Abstract: A portable food container which includes a cooling device capable of keeping the food cool and fresh for several hours. apparatus consist of three parts: a flat plastic cover removable from the main compartment; a main compartment consisting of a plastic container designed to place food inside it; and a cooling device consisting of a small plastic container completely sealed and filled with freezable gel that remains cold for several hours. The apparatus is designated to be placed on the bottom of a fridge until the freezable gel contained in the sealed cooling device is frozen. Afterwards, the user can place food inside the main compartment, close it with the cover and carry the apparatus with him/her for later consumption of fresh food. The apparatus can be carried inside a purse, briefcase, backpack, etc.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for shipping articles under controlled temperature conditions, having alternating enclosure walls for providing temperature insulation and for providing alternating reservoirs of phase change materials, wherein the respective phase change materials are different in each alternating reservoir. The innermost reservoirs comprise a thermal insert which modifies the control temperature inside the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the appearance of an existing product display unit including providing a panel member having a shape and appearance different from the shape and appearance of at least one side portion of the product display unit, and attaching the panel member to at least a portion of the product display unit such that, when so attached, the panel member interacts with the product merchandising unit to transform the overall appearance of the product display unit.

Abstract: Containers are provided. An exemplary container for storing an item comprises: an insulating material defining an interior, the insulating material comprising a bio-based polyurethane; and a temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior, the temperature-maintaining material being arranged to maintain a temperature of an item placed with the interior. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: When Ice is put into the tube (Ice-lets) and wrapped around your ankle or wrist, it will cool your body temperature down by cooling down your own blood circulation that is circulating through your body. What is new about the product/device is that there are no batteries, electrical cords or coolant that need to be used. All you need is ice, which is cheap, affordable and available. This will save you money on your electric bill so that you can keep cool without using your air conditioner. You can use it when you do your gardening on hot days or when you take long walks in the summer, go to the swap meet, in your car (if your air conditioner is not working) or anywhere that you would need to keep cool.

Abstract: Containers are provided. A representative container comprises: an outer shell defining an interior and having a lid, the outer shell having at least one opening for providing access to the interior, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position the outer shell encasing the interior, in the open position the lid providing access to the interior, the outer shell comprising cardboard; a storage chamber formed within the interior and communicating with the opening, the storage chamber being adapted to receive at least one item; insulating material disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the outer shell; and temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior, the temperature-maintaining material comprising a super-absorbent.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage container which includes a first panel having a container attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The container attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary lid attachment element. The thermal energy storage container includes a container compartment adapted to store a thermal energy storage material. A thermal energy storage lid which includes a lid attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The lid attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a liquid delivery system for a race vehicle to provide the driver of the race vehicle with readily available cool fluids are disclosed. One embodiment is directed to an insulated bag mounted in the race vehicle having a collapsible fluid bladder and a gel pack within the bag. Tubing connects the bladder to a valve for the driver to drink from. Preferably, a pump is coupled to the tubing to move fluid through the system.

Abstract: An insulation box kit and associated method of using are disclosed for use in assembling the kit into a storage chamber for use in cooling a beer keg stored within the confines of the chamber. The kit comprising: a base element, four side walls, and a top element. Each side wall includes a means for attaching onto said base element and a means for interconnecting to adjacent side walls. The top element includes a centrally disposed collar defining a centrally disposed hole; and a means for connecting onto said four side walls to said top element. The method of using comprises the steps of adjoining, affixing, closing, getting, interlinking, locating, mounting, obtaining, opening, placing, pouring, pumping, putting, retrieving, sliding, slipping, and sitting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a liquid delivery system for a race vehicle to provide the driver of the race vehicle with readily available cool fluids are disclosed. One embodiment is directed to an insulated shell system mounted in the race vehicle which holds a bottle of fluid within the shell. Another embodiment is directed to an insulated pouch mounted in the race vehicle which has a collapsible fluid bladder, a gas bladder and a gel pack within the pouch. Each embodiment has tubing which connects to a valve near the driver's mouth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a liquid delivery system for a race vehicle to provide the driver of the race vehicle with readily available cool fluids are disclosed. One embodiment is directed to an insulated bag mounted in the race vehicle having a collapsible fluid bladder and a cooling medium within the bag. Tubing connects the bladder to a valve for the driver to drink from. Preferably, a pump is coupled to the tubing to move fluid through the system.

Abstract: A compact cosmetic case, including a carrying case and a refrigerable device, for refrigerated storage and transportation of heat-sensitive cosmetics. The cosmetic case includes a narrow cavity that is defined by two attached non-absorbent protective panels, each panel including an insulating material to decrease heat transfer between the outside ambient air and the cavity of the carrying case, where the cosmetics are stored. The arrangement of the cosmetic case keeps cosmetics in close proximity to the refrigerable device and the non-absorbent panels, thereby decreasing the void space within the cavity. The cosmetic case includes a divider that efficiently organizes the cosmetics and the refrigerable devices within the cavity of the carrying case of the cosmetic case.

Abstract: A temperature control medicine carrying case having an insulated housing, a plurality of interior compartments, an interior pouch, a cooling mechanism and a fastening mechanism, e.g., a zipper closure. The interior surface of the insulated housing comprises two separate portions that are separated along a central axis. The interior pouch is located on a first portion of the interior surface of the insulated housing. The interior pouch is adapted to receive the cooling mechanism. At least one of the interior compartments is located on the exterior surface of the interior pouch and is adapted to receive a container of medicine. A plurality of interior compartments is located on the second portion of the interior surface. These compartments are adapted to receive medical devices that are used for administration of the medicine.

Abstract: A compact cosmetic case, including a carrying case and a refrigerable device, for refrigerated storage and transportation of heat-sensitive cosmetics. The cosmetic case includes a narrow cavity that is defined by two attached non-absorbent protective panels, each panel including an insulating material to decrease heat transfer between the outside ambient air and the cavity of the carrying case, where the cosmetics are stored. The arrangement of the cosmetic case keeps cosmetics in close proximity to the refrigerable device and the non-absorbent panels, thereby decreasing the void space within the cavity. The cosmetic case includes a divider that efficiently organizes the cosmetics and the refrigerable devices within the cavity of the carrying case of the cosmetic case.

Abstract: A food container having a separable refrigerant section comprising:

Abstract: Systems and methods for a liquid delivery system for a race vehicle to provide the driver of the race vehicle with readily available cool fluids are disclosed. One embodiment is directed to an insulated shell system mounted in the race vehicle which holds a bottle of fluid within the shell. Another embodiment is directed to an insulated pouch mounted in the race vehicle which has a collapsible fluid bladder, a gas bladder and a gel pack within the pouch. Each embodiment has tubing which connects to a valve near the driver's mouth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a liquid delivery system for a race vehicle to provide the driver of the race vehicle with readily available cool fluids are disclosed. One embodiment is directed to an insulated bag mounted in the race vehicle having a collapsible fluid bladder and a gel pack within the bag. Tubing connects the bladder to a valve for the driver to drink from. Preferably, a pump is coupled to the tubing to move fluid through the system.

Abstract: A passive thermal control enclosure for transporting and storing payloads in earth orbit includes an inner box-like enclosure surrounded by an outer box-like enclosure with insulation in the space between the enclosures. The walls of the inner enclosure are fiber-matrix composite skins with honeycomb sandwiched therebetween. Each enclosure has its own door latched closed by releasable latches formed in opposed pairs that can be operated without any net force on the operator. Packs of phase change material (PCM) are placed into the inner enclosure with the payload. The PCM is contained in flexible packages. The packs of PCM are removed when they melt and replaced with fresh packs, and the melted packs preferably are re-frozen on-board the orbiting spacecraft. Freezing preferably is carried out such that the freeze front moves substantially in only one direction from one end of the pack to the other.

Abstract: A hot or cold food dispensing modular assembly comprising a turn table which supports a plurality of containers for holding food accompaniments such as toppings, fixings and the like for easy dispensing and for food needing refrigeration, such as ice cream or heat retention such as chili over a longer period of time during party celebrations and the like.

Abstract: A nested cooler system for temporary storage of perishable food stuffs and more particularly to articles for convenient, temporary storage of human breast milk and infant formulas. The inner and outer coolers jointly or independently receive the perishable foodstuffs and freezable gel packs for cooling the perishable foodstuffs. The gel packs can be frozen and thawed several times and temporarily keep containers of milk within an acceptable temperature range to prevent spoilage. The gel packs fit within pockets in the coolers to maintain proper positioning of the gel packs relative to the bottles.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage container which includes a first panel having a container attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The container attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary lid attachment element. The thermal energy storage container includes a container compartment adapted to store a thermal energy storage material. A thermal energy storage lid which includes a lid attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The lid attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element.

Abstract: A portable soft sided insulated container has an impermeable liner that provides a liquid holding barrier. The liner is folded from a single monolithic plastic sheet to reduce or eliminate the need for heat welded seams. The liner seats within the container and has a releasable attachment around its lip for mating with the rim of the container. The container has an insulated lid so that the entire assembly may be closed. The liner can be removed for cleaning, or replacement if punctured. When not in use the entire assembly can be folded into a collapsed position for storage. The container has two storage chambers that share a common insulated dividing wall.

Abstract: The cover of the inside container is firmly fixed on the sides of the exterior container. When the empty space between both containers is filled-up with any type of freezing liquid, an ice layer is created and preserves everything in the inside container for an unlimited period of time. A plastic membrane is inserted into a groove all around the inside portion of the external container. The liquid infiltrates in the groove above the membrane and when placed into a freezer nothing could affect or infect what is underneath the ice sealant.

Abstract: A cooling container assembly including a cooling tub resting on a supporting base. The cooling tub has a central drain opening with a hose depending therefrom and passing through an opening in the top surface of the supporting base and extending into a drain receptacle in the supporting base; the latter having a doored opening through which the drain receptacle can be inserted and removed.

Abstract: An insert is retained at the bottom of a portable liquid drink dispenser close to its nozzle. The insert has an inclined top surface for eliminating the need to tip the drink dispenser in order to dispense the final drinks. The insert has a coolant for cooling the fluid at the bottom of the drink dispenser in the area of the nozzle. The coolant may be water, gel or other high heat density material. The insert is chilled in a freezer prior to being retained in the drink dispenser. The insert is removably retained in the bottom of the drink dispenser using any or all of several retention means. The insert has the further advantage of allowing for the stacking of inserts during freezing and transport. Elimination of the need for tipping the drink dispenser allows for the stacking or mounting of drink dispensers while dispensing drinks.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting semen, e.g., equine semen, along with a corresponding method of packing the container, is provided. The container is formed of an insulated box and an insulated cover. The insulated box and insulated cover each includes a collection of ridges and recesses to create a friction fit between the two that will only work with the insulated cover being placed on the insulated box in a predetermined orientation. A cooling pack is disposed on a floor of the insulated box. An insert is disposed to rest on the cooling pack inside the insulated box, such that the cooling pack is beneath the insert when the insulated box is in an upright position. The insert has at least one chamber for receiving a storage capsule holding the semen sample. The insulated cover frictionally fits on the insulated box and makes contact with the insert to hold the insert in place.

Abstract: A portable rectangular tabletop picnic cooler is designed in the configuration of a briefcase and consists of a transparent rectangular lid for displaying food and keeping food cold while on ice. The cooler comprises of a rectangular base, front, rear and side walls, while defining a cavity. Rear side walls elevate the cooler allowing melted ice water to be directed to a drain hole located through the base, connected is a drain hole cap. The lid is hinged to the rear wall. A carrying handle is coupled to the exterior front wall. A handle is coupled to the top front of lid, to aid in opening and closing the lid. A flexible strap is secured to the to the exterior front wall to aid in transport.

Abstract: An insulated container for the storage and transport of fresh food items to keep them at a desired temperature, preferably between 0 and 4° C., includes a case provided with an insulating material lining on all its inside faces. The container also includes a diffuser cover provided with an independent refrigeration source connected to a thermal bridge by a support receptacle. The refrigeration source keeps the desired temperature inside the case for a determined period. An insulating cover fits over the diffuser cover to provide thermal insulation for the assembly.

Abstract: A doubled wall container is disclosed having a fill cap that allows a user to alternately add or remove a liquid from an interior volume formed between the walls of the container.

Abstract: A self-contained insulated container for maintaining an item at a predetermined temperature. The container has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, which are spaced apart from each other and closed off to define an insulating chamber therebetween. The container includes a storage area, for receiving the item therein, which is defined by the inner sidewall. The storage area is at a first storage temperature. The insulating chamber is substantially filled with a first insulating material, which is a aqueous silicone-gel mixture. The first insulating material is at a first insulating temperature. The storage area attains a second storage temperature after the item is placed therein and the first insulating material maintains the second storage temperature and the item at the predetermined temperature for a storage period.

Abstract: A doubled wall container is disclosed having a fill cap that allows a user to alternately add or remove a liquid from an interior volume formed between the walls of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and chilling wastewater samples and the like provides an insulated sample container vessel that has cooling coils therein for direct contact and heat transfer with a liquid in the container to rapidly cool the liquid. A refrigeration unit keeps the cooling coils cool. The liquid can be a sample which is required to be stored at 1-3 degrees Centigrade. The chiller is different from similar chillers in that the cooling coils simply are inserted in an insulated container, and can be removed therefrom when it is desired to transport the sample. The sample remains cool during transportation even without the cooling coils. The cooling coils are arranged in the ice chest such that coolant from the chiller enters through the upper coils and exits through the lower coils, causing the liquid sample in the upper part of the container to cool more than the sample in the lower part of the container.

Abstract: An article for holding freezable substances includes an individual disposable package for holding the frozen substance and a container therefore. The package is comprised of a bottom portion and a top portion. The frozen substance is placed in the bottom portion and the top portion is placed over the bottom portion to seal the package and prevent spillage of the freezable substance prior to its freezing. The package has a maximum inner width Wm, with Wm being less than or equal to 0.875 inches (22.23 mm). The width Wm is chosen so that a long, cylindrical ice cube is formed by the package. The ice cube so formed fits easily into original containers of beverages, such as soda cans and bottles, so that the beverages are cooled in their original containers.

Abstract: A portable soft sided insulated container has an impermeable liner that provides a liquid holding barrier. The liner is folded from a single monolithic plastic sheet to reduce or eliminate the need for heat welded seams. The liner seats within the container and has a releasable attachment around its lip for mating with the rim of the container. The container has an insulated lid so that the entire assembly may be closed. The liner can be removed for cleaning, or replacement if punctured. When not in use the entire assembly can be folded into a collapsed position for storage. The container has two storage chambers that share a common insulated dividing wall.

Abstract: A product merchandising display unit having selectable product capacity including a receptacle having an internal cavity adapted for receiving and holding a quantity of product, and a product support floor member positionable at any one of at least two different elevated locations within the internal cavity for varying the product holding capacity thereof. A plurality of shoulder portions are located at each of the at least two different elevated locations within the internal cavity, the shoulder portions located at each spaced location being engageable with at least some of the peripheral edge portions associated with the floor member when the floor member is oriented in one of at least two different orientations. The display unit also includes a lid member having spaced pairs of retaining projections associated therewith for displaying advertising indicia therethrough.

Abstract: A cooler comprising a container having a container bottom wall and upstanding side walls standing upwardly from a periphery of the bottom wall and defining an open top and a cover wall hingedly connected to one of the side walls and attachable to at least one other of the side walls so as to close the open top. Each of the side walls and the cover wall being formed of a flexible fabric material with a layer of insulating material thereon such that the side walls can be folded to allow collapse of the container from an expanded position for receiving articles to be maintained cooled to a collapsed storage condition. A bottle for receiving liquid has two opposed side walls and a peripheral wall with one side wall shaped to substantially match the shape of the bottom wall such that the bottle is arranged to be located at the bottom of the container with the side wall lying against the bottom wall to provide stiffening for the bottom wall and the other side wall facing into the interior of the container.

Abstract: A hot or cold food dispensing modular assembly comprising a turn table which supports a plurality of containers for holding food accompaniments such as toppings, fixings and the like for easy dispensing and for food needing refrigeration, such as ice cream or heat retention such as chili over a longer period of time during party celebrations and the like.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration table for displaying, in elevated and supported fashion, a plurality of items. The table includes a body having a substantially rectangular shaped and planar base surface, a plurality of elevated and interconnecting sides defining a basin therebetween and which is capable of holding a volume of ice particulates. A plurality of first, second, third and fourth associated edge locations of the body and are capable of being pivoted between a first locking position and a second unlocking position in which the legs may be pivoted to a folded position against the body. A plurality of elongated dividers are arranged in upwardly extending fashion from the planar base surface, each of the dividers terminating in an upwardly facing surface capable of supporting the items at locations above the planar base surface.

Abstract: A shipping apparatus includes a container with a closeable top for carrying pharmaceuticals and a cooling means for keeping the pharmaceuticals temperature protected. The apparatus further includes a retention means within the container for positioning and securing the pharmaceuticals and cooling means, and a gripping means for transporting the container. A method of using a shipping apparatus includes the steps of assembling a container with a closeable top for carrying pharmaceuticals, activating, and inserting a cooling means into a retention means of the container for keeping said pharmaceuticals temperature protected. The steps further include inserting the pharmaceuticals into the retention means within the container for positioning and securing the pharmaceuticals, closing the top of the container and engaging a gripping means for transporting the container.

Abstract: An inflatable container comprises a support wall defining a storage cavity. The support wall includes a flexible material forming at least one air chamber that when full of air or other gas forms a structure for holding ice and other material received within the storage cavity of the support wall. A drainage compartment communicates with a generally lower portion of and is disposed external to the storage cavity defined by the support wall for drawing melted ice away from the storage cavity and into the drainage compartment.

Abstract: An inflatable container comprises a support wall defining a storage cavity. The support wall includes a flexible material forming at least one air chamber that when full of air or other gas forms a structure for holding ice and other material received within the storage cavity of the support wall. A drainage compartment communicates with a generally lower portion of and is disposed external to the storage cavity defined by the support wall for drawing melted ice away from the storage cavity and into the drainage compartment.

Abstract: A container comprises a first container portion and a second container portion joined to the first container portion to define a sealed cavity therebetween. A coolant is disposed within the sealed cavity. The container further comprises a pressure relief apparatus operable to limit pressure in the sealed cavity.

Abstract: A self-contained insulated container for maintaining an item at a predetermined temperature. The container has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, which are spaced apart from each other and closed off to define an insulating chamber therebetween. The container includes a storage area, for receiving the item therein, which is defined by the inner sidewall. The storage area is at a first storage temperature. The insulating chamber is substantially filled with a first insulating material, which is a aqueous silicone-gel mixture. The first insulating material is at a first insulating temperature. The storage area attains a second storage temperature after the item is placed therein and the first insulating material maintains the second storage temperature and the item at the predetermined temperature for a storage period.

Abstract: A thermally insulated cooler adapted to attach to the front of a motorized golf cart. The cooler having a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall wherein the top, bottom and sidewalls are made of flexible, thermally insulating material. The cooler rests on the front face of the golf cart's body and provides a thermally insulated storage area for items. The cooler includes a connecting mechanism for detachably connecting at least one edge of the top wall to a corresponding edge of the sidewall to allow access to the storage area.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage lid for a container to heat or cool the container contents. The lid includes a first panel having an attachment element located around a periphery thereof, with the attachment element being adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element. A second panel is offset from the first panel, and has a peripheral edge connected to the first panel to form a compartment generally coextensive with the second panel. A thermal energy storage material located in the compartment.

Abstract: An enclosure thermal shield (10) has a thermally insulated open container (12), a thermally insulated closure member (14), a thermally conductive liner (16) along the container's inner surface and along the inner surface of the closure member (14) forming a thermal circuit when the closure member (14) closes the container (12), and a heat reservoir (18) in thermal contact with the thermal circuit. The heat reservoir (18) can be placed within the container (12) or incorporated into the closure member (14). If incorporated into the closure member (14), the heat reservoir (18) can be placed in direct thermal contact with the thermal circuit or connected to the thermal circuit via a thermal conduit (28). The thermal shield (10) can further comprise a layer (26) of insulating material lining the interior surface of the conductive liner (16). Heat pipes can also be employed as a part of the thermal circuit.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration table for displaying, in elevated and supported fashion, a plurality of items. The table includes a body having a substantially rectangular shaped and planar base surface, a plurality of elevated and interconnecting sides defining a basin therebetween and which is capable of holding a volume of ice particulates. A plurality of first, second, third and fourth associated edge locations of the body and are capable of being pivoted between a first locking position and a second unlocking position in which the legs may be pivoted to a folded position against the body. A plurality of elongated dividers are arranged in upwardly extending fashion from the planar base surface, each of the dividers terminating in an upwardly facing surface capable of supporting the items at locations above the planar base surface.

Abstract: A nested cooler system for temporary storage of perishable food stuffs and more particularly to articles for convenient, temporary storage of human breast milk and infant formulas. The inner and outer coolers jointly or independently receive the perishable foodstuffs and freezable gel packs for cooling the perishable foodstuffs. The gel packs can be frozen and thawed several times and temporarily keep containers of milk within an acceptable temperature range to prevent spoilage. The gel packs fit within pockets in the coolers to maintain proper positioning of the gel packs relative to the bottles.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting semen, e.g., equine semen, along with a corresponding method of packing the container, is provided. The container is formed of an insulated box and an insulated cover. The insulated box and insulated cover each includes a collection of ridges and recesses to create a friction fit between the two that will only work with the insulated cover being placed on the insulated box in a predetermined orientation. A cooling pack is disposed on a floor of the insulated box. An insert is disposed to rest on the cooling pack inside the insulated box, such that the cooling pack is beneath the insert when the insulated box is in an upright position. The insert has at least one chamber for receiving a storage capsule holding the semen sample. The insulated cover frictionally fits on the insulated box and makes contact with the insert to hold the insert in place.