With Holdover Material Patents (Class 62/457.2)
  • Publication number: 20110061421
    Abstract: A multi-purpose ice holding assembly is disclosed for the making and storing of ice. Parts of the assembly include an external chamber, a bucket that inserts snugly into the external chamber and a lid for closing the assembly. Pockets for the forming of ice may be formed in the external chamber or the internal bucket, depending on the embodiment. The device may also be used for the serving of ice, as well as the chilling of wine bottles and other cold beverage containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Anna M. Stewart, Stephen Kralgh Stewart
  • Publication number: 20110041546
    Abstract: Provided is an environmentally friendly refreezable barrel for chilling a plurality of items in an energy efficient manner that also conserves water. The refreezable barrel includes a cooler body defining an open end and a closed end portion. The cooler body defines a cavity extending from the open end towards the closed end portion. The cavity is configured to receive the plurality of items. A cooling element is disposed within the cooler body and is refreezable to mitigate temperature rise within the cooler body to prolong the melting of ice within the barrel, thereby reducing the overall amount of water used by the barrel. The refreezable barrel also includes a cooler stand defining a recess configured to engage with the closed end portion of the cooler body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: NATHAN LINDER
  • Patent number: 7874177
    Abstract: A pouch for carrying temperature-sensitive products having at least three sides and a bottom that are fixedly attached. The sides and bottom of the pouch form an internal container which may be sized and configured to hold a variety of sizes and shapes of temperature-sensitive products. The pouch may also comprise a releasably-attached top. A thermo-regulable agent is contained within at least one of the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Wali Azamy
  • Publication number: 20110005240
    Abstract: A refreezable container for storage of perishable and/or temperature-sensitive items is described herein. A bottom surface, contiguous with one or more side surfaces is provided, each surface having an interior cavity at least partially filled with refreezable material, usable to retain contents within the container at a temperature less than ambient temperature. The bottom surface includes a lower groove therein. The side surfaces include a lip adapted for secure engagement for an upper object, which can include a top cover having a complementary groove, or the lower groove of an adjacent refreezable container, allowing multiple containers, with or without top covers, to be nested for storage or transport, and allowing multiple covered containers, or top covers independent of containers, to be stacked and nested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Adan Francisco Chapa
  • Patent number: 7866539
    Abstract: The invention refers to a container for transporting cooled goods, comprising an inner container for receiving the cooled goods and an outer container surrounding the inner container. The inner container contains a thermally insulating material and has an outer surface on which outer ribs are arranged. The outer ribs generate spaces between the inner container and the outer container. The outer container has a plurality of ventilation holes for ventilating the spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gottfried Senftner, Peter Wigand
  • Patent number: 7861552
    Abstract: An insulated carrier having an interior lip for supporting a planar organizer having a plurality of spaced apart apertures for receiving user provided containers and organizer aperture covers for covering said containers. The carrier having a lid for covering said carrier and having segregated storage compartments for utilitarian use, such as cutlery storage. The storage compartments having a latch door providing access therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Sean O Hughes
  • Publication number: 20100293988
    Abstract: A device (10) for retaining beverage cooling means (11) within a vessel (12) is disclosed. The device (10) comprises a vessel engaging portion (14) and means (16) for engaging the beverage cooling means (11). The vessel engaging portion (14) comprises biasing means (16) which biases the means for engaging the beverage cooling means to the base of the vessel (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: David Derek Grant Spratley
  • Patent number: 7836722
    Abstract: A food container includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper wall and the lower wall. At least one of the upper wall, the lower wall, and the side wall includes a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material. The phase change material has a latent heat in the range of 40 J/g to 400 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C. The phase change material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Outlast Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Monte C. Magill, Jeanette Heimbach
  • Publication number: 20100282777
    Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly cooling beer flowing from a keg to a tap to be dispensed includes an insulated ice chest containing an open topped swirl pot in which is nested a cooling coil having an inlet connected to a keg and an outlet connected to a tap on a hollow upright structure fixed to the outside of an ice chest lid. A pump is connected to a stand pipe within the coil directing a flow of ice water under pressure to generally tangentially directed nozzles within the coil creating a swirl flow of ice water over the coil turns and overflowing back into the ice chest interior space holding ice to create a circulation therein maximizing the rate of cooling of the dispensed beer to minimize foaming when dispensed from the tap. A CO2 tank is also held in the ice chest interior space, connected to the keg via fluid lines and simplified hook ups to the keg are located on the lid mounted hollow structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100263399
    Abstract: A storage container has an outer case that defines a plurality of cooling areas adapted to receive individual cooling packs. A food storage tray is carried within the outer case. The food storage container has individual compartments that are aligned with the cooling areas. Cooling packs may be selectively placed in the cooling areas to cool selected compartments of the food tray. The inner food tray may carry a separate latch or may be held closed by the outer case. The food storage tray is provided with movable dividers to allow the user to customize the size and configuration of the compartments in the food storage tray. In one configuration, the invention provides a food container having a built in dry erase board and a dry erase pen. A reusable fork and spoon may be removably secured to the inside of the outer lid. In one configuration, the invention provides a storage container in combination with a removable peg board for designated pegs to be inserted for personalization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Jill Weiss Pollina, Ann R. Dery
  • Publication number: 20100236974
    Abstract: A lunch box system includes a hollow body, two lids, a handle, and interchangeable display inserts. The hollow body has an external rib around the sides of the hollow body. The external rib defines holes along its length. The handle detachably secures to any two of the holes. The lids cover the open ends of the hollow body and each has tabs on their exterior for detachably securing the display inserts. Other accessories may also be detachably secured to the holes of the external rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Cynthia P. Pedrazzi, Paul D. Pedrazzi, Daniel K. Harden
  • Patent number: 7784301
    Abstract: Frozen products requiring cold insulation are housed inside of the cold-insulating container structured of a vacuum heat-insulating material, and the cold-insulating containers are loaded in a refrigerator vehicle, cold-insulating vehicle, or room-temperature vehicle other than a freezer vehicle for delivery. Each of the peripheral walls, lids, and bottom faces of this container is made of a sheet material enveloping the vacuum heat-insulating material therein. In each of the peripheral walls adjacent to the peripheral walls connected to the lids, the vacuum heat-insulating material is divided along folding line so as to be foldable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Sasaki, Takao Sato, Haruyuki Ishio
  • Publication number: 20100170269
    Abstract: The present inventions provides a container for dry ice, an entrance for the dry ice and a permeable surface wherein for the duration of vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor created by the dry ice inside the container and prevents the dry ice from exiting the container. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the entrance is configured to open and securely close. In another preferred aspect of the present invention, the container further comprises a patch to close the entrance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Victor Yeung, Omar Chowdhary
  • Patent number: 7735327
    Abstract: An active thermal insulation system is disclosed. The system utilizes a cool air source or ambient air below a threshold temperature in conjunction with a phase change material and/or conventional insulation. In a controlled manner, the cooled air or ambient air facilitates the transition of the phase change material from a substantially liquid state to a substantially solid state allowing the solid phase change material to absorb heat. Cooled air or ambient air may be directed to the phase change material via a gap or plenum capable of introducing the cooled air or ambient air adjacent to the phase change material. A fan, blower or air intake device may be used to direct ambient air to the gap or plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Neal Energy Management LLC
    Inventors: Keith R. Brower, Burt Dole, Thomas Neal, Daniel J. Shramo
  • Patent number: 7681405
    Abstract: An insulated shipping container system for transferring a temperature sensitive product comprising a substantially hollow insulated body having inner walls and outer walls defining a payload cavity to receive a payload and supports to space the payload from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. The insulated shipping container system further comprises a heat transfer element cavity configured to receive a heat transfer element and supports to space the heat transfer element from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. Also provided are methods for shipping temperature sensitive products and goods comprised of packing and assembling the insulated shipping container system disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Alton Williams
  • Patent number: 7678563
    Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Walter Wright, Douglas Schein, John Brassil
  • Publication number: 20100005827
    Abstract: A cooler is particularly configured for application of any selected design or marking. Any design may be easily applied to a standard cooler configuration. The design can be protected with a cover. The cooler also has structure for ease of mounting to different objects, and can be readily stacked. The lid can selectively retain cold or warm packs to cool or heat the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: David R. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20100000250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport container (1) comprising a superinsulation in the form of an evacuated insulating container (2) comprising a vacuum maintaining material (55). The transport container is provided with a cooling container (16) comprising a heat-conducting metal wool filling (57) and an organic coolant which undergoes a solid/liquid phase change in the temperature range of between ?30° C. and ?850° C. and has a heat of fusion of at least 50 J/ml. A slim cylindrical sample chamber (24) is used to receive deep-frozen tissue samples (26), said chamber being surrounded by the cooling container (16) and merging into a long neck opening (25) forming a single component therewith, said opening being largely filled by the insulating shaft (30) of a screwable plug (28) and sealed from the sample chamber (24). The air in the ring gap (32) created can be evacuated by means of an evacuating system (48).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Bernhard Sixt
  • Publication number: 20090320516
    Abstract: A diaper bag having a major compartment with pockets on the walls or bottom thereof for one or more of the following accessories needed either by the mother or baby for travel: wipes, diapers, spare clothes, Mom's ipod, cell phone, keys and/or wallet, a changing mat, snacks, formula, baby food, and having actively or passively heated and cooled insulated compartments for formula, baby food included on the inside or outside of the main compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Debra Barker Kanagaki
  • Publication number: 20090320517
    Abstract: A cooler comprising a container body having an exterior surface and at least a partially hollow interior. The container body has one or more receptacles formed within its exterior surface and extending into the hollow interior. The receptacles have enclosed bottom and side surfaces and open tops. The hollow interior of the container body is sealed and provides a fluid-tight reservoir to hold a fluid or a frozen or partially frozen fluid or gel. The container further contains a dispenser to permit the controlled release of fluid stored in the interior of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Lavallee
  • Patent number: 7634919
    Abstract: A soft, insulating cooler with a detachable strap for transporting and/or storing head and cape of a dead animal, for instance deer. A hinged lid is closable by a pair of overlapping zippers. A pair of openings are formed in the lid to allow antlers to extend therethrough. A tightening cord is positioned about the openings to tighten the openings around the antlers and preserve the temperature inside the cooler. The inside of the cooler contains pouches for ice of other cooling medium. The outside of the cooler carries a pouch or pouches to transport small items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventors: Felix T. Bernhard, Jr., Robert J. Popp
  • Patent number: 7634917
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cryoapparatus for freezing and/or thawing a sample (1), especially in the cryopreservation of a biological sample (1), with a coolable cooling space (3) and with a sample container (10) arranged in the cooling space (3) for temporarily receiving the sample (1) when freezing or thawing the sample (1). It is suggested that the sample container (10) can be tempered separately from the cooling space. Furthermore, the invention includes an associated operating method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Günter Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann, Young-Joo Oh, Uwe Schön
  • Publication number: 20090301511
    Abstract: A thermally insulated cosmetics carrying case includes a chamber wall having oppositely disposed parallel first and second walls each formed with a refrigerant pack and temperature controlling characteristics. The first and second walls extend between opposed upper and lower ends and opposed first and second sides together bounding a storage compartment, and a closure is formed in the upper end to open and close the upper end with respect to the storage compartment. The refrigerant packs form elongate holding areas in the storage compartment to receive and hold heat-sensitive cosmetics, and which are arranged in parallel rows extending horizontally with respect to the storage compartment from proximate to the first side of the chamber wall to proximate to the second side of the chamber wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: DEBORAH VINCI
  • Publication number: 20090293531
    Abstract: A decorative caparison engaging a cooler or ice chest. The caparison is devoid of insulating material and provides a changeable decor that can fit different tastes and environments and is removable for care, storage, and cleaning. An upper section of the caparison is adapted to engage the cover of the cooler, the upper section covering the top surface of the cover and a portion of the body of the cooler. A lower section of the caparison is adapted to engage the body of the cooler, the lower section covering substantially all of the visible body of the cooler. The present invention further includes a cooler having fastening elements which engage corresponding fastening elements on at least one of the upper or lower sections of the caparison to releasably engage the caparison. Finally, the present invention still further includes a method of decorating a cooler packed with perishables and cooling medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Denise N. Longua
  • Publication number: 20090277211
    Abstract: A beverage temperature modification device for cooling and warming beverages in a drinking vessel. The device has a body with an interior chamber for holding a temperature modifying substance such as water and a cap with an arm for securing the device to the rim of a vessel so that the device is maintained in a fixed position. The cap may be detachable and the body may have an opening for putting the temperature modifying substance into the chamber, or the temperature modifying substance may be sealed permanently in the chamber. The arm may be flexible so that it can stretch to allow securing the device to rims varying in thickness by a factor of two or more. The arm may be pivotable to allow adjustment of the position of the device when it is secured to the rim of a vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Oluwafemi Afolabi
  • Publication number: 20090178434
    Abstract: A portable food serving system for keeping food cold or for cooling hot food and keeping it cool that does not require a power source includes a generally rectangular inner pan and outer pan. Each of the pans has a bottom wall. The outer pan also has four sidewalls with a drain plug on one of them and rails at the bottom to form feet. The inner pan fits within the outer pan and the bottom wall of the inner pan is raised above the bottom wall of the outer pan. The inner pan has a plurality of compartments located therein with spaces formed between the compartments. A plurality of baffles extend upwardly from the bottom wall of the outer pan and extend into the spaces between the compartments. The system also includes a plurality of clips for releasably locking the inner pan with the outer pan. Ice and a cooling liquid may be placed in the spaces between the compartments and between the bottom walls of the pans. A cover fits over the pans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: George C. DeMirjian
  • Publication number: 20090126394
    Abstract: A portable cooler for storing and cooling beverage(s) and/or food product(s) comprising a hollow main compartment, a lid assembly for closing the hollow main compartment and a spout assembly extending from the hollow main compartment for discharging stored liquid product wherein said lid assembly includes an independent storage compartment for dry food product and wherein said hollow main compartment includes a body with at least one protrusion forming a coupling member for removably attaching at least one block of stored coolant adapted to be pre-refrigerated before liquid product is stored into the hollow main compartment of the portable cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: TORBEN KROG
  • Patent number: 7520140
    Abstract: A reusable container for frozen goods, and a method of reusably containing ice pops, are disclosed. The reusable container includes at least two telescoping casings having at least an outermost casing that includes an uppermost portion and an innermost casing that includes a lowermost portion, wherein each casing has therein at least one cavity suitably sized for insertion of at least one frozen good into the cavity, and at least one liquid coolant within at least one of the casings. The method includes the steps of telescoping upward at least two telescoping cases to accommodate at least one ice pop, placing the at least one ice pop within the telescoped ones of the at least two telescoping cases, wherein, upon placement of the ice pop within the telescoped ones, the ice pop is at least partially surrounded by a frozen liquid coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Mary C. DeLucia
  • Publication number: 20090077998
    Abstract: A refillable cooling container is provided for keeping food held in any size food container cool during serving. The refillable cooling container comprises a rubber bowl having a refillable hollow core, which may be reopened and secured with a plug. The bowl can be made in various sizes and shapes such as rectilinear, square, sphere-like, oblong, etc. The various shapes would conform to standard food containers and food bowls known in the art. The refillable cooling container can be filled with water, gel, or the like as well as pre-frozen ice cubes through its opening. The plug can then be secured to prevent the water, gel, or ice from escaping the hollow core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Christine Lowrey, Patricia Falk
  • Publication number: 20090078699
    Abstract: Insulated shipping container and method of making the same. In a preferred embodiment, the insulated shipping container comprises an outer box, an insulated insert, an insulated cover, a payload container and a plurality of coolant members. The outer box comprises a rectangular prismatic cavity bounded by a plurality of rectangular side walls, a closed bottom end, and top closure flaps. The insulated insert is snugly, but removably, disposed within the outer box and is shaped to define a bottom, four sides and a top. The top includes a raised peripheral edge and a recessed shelf. A large rectangular prismatic cavity surrounded by a plurality of smaller cavities extends downwardly from the recessed shelf. The large cavity of the insulated insert is adapted to receive a payload container, together with a pair of coolant saddle bags adapted to surround the payload container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Neritan Mustafa, Mark Banks, James Nilsen, Lawrence A. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20090077997
    Abstract: A cooling container is provided for keeping food held in any size food container cool during serving. The cooling container is made from flexible fabric with elastic about its edge. The fabric has a plurality of cooling chambers filled with a cooling medium about its surface. The cooling container is placed into a freezer until the cooling medium is frozen. Then, the cooling container may be placed around a food container by stretching its elastic portion around the food container. If the cooling container thaws, it can be easily removed and replaced with a second frozen cooling container. The first cooling container may be re-used or disposed of.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Christine Lowrey, Patricia Falk
  • Patent number: 7484383
    Abstract: A pitcher for keeping beverages cooled for protracted periods, having a pitcher lining and a pitcher wall sealingly attached to form a cavity there between. A freezable substance is disposed within the cavity. The cavity extends continuously between the bottom walls of the pitcher lining and the pitcher wall allowing for complete cooling through the floor area of the pitcher. In an alternate embodiment an insulating layer is provided between the freezable substance and the inner surface of the sidewalls and bottom wall of the pitcher shell. The insulating layer further retards warming and reduces condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: James Turner
  • Publication number: 20090019865
    Abstract: Various embodiments for an apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens are described. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a sample container for receiving an excised tissue sample and embedding material. The sample container includes a flat base along which the tissue sample is flattened. The apparatus further includes a freezing box with a freezing platform and a freezing agent. The sample container is placed on the freezing platform to begin the freezing process. A chuck with a generally planar surface can be placed on the sample container during the freezing process joining the chuck, tissue specimen, and sample container base in generally parallel planes. In some cases, the sample container can be made from a suitable material, such as plastic, that is at least semi-transparent to allow visual confirmation of tissue flatness and freezing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Colin Henderson, Claire Temple-Oberle
  • Patent number: 7475564
    Abstract: A container includes a primary compartment and a secondary compartment generally evenly opposed to and oppositely facing from the primary compartment. A lid is provided for each of the primary compartment and the secondary compartment. In use, the primary compartment is suited for storing food items and the like, and the secondary compartment is suited for storing a coolant such as an ice pack or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Kristin W. Kagen
  • Publication number: 20080307824
    Abstract: A cooling inserted into a regular cooling chest as a unit. The cooling insert consists of a multiple of hollow panels that are hinged together at their edges by adhesive tapes or extruded layers on panels that are continued between adjacent panels. The hollow panels are constructed of thin walled plastic materials. A freezable substance is inserted into the hollow panels constituting a cooling medium that will permeate through the thin walls of the hollow panels to keep food and/or drinks in a cooled state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: George John Botich
  • Publication number: 20080276643
    Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature sensitive transport container (20) for packaging and shipping cell-based products such as cultured cells intended for transplantation. In particular, the present disclosure provides a thermally insulated transport container system (10) for storing and transporting cells for transplantation which is capable of maintaining the cells at a desirable temperature range for a sufficient period of time to ensure adequate cell viability and therapeutic properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Adam Heroux, Barbara Seymour
  • Patent number: 7444830
    Abstract: Aircraft galley carts and other insulated food storage units are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a food storage unit configured in accordance with the invention includes an interior portion configured to hold food, a first panel positioned at least proximate to a wall of the interior portion, and at least a second panel positioned at least proximate to the first panel. In this embodiment, the first panel can include a phase change material and at least a portion of the second panel can be evacuated. In one aspect of this embodiment, the food storage unit can further include a temperature sensor operably coupled to the interior portion. The temperature sensor can be configured to provide an indication when the temperature in the interior portion reaches a preselected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Moran, John C. Rood
  • Publication number: 20080245096
    Abstract: A cooler having two compartments connected together along a common edge. The cooler is configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration by rotating the compartments about the edge. The cooler may include a handle connected to each compartment near the edge, and the two compartments may be secured to one another by a zipper or other fastener. A cooler is also provided having a bag with a zipper with sets of teeth extending along portions of the top edge of the bag. The cooler may be closed by closing the zipper and folding the bag in a manner so as to create flaps that can be folded downwards and secured to the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Ann E. Hanson, Mitchell L. Wilgus, Michael Wayne Peterson, Shawn Whetstone, Zac West
  • Publication number: 20080237260
    Abstract: The invention described herein is a beverage cooler, equipped with an external valve or spigot in fluid communication with an internal bag or bladder, the bladder containing the beverage to be dispensed. The bag is typically connected to the external spigot by a length of hose or other conduit. The bag or bladder includes a fitting, and the hose includes a complimentary fitting that allows the bag to be attached to the conduit for dispensing of the beverage, and subsequent removal from the conduit or hose when the bladder is empty. Once the bag is connected, ice can be placed in the cooler to keep the beverage cold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Leon Wolek
  • Patent number: 7426839
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling a beverage, through the special design of a container for dispensing a beverage, is disclosed. The beverage remains cold for a period of time while it is inside the container, through contact with a frozen substance consumable substance with a lower temperature than the beverage. The frozen substance is substantially frozen before the beverage is introduced into the container. The beverage and the frozen substance make contact through portions of a barrier structure containing the frozen substance. As the frozen substance melts, it gradually mixes with the beverage, continuing to cool the beverage over a period of time, without ice floating to the top of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Robert M. Beaudry
  • Publication number: 20080216507
    Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of retaining pre-selected food products and serving such pre-selected food products as desired includes a bottom member formed from a predetermined material having a predetermined hardness which is at least sufficient to provided a stiffness to the bottom member to prevent bending thereof. A first cavity is formed in the bottom member having a predetermined depth. A cooling gel member is disposed within the first cavity. Such cooling gel member includes a second cavity formed therein having a second predetermined depth. A plate member is disposed within such second cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Kevin H. Tremblay
  • Patent number: 7415839
    Abstract: A receptacle for placement in a cooler of ice. The receptacle includes a sleeve structure placement in the cooler's ice compartment, the sleeve structure having a base portion and a chamber for receipt of a drink bottle or container, food item, medicine, or other items which require, or for which it is desirable, to maintain as chilled. The chamber is configured such that upon placement of the sleeve structure into the ice compartment and being surrounded by ice, the item to be cooled is substantially isolated and free from contact with the ice. The receptacle maintains an open volume in the ice for an item and allows for the item to be withdrawn from the cooler, without ice in the cooler collapsing and filling in the void left by the removed item. This allows the item may be readily reinserted back into the cooler when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventors: Linda Robertson, Clark Robertson
  • Patent number: 7412846
    Abstract: An isothermal transportation container comprises an insulating container and a lid that can seal this insulating container. The insulating container has a plurality of insulating materials arranged overlapped on the inner peripheral face of the insulating container. A thermal conductive member is arranged in a space of the insulating container formed by the insulating materials. The thermal conductive member can accommodate a plurality of laminated packaging containers, each of which accommodates a thermal storage medium and a transported article. The heat in the thermal storage medium in one packaging container can be transmitted to the other packaging container through the thermal conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sachio Sekiya, Tatsuo Fujii, Hirotsugu Kuroume, Toshiaki Inuma, Yusuke Kiritoshi, Hiroaki Matsushima
  • Patent number: 7380412
    Abstract: Multiple food storage systems are disclosed herein. One food storage system includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defines a second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. A separate food storage system includes a main lid configured for use with a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth
  • Publication number: 20080092583
    Abstract: A beverage fountain includes a container and removable freezable member for containing and chilling a beverage. The removable freezable member is placed in or above the interior of the beverage container, in the flow path of a beverage circulating through the fountain to lower the temperature of the beverage. The removable freezable member is maintained in a position within the flow path without disrupting or interfering with circulation of the beverage. The removable freezable member may be a component of the fountain, such as a portion of the central support or one of the trays secured to the central support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Shae Hong, Katherine Papoutsis, Ken Martin
  • Publication number: 20080087037
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for chilling food is provided. The apparatus includes first, second and third containers which are nestable and stackable. The second and third containers fit within a chamber defined in the first container. The second container is designed for holding ice and the third container is designed for separately holding food. The apparatus is configured so that as the ice in the second container melts, the volume of a subchamber defined between the second and third containers decreases to maintain the remaining ice in contact with an undersurface of the third container holding the food. The food is therefore more effectively and consistently chilled than in prior art designs. In one embodiment, the second container is buoyant. The second container will therefore float on the surface of ice water drained from the second container to the bottom of the first container. The apparatus may be configured to receive multiple food containers and/or multiple ice containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Antonio M. Rapaz
  • Publication number: 20080083244
    Abstract: A thermo-preserving container includes a body and a cone-shaped cap. The body consists of an annular inner wall and an annular outer wall, with an annular empty space defined between the inner and the outer wall for filling coolant therein through an intake bored in a bottom of the body. The intake is inserted with a stopper to keep the coolant in the annular empty space. The body has an inner empty space surrounded by the annular inner wall. The cone-shaped cap is provided with an annular connect member in a bottom end to threadably combined with the connect member of the body to combine the cap with the body. Then a drink or a wine in a bottle can be kept in the thermo-preserving container in a cooled condition, preserving the drink or wine to taste comparatively cool and fresh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Heng-Te Yang
  • Patent number: 7340917
    Abstract: A hinge and arm adapted to attach to one end face of a rectangular ice chest, to maintain the one end face of the chest in an elevated position for draining comprising: a hinge having one side attached to the one end face so that its other side swings in a vertical plane; and a swinging arm wherein a lower portion of the arm extends beneath the ice chest to maintain the one end face in an elevated position for draining. In a preferred aspect, the invention further comprises an ice chest and the arm comprises two parallel arms each having one end portion pivoted to the hinge and a handle portion interconnecting the other opposite ends. When the hinge/lift handle is centrally mounted on the one end face and a pivot end portion of the arms is elongated to extend down from the central mounting to the beneath the bottom portion of the box then the hinge additionally functions as a lift handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Luke A. Coleman
  • Publication number: 20080034788
    Abstract: A temperature control pack for refrigerating a shipping container includes a mass of gel material which is shape-retaining at room temperature, and is configured as a relatively thick rectangular solid. The mass of gel material is enclosed in a first plastic film bag, and also in a second plastic film bag providing a sheath about the first bag, and also enclosing a quantity of air to provide an insulating and cushioning air space between the bags. Especially at the ends of the mass of gel material and surrounding bags, an air cushion space is provided in order to safeguard the plastic bags against bursting caused by “water hammer” effect from dropping, impacts, or jarring of the shipping container. The thick rectangular shape of the mass of gel material, along with the pair of plastic film bags, in combination with the insulating air space, provide a leak-resistant temperature control pack with increased refrigerating endurance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Larry William French
  • Patent number: 7328583
    Abstract: Thermal management systems and methods for manufacturing and using same are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the thermal management systems comprise configurations of corrugated, porous, or fibrous panels containing phase change materials within the interior of the panels. Liquid barrier layers are applied to the panels to at least keep the phase change materials from leaking out of the panels. The thermal management systems are passive systems which are able to maintain the temperature of pharmaceutical products placed within the systems within a predetermined temperature range over a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Entropy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold C. Hillman, Preston Williams