TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED CONTAINER

Abstract

A temperature controlled container comprising: an inner housing member defining a cavity, wherein at least a portion of the inner housing member comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range; an outer housing member configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member; and a content holding unit configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member, wherein the content holding unit is configured to hold an object to be stored or transported.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of temperature-controlled containers and, in particular to portable temperature-controlled containers for storing and transporting temperature-sensitive medication, food, or drink.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many medications that are prescribed to be taken by a patient on a daily or regular basis must be maintained within a certain temperature range in a temperature-controlled environment. If the temperatures of these medications are not maintained within a certain range, the potency and stability of the medications may be compromised, which may lead to severe health risks of the patient. Examples of medication that require to be maintained within a certain temperature range include insulin, antibiotics, allergy serums, vaccines, penicillin, etc. In particular, insulin, which must be administered at least daily to diabetic patients, usually needs to be maintained at a temperature under 25° C.

This presents an issue for patients, especially those with chronic diseases, those requiring long-term treatment, and/or those that travel frequently. Hence, there is a need for temperature-controlled containers which are capable of maintaining medicine within a desired temperature range. For example, for patients who are diagnosed with diabetes or multiple sclerosis, an adequate supply of required medication for the necessary time needs to be transported and stored under suitable conditions. In these situations, the use of a simple box of ice for transport may not provide the desired temperature control. It is troublesome for the patients to have to ensure with the lodgings ahead of time that a refrigerator can be provided to store the necessary medication, and, in some cases, this may not be easily provided, in particular in developing countries or remote parts of the world.

Insulated containers have been available for transporting insulin and other similar temperature-sensitive medications during travel. For example, a type of these containers relies on the use of blocks of dry ice or frozen gel packs contained inside a compartment of the container, which in turn rely on refreezing using a freezer compartment of a refrigerator. As another example, containers which utilize electrical refrigeration may be used. However, if a patient travels to a remote location where electrical power is absent or scarce, this type of container may lose its functionality easily.

There is thus a need for a self-contained, compact, and portable temperature-controlled container for storing and/or transporting objects that require temperature control, such as medication, food, or drink.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As noted above, there are a number of limitations associated with existing approaches for providing a temperature-controlled container. It would thus be valuable to have an improved temperature-controlled container for storing and/or transporting an object which overcomes the existing problems.

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a temperature-controlled container. The temperature-controlled container comprises an inner housing member defining a cavity, wherein at least a portion of the inner housing member comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range; an outer housing member configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member; and a content holding unit configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member, wherein the content holding unit is configured to hold an object to be stored or transported.

In some embodiments, the outer housing member may comprise at least one of: a vacuum insulated panel, a vacuum portion, aerogel material, expanded polyurethane, expanded polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate.

In some embodiments, the inner housing member may be removably accommodated inside the outer housing member. In these embodiments, the inner housing member may comprise at least one of: a flexible material, a deformable material, and a plurality of separable parts.

In some embodiments, the content holding unit may further comprise at least one of a hook member and an eyelet member.

In some embodiments, the content holding unit may be configured such that when it is accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member, an air gap is maintained between the content holding unit and an inner surface of the inner housing member.

In some embodiments, the content holding unit may be configured to hold a fluid or a fluid-like material.

In some embodiments, the content holding unit may comprise an elastic holding unit. In these embodiments, the holding unit may be configured to hold the object to be stored or transported when in a biased state, and to release the object to be stored or transported when in an unbiased state. Also, in these embodiments, the elastic holding unit may be in a biased state when the content holding unit is inside the cavity of the inner housing member.

In some embodiments, the content holding unit may comprise at least one of: solid polymer, metal, ceramic, and glass.

In some embodiments, the content holding unit may comprise a protective layer. The protective layer may comprise at least one of: metallized foil material, polymer foam material, and elastomer material.

In some embodiments, the container may be configured to be separable into two parts to allow access to the cavity of the inner housing member.

In some embodiments, the temperature-controlled container may further comprise an opening and a covering element configured to allow access to the opening of the container and inside the outer housing member. In these embodiments, the covering element may comprise a first removable portion and a second removable portion. The first removable portion may be configured so as to only allow access to the cavity of the inner housing member when removed, and the second removable portion may be configured so as to allow access to inside the outer housing member when removed. The content holding unit may be attached to the covering element such that when the covering element is removed from the rest of the container, the content holding unit is removed together with the covering element. The inner housing member may comprise an elastic element configured to store elastic energy in an initial state, wherein upon actuation the elastic element is configured to release the stored elastic energy to push the content holding unit out of the opening of the container. The covering element may comprise at least one of: an inner vacuum portion, a vacuum insulated panel, aerogel material, phase change material, expanded polyurethane, expanded polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate. In addition, the covering element may comprise at least one of: a hook member, a handle, an eyelet member, and a textured surface.

In some embodiments, the temperature-controlled container may further comprise at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature inside the container.

In some embodiments, the temperature-controlled container may further comprise a display unit configured to display information relating to a status of the container. The information relating to a status of the container may comprise at least one of: a measured temperature inside the container, an estimated preservation time of the object to be stored or transported, a number of times the container is opened, an estimated amount of remaining time for maintaining the temperature inside the cavity within the predetermined temperature range, and a phase of the phase change material of the inner housing member.

In some embodiments, the temperature-controlled container may further comprise a cooling unit configured to reduce the temperature inside the cavity. The cooling unit may be configured to be removably accommodated inside the container.

In some embodiments, the predetermined temperature range may be 2° C. to 8° C.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a processor for use with the temperature-controlled container according to the first aspect as described above. The processor is configured to: acquire, from the container, information relating to at least one of a status of the container and a use history of the container; generate at least one of an alarm and an indication relating to at least one of the status of the container and the use history of the container, based on the acquired information; and provide at least one of the alarm and the indication to a user.

In some embodiments, the acquired information relating to at least one of a status of the container and a use history of the container may comprise a current location of the container. In these embodiments, the processor may be configured to provide information relating to a nearby medical facility based on the current location of the container.

The temperature-controlled container may for example be provided with a tubular inner housing member with an open top end and an open bottom end, wherein the outer housing member comprises an open bottom end allowing removal of the inner housing member. After removal the inner housing member can be cooled before re-use.

To close off the open ends of the inner and outer housing members, the container may for example comprise a bottom closure, e.g., to be received in a matching cylindrical collar, e.g., by means of a bayonet catch or any other suitable connection means.

The container may further comprise a top covering element for closing off the open top ends of the inner housing member and the outer housing member to protect and isolate the cooled contents. The top covering element can for example be received in a matching cylindrical collar, e.g., by means of a bayonet catch or any other suitable connection means.

The bottom closure and/or the top covering element may comprise insulating parts closing off the interior of the inner housing member. Such insulating parts of the bottom closure and/or the top covering element comprises a phase change material. This ensures that the content holder is completely enveloped by the phase change material.

To optimize heat distribution, the temperature-controlled container may comprise at least one spreader in thermally conductive contact with the phase change material. Such a spreader can for example be embedded in the phase change material.

Such a spreader can for example comprise a metal mesh or plate.

According to the aspects and embodiments described above, the limitations of existing techniques are addressed. In particular, according to the above-described aspects and embodiments, an improved temperature-controlled container is provided such that it is possible to store or transport temperature-sensitive objects in a simple, yet effective, manner. There is thus provided an improved temperature-controlled container, which overcomes the existing problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature-controlled container according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a temperature-controlled container and a processor according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are schematic diagrams of an assembled temperature-controlled container and a dissembled temperature container respectively, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an implementation of a temperature-controlled container according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing different statuses of the temperature-controlled container of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an implementation of a temperature-controlled container according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing different statuses of the temperature-controlled container of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an implementation of a temperature-controlled container according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing different statuses of the temperature-controlled container of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an implementation of a temperature-controlled container according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing different statuses of the temperature-controlled container of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an implementation of a temperature-controlled container according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram showing different statuses of the temperature-controlled container of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing different states of a temperature-controlled container according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing different states of a temperature-controlled container according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing different states of a temperature-controlled container according to another embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing different states of a temperature-controlled container according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing different states of a temperature-controlled container according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of a temperature-controlled container;

FIG. 15 shows the container of FIG. 14 in longitudinal cross section;

FIGS. 16A-16D show consecutive steps of assembling an outer housing member of the container of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 shows a bottom closure of the container of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 shows a further alterative embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows the content holding unit of the container of FIG. 18;

FIGS. 20A-20D show a further alternative embodiment in different states of use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As noted above, there is provided an improved temperature-controlled container and a processor for use with a temperature-controlled container.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature-controlled container 100 according to an embodiment. The temperature-controlled container 100 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 110, an outer housing member 120, a content holding unit 130, and a covering element 140. The container 100 may be compact and portable, and in some embodiments the dimensions of the container 100 may be based on a plurality of factors, such as the temperature properties of the object to be stored or transported by the container and an intended use of the container 100.

The inner housing member 110 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 110 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range.

A phase change material (PCM) is a substance with a high heat of fusion which, upon melting and solidifying at certain temperatures, is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy. Within a certain temperature range, solid-liquid PCMs perform somewhat like conventional storage materials—their temperature rises as they absorb heat. However, unlike conventional storage materials. When such PCMs reach their phase change temperatures, i.e. melting point temperature, they absorb large amounts of heat without a significant rise in temperature. When the ambient temperature around a liquid material falls, the PCM solidifies, releasing it stored latent heat. Certain PCMs store 5 to 14 times more heat per unit volume than conventional storage materials such as iron, masonry, or rock. This property can be harnessed to regulate the temperature of an environment or object for an extended time. Hence, in the embodiments described herein, the phase change material of the inner housing member utilizes this property in order to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 110. In some embodiments, the temperature-regulating property of phase change material of the housing member 110 is used for providing a passive cooling function to the container 100. In these embodiments, with the appropriate amount of phase change material in the housing member 110, the container 100 may be able to provide a passive cooling function for at least 24 hours.

The temperature range regulated inside the cavity of the inner housing member 110 may be predetermined based on a plurality of factors, such as an intended purpose of the container 100 (e.g. whether it is for the storage of medication, or other items such as breastmilk) and a temperature range of an environment in which the container 100 is to be used, etc. For example, in some embodiments where the container 100 is for the storage of insulin, the predetermined temperature range may be 2° C. to 25° C. In other embodiments, the predetermined temperature range may be anywhere between −5° C. to 50° C., for example in some embodiments the predetermined temperature range may be 2° C. to 8° C. It will be appreciated that other predetermined temperature ranges may be used. The inner housing member 110 may comprise at least one of: a flexible material, a deformable material, and a plurality of separable parts.

The outer housing member 120 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 110. In some embodiments, the outer housing member 120 may comprise at least one of: a vacuum insulated panel, a vacuum portion, aerogel material, expanded polyurethane, expanded polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate.

In some embodiments, the inner housing member 110 may be removably accommodated inside the outer housing member 120. This will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 4B, for example.

The content holding unit 130 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member, and it may comprise at least one of: solid polymer, metal, ceramic, and glass. The content holding unit 130 is further configured to hold an object to be stored or transported. For example, the content holding unit may be configured to hold a medicinal product or a food/drink item. The content holding unit 130 may be configured to hold a fluid or a fluid-like material, such as breast milk, bulk medication, and gases (e.g. tracer gas sulphur hexafluoride), heterogeneous solutions (e.g. Ferrofluid), and/or solid material such as sand and sawdust, and/or pelletized material such as a polymer. The content holding unit 130 may be provided in the form of a plastic bracket is some embodiments.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the content holding unit 130 may comprise at least one of a hook member and an eyelet member, so as to allow the content holding unit 130 to be extracted from the container more easily by a user. In these embodiments, the at least one of a hook member and an eyelet member may be arranged adjacent to an opening of the container, e.g. at a top of the content holding unit 130, so as to allow the user to grip the at least one of the hook member and the eyelet member for extraction of the content holding unit 130.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the content holding unit 130 may be configured such that when it is accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member 110, an air gap is maintained between the content holding unit 130 and an inner surface of the inner housing member 110. The air gap serves as a further insulation layer between the object held in the content holding unit 130 and an external environment of the container 100.

Although not shown in the drawing, in some embodiments the content holding unit 130 may further comprise an elastic holding unit. The elastic holding unit may be configured to hold the object to be stored or transported when in a biased state, and to release the object to be stored or transported when in an unbiased state. For example, the elastic holding unit in some embodiments may be provided in the form of a spring-loaded bracket, an elastic band, or an elastic clip for securing the object to be stored or transported at the content holding unit 130. In some embodiments, the elastic holding unit may be in a biased state when the content holding unit 130 is inside the cavity of the inner housing member 110. Hence, when the content holding unit 130 is not inside the cavity of the inner housing member 110, i.e. when the content holding unit 130 is extracted out of the container 100, the elastic holding unit may be configured to release the object.

Although also not shown in the drawing, in some embodiments the content holding unit 130 may comprise a protective layer. The protective layer may comprise at least one of: metallized foil material (e.g. aluminized foil material), polymer foam material (e.g. polyethylene foam or polyurethane foam), and elastomer material (e.g. silicone or rubber). The protective layer may insulate the object to be stored or transported from thermal radiation, especially when the content holding unit 130 is removed from the rest of the container 100.

The covering element 140 is configured to allow access to an opening of the container 100 and inside the outer housing member 120. The covering element 140 may comprise at least one of: an inner vacuum portion, a vacuum insulated panel, aerogel material, phase change material, expanded polyurethane, expanded polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate. In some embodiments, the covering element may comprise a first removable portion and a second removable portion. The first removable portion may be configured so as to only allow access to the cavity of the inner housing member 110 when removed, and the second removable portion may be configured so as to allow access to inside the outer housing member 120 when removed.

As will be explained in more detail in the following, for example with reference to FIG. 8B, in some alternative embodiments the container 100 may be configured to be separable into two parts to allow access to the cavity of the inner housing member 110. In these embodiments, the container 100 may not comprise a covering element.

In some embodiments where the container 100 comprises a covering element 140, the content holding unit 130 may be attached to the covering element 140 such that when the covering element is removed from the rest of the container 100, the content holding unit 130 is removed together with the covering element. This will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 12. Furthermore, in some of these embodiments, the inner housing member 110 may comprise an elastic element (e.g. a loaded spring) configured to store elastic energy in an initial state. In these embodiments, the elastic element is configured to release stored elastic energy upon actuation to push the content holding unit 130 out of the opening of the container 100. An actuation unit may be provided at the container 100 for actuating the elastic element. In these embodiments, the actuation unit may be integrated with the covering element 140.

Also, in some embodiments where the container 100 comprises a covering element 140, the covering element 140 may comprise at least one of: a hook member, a handle, an eyelet member, and a textured surface. These components may help a user to grip and remove the covering element more easily. For example, a textured surface may be provided at the covering element to increase friction between the user's fingers and the covering element. This allows an easier removal of the covering element 140 from the rest of the container 100.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 1 only shows the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 100 and, in a practical implementation, the container 100 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown. For example, the container 100 may further comprise a cooling unit. The cooling unit may be configured to reduce the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 110. In addition, the cooling unit may be configured to be removably accommodated inside the container 100. Hence, the cooling unit can serve as a cooling component that can be placed inside the container 100 in case of emergencies or further cooling effect is required at the container 100. In some embodiments, the cooling unit may be provided as a frozen gel pack, a receptacle for holing ice or ice water, or an electronic refrigeration unit.

As another example, the container 100 may further comprise a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature inside the container 100 and/or a display unit configured to display information relating to a status of the container 100. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor may be any electronic or non-electronic temperature sensing component, such as an electronic thermometer or a temperature-sensitive sticker/strip which utilizes heat-sensitive materials. In some embodiments, more than one temperature sensors may be provided adjacent to different components of the container 100, one of which may be configured to measure a temperature of an external environment of the container 100. In some embodiments, the display unit may be provided in the form of a visual indicator, for example an LED light source configured to output light in one or more predetermined colors.

The information relating to a status of the container 100 may comprise at least one of: a measured temperature inside the container 100, an estimated preservation time of the object to be stored or transported, a number of times the container 100 is opened, an estimated amount of remaining time for maintaining the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 110 within the predetermined temperature range, and a phase of the phase change material of the inner housing member 110. The phase of the phase change material of the inner housing member 110 may be determined based on a measured temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 110. The information relating to a status of the container 100 may also further comprise any information relating to a usefulness of the container in maintaining the object to be stored or transported within the predetermined temperature range.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a temperature-controlled container 100 and a processor according to an embodiment. The temperature-controlled container 100 (herein referred to as “the container”) in this embodiment is similar to that described with reference to FIG. 1 above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the description relating to the components of the container 100 will be omitted. The processor 200 is for use with the container 100.

The processor 200 is configured to acquire, from the container 100, information relating to at least one of a status of the 100 and a use history of the container 100, generating at least one of an alarm and an indication relating to at least one of the status of the container 100 and the use history of the container 100, based on the acquired information, and provide at least one of the alarm and the indication to a user. In some embodiments, at least one of an alarm and an indication may be generated so as to inform a user to take a dose of medicine, inform a user when a capacity of maintaining the cavity of the inner housing member within the predetermined temperature range is low, inform a user is the covering element is removed for a predetermined amount of time, or inform a user when the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member is not within the predetermined temperature range.

In some embodiments, the acquired information relating to at least one of a status of the container 100 and a user history of the container 100 may comprise a current location of the container 100. Moreover, in these embodiments, the processor 200 may be configured to provide information relating to a nearby medical facility based on the current location of the container 100. For example, in some embodiments, the processor 200 may provide information such as an address, a contact telephone number, and/or opening hours of a clinic, a hospital, or a pharmacy within the vicinity (e.g. within a 5 km radius) of the container 100. Therefore, a user of the container 100 can receive useful information relating to a nearby medical facility for in case of events such as medication running low, etc.

In some embodiments, the acquired information relating to at least one of a status of the container 100 and a user history of the container 100 may comprise global positioning system (GPS) data relating to the container 100, weather information, relevant temperature data, data relating to the covering element of the container 100 (e.g. last time the covering element was removed), data relating to therapy compliance, etc.

The processor 200 may be implemented in numerous ways, with software and/or hardware, to perform the various functions described herein. The processor 200 may comprise one or more microprocessors or digital signal processor (DSPs) that may be programmed using software or computer program code to perform the required functions and/or to control components of the processor 200 to effectuate the required functions. The processor 200 may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions (e.g. amplifiers, pre-amplifiers, analogue-to-digital converters (ADCs) and/or digital-to-analogue converters (DACs)) and a processor (e.g. one or more programmed microprocessors, controllers, DSPs and associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Examples of components that may be employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, DSPs, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

In various implementations, the processor 200 may be associated with or comprise one or more memory units that comprise any type of memory, such as cache or system memory including volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as random-access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), and electrical erasable PROM (EEPROM). The processor 200 or associated memory unit can also be used for storing program code that can be executed by a processor in the processor 200 to perform the functions described herein. In some embodiments, the memory unit can store spectra of a plurality of macronutrients for comparison with a measured near-infrared light spectrum at the processor 200.

In some embodiments, a user interface (not shown in the drawing) may be provided at the container 100. The user interface may be for use in providing a user of the container 100 with information relating to a status of the container 100. The processor 200 may be in communication with the container 100 and configured to control the user interface to provide the information relating to a status of the container 100. The user interface as referred to herein may be any user interface that enables the rendering (or output or display) of data (or information) to a user of the container 100. The user interface may comprise display unit in some embodiments. A display unit may be provided as the user interface in some embodiments.

Alternatively, or in addition, a user interface as referred to herein may be any user interface that enables a user of the container 100 to provide additional user input, interact with and/or control the container 100. For example, a user interface as referred to herein can comprise one or more switches, one or more buttons, a keypad, a keyboard, a touch screen or an application (for example, one a tablet or smartphone), one or more microphones or any other audio component, or any other user interface component, or combination of user interface components.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are schematic diagrams of an assembled temperature-controlled container 300 and a dissembled temperature container 300 respectively, according to another embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 3A, the temperature-controlled container 300 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 310, an outer housing member 320, a content holding unit 330, and a covering element 340. The inner housing member 310 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 310 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range. The outer housing member 320 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 310 and comprises an opening 322 which also forms the opening of the container 300 itself.

The content holding unit 330 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member 310, and it may comprise at least one of: solid polymer, metal, ceramic, and glass. The content holding unit 330 is further configured to hold an object 350, e.g. perishable contents, to be stored or transported. For example, the content holding unit may be configured to hold a medicinal product or a food/drink item. As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the content holding unit 330 in this embodiment comprises a hook member 332 so as to allow the content holding unit 330 to be extracted from the container 300 more easily by a user.

The hook member 332 is arranged at the top of the content holding unit 330, adjacent to the opening 322 at the outer housing member 300. Accordingly, during use of the container 300, a user may grip the hook member 332 after the covering element 340 is removed so as to extract the content holding unit 330 from the cavity of the inner housing member 310.

The covering element 340 is configured to allow access to the opening 322 of the container 300 and inside the outer housing member 320. In this embodiment, the covering element 340 comprises phase change material such that when the covering element 340 is engaged with the opening 322, a portion of the covering element 320 comprising the phase change material forms a complete phase change material layer with the phase change material of the inner housing member 310 so as to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 310.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 3 only shows the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 300 and, in a practical implementation, the container 300 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an implementation of a temperature-controlled container 400 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing different states of the temperature-controlled container 400 of FIG. 4A.

With reference to FIG. 4B, the temperature-controlled container 400 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 410, an outer housing member 420, a content holding unit 430, and a covering element 440. In more detail, FIG. 4B illustrates a closed state of the temperature-controlled container 400, an opened state of the temperature-controlled container 400, and a state of the temperature container 400 in which the inner housing member 410 is being removed.

The inner housing member 410 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 410 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range. In this embodiment, the inner housing member 410 is removably accommodated inside the outer housing member 420, as demonstrated in FIG. 4B. When the covering element 440 is removed, the inner housing member 410 can be extracted from the rest of the container 400 (with or without containing the content holding unit 430). Therefore, the temperature regulating property of the phase change material of the inner housing member 410 can be restored separately from the rest of the container 400 when required. For example, the temperature regulating property of the phase change material of the inner housing member 410 can be restored by placing the inner housing member 410 in a cooled environment (e.g. a refrigerator) so as to allow heat energy in the phase change material of the inner housing member 410 to be released, or by placing the inner housing member 410 in a heated environment so as to allow the phase change material of the inner housing member 410 to absorb and store heat energy. The inner housing member 410 may comprise at least one of a flexible material and a deformable material so as to facilitate the removal of the inner housing member from the rest of the container 400.

The outer housing member 420 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 410 and comprises an opening 422 which also forms the opening of the container 400 itself. The content holding unit 430 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member. The content holding unit 430 is further configured to hold an object 450, e.g. perishable contents, to be stored or transported. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, in this embodiment the content holding unit 430 is configured such that when it is accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member 410, an air gap is maintained between the content holding unit 430 and an inner surface of the inner housing member 410. The air gap serves as a further insulation layer between the object held in the content holding unit 430 and an external environment of the container 400. In this embodiment, the content holding unit 430 comprises a protective layer which comprises at least one of: metallized foil material, polymer foam material, and elastomer material.

The covering element 440 is configured to allow access to the opening 422 of the container 400 and inside the outer housing member 420. In this embodiment, the covering element 440 comprises a phase change material portion 442 such that when the covering element 440 is engaged with the opening 422 and the inner housing member 410 is accommodated inside the outer housing member 420, the phase change material portion 422 forms a complete phase change material layer with the phase change material of the inner housing member 410 so as to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 410.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B only show the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 400 and, in a practical implementation, the container 400 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an implementation of a temperature-controlled container 500 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing different states of the temperature-controlled container 500 of FIG. 5A. In more detail, FIG. 5B illustrates a closed state of the temperature-controlled container 500, an opened state of the temperature-controlled container 500, and a state of the temperature container 500 in which the inner housing member 510 is being removed.

The temperature-controlled container 500 as illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B is similar to the container 400 of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, with the difference that the phase change material portion 442 of the covering element 440 in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B being provided in a protruding form while the phase change material portion 542 of the covering element 540 of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B being provided in a recess in the covering element 540. Similar to the covering element 440 of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the covering element 540 of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B is also configured to allow access to an opening 522 of the container 500 and inside the outer housing member 520. Moreover, the phase change material portion 542 of the covering element 540 of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B is also configured such that when the covering element 540 is engaged with the opening 522 and the inner housing member 510 is accommodated inside the outer housing member 520, the phase change material portion 522 forms a complete phase change material layer with the phase change material of the inner housing member 510 so as to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 510.

For the sake of brevity, description relating to the other components of the temperature-controlled container 500 as illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, i.e. the inner housing member 510, the outer housing member 520, and the content holding unit 530 is omitted.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an implementation of a temperature-controlled container 600 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing different states of the temperature-controlled container 600 of FIG. 6A.

With reference to FIG. 6B, the temperature-controlled container 600 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 610, an outer housing member 620, a content holding unit 630, and a covering element 640. In more detail, FIG. 6B illustrates a closed state of the temperature-controlled container 600, an opened state of the temperature-controlled container 600, and a state of the temperature container 600 in which the inner housing member 610 is being removed.

The inner housing member 610 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 610 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range. In this embodiment, the inner housing member 610 is removably accommodated inside the outer housing member 620, as demonstrated in FIG. 6B. When the covering element 640 is removed, the inner housing member 610 can be extracted from the rest of the container 600 (with or without containing the content holding unit 630). Therefore, the temperature regulating property of the phase change material of the inner housing member 610 can be restored separately from the rest of the container 600 when required. For example, the temperature regulating property of the phase change material of the inner housing member 610 can be restored by placing the inner housing member 610 in a cooled environment so as to allow heat energy in the phase change material of the inner housing member 610 to be released, or by placing the inner housing member 610 in a heated environment so as to allow the phase change material of the inner housing member 610 to absorb and store heat energy. The inner housing member 610 may comprise at least one of a flexible material and a deformable material so as to facilitate the removal of the inner housing member from the rest of the container 600.

The outer housing member 620 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 610. As mentioned above, the outer housing member 620 comprises an opening 622. The content holding unit 630 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member. The content holding unit 630 is further configured to hold an object 650, e.g. perishable contents, to be stored or transported. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, in this embodiment the content holding unit 630 is configured such that when it is accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member 610, an air gap is maintained between the content holding unit 630 and an inner surface of the inner housing member 610. The air gap serves as a further insulation layer between the object held in the content holding unit 630 and an external environment of the container 600. In this embodiment, the content holding unit 630 comprises a protective layer which comprises at least one of: metallized foil material, polymer foam material, and elastomer material.

The covering element 640 is configured to allow access to an opening of the container 600 and inside the outer housing member 620. In this embodiment, the covering element 640 comprises a first removable portion 642 and a second removable portion 644. The first removable portion 642 is configured so as to only allow access to the cavity of the inner housing member 610 when removed, and the second removable portion 644 is configured so as to allow access to inside the outer housing member 620 when removed.

Moreover, in this embodiment the first removable portion 642 of the covering element 640 comprises phase change material such that when the covering element 640 is engaged with the opening 622 and the inner housing member 610 is accommodated inside the outer housing member 620, a portion of the first removable portion 642 comprising the phase change material forms a complete phase change material layer with the phase change material of the inner housing member 610 so as to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 610.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B only show the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 600 and, in a practical implementation, the container 600 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an implementation of a temperature-controlled container 700 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing different states of the temperature-controlled container 700 of FIG. 7A.

With reference to FIG. 7B, the temperature-controlled container 700 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 710, an outer housing member 720, a content holding unit 730, and a covering element 740. In more detail, FIG. 7B illustrates a closed state of the temperature-controlled container 700, an opened state of the temperature-controlled container 700, and a state of the temperature container 700 in which the inner housing member 710 is being removed.

The inner housing member 710 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 710 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range. In this embodiment, the inner housing member 710 is removably accommodated inside the outer housing member 720. Moreover, the inner housing member 710 comprises flexible and/or deformable material, as demonstrated in FIG. 7B, so as to facilitate removal of the inner housing member 710 out of a (smaller) opening 722 formed in the outer housing member 720.

When the covering element 740 is removed, the inner housing member 710 can be extracted from the rest of the container 700. Therefore, the temperature regulating property of the phase change material of the inner housing member 710 can be restored separately from the rest of the container 700 when required. For example, the temperature regulating property of the phase change material of the inner housing member 710 can be restored by placing the inner housing member 710 in a cooled environment so as to allow heat energy in the phase change material of the inner housing member 710 to be released, or by placing the inner housing member 710 in a heated environment so as to allow the phase change material of the inner housing member 710 to absorb and store heat energy.

The outer housing member 720 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 710. As mentioned above, the outer housing member 720 comprises an opening 722. The content holding unit 730 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member.

The content holding unit 730 is further configured to hold an object 750, e.g. perishable contents, to be stored or transported. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, in this embodiment the content holding unit 730 is configured such that when it is accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member 710, an air gap is maintained between the content holding unit 730 and an inner surface of the inner housing member 710. The air gap serves as a further insulation layer between the object held in the content holding unit 730 and an external environment of the container 700. In this embodiment, the content holding unit 730 comprises a protective layer which comprises at least one of: metallized foil material, polymer foam material, and elastomer material.

The covering element 740 is configured to allow access to an opening of the container 700 and inside the outer housing member 720. In this embodiment, the covering element 740 comprises phase change material such that when the covering element 740 is engaged with the opening 722 and the inner housing member 710 is accommodated inside the outer housing member 720, a portion of the covering element 720 comprising the phase change material forms a complete phase change material layer with the phase change material of the inner housing member 710 so as to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 710.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B only show the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 700 and, in a practical implementation, the container 700 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an implementation of a temperature-controlled container 800 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram showing different states of the temperature-controlled container 800 of FIG. 8A.

With reference to FIG. 8B, the temperature-controlled container 800 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 810, an outer housing member 820, and a content holding unit 830. In more detail, FIG. 8B illustrates a closed state of the temperature-controlled container 800, an opened state of the temperature-controlled container 800, and a state of the temperature container 800 in which the inner housing member 810 is being removed.

The inner housing member 810 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 810 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range. The outer housing member 820 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 810.

In this embodiment, the inner housing member 810 is configured to be separable into two parts 812, 814 and the outer housing member 820 is also configured to be separable into two parts 822, 824, so as to allow access to the cavity of the inner housing member 810. Moreover, the two parts 812, 814 of the inner housing member 810 are respectively and removably accommodated inside the two parts 822, 824 of the outer housing member 820, as demonstrated in FIG. 8B.

When the outer housing member 820 is separated into two parts 822, 824, the inner housing member 810 can be extracted from the rest of the container 800. Therefore, the temperature regulating property of the phase change material of the inner housing member 810 can be restored separately from the rest of the container 800 when required. For example, the temperature regulating property of the phase change material of the inner housing member 810 can be restored by placing the inner housing member 810 in a cooled environment so as to allow heat energy in the phase change material of the inner housing member 810 to be released, or by placing the inner housing member 810 in a heated environment so as to allow the phase change material of the inner housing member 810 to absorb and store heat energy. The inner housing member 810 may comprise at least one of a flexible material and a deformable material so as to facilitate the removal of the inner housing member from the rest of the container 800.

The content holding unit 830 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member 810. The content holding unit 830 is further configured to hold an object 850, e.g. perishable contents, to be stored or transported. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, in this embodiment the content holding unit 830 is configured such that when it is accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member 810, an air gap is maintained between the content holding unit 830 and an inner surface of the inner housing member 810. The air gap serves as a further insulation layer between the object held in the content holding unit 830 and an external environment of the container 800. In this embodiment, the content holding unit 830 comprises a protective layer which comprises at least one of: metallized foil material, polymer foam material, and elastomer material.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B only show the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 800 and, in a practical implementation, the container 800 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing different states of a temperature-controlled container 900 according to another embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 9, the temperature-controlled container 900 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 910, an outer housing member 920, a content holding unit 930, and a covering element 940. In more detail, FIG. 9 illustrates a closed state of the temperature-controlled container 900, an opened state of the temperature-controlled container 900, and a state of the content holding unit 930 in a released state.

The inner housing member 910 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 910 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range. The outer housing member 920 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 910 and comprises an opening which also serves as the opening of the container 900.

The content holding unit 930 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member. The content holding unit 930 is further configured to hold an object 950 to be stored or transported. For example, the content holding unit may be configured to hold a medicinal product or a food/drink item. In this embodiment, the content holding unit 930 further comprises an elastic holding unit, i.e. a spring-loaded bracket, configured to hold the object 950 to be stored or transported when in a biased state, and to release the object to be stored or transported when in an unbiased state. As shown in FIG. 9, the elastic holding unit is in a biased state when the content holding unit 930 is inside the cavity of the inner housing member 910. When the content holding unit 930 is extracted from the container 900, the elastic holding unit of the content holding unit 930 is no longer biased and therefore releases the object 950.

Moreover, the content holding unit 930 in this embodiment comprises a hook member 932 so as to allow the content holding unit 930 to be extracted from the container 900 more easily by a user. The hook member 932 is arranged at the top of the content holding unit 930, adjacent to the opening at the outer housing member 900. Accordingly, during use of the container 900, a user may grip the hook member 932 after the covering element 940 is removed so as to extract the content holding unit 930 from the cavity of the inner housing member 910.

The covering element 940 is configured to allow access to the opening of the container 900 and inside the outer housing member 920. In this embodiment, the covering element 940 comprises a phase change material portion such that when the covering element 940 is engaged with the opening of the container 900 and the inner housing member 910 is accommodated inside the outer housing member 920, the phase change material portion forms a complete phase change material layer with the phase change material of the inner housing member 910 so as to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 910.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 9 only shows the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 900 and, in a practical implementation, the container 900 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing different states of a temperature-controlled container 1000 according to another embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 10, the temperature-controlled container 1000 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 1010, an outer housing member 1020, a content holding unit 1030, and a covering element 1040. In more detail, FIG. 10 illustrates a closed state of the temperature-controlled container 1000, an opened state of the temperature-controlled container 1000, and a state of the content holding unit 1030 in a released state.

The inner housing member 1010 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 1010 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range. The outer housing member 1020 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 1010 and comprises an opening which also serves as the opening of the container 1000.

The content holding unit 1030 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member. The content holding unit 1030 is further configured to hold an object 1050 to be stored or transported. For example, the content holding unit may be configured to hold a medicinal product or a food/drink item. In this embodiment, the content holding unit 1030 further comprises a protective layer. The protective layer comprises a metallised foil material which may be folded to contain the object 1050 and unfolded to release the object 1050, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Moreover, the content holding unit 1030 in this embodiment comprises a hook member 1032 so as to allow the content holding unit 1030 to be extracted from the container 1000 more easily by a user. The hook member 1032 is arranged at the top of the content holding unit 1030, adjacent to the opening at the outer housing member 1020. Accordingly, during use of the container 1000, a user may grip the hook member 1032 after the covering element 1040 is removed so as to extract the content holding unit 1030 from the cavity of the inner housing member 1010.

The covering element 1040 is configured to allow access to the opening of the container 1000 and inside the outer housing member 1020. In this embodiment, the covering element 1040 comprises a phase change material portion such that when the covering element 1040 is engaged with the opening of the container 1000 and the inner housing member 1010 is accommodated inside the outer housing member 1020, the phase change material portion forms a complete phase change material layer with the phase change material of the inner housing member 1010 so as to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 1010.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 10 only shows the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 1000 and, in a practical implementation, the container 1000 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing different states of a temperature-controlled container 1100 according to another embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 11, the temperature-controlled container 1100 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 1110, an outer housing member 1120, a content holding unit 1130, and a covering element 1040. In more detail, FIG. 11 illustrates a closed state of the temperature-controlled container 1100, an opened state of the temperature-controlled container 1100, and a state of the content holding unit 1130 in a released state.

The inner housing member 1010 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 1110 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range. The outer housing member 1120 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 1110 and comprises an opening which also serves as the opening of the container 1100.

The content holding unit 1130 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member. The content holding unit 1130 is further configured to hold an object 1150 to be stored or transported. For example, the content holding unit may be configured to hold a medicinal product or a food/drink item. In this embodiment, the content holding unit 1130 is comprises a recess portion such that the object can be secured at the content holding unit 1130 by being accommodated in the recess portion. Moreover, the content holding unit 1130 in this embodiment comprises a hook member 1132 so as to allow the content holding unit 1130 to be extracted from the container 1100 more easily by a user. The hook member 1132 is arranged at the top of the content holding unit 1130, adjacent to the opening at the outer housing member 1120. Accordingly, during use of the container 1100, a user may grip the hook member 1132 after the covering element 1140 is removed so as to extract the content holding unit 1130 from the cavity of the inner housing member 1110.

The covering element 1140 is configured to allow access to the opening of the container 1100 and inside the outer housing member 1120. In this embodiment, the covering element 1140 comprises a phase change material portion such that when the covering element 1140 is engaged with the opening of the container and the inner housing member 1110 is accommodated inside the outer housing member 1120, the phase change material portion forms a complete phase change material layer with the phase change material of the inner housing member 1110 so as to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 1110.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 11 only shows the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 1100 and, in a practical implementation, the container 1100 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing different states of a temperature-controlled container 1200 according to another embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 12, the temperature-controlled container 1200 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 1210, an outer housing member 1220, a content holding unit 1230, and a covering element 1240. In more detail, FIG. 12 illustrates a closed state of the temperature-controlled container 1200 and an opened state of the temperature-controlled container 1200.

The inner housing member 1210 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 1210 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range. The outer housing member 1220 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 1210 and comprises an opening which also serves as the opening of the container 1200.

The content holding unit 1230 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member 1210. The content holding unit 1230 is further configured to hold an object 1250 to be stored or transported. For example, the content holding unit may be configured to hold a medicinal product or a food/drink item. In this embodiment, the content holding unit 1230 is comprises a recess portion such that the object can be secured at the content holding unit 1230 by being accommodated in the recess portion.

The covering element 1240 is configured to allow access to the opening of the container 1200 and inside the outer housing member 1220. In this embodiment, the covering element 1240 comprises a phase change material portion such that when the covering element 1240 is engaged with the opening of the container and the inner housing member 1210 is accommodated inside the outer housing member 1220, the phase change material portion forms a complete phase change material layer with the phase change material of the inner housing member 1210 so as to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 1210. In addition, in this embodiment the covering element 1240 comprises a hook member 1242 which helps a user to grip and remove the covering element 1240 more easily.

Moreover, the content holding unit 1230 in this embodiment is attached to the covering element 1240 such that when the covering element 1240 is removed from the rest of the container 1200, the content holding unit 1230 is removed together with the covering element 1240. Hence, the content holding unit 1230 can be extracted from the container 1200 in a straightforward manner.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 12 only shows the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 1200 and, in a practical implementation, the container 1200 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing different states of a temperature-controlled container 1300 according to another embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 13, the temperature-controlled container 1300 (herein referred to as “the container”) comprises an inner housing member 1310, an outer housing member 1320, a content holding unit 1330, and a covering element 1340. In more detail, FIG. 13 illustrates a closed state of the temperature-controlled container 1300 and an opened state of the temperature-controlled container 1300.

The inner housing member 1310 defines a cavity, and at least a portion of the inner housing member 1310 comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range. The outer housing member 1320 is configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member 1310 and comprises an opening which also serves as the opening of the container 1300.

The content holding unit 1330 is configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member 1310. The content holding unit 1330 is further configured to hold an object 1350 to be stored or transported. For example, the content holding unit may be configured to hold a medicinal product or a food/drink item. In this embodiment, the content holding unit 1330 is comprises a recess portion such that the object can be secured at the content holding unit 1330 by being accommodated in the recess portion.

The covering element 1340 is configured to allow access to the opening of the container 1300 and inside the outer housing member 1320. In this embodiment, the covering element 1340 comprises a phase change material portion such that when the covering element 1340 is engaged with the opening of the container and the inner housing member 1310 is accommodated inside the outer housing member 1320, the phase change material portion forms a complete phase change material layer with the phase change material of the inner housing member 1310 so as to regulate the temperature inside the cavity of the inner housing member 1310. Moreover, the content holding unit 1330 in this embodiment is attached to the covering element 1340 such that when the covering element 1340 is removed from the rest of the container 1300, the content holding unit 1330 is removed together with the covering element 1340.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner housing member 1310 comprises an elastic element 1360 (e.g. a loaded spring) configured to store elastic energy in an initial state. In more detail, in this embodiment the elastic element 1360 is in the initial state when the content holding unit 1330 is inside the cavity of the inner housing member 1310, and the elastic element 1360 is configured to release the stored elastic energy when triggered by actuation of the covering element 1340. When the covering element 1340 is depressed (i.e. towards the cavity of the inner housing member 1310), the stored elastic energy is released so as to push the content holding unit 1330 out of the opening of the container 1300. Hence, the content holding unit 1330 can be extracted from the container 1300 in a straightforward manner by depressing the covering element 1340 and triggering the release of stored elastic energy in the elastic element 1360.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 13 only shows the components required to illustrate an aspect of the container 1300 and, in a practical implementation, the container 1300 may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown.

FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of a temperature-controlled container 1400, shown in cross section in FIG. 15. The temperature-controlled container 1400 has an inner housing member 1410, an outer housing member 1420, a content holding unit 1430, a top covering element 1440 and a bottom closure 1450.

The outer housing member 1420 is a metal casing, e.g., of aluminum. A middle section of the outer housing member 1420 is covered by a band 1421 for providing comfortable grip, e.g., of a silicon material. This band 1421 is provided with an opening 1422 holding a display 1423, e.g., for temperature information. At one side the band 1421 is provided with a strap 1424, e.g., of leather or a plastic material. This strap 1424 can be used for attaching the temperature-controlled container 1400, for example to a belt of a bag.

FIGS. 16A-D show consecutive steps of the process of assembling the outer container. The outer container comprises a lower part 1425 and an upper part 1426 held together by a cylindrical metal inner sleeve 1427 tightly fitting within the upper and lower parts 1425, 1426. The lower part 1425 is provided with a latch 1428 forming a snap fit connection with a matching opening in the sleeve 1427. The upper part is provided with a matching recess (not shown) fully receiving the latch 1428, so the latch does not space the upper part from the lower part when the outer housing member is assembled. This way the latch prevents relative rotation or sliding of the upper and lower parts 1425, 1426. The upper part 1426 is connected to the sleeve 1427 with a similar snap fit connection (not shown). Other connections, such as a screw connection, can also be used. The metal sleeve 1427 holds the upper and lower parts 1425, 1426 constrained and coaxially aligned.

In a first step, the sleeve 1427 is fitted into the lower part 1425 (FIG. 16A) until the latch 1427 snaps into the corresponding opening to form the snap fit connection (FIG. 16B). In a next step the upper part 1426 is slid over the top end of the sleeve 1427 to form the second snap fit connection (FIG. 16C). In this position the upper part 1426 abuts the top edge of the lower part 1425.

The upper section 1431 of the lower part 1425 is recessed and comprises a semi-circular wall 1432 with an open side at the top edge of the lower part 1425. Similarly, the lower section 1433 of the upper part 1426 is recessed and also has a semi-circular wall 1434 of the same height mirroring the semi-circular wall 1432 of the lower part 1425. When the outer housing 1420 is assembled, the upper and lower parts 1425, 1426 are aligned in such manner that the two recessed sections 1431, 1433 connect to form a recess for receiving the silicon band 1421 and the two semi-circular walls 1432, 1434 form the cylindrical opening 1422 for receiving the electronic display 1423 (FIG. 16D).

Both the lower part 1425 and the upper part 1426 comprise a coaxial cylindrical collar 1435, 1436 projecting inwardly into the interior of the outer housing, as particularly shown in FIGS. 16C and D. The lower collar 1435 of the lower part 1425 has a larger diameter than the upper collar 1436 of the upper part 1426. Both collars 1435, 1436 have a stepped configuration. Both collars 1435, 1436 are provided with recesses 1437 providing a bayonet catch.

In the assembled state of the temperature-controlled container 1400 the coaxial opening in the lower part 1425 is closed by the bottom closure 1450. The central coaxial opening in the upper part 1426 of the outer housing 1420 is closed by the covering element 1440.

FIG. 17 shows the bottom closure 1450 in cross section. The bottom closure 1450 is shaped and sized to fit within the coaxial collar 1435 of the lower part 1425, such that the bottom closure 1450 is flush with the adjacent surface of the outer housing 1420. The bottom closure 1450 has a hollow chamber 1451 formed by a hollow case 1452 with an open side which is covered by a bottom lid plate 1453 defining the lower outer surface of the assembled temperature-controlled container 1400. The bottom lid plate 1453 is snap fitted onto the open side of the case 1452 of the bottom closure 1450.

The case 1452 of the bottom closure 1450 has a cylindrical outer surface provided with sealing rings 1454 and projections (not shown) functionally cooperative with the bayonet catch slots 1437 of the lower part 1425 of the outer housing 1420.

The coaxial collar 1436 in the upper part 1426 of the outer housing 1420 is designed to receive the covering element 1440.

The covering element 1440 is shown in cross section in FIG. 15. Like the bottom closure 1450, the covering element 1440 comprises a hollow case 1441 with an open side covered by a top lid 1442, profiled to form a grip 1443 for a user's fingers. The top lid 1442 is snap fitted onto the hollow case 1441 and forms the top surface of the assembled temperature-controlled container 1400.

The case 1441 of the top covering element 1440 has a cylindrical outer surface provided with projections functionally cooperative with the bayonet catch slots 1437 of the upper collar 1436 of the upper part 1426 of the outer housing 1420.

The top covering element 1440 has a radial surface 1444 opposite to the profiled top cover plate 1442. This radial surface 1444 is connected to the cylindrical content holding unit 1430 for holding the medicines or other perishable content. The top covering element 1440 is removable from the content holding unit 1430 allowing the user to consume the cooled contents. The connection between the top covering element 1440 and the content holding unit 1430 can for example be magnetic or one of the parts can be provided with a T-shaped slider to be received in a slider of a matching shape on the other part.

As shown in FIG. 15, the temperature-controlled container 1400 further comprises a cylindrical insulating jacket 1460 attached to the interior wall of the outer housing 1420. The jacket 1460 comprises a lower edge 1461 in an annular bottom space 1462 between the cylindrical collar 1435 of the lower part and the surrounding outer wall of the outer housing. A top edge 1463 of the jacket 1460 extends in the annular top space 1464 between the cylindrical collar 1436 of the upper part 1426 and the surrounding outer wall of the outer housing 1420. Since the cylindrical collar 1436 of the upper part 1426 has a smaller diameter than the cylindrical collar 1435 of the lower part 1425, the annular top space 1464 is broader than the annular bottom space 1462. To fill this broader space, an annular insulating body 1465 is used to with a flat lower side 1466.

The cylindrical inner housing member 1410 is locked between the flat lower side 1466 of the annular insulating body 1465 and an opposite part of the bottom closure 1450. The inner housing member 1410 is a double walled cylinder containing a phase change material between its double walls. When the bottom closure 1450 is removed, the inner housing member 1410 can be removed.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a further embodiment of a temperature-controlled container 1500, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 15. However, in this embodiment, the content holding unit 1510 comprises two ampules 1511, 1512. The ampules 1511, 1512 are cylindrical but alternatively they can have any suitable elongated shape. The ampules 1511, 1512 are connected to a central carrier 1513, for instance a carrier plate extending in axial and radial direction relative to a central axis of the assembled container 1500. In the shown embodiment the ampules 1511, 1512 are connected to the carrier plate 1513 by means of releasable straps 1514. Other suitable connections can also be used, if so desired. The carrier plate 1513 has a top end connected to the top covering element 1540 in a releasable manner. In the shown embodiment, the top covering element 1540 is connected to the carrier plate 1513 by means of cooperating sliding elements 1515, 1516.

FIGS. 20A-D shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a temperature-controlled container 2000 having a tubular outer housing 2020 with an open top side 2021 and an open bottom side 2022. The opening at the top side has a smaller diameter, resulting in an inwardly projecting flange 2023.

The container 2000 further comprises a top covering element 2040 for closing the top end opening 2021 and a bottom closure 2050 for closing the bottom end opening 2022. A tubular, cylindrical inner housing member 2010 comprising a phase change material fits within the interior of the outer housing member 2020 and abuts the inwardly projecting flange 2023. After positioning the inner housing member 2010 within the outer housing member 2020, the bottom closure 2050 can be placed to close off the bottom end opening 2022 and to lock the inner housing member 2010 within the outer housing member 2020. The top covering element 2040 carries a content holding unit 2030 fitting within the interior of the inner housing member 2010. The content holding unit 2030 can be slid into the interior of the inner housing member 2010 until the top covering element 2040 closes off the open top end 2021 (FIG. 20B).

When a user wants to take some of the cooled content, he can release and lift the top covering element 2040 together with the content holding unit 2030 (FIG. 20C).

After removal of the bottom closure 2050 (FIG. 20D), the inner housing member 2010 can be removed from the outer housing member 2020, so it can be cooled again in a refrigerator or a similar cooling device.

The top covering element 2040 is provided with an insulating top part 2041 projecting into the inner housing member 2010 and closing off the top end of the inner housing member 2010 when the top covering element 2040 is in its closing position, as shown in FIG. 20B. Similarly, the bottom closure 2050 is provided with an insulating bottom part 2051 projecting into the inner housing member 2010 and closing off the open bottom end of the inner housing member 2010 when the bottom lid is in its closing position. Optionally, the insulating top and bottom parts 2041, 2051 may at least partly comprise a phase change material. This way the content holding unit 2030 is fully enclosed by phase change material. Alternatively, the insulating top and bottom parts 2041, 2051 may be of another type thermally insulating material, such as a foamed plastic material, e.g., expanded polystyrene or polyurethane.

The phase change material of the inner housing member, or of any other part, of any embodiment may comprise one or more spreaders to optimize heat distribution. The spreader can for instance be a thermally conductive element in thermally conductive contact with the phase change material. For example, the spreader can be a metal mesh or sleeve embedded in the phase change material. Such spreaders are particularly useful where the inner housing member is closed by a part comprising an insulating material other than a phase change material.

There is also provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium, the computer readable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code being configured such that, on execution by a suitable computer or processor, the computer or processor is caused to perform the method or methods described herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that the disclosure also applies to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted to put embodiments into practice. The program may be in the form of a source code, an object code, a code intermediate source and an object code such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the method according to the embodiments described herein.

It will also be appreciated that such a program may have many different architectural designs. For example, a program code implementing the functionality of the method or system may be sub-divided into one or more sub-routines. Many different ways of distributing the functionality among these sub-routines will be apparent to the skilled person. The sub-routines may be stored together in one executable file to form a self-contained program. Such an executable file may comprise computer-executable instructions, for example, processor instructions and/or interpreter instructions (e.g. Java interpreter instructions). Alternatively, one or more or all of the sub-routines may be stored in at least one external library file and linked with a main program either statically or dynamically, e.g. at run-time. The main program contains at least one call to at least one of the sub-routines. The sub-routines may also comprise function calls to each other.

An embodiment relating to a computer program product comprises computer-executable instructions corresponding to each processing stage of at least one of the methods set forth herein. These instructions may be sub-divided into sub-routines and/or stored in one or more files that may be linked statically or dynamically. Another embodiment relating to a computer program product comprises computer-executable instructions corresponding to each means of at least one of the systems and/or products set forth herein. These instructions may be sub-divided into sub-routines and/or stored in one or more files that may be linked statically or dynamically.

The carrier of a computer program may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may include a data storage, such as a ROM, for example, a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example, a hard disk. Furthermore, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electric or optical signal, which may be conveyed via electric or optical cable or by radio or other means. When the program is embodied in such a signal, the carrier may be constituted by such a cable or other device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform, or used in the performance of, the relevant method.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A temperature controlled container comprising:

an inner housing member defining a cavity, wherein at least a portion of the inner housing member comprises phase change material for regulating a temperature inside the cavity within a predetermined temperature range;

an outer housing member configured to accommodate and thermally insulate the inner housing member; and

a content holding unit configured to be removably accommodated inside the cavity of the inner housing member, wherein the content holding unit is configured to hold an object to be stored or transported,

wherein the inner housing member is a tubular inner housing member with an open top end and an open bottom end, wherein the outer housing member comprises an open bottom end allowing removal of the inner housing member.

2. The temperature controlled container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a bottom closure for closing off the open bottom ends of the inner housing member and the outer housing member.

3. The temperature controlled container of claim 2, wherein the container comprises a top covering element for closing off the open top ends of the inner housing member and the outer housing member.

4. The temperature controlled container of claim 3, wherein the bottom closure and/or the top covering element comprise insulating parts closing off the interior of the inner housing member.

5. The temperature controlled container of claim 4, wherein the insulating part of the bottom closure and/or the top covering element comprises a phase change material.

6. The temperature controlled container according to claim 1, further comprising at least one spreader in thermally conductive contact with the phase change material.

7. The temperature controlled container of claim 6, wherein the spreader is at least partly embedded in the phase change material.

8. The temperature controlled container of claim 6, wherein the spreader comprises a metal mesh or plate.