PERISHABLE FOOD STORAGE LOCKER

Abstract

A storage container includes a frame body with insulated walls at least partially enclosing a cavity, a door member connected to the frame body to selectively cover an opening in the frame body to the cavity, a cooling system connected to the frame body to maintain a temperature in the cavity at or below a first temperature threshold, and a heating system connected to the frame body to maintain the temperature in the cavity at or above a second, lower temperature threshold. A method includes monitoring a temperature in the cavity, and in response to determining the temperature in the cavity is greater than a first temperature threshold or less than a second, lower temperature threshold, controlling the cooling system or the heating system to adjust the temperature in the cavity to reside between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to storage containers for perishable foods.

BACKGROUND

Several recent rules and regulations intended to improve food safety through heightened regulation of the storage and transport of food for human and pet consumption have created new challenges for farmers, growers and others involved in the agriculture, food processing or food transportation industries. For example, poultry farms that produce chicken eggs have conventionally stored and transported those eggs based on the intended end use for the eggs. Eggs meant for human consumption in their whole form (table egg market) were stored and processed differently than those that were intended to be used in products containing eggs (e.g., cake mixes or powdered eggs). The latter were previously stored and transported at room temperature to egg product facilities (“egg breakers”), where the eggs are broken and the yokes and whites are processed for human consumption. Under one of the new rules, however, eggs meant for human consumption in any form are now required to be held and transported at or below 45° F. ambient temperature beginning 36 hours after time of lay. But few farms are equipped to meet this requirement. Thus, a great number of valuable eggs (including the large number of culled eggs at breeder farms) are being thrown away or disposed of in less profitable ways.

SUMMARY

This disclosure describes storage containers designed to preserve temperature sensitive goods, including perishable foods, by maintaining a temperature inside the storage container within a predetermined temperature range, even in outdoor or unconditioned indoor environments.

Certain aspects of the subject matter described here can be implemented as a storage container. The storage container includes a frame body including insulated walls at least partially enclosing a cavity, a door member connected to the frame body to selectively cover an opening in the frame body to the cavity, a cooling system connected to the frame body, the cooling system to maintain a temperature in the cavity at or below a first temperature threshold, and a heating system connected to the frame body, the heating system to maintain the temperature in the cavity at or above a second, lower temperature threshold.

This, and other aspects, can include one or more of the following features. The storage container can include a temperature control system to monitor the temperature in the cavity and/or the ambient temperature external to the frame body, and control at least one of the cooling system or the heating system based on the monitored cavity temperature and/or the ambient temperature. The second, lower temperature threshold can include a freezing temperature of chicken eggs. The second, lower temperature threshold can be 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The first temperature threshold can be 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The heating system can include a heater disposed internally within the cavity. The cooling system can include a refrigeration unit mounted on the frame body. The storage container can include a temperature gauge configured to measure the temperature within the cavity. The temperature gauge can include a solar-powered thermometer mounted on at least one of the frame body or the door member. The frame body can include a drain aperture between the cavity and an exterior of the frame body, where the drain aperture can drain contents in the cavity. The storage container can include floor legs attached to the frame body at a ground-facing surface of the frame body. The storage container can include support passageways attached to the frame body at a ground-facing surface of the frame body, the support passageways to receive forklift forks.

Certain aspects of the subject matter described here can be implemented as a method. The method includes storing perishable food in a cavity of a storage container, the storage container including a frame body having insulated walls, a door member connected to the frame body to selectively cover an opening in the frame body to the cavity, a cooling system connected to the frame body, and a heating system connected to the frame body. The method includes monitoring, with a temperature control system, a temperature in the cavity, determining, with the temperature control system, that the temperature in the cavity is greater than a first, higher temperature threshold or less than a second, lower temperature threshold, and, in response to determining the temperature in the cavity is greater than the first, higher temperature threshold or less than the second, lower temperature threshold, controlling at least one of the cooling system or the heating system to adjust the temperature in the cavity to reside between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold.

This, and other aspects, can include one or more of the following features. The second, lower temperature threshold can include a freezing temperature of the perishable foods. The second, lower temperature threshold can be 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The first temperature threshold can be 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The method can include monitoring, with the temperature control system, an ambient temperature exterior to the storage container. Determining, with the temperature control system, that the temperature in the cavity is greater than a first temperature threshold or less than a second, lower temperature threshold can include determining that the ambient temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold or less than the second, lower temperature threshold. The method can include measuring, with a temperature gauge of the temperature control system, the temperature within the cavity. The temperature gauge can include a solar-powered thermometer mounted on at least one of the frame body or the door member. The perishable food can include at least one of eggs, vegetables, meats, or cheese.

Certain aspects of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as a storage container. The storage container includes a frame body at least partially enclosing a cavity, a cooling system connected to the frame body, a heating system connected to the frame body, and a temperature control system having a controller configured to perform operations including monitoring a temperature in the cavity, determining that the temperature in the cavity is greater than a first, higher temperature threshold or less than a second, lower temperature threshold, and, in response to determining the temperature in the cavity is greater than the first temperature threshold or less than the second temperature threshold, controlling at least one of the cooling system or the heating system to adjust the temperature in the cavity to reside between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold.

This, and other aspects, can include that the first temperature threshold can be 43 degrees Fahrenheit and the second, lower temperature threshold can be 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 are perspective views of example storage containers.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and partial top views, respectively, of an example storage container.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an example storage container.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes storage containers, such as a storage locker, storage cooler, or other container, for storing a product and maintaining a temperature within the storage container between predefined maximum and minimum threshold temperatures in outdoor or unconditioned indoor settings. For example, the storage containers disclosed herein can store perishable goods, such as eggs, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and/or other perishable foods, at a temperature greater than a minimum threshold (e.g., freezing temperature) of the perishable good and less than a maximum threshold temperature, for example, to ensure the quality and safety of the product, to prevent damage to the product, and/or to satisfy regulatory requirements. The minimum and maximum temperatures can be set based on a spoiling temperature of the product, local or federal regulations, and/or other factors. For example, in instances where the product being stored is chicken eggs for human consumption, federal regulations now require the eggs to be stored at a temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, but also above temperatures that might freeze the egg and/or cause the shells to crack. Conventionally, these temperature parameters have resulted in many eggs, and other perishable foods, being thrown away because of the difficulty in storing the foods in a temperature controlled environment with both a maximum and minimum temperature threshold, particularly in an outdoor or unconditioned indoor setting. The storage containers described herein can operate and reside in an outdoor or unconditioned indoor environment (e.g., exposed to varying ambient temperatures and/or weather), and easily and conveniently store chicken eggs (and other perishable foods/goods) and maintain proper temperature of the chicken eggs from when they are laid on a farm to when the eggs leave the farm or later. Also, the storage containers can be transportable between locations, for example, from a farm (e.g., poultry farm) or ranch to another location, such as a processing center, a different farm or ranch, a transportation vehicle, another location on the same farm, or other location. In some instances, the storage container can engage with a forklift, tractor, or other hauling and transport vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example storage container 100, for example, for storing foods such as eggs, meats, poultry, vegetables, cheese, and/or other perishable foods. The example storage container 100 includes a frame body 102 with insulated walls 104 enclosing, substantially or completely, a cavity. The cavity defines the internal space within the storage container 100 enclosed substantially or completely by the insulated walls 104 and a door member 106. The door member 106 connects to the frame body 102, for example, with hinges, sliding brackets, or another pivoting, sliding, or otherwise movable connection, to selectively open or cover an opening in the frame body 102 to the cavity. The cavity can include shelving, crates, and/or other storage features, for example, for supporting the perishable foods and their respective packaging, if any.

The dimensions and capacity of the storage container 100 and its cavity can vary, along with the size of the door member 106 and/or number of door members. In some instances, the frame body 102 is substantially rectangular, and can vary in size. Example depth by width by height dimensions of the frame body can include 30″×48″×83.5″; 30″×70.25″×83.5; 35″×94″×83.5″; or other dimensions. In certain instances, the cavity can include a rectangular space, and includes a capacity of up to 150 cubic feet (e.g., 42 cubic feet, 65 cubic feet, 100 cubic feet, and/or other). The cavity can be sized to store up to 50 egg shipping cases, with each egg shipping case having dimensions of about 12″×24⅓″×13½″. For example, the storage container 100 can be sized to include a cavity with a capacity to hold 12 egg shipping cases, 20 egg shipping cases, 28 egg shipping cases, or other capacities. Also, the one or more door members 106 can vary in size. For example, the door member 106 can be oversized, such that the one or more door members 106 span the entirety of or a majority of a front surface of the storage container 100, for example, allowing for easier loading and unloading of its contents. In certain instances, the door member 106 is insulated, self-closing, and includes a PVC magnetic positive seal gasket.

The storage container 100 also includes a cooling system 108 connected to the frame body 102, and a heating system 110 connected to the frame body 102. As shown in FIG. 1, at least parts of the cooling system 108 and the heating system 110 are housed in a housing. FIG. 1 shows this housing on a top surface of the frame body 102 of the storage container 100, but the housing can be located elsewhere on the frame body 102. In some instances, the cooling system 108 and heating system 110 are housed in separate housings. In some examples, as compared to conventional refrigerator units, the storage container 100 includes both a cooling system 108 and a heating system 110, and functions to maintain a temperature within the cavity within a particular range and in response to certain internal and/or ambient conditions, as described in more detail below. In some implementations, the cooling system 108 selectively supplies cold and/or colder air (e.g., air with a temperature less than the cavity air temperature) to the cavity to maintain the temperature in the cavity at or below a first temperature threshold. In certain implementations, the heating system 110 supplies heat and/or warmer air (e.g., air with a temperature greater than the cavity air temperature) to maintain the temperature in the cavity at or above a second, lower temperature threshold. In other words, the cooling system 108 and/or heating system 110 can be forced air systems, where colder air and/or warmer air is supplied to the cavity to lower or raise the cavity temperature. Each of the cooling system 108 and the heating system 110 can include input and output fluid (e.g., air) passageways accessing the cavity to transfer air into or out of the cavity. For example, the cooling system 108 can include a first fluid passageway to transfer cold air into the cavity, and in some instances, can include a second fluid passageway to transfer warmer air out of the cavity. In some examples, the heating system 110 can include a third fluid passageway to transfer heat (e.g., via conduction, convection, and/or radiation) into the cavity, and in some instances, can include a fourth fluid passageway to transfer colder air out of the cavity.

In some implementations, the cooling system 108 includes a cold wall system, where the cooling system 108 cools an interior surface of walls (e.g., walls 104 of frame body 102) of the cavity to reduce the temperature of the air within the cavity. For example, the cooling system 108 can include a series of coils (e.g., copper wires) running through the walls 104, which radiate cold air into the cavity in order to cool the cavity temperature or keep the cavity at or below a particular temperature. In certain implementations, storage container 100 can also include a condensation evaporator system to remove condensation that may form within the cavity. In some examples, the heating system 110 can include a warm wall system, where the heating system 110 heats an interior surface of walls (e.g., walls 104 of frame body 102) of the cavity to increase the temperature of the air within the cavity. For example, the heating system 110 can include a series of coils running through the walls 104, which radiate heat into the cavity in order to warm the cavity temperature or keep the cavity at or above a particular temperature.

The cooling system 108 and heating system 110 can each take a variety of forms. For example, FIG. 1 depicts the cooling system 108 as including a refrigeration unit 112 mounted on a top surface of the frame body 102. However, the cooling system 108 can include other forms of one or more cooling units, for example, that include the basic components found in conventional cooling units, such as a coolant compressor, coolant evaporator coil, evaporator fan, condenser coil, condenser fan, and/or other components. Also, the refrigeration unit 112 is depicted in FIG. 1 as mounted on the top surface, but the refrigeration unit 112 can connect to the frame body 102 in a variety of ways and in other locations. In some instances, the refrigeration unit 112 mounts to a different surface (e.g., side surface, bottom surface) of the frame body 102, mounts separately from the frame body 102, disposed internally within the cavity or within a wall of the frame body 102, and/or otherwise connected to the frame body 102 and fluidly connected to the cavity.

In some instances, the heating system 110 includes a heating unit, or heater, to supply heat to the cavity. The heating system 110 can be mounted on the frame body 102, separate from the frame body 102, disposed internally within the cavity, or otherwise connected to the frame body 102. The heater can include a radiator, a warm wall system (described earlier) including a network of piping, a forced air system (described earlier) including a network of air passageways, and/or other heating unit types.

In some instances, the storage container 100 includes a temperature control system 116 to monitor the temperature within the cavity, and communicates with the cooling system 108 and/or the heating system 110 to maintain the temperature within the cavity between the first, higher temperature threshold and the second, lower temperature threshold. In some instances, the temperature control system 116 also monitors an ambient temperature external to the frame body 102, for example, by communicating with an ambient temperature sensor on an exterior of the frame body 102. An ambient temperature sensor can include a temperature gauge on an exterior of the frame body 102 that measures the ambient temperature exterior to the frame body 102. The temperature control system 116 controls one or both of the cooling system 108 or the heating system 110 based on the monitored cavity temperature and/or ambient temperature, for example, to maintain the cavity temperature between the first, upper temperature threshold and the second, lower temperature threshold.

The temperature control system 116 determines if and when the temperature in the cavity is at or nearing either of the outer thresholds of the allowable temperature range, for example, at or just below the first, higher temperature threshold or at or just above the second, lower temperature threshold. The outer temperature thresholds (upper threshold and lower threshold) can be the absolute maximum or minimum allowable temperatures of the cavity, or the outer temperature thresholds can be set as just within the absolute maximum or minimum allowable temperatures of the cavity, for example, so that the heating or cooling systems kick on when the cavity temperature nears, but does not reach, the absolute maximum or minimum allowable temperature. If the temperature in the cavity is outside of the allowable temperature range or close to the maximum or minimum limits of the allowable temperature range, the temperature control system 116 controls at least one of the cooling system 108 or the heating system 110 to adjust the temperature in the cavity to reside between the first, higher temperature threshold and the second, lower temperature threshold. For example, if the air temperature within the cavity is just below, at, or greater than the first, higher temperature threshold, then the temperature control system 116 controls the cooling system 108 to supply cold to the cavity until the cavity temperature is less than (e.g., substantially or exactly) the first, higher temperature threshold. In some examples, if the air temperature within the cavity is just above, at or less than the second, lower temperature threshold, then the temperature control system 116 controls the heating system 110 to supply heat to the cavity until the cavity temperature is greater than the second, lower temperature threshold. For example, just above or just below a temperature threshold can include a difference of anywhere between 0.1 degrees Fahrenheit to 5 degrees Fahrenheit from the temperature threshold (e.g., 0.1 degrees, 0.5 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, or other).

The first, higher threshold temperature and the second, lower threshold temperature can vary. For example, the first temperature threshold can range between 30 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the second, lower temperature threshold can range between 20 degrees Fahrenheit and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature threshold ranges can vary even more, for example, based on a particular product intended to be stored. The temperature threshold capacity of the storage container can vary even more, for example, where limits can be set well below freezing (e.g., 0 degrees F.), or well above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In certain examples, the first temperature threshold can be substantially close to or exactly 45 degrees Fahrenheit, 42 degrees Fahrenheit, or another temperature. As described above, in examples where the product to be stored includes eggs meant for human consumption, federal regulations require that those eggs be maintained at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, so the first temperature threshold can be set at or below (e.g., just below) 45 degrees Fahrenheit, accordingly. In some examples, the second, lower temperature threshold can include a freezing temperature of a perishable food that the storage container 100 is configured to store. In certain examples, the lower temperature threshold can be at or about 28 degrees Fahrenheit, 32 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., freezing temperature of water), 34 degrees Fahrenheit, 37 degrees Fahrenheit, or another temperature.

In some instances, in addition to or independent from the temperature control system 116 measuring the temperature within the cavity, the temperature control system 116 monitors the ambient temperature exterior to the storage container 100. The temperature control system 116 can determine that the ambient temperature is greater than the first, higher temperature threshold or less than the second, lower temperature threshold, and subsequently operate one of the cooling system 108 or the heating system 110 to maintain the cavity temperature within the desired temperature range of the cavity.

In some implementations, the temperature control system 116 includes a controller 118 communicably connected to the cooling system 108, heating system 110, a cavity temperature gauge, and/or an ambient temperature gauge to monitor, control, and adjust the temperature in the cavity. The communication can include a serial link, wireless link (e.g., infrared, radio frequency, and/or other), parallel link, and/or another type of link.

The storage container 100 can include a temperature gauge 120 that measures the temperature within the cavity, for example, to monitor and/or record temperature data per quality guidelines or regulatory requirements. The temperature gauge 120 can include a temperature sensor in contact with the air within the cavity, and can include a temperature display on an interior or exterior surface of the frame body 102 or door member 106. In certain instances, the temperature gauge 120 displays the internal temperature of the cavity to be readable from an exterior of the frame body 102 with the door member 106 in a closed position. The temperature gauge 120 can function in conjunction with or independently from the temperature control system 116. In some instances, the temperature gauge 120 monitors the internal cavity temperature, and displays the temperature within the cavity on a temperature readout, for example, an analog display or dial, a digital readout, or another temperature display. In some examples, the temperature gauge 120 is solar-powered and mounted on the frame body 102 or the door member 106.

In some instances, the frame body 102 includes a drain aperture 122 through one of the walls 104 of the frame body 102, such as a bottom surface or side surface of the frame body 102. For example, FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and partial top views, respectively, of an example storage container 140, similar to the storage container 100, that show the cavity and the drain aperture 122. The drain aperture 122 allows controlled drainage of contents within the cavity to an exterior of the frame body 102. The drain aperture 122 can include an adjustable drain cover that selectively opens (completely or partly) and closes the drain aperture 122 between the cavity and the exterior. For example, the drain aperture 122 can include a cap (not shown) to plug, substantially or completely, the drain aperture 122. The cap can seal to the drain aperture 122 to selectively open and close the drain aperture to allow content transfer and/or air transfer. In some instances, the drain aperture 122 acts as a vent to ventilate air within the cavity with another source of air, for example, exterior to the frame body 102. In some instances, the drain aperture acts as a wastewater conduit to assist with cleansing and/or sterilizing the interior of the frame body to ensure a sterile environment for storage and transport. In some instances, the ability to clean/sanitize the cavity is further improved by sealing all interior seams per NSF sanitation certification.

The example storage container 100 of FIG. 1 includes floor legs 124 attached to the frame body 102 at a ground-facing surface of the frame body 102. In some instances, the floor legs are utilized to protect the storage container by elevating it above damp or damaging environments. As shown in FIG. 1, the floor legs 124 can include support passageways 126, for example, configured to receive forklift forks for transportation of the storage container 100. In some instances, support passageways 126 are attached to the frame body 102 separate from any floor legs. The support passageways 126 can attach to the frame body 102 at the ground-facing surface of the frame body 102, at the lateral or longitudinal sides of the frame body 102, at a top surface of the frame body 102, or otherwise attached to the frame body 102. In some examples, the floor legs 124 include circular disks positioned on the ground-facing surface of the frame body 102, for example, near the corners or edges of the ground-facing surface, to elevate the frame body 102 above the ground surface. In some instances, a kickplate, or additional layer of material, is wrapped around the bottom and lower portion of the sides, for example, to reinforce stability and further protect the storage container from damage. For example, FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an example storage container 400, similar to the example storage container 100, that includes an example kickplate 402 and example disk-shaped floor legs 404 on the ground-facing surface of the frame body.

The example storage container 100 is constructed of components that are configured to withstand outdoor, ambient conditions, impacts from transportation with a forklift or other transport vehicle, and/or other physical or weather challenges the storage container 100 can encounter while being utilized outdoors on a farm, ranch, or other outdoor environment or in an unconditioned indoor environment. Beyond just a rugged exterior, this encompasses having certain portions of its electronics (e.g., heating and cooling systems) being ruggedized to remain fluid tight to withstand physical challenges and harsh environments during operation. Additionally, the storage container 100 is configured to withstand and operate for extended periods of time (e.g., multiple days, weeks, months, or years) at the temperatures experienced in various outdoor conditions, which can vary throughout the year, for example, between −20 degrees Fahrenheit and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, as a transportable storage container for perishable foods or other temperature sensitive products in a farm, ranch, or other outdoor setting, the storage container 100 can be configured to interface with one or more of common container transportation systems, such as a forklift, crane, or other transport machine, and thus have a corresponding connector on the frame body 102 of the storage container 100. In FIG. 1, the storage container is shown with forklift attachments in the form of the support passageways 126, and shown residing on a ground surface.

The storage container 100 can include any number of doors on any number of the walls 104 of the frame body 102. For example, in instances where a frame body of a storage container is generally rectangular in shape, the storage container can include one door spanning part of or all of a front surface of the frame body, or the storage container can include multiple doors on the front surface of the frame body, and the multiple doors can open to one or more openings in the frame body accessing the cavity. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example storage container 200 with one door member 206 spanning most of the front surface of its frame body 202, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example storage container 300 with two doors: a first door member 306a and a second door member 306b. The example storage containers 200 and 300 are like the storage container 100 of FIG. 1, except the frame bodies of the storage containers 200 and 300 are wider than the frame body 102 of storage container 100, and storage container 300 includes more than one door (i.e., doors 306a and 306b). The frame bodies 202 and 302 of FIGS. 2 and 3 can vary in size, for example, based on the intended product to be stored in the storage containers, the packaging of said product, the amount of product to be stored, the frequency with which the product is removed for sale or transport, the available space on a farm or ranch for the storage container, the spatial restrictions of a transport truck configured to transport the storage container or the product stored in the container, and/or other reasons.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A storage container, comprising:

a frame body comprising insulated walls at least partially enclosing a cavity;

a door member connected to the frame body to selectively cover an opening in the frame body to the cavity;

a cooling system connected to the frame body, the cooling system configured to maintain a temperature in the cavity at or below a first temperature threshold; and

a heating system connected to the frame body, the heating system configured to maintain the temperature in the cavity at or above a second, lower temperature threshold.

2. The storage container of claim 1, comprising a temperature control system configured to monitor the temperature in the cavity or the ambient temperature external to the frame body, and control at least one of the cooling system or the heating system based on the monitored cavity temperature or the ambient temperature.

3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the second, lower temperature threshold comprises a freezing temperature of chicken eggs.

4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the second, lower temperature threshold is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the first temperature threshold is 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the heating system comprises a heater disposed internally within the cavity.

7. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the cooling system comprises a refrigeration unit mounted on the frame body.

8. The storage container of claim 1, comprising a temperature gauge configured to measure the temperature within the cavity.

9. The storage container of claim 8, wherein the temperature gauge comprises a solar-powered thermometer mounted on at least one of the frame body or the door member.

10. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the frame body comprises a drain aperture between the cavity and an exterior of the frame body, the drain aperture configured to drain contents in the cavity.

11. The storage container of claim 1, comprising floor legs attached to the frame body at a ground-facing surface of the frame body.

12. The storage container of claim 1, comprising support passageways attached to the frame body at a ground-facing surface of the frame body, the support passageways configured to receive forklift forks.

13. A method, comprising:

storing perishable food in a cavity of a storage container, the storage container comprising a frame body having insulated walls, a door member connected to the frame body to selectively cover an opening in the frame body to the cavity, a cooling system connected to the frame body, and a heating system connected to the frame body;

monitoring, with a temperature control system, a temperature in the cavity;

determining, with the temperature control system, that the temperature in the cavity is greater than a first, higher temperature threshold or less than a second, lower temperature threshold; and

in response to determining the temperature in the cavity is greater than the first, higher temperature threshold or less than the second, lower temperature threshold, controlling at least one of the cooling system or the heating system to adjust the temperature in the cavity to reside between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second, lower temperature threshold comprises a freezing temperature of the perishable foods.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the second, lower temperature threshold is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first temperature threshold is 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising monitoring, with the temperature control system, an ambient temperature exterior to the storage container.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein determining, with the temperature control system, that the temperature in the cavity is greater than a first temperature threshold or less than a second, lower temperature threshold comprises determining that the ambient temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold or less than the second, lower temperature threshold.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising measuring, with a temperature gauge of the temperature control system, the temperature within the cavity.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the temperature gauge comprises a solar-powered thermometer mounted on at least one of the frame body or the door member.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein the perishable food comprises at least one of eggs, vegetables, meats, or cheese.

22. A storage container, comprising:

a frame body at least partially enclosing a cavity;

a cooling system connected to the frame body;

a heating system connected to the frame body; and

a temperature control system comprising a controller configured to perform operations comprising: monitoring a temperature in the cavity; determining that the temperature in the cavity is greater than a first, higher temperature threshold or less than a second, lower temperature threshold; and in response to determining the temperature in the cavity is greater than the first temperature threshold or less than the second temperature threshold, controlling at least one of the cooling system or the heating system to adjust the temperature in the cavity to reside between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold.

23. The storage container of claim 22, wherein the first temperature threshold is 43 degrees Fahrenheit and the second, lower temperature threshold is 34 degrees Fahrenheit.