code 700 800 00) Postbank (Munich) Account 670 - 43 - 804 (bank code 700 100 80) : Dai-Ichi-Kangyo Bank (Munich) Account 51 042 (bank code 700 207 00) Sanwa Bank (Düsseldorf) Account 500 047 (bank code 301 307 00) 17 characterized in that the wall adjacent to the respective base wall (H; K) is an end wall (B; F), so that edges at the transition from the base wall (H; K) to the end wall (B; F) of each housing part (6, 7) in the cuboid are diagonally opposite to one another, wherein each housing part (6, 7) has two side walls (A, C; E, G) which are parallel to one another and border both the base wall (H; K) and the end wall (B; F). 4. Thermal insulation box according to claim 3, characterized in that each housing part (6, 7) has only one end wall. 5. Thermal insulation box according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a handle (2) is attached to one (B) of the end walls (B; F) and a linkage (8) for the two housing parts (6, 7) is provided on a side of the cuboid opposite the handle-side end wall (B). 20 6. Thermal insulation box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the outside of the housing (1) there are brackets (10) for transporting the heat insulation box, which are preferably designed like hooks. 7. Thermal insulation box according to claim 6, characterized in that the holders (10) are made of metal and are preferably adjustable. 8. Thermal insulation box according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the holders (10) are located on the outside of the third of the base wall (H) adjacent to the handle-side end wall (B) and · 4 18
the handle (2) and / or the brackets (10) such are arranged so that the refrigerated goods are accommodated in a transport position of the heat insulation box, whereby to open the heat insulation box either it can be laid down so that the refrigerated goods lie in the heat insulation space, or one (7) of the housing parts (6, 7) can be folded down from the transport position. 9. Thermal insulation box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both housing parts (6, 7) preferably consist of a resin and the articulation (8) is preferably implemented by a hinge. 10. Thermal insulation box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving part (3) is elastically deformable, consists of a heat insulating material and is divided into individual receiving sections (9) for accommodating refrigerated goods, which preferably have a concavely curved cylindrical half-shell shape. 11. Thermal insulation box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving part (3) can be optionally removed from the associated housing part (6, 7) or is formed in one piece therewith. 12. Thermal insulation box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving part (3) has a film which covers an insulating layer and is welded at its edge to the housing part (6, 7). 13. Thermal insulation box according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that 19
the half-shell shape in at least one of the Receiving sections (9) of the receiving part (3) are designed such that the goods to be cooled can be pressed in without slipping. 14. Thermal insulation box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving part (3) is adapted to beverage cans or bottles, wherein preferably six beverage cans or bottles are accommodated in the heat insulation box next to one another in one plane, wherein the plane of the beverage cans or bottles is substantially parallel to the substantially largest cross-section of the heat insulation space. 15. Thermal insulation box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both housing parts (6, 7) each have a receiving part (3) on the inside and preferably each form half of the flat cuboid. 16. Thermal insulation box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one commercially available cooling pack is accommodated in the thermal insulation space, the receiving part (3) being designed in such a way that the cooling pack can be inserted into it in such a way that it is perpendicular to the essentially largest cross section of the thermal insulation space and divides the thermal insulation space in a direction perpendicular to its largest cross section.