Cross Reference to Related Applications
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a packaging system for shipping temperature sensitive products.
More particularly, this invention relates to a packaging system for shipping temperature
sensitive products that reduces or eliminates the need for side refrigerant components
and improves thermal performance.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Current pallet shippers for use with temperature sensitive products use side refrigerant
components in addition to top and bottom refrigerant components to surround the products
on six sides. These types of pallet shippers generally are assembled by loading the
products into the shipper and then inserting refrigerants around the products.
[0004] This six-sided configuration is inefficient in terms of packing out the product and
the refrigerants. For example, refrigerants inserted along the sides of the product
shipper between the products and the outer container can fall over and otherwise change
position within the shipper. The use of side refrigerants also results in increased
weight and shipping cost.
[0005] Yet eliminating side refrigerants can result in the products getting too warm. For
temperature sensitive products, such as those which must be maintained at a temperature
not exceeding 15C (59F), eliminating the side refrigerants has heretofore been an
unacceptable option.
[0006] The present invention is designed to solve the problems described above.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is a packaging system that utilizes a convection based cooling
approach to eliminate the need for side refrigerants and increase packaging efficiency.
The invention also reduces the amount of refrigerants required.
[0008] In one aspect of the invention a packaging system is provided that comprises a housing
defining a product compartment for holding a temperature sensitive payload, one or
more bottom cooling layers and one or more top cooling layers. The housing comprises
a bottom panel, a top panel located above and in spaced vertical alignment to the
bottom panel, side panels extending vertically between the bottom panel and the top
panel, and end panels extending vertically between the bottom panel and the top panel.
The bottom cooling layers are located between the bottom panel and the payload. The
top cooling layers are located between the payload and the top panel. The hollow vertical
posts are disposed within the product compartment adjacent the side panels or end
panels.
[0009] In a key aspect of the invention, the packaging system comprises one or more channel
members affixed to interior surfaces of the side panels and/or end panels to facilitate
convective air circulation within the product compartment. Each channel member has
an open top end and an open bottom end and defines a plurality of vertical channels.
[0010] The channel member may be made of folded and glued corrugated board, and may comprise
an inner facing panel and an outer facing panel connected by side panels and defining
an interior space. An internal panel is disposed within the interior space and is
folded in accordion fashion along vertical inner fold lines and along vertical outer
fold lines. The inner facing panel, the outer facing panel and the internal panel
define a series of alternating inner channels and outer channels which function as
substantially vertical flow paths that alternate between upward flow and downward
flow. Relatively warmer air rises through the outer channels until the air exits the
channel member and is cooled by the top cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled
air then falls through the inner channels. The shape and configuration of the channel
members may be configured to optimize the air flow through the channel members.
[0011] In a refinement each of the bottom cooling layers comprises multiple refrigerant
components arranged edge to edge to form a layer within the packaging system. Each
refrigerant component may comprise a phase change material (such as water) and a protective
outer container.
[0012] In another refinement each of the top cooling layers comprises a layer of refrigerant
components arranged edge to edge to form a top refrigerant layer located immediately
adjacent the payload, and at least one layer and preferably three layers of frozen
components arranged edge to edge to form a top frozen layer disposed between the top
refrigerant layer and the top panel. Each frozen component may comprise a phase change
material and a protective outer container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013]
Figure 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a packaging system according to the invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the packaging system of Figure 1 shown
with the lid removed.
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the packaging system of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a cross- sectional view of the packaging system of Figure 1 taken along
line 4-4.
Figure 5 is a close up view taken from Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a partially assembled packaging system according
to the invention.
Figure 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portion
of a packaging system according to the invention.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 7 taken along line
8-8.
Figure 9 is a partial cutaway perspective view of another alternative embodiment of
a portion of a packaging system according to the invention.
Figure 10 is a close up view of a portion of the embodiment of Figure 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] While this invention may be embodied in many forms, there is shown in the drawings
and will herein be described in detail one or more embodiments with the understanding
that this disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the
invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.
The Packaging System
[0015] Turning to the drawings, there is shown in the figures one embodiment of the present
invention, a packaging system for temperature sensitive products. As best shown in
Figures 1 and 3, the packaging system 10 comprises a housing 12 that functions as
a protective enclosure for the packaging system contents. The housing 12 comprises
a bottom panel 14, a top panel 16, two side panels 18 and two end panels 20. The side
panels 18 and the end panels 20 extend vertically between the bottom panel 14 and
the top panel 16 to form the housing 12. The bottom panel 14 as well as the lower
portions of the side panels 18 and the end panels 20 may fit within a bottom tray
22. The packaging system 10 may be wrapped in transparent wrapping (not shown) and
placed on a pallet 70.
[0016] As best shown in Figure 3 the bottom tray 22 comprises a bottom wall 23 and four
side walls 24 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 23. The bottom
panel 14 is disposed within the bottom tray 22. Preferably there are spaces between
the periphery of the botton panel 14 and the tray side walls 24 for accommodating
the lower portions of the side panels 18 and the end panels 20.
[0017] Each outer panel, that is, the bottom panel 14, the top panel 16, the two side panels
18 and the two end panels 20, may be made of a rigid molded polyurethane (PUR) inner
core, preferably about 2 ¾ inches thick, enclosed within an outer corrugated cardboard
shell. Each outer panel may be configured to interlock with each orthogonally adjacent
outer panel. Corner board 54 may be glued or otherwise adhered to the adjoining edges
of each pair of orthogonally oriented outer panels.
[0018] The housing 12 defines a product compartment 40 in which a payload 56 may be placed
for shipping. Typically but without limitation the payload 56 may be stacked product
containers 57.
[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the packaging system 10 of Figure
1 shown with the lid or top panel 16 removed. Like the other outer panels, the top
panel 16 is configured to interlock with each orthogonally adjacent outer panel, in
this case, the two side panels 18 and the two end panels 20. As explained further
below, the top panel 16 is the last of the six outer panels to be added to the packaging
system 10.
[0020] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the packaging system 10 of Figure 1. From the bottom
up, the product compartment 40 is filled with a spacer 26, two refrigerant layers
28, the payload 56, one refrigerant layer 28 and three frozen layers 30.
[0021] The spacer 26 is disposed on top of and adjacent the bottom panel 14. The spacer
26 may comprise a sheet 27 and spaced apart stubs 29 extending about 1 1 /4 inches
downward (as shown in the figure) or preferably upward from the sheet 27. The spacer
26 may be made of any suitable material, including without limitation extruded plastic
or corrugated.
[0022] Each of the two bottom refrigerant layers 28, located between the spacer 26 and the
payload 56, may comprise a single unitary structure or, more commonly, multiple refrigerant
components (sometimes referred to as "bricks") arranged edge to edge to form a "layer"
within the packaging system 10. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3 two refrigerant
layers 28 are disposed immediately under the payload 56.
[0023] As noted above, the payload 56 may be stacked product containers 57. The product
containers 57 may comprise corrugated cardboard boxes for holding laboratory specimens,
pharamceuticals, innoculations, or any other suitable payload that requires a temperature
assured environment.
[0024] A top refrigerant layer 28 is disposed immediately above the product containers 57.
Like the two bottom refrigerant layers 28, the top refrigerant layer 28 may comprise
a single unitary structure or, preferably, multiple refrigerant components ("bricks")
arranged edge to edge to form a layer.
[0025] Three frozen layers 30 are disposed on top of the top refrigerant layer 28. Like
the refrigerant layers 28, each frozen layer 30 may comprise a single unitary structure
or, more commonly, multiple horizontally arranged frozen components ("bricks") that
form a layer within the packaging system 10. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1
and 3 three frozen layers 30 are disposed immediately above the top refrigerant layer
28.
[0026] The cooling layers, i.e., the refrigerant layers 28 and/or the frozen layers 30,
absorb heat. Generally speaking, the refrigerant bricks and the frozen bricks may
comprise a foam material having a low weight and high absorbency, a phase change material,
and a protective outer container. For example, the refrigerant bricks may comprise
a foam material that has been infused with water chilled to about 5C (41F) and contained
within a plastic brick-shaped enclosure. Similarly, the frozen bricks may comprise
a foam material that has been infused with water chilled to about -20C (-4F) and contained
within a plastic brick-shaped enclosure. The bricks may be rectilinear and shaped
like a flattened brick or they may be any suitable three-dimensional shape. The refrigerant
bricks and frozen bricks may be similar to those sold under the trademarks PolarPack®
and U-tek® by Tegrant Diversified Brands, Inc.
[0027] Although the packaging system 10 has been described as having two refrigerant layers
28 below the payload 56 and one refrigerant layer 28 and three frozen layers 30 above
the payload 56, it should be understood that this is just one embodiment of the invention,
and that the number of refrigerant layers 28 and frozen layers 30 below and above
the payload 56 can vary depending on the cooling requirements and shipping time. In
addition, although the packaging system 10 described herein does not include cooling
components located around the sides of the payload 56, the disclosure should not be
interpreted as necessarily excluding such side cooling components.
[0028] Optionally, a foam cushioning layer (not shown in the figures) may be placed between
the topmost frozen layer 30 and the top panel 16. However, in some applications it
is desirable to have a space or clearance of about 1 ½ inches between the topmost
frozen layer 30 and the top panel 16.
Vertical Posts 34
[0029] In addition, the packaging system 10 comprises multiple vertical posts 34 located
within the product compartment 40 adjacent the side panels 18 and/or the end panels
20. The vertical posts 34 may be hollow wound paper posts like those sold by Sonoco
Products Company of Hartsville, SC under the trademark SONOPOST®. Alternatively the
vertical posts 34 may be made of extruded plastic or any suitable material.
[0030] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging system 10 of Figure 1 taken along
line 4-4 showing six vertical posts 34 adhered to a side panel 18. The vertical inner
edge 44 of each vertical post 34 may abut the interior contents of the packaging system
10, such as the refrigerant layers 28, frozen layers 30 and product containers 57.
Each vertical post 34 has an open top end 46 (Figures 3 and 6) and an open bottom
end and defines a vertical inner space 58 within the post 34. Adjacent pairs of vertical
posts 34 define vertically oriented channels 60 between the vertical posts 34 that
may be about one inch deep when measured from the inner surface of the side panel
18 or end panel 20 to the product containers 57. The vertical posts 34 may be pre-glued
or otherwise affixed to the side panels 18 and the end panels 20.
[0031] Figure 5 is a close up view of a portion of Figure 4. The vertical posts 34 may be
any suitable cross sectional shape, including circular or rectangular, but triangular
is preferred. In a triangular cross sectional profile design such as that shown in
Figure 5, each vertical post 34 comprises an outer facing side 36 adjacent either
a side panel 18 (as shown in the figure) or an end panel 20 and two angled sides 38
extending from opposing vertical edges 42 of the outer facing side 36 and meeting
along an elongated vertical inner edge or apex 44. Preferably the vertical posts 34
are one inch deep when measured from their outer facing side 36 to their apex 44.
[0032] The functions of the vertical posts 34 are explained in the next section.
Theory of Operation
[0033] It is theorized that the packaging system 10 takes advantage of the principle of
convective air movement by creating flow spaces around the outer perimphery of the
product compartment 40 for air to circulate. The bottom spacer 26 separates the bottom
refrigerant layers 28 from the bottom panel 14, creating a horizontally oriented space
within which air can flow. Without the bottom spacer 26 cool air that settles near
the bottom of the product compartment 40 could stagnate, reducing the ability of the
system 10 to maintain all the product containers 57 and their contents within a desirable
temperature range.
[0034] The vertical posts 34 serve at least two functions. First, they reduce the amount
of contact between the product containers 57 and the outer panels. In designs where
the product containers abut the side panels and end panels more heat enters the product
containers. Adding vertical posts 34 separates the product containers 57 from the
side panels 18 and end panels 20, significantly reducing the areas of contact between
the product containers 57 and the side panels 18 and the end panels 20 and thus the
transfer of heat from the exterior to the product containers 57.
[0035] Second, the vertical posts 34 help facilitate convective air circulation within the
product compartment 40 by creating inner spaces 58 within the posts 34 and channels
60 between the posts 34 (and between the side panels 18 and the end panels 20 and
the product containers 57) for the movement of air. When the packaging system 10 is
assembled, the product compartment 40 contains a certain amount of air. The air moves
within the product compartment 40 because air at different locations has different
temperatures and densities. Cooler air (i.e., air cooled by the frozen layers 30)
has a higher density and tends to drop down within the product compartment 40. Conversely,
as the air at the bottom of the product compartment 40 warms, the warmed air tends
to flow upward, thereby setting up a continuously circulating flow of air within the
product compartment 40. The vertical posts 34 facilitate this process by providing
inner spaces 58 within which the warm air can flow upward and channels 60 within which
the cooler air can flow downward. Accordingly, each vertical post 34 should be spaced
from the top panel 16 and the bottom panel 14 a sufficient distance to facilitate
the flow of warmer air through the vertical inner spaces 58 within each vertical post
34.
[0036] Simulation tests indicate that the air within the vertical posts 34 warms up due
to the large contact surface between the outer facing side 36 of the vertical posts
34 and the side panels 18 and end panels 20. Air present in the air channels 60 between
the vertical posts 34 can also warm up, but generally not as much as the air within
the vertical posts 34, because the air between the vertical posts 34 is not as confined.
As the air within the vertical posts 34 warms up it rises up within the inner spaces
58 of the vertical posts 34 and exits at the open top ends 46 of the vertical posts
34, where the air is exposed to the frozen layers 30 and the top refrigerant layer
28. As the warm air contacts the frozen layers 30 and top refrigerant layer 28, the
air cools down and begins to fall through the air channels 60 between the vertical
posts 34 along the sides of the product containers 57 facing the side panels 18 and
end panels 20.
[0037] The downward convective flow of cooler air against the sides of the product containers
57 helps maintain the product containers 57 at a cool temperature. The product containers
57 located in the middle of the product compartment 40, farthest from any refrigerant
bricks or frozen bricks, can be maintained within an acceptable temperature range.
Even product containers 57 at the corners of the payload 56 which are most susceptible
to increases in temperature (when the ambient temperature is higher than the shipper
temperature) can be maintained within an acceptable temperature range.
[0038] In another aspect of the invention a method of assembling a temperature assured packaging
system is provided. The method may comprise the following steps:
[0039] First, the vertical posts 34 may be pre-glued or otherwise affixed to the inner (product)
facing surfaces of the side panels 18 and the end panels 20. The vertical posts 34
should be shorter than the side panels 18 and end panels 20 so that their open ends
will be spaced from the top panel 16 and the bottom panel 14.
[0040] The housing 12 may be assembled by first placing the bottom panel 14 into the bottom
tray 22, then inserting a side panel 18 and both end panels 20 into the bottom tray
22 between the bottom tray side walls 24 and the bottom panel 14 to form the three
sided enclosure shown in Figure 6. The top and front of the housing 12 are left open
so that the interior contents may be loaded.
[0041] The first item loaded into the product compartment 40 is the spacer 26, which is
placed on top of the bottom panel 14.
[0042] Next, the two bottom refrigerant layers 28 are placed onto the spacer 26, typically
by arranging multiple refrigerant bricks to form two refrigerant layers 28.
[0043] Next the product containers 57 are stacked within the product compartment 40 on top
of the two bottom refrigerant layers 28.
[0044] A top refrigerant layer 28 is placed on top of the product containers 57, again by
arranging multiple refrigerant bricks into a layer.
[0045] The top three frozen layers 30 (typically made of multiple frozen bricks) are placed
on top of the top refrigerant layer 28.
[0046] The remaining side panel 18 not shown in Figure 6 is wedged between the bottom tray
side wall 24 and the bottom panel 14 to form a four sided enclosure.
[0047] The top panel 16 is placed onto the top rims of the side panels 18 and end panels
20 to form the six sided outer housing 12.
[0048] Optional corner boards 54 may be glued or otherwise affixed to the edges of the housing
12.
[0049] Finally, optional stretch film may be wrapped around the housing 12.
[0050] In still another aspect of the invention a method of maintaining a payload within
a desired temperature range is provided. The method may comprise the following steps:
- (a) loading the payload into a packaging system comprising a housing having a bottom,
top and vertical sides, cooling layers disposed above and below the payload, hollow
vertical posts disposed between the payload and the vertical sides of the housing,
the vertical posts defining inner spaces within the vertical posts and channels between
adjacent vertical posts;
- (b) allowing relatively warmer air to rise within the inner spaces of the vertical
posts until it exits the vertical posts and is cooled by the cooling layers above
the payload to form cooled air; and
- (c) allowing the cooled air to fall through the channels while contacting the payload.
[0051] Figure 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a
portion of a packaging system according to the invention. As in the previous embodiment,
the packaging system 70 may comprise a housing 72 comprising a bottom panel 74 (shown
partially in Figure 7), a top panel (not shown), side panels 78 and end panels 80
extending vertically between the bottom panel 74 and the top panel. The housing 72
defines a product compartment 82 for holding a payload (not shown). Also like the
previous embodiment but not shown in Figure 7, the packaging system 70 may comprise
one or more bottom cooling layers located between the bottom panel 74 and the payload
and one or more top cooling layers located between the payload and the top panel.
[0052] Instead of hollow vertical posts, the packaging system 70 shown in Figure 7 comprises
channel members 84 to facilitate convective air circulation within the product compartment
82. Each channel member 84 may be adhered or otherwise affixed to one of the side
panels 78 or end panels 80. Each channel member 84 has an open top end 86 and an open
bottom end 88 and defines a plurality of vertical channels 90, 91 within the channel
member 84. Preferably the packaging system 70 comprises four channel members 84, with
one channel member 84 affixed to each of the side panels 78 and end panels 80.
[0053] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 7 taken along line
8-8, showing a channel member 84 affixed to a side panel 78. The channel member 84
may be made of folded and glued corrugated board, and may comprise an inner facing
panel 92 and an outer facing panel 94 connected by side panels 96 to define an interior
space 97. The flutes in the corrugated board may run horizontally to enable more precise
folding. The channel member 84 may be at least one inch deep as measured from the
inner facing panel 92 to the outer facing panel 94, and preferably between one and
one and one-half inches deep. The channel member 84 may include an outer layer 99
of paperboard or similar material wrapped around the inner facing panel 92, outer
facing panel 94 and side panels 96.
[0054] One or more internal panels 98 are disposed within the interior space 97 and extend
between the inner facing panel 92 and the outer facing panel 94 and the top end 86
and bottom end 88 of the channel member 84. In the figures the one or more internal
panels 98 is a single internal panel 98 folded in accordion fashion. The internal
panel 98 is folded along vertical inner fold lines 100 which define inner apexes 100
and along vertical outer fold lines 102 which define outer apexes 102. Preferably
the inner apexes 100 contact the inner facing panel 92 and the outer apexes 102 contact
the outer facing panel 94.
[0055] The inner facing panel 92, the outer facing panel 94 and the internal panel 98 define
a series of alternating inner channels 90 and outer channels 91 which function as
substantially vertical flow paths that alternate between upward flow and downward
flow.
[0056] The channel member 84 may be thought of as comprising a plurality of adjacent, laterally
arranged, inner and outer tubes 104, 106 having a triangular cross sectional shape,
with each adjacent pair of inner and outer tubes 104, 106 sharing a common wall 108.
[0057] Each inner tube 104 has a triangular cross sectional profile and comprises an inner
facing base 106 and two angled sides 108. The inner facing base 108 extends from one
inner apex 100 to an adjacent inner apex 100 and is part of the channel member inner
facing panel 92. The angled sides 108 extend from adjacent inner apexes 100 to a common
outer apex 102.
[0058] Each outer tube 110 has a triangular cross sectional profile and comprises an outer
facing base 112 and two angled sides 108 which it shares with two inner tubes 104.
The outer facing base 112 extends from one outer apex 102 to an adjacent outer apex
102 and is part of the channel member outer facing panel 94. The angled sides 108
extend from different outer apexes 102 to a common inner apex 100. The outer base
112 is adjacent the housing 72 in the assembled packaging system 70.
[0059] The inner tubes 104 and the outer tubes 110 define a series of alternating inner
channels 90 and outer channels 91 which function as substantially vertical flow paths
that alternate between upward flow and downward flow as indicated by the arrows in
Figure 7. It is believed that, in a fashion similar to that of the previous embodiment,
warm air rises through the outer channels 91 until the air exits the channel members
84 and is cooled by the top cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled air then
falls through the inner channels 90. The shape and configuration of the channel members
84 should be optimized to allow air to flow through the channel members.
[0060] Figure 9 is a partial cutaway perspective view of another alternative embodiment
of a portion of a packaging system according to the invention. As in the previous
two embodiments, the packaging system 120 may comprise a housing 72 comprising a bottom
panel 74 (shown partially in Figure 9), a top panel (not shown), side panels 78 and
end panels 80 extending vertically between the bottom panel 74 and the top panel.
The housing 72 defines a product compartment 82 for holding a payload (not shown).
Also like the previous embodiment but not shown in Figure 9, the packaging system
120 may comprise one or more bottom cooling layers located between the bottom panel
74 and the payload and one or more top cooling layers located between the payload
and the top panel.
[0061] The packaging system 120 comprises channel members 124 adhered or otherwise affixed
to one of the side panels 78 or end panels 80. Each channel member 124 has an open
top end 126 and an open bottom end 128 and defines a plurality of large outer channels
130 and small inner channels 132. Preferably the packaging system 120 comprises four
channel members 124, with one channel member 124 affixed to each of the side panels
78 and end panels 80, although only one channel member 124 is shown in the figure.
[0062] Figure 10 is a close-up view of a portion of the packaging system 120 of Figure 9.
The channel member 124 may comprise a plurality of corrugated structures, folded and
glued together. The channel member 124 may include an outer layer of paperboard or
similar material wrapped around the corrugated structures.
[0063] The channel member 124 defines a series of adjacent, laterally spaced outer channels
130 having a rectangular cross section and designed to carry warmed air upward and
a series of adjacent, laterally spaced inner channels 132 having a rectangular cross
section and designed to carry cooled air downward. The outer channels 130 may be larger
in cross sectional area than the inner channels 132. For example, each outer channel
130 may have a lateral dimension (width) (i.e., the dimension parallel to the wall
to which the channel member 124 is attached) that is greater than the lateral dimension
of each inner channel 132. For example, as best shown in Figure 10, each outer channel
130 may have a width that is twice the width of each inner channel 132. The depth
of each outer channel 130 (i.e., the dimension perpendicular to the wall to which
the channel member 124 is attached) may be the same as the depth of each inner channel
132.
[0064] It is believed that, in a fashion similar to that of the previous embodiments, warm
air rises through the outer channels 130 (because they are closer to the exterior
walls of the packaging system 120) until the air exits the outer channels 130 and
is cooled by the top cooling layers. The relatively denser cooled air then falls through
the inner channels 132 until the air exits the bottom end 128 of the channel member
124. The shape and configuration of the channel members 124 may be optimized to allow
air to flow through the channel members 124.
Industrial Applicability
[0065] The packaging system 10 may be used to package and ship temperature sensitive products.
Typically these products have a specified or required temperature range that must
be maintained during a specific shipping duration and while the packaging system is
subject to various ambient temperature conditions. For example, a product may be expected
to be shipped for 120 hours and be exposed to ambient temperatures of between 30C
and 45C (86F and 113F), but have a temperature tolerance of between 0 C and 15 C (32F
and 59F). A packaging system according to the present disclosure may be designed to
accommodate these requirements.
[0066] The packaging system may be used in any industry where temperature sensitive products
are shipped, including but not limited to the pharmaceutical and food industries.
The packaging system is particularly useful where the user (e.g., the product manufacturer)
desires a packaging system having no side refrigerants that can be shipped long distances,
including from continent to continent. The use of present packaging system can supplant
the use of multiple smaller parcel shipments.
[0067] The packaging system 10 can accommodate a full pallet load of products or product
containers 57. Accordingly, a typical packaging system 10 may be about 48 inches wide
by 48 inches deep by 56 inches tall. The packaging system 10 may be placed on a wooden
or other type of pallet and moved with a forklift truck.
[0068] It is understood that the embodiments of the invention described above are only particular
examples which serve to illustrate the principles of the invention. Modifications
and alternative embodiments of the invention are contemplated which do not depart
from the scope of the invention as defined by the foregoing teachings and appended
claims. It is intended that the claims cover all such modifications and alternative
embodiments that fall within their scope.
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
1. A power management device (100) comprising:
a first switch (202) to couple a first node corresponding to a first reference voltage
to a first terminal of a first device component (120) in response to receiving a first
indicator at a first time;
a compare circuit to determine at a second time that a voltage at the first terminal
exceeds a first threshold value, the second time after the first time; and
a second switch (204) to couple a second node corresponding to a second reference
voltage to the first terminal (120) in response the determining.
2. The power management device (100) of claim 1, further comprising a third switch to
couple the second node to a terminal of a second device component (122) prior to the
first time.
3. The power management device (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second reference voltage
is a primary supply voltage associated with normal operation of the first component
(120) and a second component (122), and the first reference voltage is utilized during
transition of a device component from an unpowered state to a powered state.
4. The power management device (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising:
a first decoupling capacitor (110) connected to the second node; and
a second decoupling capacitor (121) coupled to the first terminal;
wherein the second decoupling capacitor is pre-charged by the first reference voltage
via the first switch (202) prior to activating the second switch (204).
5. The power management device (100) of any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
a first decoupling capacitor (110) connected to the second node; and
a second decoupling capacitor (121) coupled to the first terminal;
wherein a voltage deviation at the second node in response to activation of the second
switch (204) does not impair operation of a second component that is receiving power
from the second node.
6. The power management device (102) of any preceding claim, further comprising:
a low-dropout voltage regulator to supply the second reference voltage at the second
node.
7. The power management device (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the first switch
(202) comprises a current source to couple the first reference voltage to the first
terminal, the current source comprising a P-type transistor.
8. The power management device (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the first switch
(202) comprises a low threshold voltage N-type transistor.
9. The power management device (102) of any preceding claim, wherein an input of the
compare circuit is coupled to the first node via the first switch (202) and via a
voltage follower.
10. The power management device (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the first switch
(202) comprises a P-type transistor having a first current electrode coupled to the
first node and a second current electrode coupled to the first terminal.
11. The power management device (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the first indicator
is qualified based on assertion of a signal indicating a power-on-reset sequence has
completed.
12. The power management device (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the first threshold
value is substantially equal to the second reference voltage.
13. A system comprising:
a first functional block (120) including a first terminal to receive operating power;
a second functional block (122) including a second terminal to receive operating power;
a first voltage regulator (104) to provide a first reference voltage at a first node;
a second voltage regulator (106) to provide a second reference voltage at a second
node; and
the power management circuit of claim 2, or any of claims 3 to 12 when dependent on
claim 2, wherein
the first switch (202) is configured to couple the first node to the first terminal;
the second switch (204) is configured to couple the second node to the first terminal
in response to receiving a first indicator at a first time;
the compare circuit is configured to determine at a second time that a voltage at
the first terminal exceeds a first threshold value, the second time after the first
time; and
the third switch is configured to couple the second node to the second terminal in
response the determining.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the first reference voltage is a primary supply voltage
associated with normal operation of the first component and the second component,
and the second reference voltage is utilized during transition of a device component
from an unpowered state to a powered state.
15. The system of claim 13 or 14, further comprising:
a first decoupling capacitor (110) connected to the second node; and
a second decoupling capacitor (121) coupled to the first terminal;
wherein the second decoupling capacitor is pre-charged by the second reference voltage
via the second switch (204) prior to activating the third switch.