GB2200094A - Humidity control for a shipping container - Google Patents
Humidity control for a shipping container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2200094A GB2200094A GB08628608A GB8628608A GB2200094A GB 2200094 A GB2200094 A GB 2200094A GB 08628608 A GB08628608 A GB 08628608A GB 8628608 A GB8628608 A GB 8628608A GB 2200094 A GB2200094 A GB 2200094A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- envelope
- container
- container according
- fastener
- cargo
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007791 dehumidification Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005615 natural polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001059 synthetic polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H3/00—Other air-treating devices
- B60H3/02—Moistening ; Devices influencing humidity levels, i.e. humidity control
- B60H3/024—Moistening ; Devices influencing humidity levels, i.e. humidity control for only dehumidifying the air
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/74—Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
- B65D88/745—Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents blowing or injecting heating, cooling or other conditioning fluid inside the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2588/00—Large container
- B65D2588/74—Large container having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
- B65D2588/743—Large container having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents blowing or injecting heating, cooling or other conditioning fluid inside the container
- B65D2588/746—Large container having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents blowing or injecting heating, cooling or other conditioning fluid inside the container with additional treatment function
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
A mobile cargo or shipping container 10 is provided with an impermeable envelope 26 in which is located power-operated dehumidification apparatus 62 responsive to a humidity sensor 66 whereby cargo can be stored in a humidity-controlled environment. Access to the envelope for cargo loading and unloading is provided by a removable access portion 32 in the envelope which is sealable by a continuous action press-fit fastener 34. The floor portion 28 and the modular wall and ceiling portions of the envelope can also be individually replaced in a similar fashion. <IMAGE>
Description
HUMIDITY CONTROL
This invention relates to humidity control for mobile cargo or shipping containers.
The prior art relating to humidity control for such containers includes the following prior specifications :
U.S. 3,271,089 ( Krellen )
U.S. 3,339,474 ( Lamp )
U.S. 3,610,715 ( Bodenheimer )
U.S. 4,143,588 ( Exler )
There is disclosed in the above Krellen specification a dehumidifying breather system for a mobile cargo container . The container is sealed by spraying the entire interior of the container with a suitable plastic or bituminous material in order to seal the small holes , cracks and other openings therein . In addition , the interior surfaces of the container are then covered with a suitable lining material such as metal foil to provide a clean interior surface for the goods placed in the container . The rear access doors of the container are made substantially airtight so that the interior of the container is likewise airtight.A breather system is connected to the interior of the container and contains dessicating material. A dessicant cartridge or cannister is provided to maintain the humidity within the container low.
The above Bodenheimer discloses a container having a rear door panel which includes a de-humidification system and sealing means for the rear panel.
However , we are aware that there is still a significant need in the market place for a transport and storage system which enables cargoes to be transported and stored in controlled humidity conditions. Certain cargoes are particularly susceptible to excess humidity , examples being certain types of military equipment , and an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile cargo or shipping container , and a kit of parts for converting same , offering improvements in relation to one or more of the matters discussed above , or generally
According to the invention there is provided a mobile cargo or shipping container , and a kit of parts for adapting same , as defined in the accompanying claims.The invention also provides such a container and such a kit of parts not limited by all features of any one of the claims hereof , but comprising any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein , and the right is hereby expressly reserved to include such a claim in the claims of this application during prosecution thereof.
In an embodiment described below there is disclosed a mobile cargo or shipping container having a nonpermeable lining or envelope to receive goods. The envelope is connected to dehumidifying apparatus whereby the humidity within the envelope is controlled.
The lining has at least one replaceable portion
This portion is secured to the remainder by quick attach/detach means , such as a press-fit continuous fastener which is itself impermeable , or substantially so. The envelope has an end opening which is closed by an end wall of the same or similar material and sealed by a similar fastener. The end wall covers substantially the entire cross-sectional area of the envelope. The base wall of the envelope is removable by means of a quick attach fastener likewise.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
Fig. 1 shows , diagrammatically , a cutaway longitudinal section through a mobile cargo or shipping container adapted for the purposes of the invention ;
Fig. 2 shows a section through the container of Fig. 1 , the section being taken in the direction indicated by arrows Il-Il in Fig. 1; and
Fig. 3 shows , on a larger scale , a side elevation view of fastener means for an envelope within the container of Figs. 1 and 2
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a mobile cargo or shipping container 10 comprises side walls 12,14 and a top or roof 16 , and a floor or base 18 , together with a fixed front end wall 20 and a rear end wall 22 which is openable to provide access to the cargo storage space 24 within container 10.
Container 10 is of conventional construction.
Such containers frequently have fabricated metallic side walls and roof . The base or floor may be of the same material , or may be of wood. For the purposes of the invention , it is not of any substantial significance as to the details of the structure of the container , nor whether its structure is particularly air or moisture permeable , as will be explained below. We think it likely however that prior art attempts to render such containers airimpermeable have , at least in some cases , foundered on the difficulties of preventing moisture ingress through wooden floors and the like
Within the storage space 24 of container 10 there is provided an envelope 26 in the form of a continuous lining of non air-permeable sheet material.This envelope is closable after storage of cargo therein and includes a floor portion 28 , on which the cargo rests during storage
In the drawings , for clarity and ease of illustration the envelope 26 has been shown considerably spaced from the structure of container 10. However , it is to be understood that the envelope is secured to and suspended from the top 16 of the container , and is likewise secured to the side walls 12 and 14 thereof , and thus is ( depending on the method of securing ) in many cases held face to face with the inner surfaces of the container
The envelope may be secured in position by any suitable means including fasteners , adhesive , magnetic means ties or the like.Improved means of securing the envelope to the inner surfaces of the container in a removable manner may be made the subject of further disclosure and claims at a later date
The material of envelope 26 comprises flexible sheet material which is substantially impermeable to air and moisture. The sheet material may comprise natural or synthetic polymers together with suitable woven or non-woven textile or other reinforcements.
The sheet material is strong , yet relatively lightweight and tear-resistant . Many different such sheet materials may be used for the purpose.
Floor portion 28 of the envelope is replaceable by means of a peripheral fastener portion 30 whereby the floor portion -is sealed in position but readily replaced when worn
At the rear end 22 of container 10 , envelope 26 has an end portion 32 which is removable by means of a peripheral continuous-action fastener 34 , whereby access to the inside of the envelope is readily obtained.
Similar fastener means are provided at the locations indicated by broken lines 36 , 38 and 40 , whereby the side walls and ceiling of the envelope are divided into sections 42 , 44 , 46 and 48
The structure of the peripheral fastener means for securing the various portions of envelope 26 to each other is shown in Fig. 3 . In Fig. 3 , the two portions 50 , 52 of the sheet material of envelope 26 are each formed integrally with or bonded to respective complementary fastener elements 54 , 56 which extend along the full length of the joint . The fastener elements have inter-fitting lengthwise-extending ribs 58 and grooves 60. Each rib 58 has an end claw. The end claws co-operate to resist unintentional separation of the fastener elements.The fastener elements are a press-fit to close the joint . Such fitting can be performed manually , with or without a special rolling tool.
Located within envelope 26 is dehumidifying apparatus 62 connected by conductor wires 64 to a humidity sensor 66 which effectively controls apparatus 62 . The latter is electrically powered by an external source through a cable entering envelope 26 . Such a power source is readily provided during transport of container 10 both on a road transport vehicle and on a cargo ship , whereby humidity control can be prov-ided at all times during transport . Apparatus 62 takes in air 68 from within envelope 26 and discharges it ( 70 ) in a dehumidified condition . Fan means may be provided for circulating the humidity-controlled air within envelope 26 . Such fan means may be incorporated in the apparatus 62.
Use of container 10 will now be described . Cargo is loaded into the container through rear access wall 22 thereof with envelope portion 32 either removed or opened sufficiently to enable portion 32 of the envelope to be folded back to an unobtrusive position
After loading of the container , envelope portion 32 is closed by means of the fastener 34 , whereupon the envelope becomes a closed and substantially non air-permeable structure. The rear container wall 22 is closed and the container is ready for transport . For example , it may be mounted on a road transport vehicle.
Alternatively , it may be used simply for storing the cargo in a humidity-controlledsituation. In either case , apparatus 62 is connected to a source of electrical power. Sensor 66 senses the humidity within envelope 26 and , assuming that the humidity is above that which sensor 66 has been set for it transmits a signal to apparatus 62 to commence dehumidification. This process continues until the humidity within the envelope reaches the required level , whereupon apparatus 62 shuts down until sensor 66 signals again for further operation. The cargo is now stored in an environment at the required humidity . Such storage can continue during transport , and both before and after such transport , provided apparatus 62 is provided with a source of power , at least at intervals.Envelope 26 admits little moisture to the cargo stored within , and therefore acceptable humidity control may be maintained , after initial dehumidification , even though the power supply may be interrupted for a significant period.
Unloading of cargo is completely straightforward and is performed by a reversal of the steps mentioned above.
It will be understood that loading and unloading of cargo will involve wear on floor portion 28 of envelope 26 . If fork lift trucks enter the storage space , then wear is increased. Eventually , perforation and tearing of the floor portion may occur. In such an event , the floor portion is readily replaced by a fresh one by means of fastener 30 . In this way , the replacement of the floor portion is a simple and relatively rapidly-performed task. The same applies to sections 42,44,46 and 48 of the envelope. If these become torn or worn , they can be replaced in a similar way though their replacement will also involve attention to the means for securing the envelope to the container walls themselves.
Among other modifications which could be made in the above embodiment while remaining within the scope of the invention , are the following
With regard to the continuous action fastener means for securing together the various portions of the envelope 26 , various modifications in the design and structure of the fastener shown in Fig. 3 may be provided to meet varying requirements . Various other continuous-action fasteners may be provided including zip-type fasteners and Velcro(j*Alternatively , suitable tacky adhesives may offer fastening means suitable for some purposes . In the case of the floor portion where attachment and detachment may be needed only once , adhesive may represent a satisfactory fastening means or it may equally be possible to provide for re-sealing by means of a portable thermal sealing tool or the like, provided suitable thermally responsive edge portions were provided in the material of the envelope.
The preferred location of the dehumidification apparatus 62 is within the envelope, but in some instances , it may be preferred to locate it externally and to connect it to the envelope by suitable ducts
Claims (16)
1. A mobile cargo or shipping container comprising
walls defining a storage space ;
an access opening ;
sealing means to seal said container against ingress of moisture or moisture laden air ;
dehumidifying apparatus to reduce the humidity of air within said storage space ; and
lining means for said storage space ; characterised in that
said lining means for said storage space comprises a continuous lining of non air-permeable sheet material forming a closable envelope including a floor portion within said container , and within which envelope said cargo is to be stored ; and
said envelope has an openable portion at said access opening , said openable portion having peripheral continuous action fastener means whereby said openable portion can be opened and closed.
2. A container according to claim 1 characterised in that said floor portion of said envelope includes one or more replaceable envelope portions, each replaceable envelope portion having a peripheral fastener portion whereby it can be secured to said envelope and subsequently replaced.
3. A container according to claim 2 characterised in that at least a major part of said envelope floor portion is adapted to be replaced in one piece.
-
4. A container according to claim 2 or claim 3 characterised in that said peripheral fastener portion is adapted to be sealed to the remainder of said envelope
5. A container according to claim 4 characterised in that said peripheral fastener portion is adapted to be sealed to the remainder of said envelope by means of continuous action fastener means.
6. A container according to claim 4 characterised in that said peripheral fastener portion is adapted to be sealed to the remainder of said envelope by thermal or adhesive securing means
7. A container according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said envelope comprises at least three replaceable sections arranged to be joined to each other in edge-to-edge relationship by means of peripheral fastener portions , said replaceable sections each occupying- a portion of the lengthwise dimension of the container
8. A container according to claim 7 characterised in that said sections each comprise two wall portions and a ceiling portion to cover respective sections of the vertical side walls and roof of the container
9.A container according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said container is a conventional container and has not been treated with any sealant within its storage space , other than any such material conventionally applied , prior to providing said envelope
10. A container according to any on of the preceding claims characterised in that said continuous action fastener means comprises complementary edge members formed in air-impermeable flexible material and which are a press fit to each other
11. A container according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said dehumidifying apparatus is arranged to receive air from within said envelope and to discharge same into the envelope with a lower humidity , and is connected to humidity sensing means , and is responsive to signals therefrom to dehumidify the air
12. A container according to claim 11 characterised in that said dehumidifying apparatus is power-operated
13. A container according to claim 12 characterised in that said dehumidifying apparatus is located within said envelope.
14. A container according to claim 13 characterised in that said dehumidifying apparatus is electrically powered via a cable extending into said envelope.
15. A container substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
16. A kit of parts suitable for use to adapt a conventional cargo or shipping container to produce such a container as defined in any one of the preceding claims
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8628608A GB2200094B (en) | 1986-11-29 | 1986-11-29 | Humidity control |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8628608A GB2200094B (en) | 1986-11-29 | 1986-11-29 | Humidity control |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8628608D0 GB8628608D0 (en) | 1987-01-07 |
| GB2200094A true GB2200094A (en) | 1988-07-27 |
| GB2200094B GB2200094B (en) | 1991-01-16 |
Family
ID=10608199
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8628608A Expired - Fee Related GB2200094B (en) | 1986-11-29 | 1986-11-29 | Humidity control |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2200094B (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0481352A1 (en) * | 1990-10-13 | 1992-04-22 | PRIMUS GASTRONOMIE-BETRIEBS-GmbH | Device for keeping warm and transporting food products |
| EP0844450A3 (en) * | 1996-11-25 | 2000-10-25 | Hugh Eisele | Controlled atmosphere system |
| WO2014029507A1 (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2014-02-27 | Mueller Hans-Willi | Apparatus for adjusting the humidity in an at least partially enclosed interior zone, arrangement for performing ageing tests on products, and method for artificially humidifying a test chamber exposed to the weather |
| RU2629743C1 (en) * | 2016-09-19 | 2017-08-31 | Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие "Государственный космический научно-производственный центр имени М.В. Хруничева" (ФГУП "ГКНПЦ им. М.В. Хруничева") | Method for support of moisture regime in internal cavity of transported product and device for its implementation |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114751105B (en) * | 2022-04-24 | 2024-03-26 | 江苏汉枫农业科技有限公司 | Humidity control device for production and processing of blended fertilizer and control method thereof |
Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3271089A (en) * | 1963-10-29 | 1966-09-06 | Harry I Krellen | Dehumidifying breather system for mobile cargo container |
| US3610715A (en) * | 1969-12-01 | 1971-10-05 | Sea Land Service | Dehumidification door panel |
| US3868042A (en) * | 1970-03-23 | 1975-02-25 | Sea Land Service | Bulk cargo handling system |
| GB1410537A (en) * | 1972-05-24 | 1975-10-15 | Takahaski K | Transportation containers |
| GB1439019A (en) * | 1972-08-18 | 1976-06-09 | Du Pont Canada | Device for transporting bulk materials |
| GB1588937A (en) * | 1976-08-03 | 1981-04-29 | Exler P | Venilated goods transport container and a floor structure therefor |
| GB2121361A (en) * | 1982-05-21 | 1983-12-21 | Fell Don Ltd | Container liner |
| US4516906A (en) * | 1983-06-09 | 1985-05-14 | Reuben Krein | Free standing, waterproof lining for truck industry |
-
1986
- 1986-11-29 GB GB8628608A patent/GB2200094B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3271089A (en) * | 1963-10-29 | 1966-09-06 | Harry I Krellen | Dehumidifying breather system for mobile cargo container |
| US3610715A (en) * | 1969-12-01 | 1971-10-05 | Sea Land Service | Dehumidification door panel |
| US3868042A (en) * | 1970-03-23 | 1975-02-25 | Sea Land Service | Bulk cargo handling system |
| GB1410537A (en) * | 1972-05-24 | 1975-10-15 | Takahaski K | Transportation containers |
| GB1439019A (en) * | 1972-08-18 | 1976-06-09 | Du Pont Canada | Device for transporting bulk materials |
| GB1588937A (en) * | 1976-08-03 | 1981-04-29 | Exler P | Venilated goods transport container and a floor structure therefor |
| GB2121361A (en) * | 1982-05-21 | 1983-12-21 | Fell Don Ltd | Container liner |
| US4516906A (en) * | 1983-06-09 | 1985-05-14 | Reuben Krein | Free standing, waterproof lining for truck industry |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0481352A1 (en) * | 1990-10-13 | 1992-04-22 | PRIMUS GASTRONOMIE-BETRIEBS-GmbH | Device for keeping warm and transporting food products |
| EP0844450A3 (en) * | 1996-11-25 | 2000-10-25 | Hugh Eisele | Controlled atmosphere system |
| WO2014029507A1 (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2014-02-27 | Mueller Hans-Willi | Apparatus for adjusting the humidity in an at least partially enclosed interior zone, arrangement for performing ageing tests on products, and method for artificially humidifying a test chamber exposed to the weather |
| RU2629743C1 (en) * | 2016-09-19 | 2017-08-31 | Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие "Государственный космический научно-производственный центр имени М.В. Хруничева" (ФГУП "ГКНПЦ им. М.В. Хруничева") | Method for support of moisture regime in internal cavity of transported product and device for its implementation |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2200094B (en) | 1991-01-16 |
| GB8628608D0 (en) | 1987-01-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |