Abstract: A portable tote is provided which has flexible, insulating walls to insulate the contents of the tote from the environment and maintain e.g., a reduced temperature of its contents. The tote is configured to receive a beverage box, in particular, an elongated twelve pack box. An end wall access flap provides selective access to the contents of the tote, such as the twelve ounce beverage cans contained in the beverage box. An asymmetric handle strap can be used to support the tote in a stable manner.

Abstract: A food and food-plate warming device includes a base plate that has a planar top surface and has an outwardly beveled edge provided with laterally stepped ridges concentrically spaced from the top surface center. A cover plate is positioned on the base plate and has an outer lip that is nested on one of the stepped ridges. Handles are conjoined to the outer lip for receiving at least four contiguous metacarpals therethrough. A mechanism is included for heating the base plate top surface such that the food and food-plate interfitted between the base plate and the cover plate can be heated. The heating mechanism includes a heating element intercalated between the top and bottom surfaces of the first base plate. An automatic shut off switch is coupled to the heating element for interrupting power to the heating element when an interior temperature of the device reaches a maximum threshold temperature.

Abstract: A cooler has front, rear, end and bottom walls. The walls form an interior chamber. The interior chamber has an upper ledge, a lower ledge and an intermediate ledge. A lower tray is positionable upon the lower ledge. Slots extend through the lower tray and are adapted to support ice. An intermediate tray is positionable upon the intermediate ledge. A plurality of apertures extend through the intermediate tray. The apertures are adapted to removable support food containers. A lid is positionable upon the upper ledge for securement and thermal insulating purposes.

Abstract: The food pan carrier has a pan carrier body and a pan carrier door. The pan carrier door is slidable relative to the pan carrier body from an open to a closed position. When the door is in the closed position, the food pan carrier will maintain food that has been heated to at least 185° at a minimum of 141° for an extended period of time. The pan carrier body has grooves in which the food pan door is received. The food pan door preferably has rails that are slidable in the grooves. The door slides in the grooves from a second end to a first end of the grooves. As the door slides from the open to the closed position, it moves toward a sealing surface that circumscribes an opening through which food pans are inserted and removed from the pan carrier body. In the fully closed position, the door sealingly engages the sealing surface that circumscribes the opening through which food pans are inserted and removed.

Abstract: Interchangeable portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon, allows a single cooler body or container body to have a first logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time, upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having a different sports logo, each mating directly or through interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container. Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners, guide members, or elastomeric attaching members.

Abstract: A liquid container is encased in an insulated jacket type pack, which has back-straps and a handle for ease of carrying, pockets for storage and zippered openings for access to the liquid container. The liquid container has recessed drink holders located near the bottom of the container with another recessed opening for sandwich type storage. The container has a spout at the top for drinking or pouring liquid from the container.

Abstract: The present invention 10 is a portable insulin and accessory kit for diabetics that is a case 24 made of polymeric or waterproof material having an inside portion divided in three equal sections, each section securing and storing insulin and accessories such as an insulin pen or syringe 26, alcohol cloths 16 or similar accessories for sterilization and a supply of additional needles 18. The kit is foldable and provides hook and loop fasteners 20 for a secure closure. In addition, a polymeric, portable insulin storage box 28 is provided having a hingedly attached cover 32 attached to a bottom portion having divided sections for the storage of insulin and accessories such as an insulin pen or syringe 26, alcohol cloths 16 or similar accessories for sterilization and a supply of additional needles 34.

Abstract: The beverage cooler includes a vessel for a coolant such as ice water or a conventional refrigerant such as glycol or Freon. A coil is mounted in the interior of the vessel and has an inlet through which a beverage from an external source, separate and apart from the cooler enters the coil. A drain located above the coil carries off excess coolant. A tap at the outlet of the coil controls the flow of the beverage from the coil.

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

Abstract: A flexible carry bag for the transport and consumption of fluid by an individual, the flexible carry bag defining a receptacle for a flexible bladder formed of flexible resilient plastic such as polyethylene having a closure means at one end and pre-filled with the fluid, this flexible bladder insertable within the flexible carry bag such that its closure means extends out of said carry bag, carry bag having a closure means to allow access thereto by the user, the flexible carry bag having a support means in the form of a strap or clip for the transport of the flexible bladder and flexible carry bag by the user.

Abstract: A carrier for beverage containers formed of a sheet material such as plastic or paperboard which includes a bottom panel attached to side panels, a pair of opposed end panels connected to the bottom and side panels, and a central handle formed of two halves folded together in a first position for ease in carrying. The handle is pivotal to an open position along its top fold line, allowing the carrier to spread outwardly to form a central cavity capable of holding ice for the purpose of cooling the beverage containers. The top panels are provided with a plurality of openings, for example, six or eight, each of which is adapted to receive a beverage container. The method for forming the beverage container is disclosed.

Abstract: Articles and methods for packing thin glass sheets are disclosed. The articles and methods include placing the glass sheets in a container at an angle with respect to the container wall. Spacers contact the glass sheets on the periphery of the sheets.

Abstract: A container for carrying and keeping foods warm is described. The container has a case having at least one sidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a top edge and a bottom edge. The side wall encloses a cavity formed by the sidewall and a base connected to the bottom edge of the side wall. The base has an inner surface and an outer surface. The case has a first removable tray having a top surface and a bottom surface, positioned within the cavity such that there is a space between said inner surface of said base and said bottom surface of said first tray so that a sufficient amount of a fluid may be added to the cavity to control the temperature of a food product in the case. The first removable tray has at least one recessed portion in said top surface for receiving said food product. The case also has a second removable tray positioned above said first removable tray and having one or more recessed portions for receiving a condiment to be applied to said food product.

Abstract: Thermally insulated food and/or beverage containers include: Cylindrical “stackable” containers of any size or capacity, with various types of lids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of thermally insulated food container and audio player. The thermally insulated food container of the present invention comprises a thermally insulated floor section, a thermally insulated wall section, and a thermally insulated lid attached to the wall section. The invention also contains an audio player mounted on the lid, the floor, or the wall section in a manner such that a prerecorded sound is played when the lid is opened and the prerecorded sound does not play when the lid is closed.

Abstract: A cold-storage appliance (2) includes an open-topped insulating container defining an external surface; an insulating lid (22) adapted to close the open top of the container (16); a cooling means (24) adapted to cool the interior of the container (16); and a structure supporting the container (16), the lid and the cooling means; wherein the container (16) is mounted to the structure (4) for movement relative to the structure (6) and the lid (22) to open the container (16) and afford access to its interior or to close the container (16). A major component to open or close the drawer (4) and a minor component (114) transverse to the major component to separate the drawer (4) from the lid (22) at opening.

Abstract: A controlled temperature food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal trays includes an insulated housing constructed of flexible fabric and having a closed bottom, an open top and a front wall having an opening adjacent the bottom of the housing, wherein the opening is sized to preclude simultaneous removal of all of a plurality of meal containers, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing. The food carrier also including a lid constructed of a flexible fabric and operably connected with the housing by a living hinge between an open position and a closed position. The carrier further includes a door constructed of flexible fabric and operably connected with the housing by a living hinge and operable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An insulated holder for a bottle is made of a bodily flexible foam material having a lower sleeve for receiving the bottom of the bottle. A lid is attached to the lower sleeve and is movable from a position covering the open top of the lower sleeve to a vertical position. An upper sleeve is attached to the lid and tapers upwardly to conform to the shape of an upper end of a bottle. The upper and lower sleeves accordingly receive most of the bottle thereby insulating it. When the bottle is discarded, the upper sleeve may be folded into the lower sleeve. A zipper cooperates between the lid and the lower sleeve to enclose the upper sleeve and provide a convenient package for transportation and display.

Abstract: A carrier for cans, bottles, containers, or stackable items. In particular, the carrier can also cool or heat the cans, bottles, or other containers.

Abstract: A beverage cooler box is provided which is intended to receive ice or other cooling means to keep containers packaged therein cool. The box is made of a material which is impervious to liquid which may be contained within the box during use. The box includes folding end panels which extend continuously between adjacent front and rear panels; therefore, there are no seams or breaks in the material around the lower portion of the box which might degrade the ability of the box to hold a liquid. Also disclosed is a method of assembling the cooler box.

Abstract: An improved baking pan kit which includes a baking pan for brownies having twenty square cups disposed in a matrix of five rows and four columns, and a cookie pan having preferably twelve circular cup configurations. Each of the pans in the kit is configured to have a predetermined heat depth and a convective heat transfer separation distance between respective cups to effect uniform heating of the respective cups containing a cookie and/or a brownie mixture for producing a specific product consistency or outcome. A multilevel storage compartment is used to house a plurality of pans for transport and deployment at various sites for use.

Abstract: A controlled temperature food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal trays includes an insulated housing constructed of flexible fabric and having a closed bottom, an open top and a front wall having an opening adjacent the bottom of the housing, wherein the opening is sized to preclude simultaneous removal of all of a plurality of meal containers, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing. The food carrier also including a lid constructed of a flexible fabric and operably connected with the housing by a living hinge between an open position and a closed position. The carrier further includes a door constructed of flexible fabric and operably connected with the housing by a living hinge and operable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers includes an insulated housing having a closed bottom, a closed top, and least one side wall having a first opening proximate the top of the housing and a second opening proximate the bottom of the housing, wherein the first opening receives a meal container therethrough, and wherein the second opening allows removal of the meal containers and precludes simultaneous removal of all of the meal containers. The food carrier includes a first door movable between an open position, wherein the meal containers may be loaded within the housing via the first opening, and a closed position, wherein the first door covers the first opening, and a second door movable between an open position, wherein the meal containers may be removed from within the housing via the second opening, and a closed position, wherein the second door covers the second opening.

Abstract: A collapsible insulated cooler case includes a sandwich construction of fabric and cell foam material forming the panel walls of the container and further includes front binding straps that hold the case in a collapsed condition. The binding straps extend from the front flap of the cooler over the bottom and engage with companion straps on the back side of the cooler case. Alternatively, the front binding straps are used to hold the container top panel in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier module for micro-BGA(&mgr;-BGA) type device which is capable of testing a produced device without damaging to a solder ball thereunder after being rapidly connected to a test socket. A carrier module for a &mgr;-BGA type device according to the present invention comprises: an upper and lower carrier module body formed with protrusions at the upper and lower portions thereof; a device receiving unit inserted to the upper carrier module body for receiving a &mgr;-BGA type device; and a spring secured elastically to the upper and lower protrusions by being inserted thereto.

Abstract: A planar bottom panel is attached by a first side member to a top cover panel and by a second side member to a planar food tray cover panel. The side members of the planar bottom panel enclose a food or beverage styrofoam insert having depressions for receipt of food or beverage containers. The food tray cover panel folds over a top surface of the styrofoam insert. Sections of the food tray cover panel are removed to insert the food or beverage containers and then the top cover panel is folded over the food tray cover panel to seal the box containing food and beverage items.

Abstract: Vacuum Insulated Lunch Box with a rectangular box comprised of a top half and a bottom half, the top half and bottom half each having a double wall construction, the top half and bottom half each having recessed areas to accommodate a plurality of food containers, the top half and bottom half each having an outlet check valve, and the outlet check valves each capable of receiving a tube from a vacuum pump for the purpose of evacuating the cavity of each said lunch box half. A preferred embodiment includes further comprising a built in vacuum pump.

Abstract: Interchangeable portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon, allows a single cooler body or container body to have a first logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time, upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having one of a different sports logo, sports decal, or indicia, each mating directly or through interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container. Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners, guide members, or elastomeric attaching members. A set of interchangeable cooler tops is available at a point of purchase, so that a customer may purchase a cooler top with a selected sports logo, sports decal, or indicia that may be bundled as a set or purchased individually as a part of a set.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward insulated multistack pizza carriers. The pizza carriers of the present invention comprise a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, a front wall and side walls.

Abstract: A tote-bag cooler includes a multi-chambered, closeable container enclosed by overlapping flaps creating a self-sealing, sleeve-style aperture. Handle straps may be attached to the sides of the container. A handle grip may be attached to the mid-section of one of the handle straps and may be wrapped around the opposing handle strap when grasping the handle straps. A shoulder strap may be included also. The outer surface of the container optionally may include a beverage holder, a seat belt strap, mesh pockets, and/or a fabric pocket.

Abstract: Vacuum Insulated Lunch Box with a rectangular box comprised of a top half and a bottom half, the top half and bottom half each having a double wall construction, the top half and bottom half each having recessed areas to accommodate a plurality of food containers, the top half and bottom half each having an outlet check valve, and the outlet check valves each capable of receiving a tube from a vacuum pump for the purpose of evacuating the cavity of each said lunch box half. A preferred embodiment includes further comprising a built in vacuum pump.

Abstract: Interchangeable portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon, allows a single cooler body or container body to have a first logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time, upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having one of a different sports logo, sports decal, or indicia, each mating directly or through interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container. Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners, guide members, or elastomeric attaching members. A set of interchangeable cooler tops is available at a point of purchase, so that a customer may purchase a cooler top with a selected sports logo, sports decal, or indicia that may be bundled as a set or purchased individually as a part of a set.

Abstract: A container holder adapted for use with a structure has a pneumatically operated bladder member for selectively adjusting the size of a container holder depression or opening. The bladder member is positioned on the periphery of the container holder and is inflated or deflated using a pump mechanism in order to vary the size of a container receiving aperture.

Abstract: A multi-functional lightweight carrying device features one or more storable serving trays and beverage holders, an adjustable handle convertible to a shoulder strap, and a specialized pocket holder for a cellular phone. The device is further capable of being secured to the seat of a vehicle via a seat-belt holder.

Abstract: A delivery bag for pizza or other products includes upper, lower, rear, and first and second side panels and a closure flap. The panels and flap are made from a substantially flexible insulating panel material and have interior and exterior surfaces. The panel material is capable of conveying moisture from the interior surface to the exterior surface. The delivery bag also includes one or more pockets fixed to interior surfaces of the panels. A modular heating element is disposed in each pocket. The delivery bag as described advantageously maintains temperatures of pizzas therein, yet allows relative humidity to decline over a specified period of time, thereby preventing e.g. pizza crusts from becoming soggy. Corresponding methods provide similar advantages.

Abstract: A removable cover for a food pan which seats on upright side walls of the food pan and has an opening with a hinged lid mounted interiorly of the periphery of the cover for access to the pan. A peripheral flange on the cover seats over and downwardly on the edge of the pan with the cover having an upwardly extending flange surrounding at least in part the opening of the cover. A downwardly extending flange surrounds at least in part the periphery of the hinged lid for seating over the flange cover. A hinge stop on the cover stops the hinged lid when opened. A notch in the hinged lid provides placement of a serving utensil therein.

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

Abstract: A picnic tailgate device includes a housing with a lid hingedly connected thereto. The housing is internally divided into a plurality of zones including an insulated zone for supporting food-containing containers therein and maintaining the containers in a warm condition. The housing further has a cool compartment for supporting a plurality of food-containing containers in a chilled condition, the cool housing including an enclosed ice-containing chamber for nestingly supporting the food containers thereby maintaining the cool temperature of the chilled foods. Preferably a handle attached to a side of the device for carrying purposes and, optionally included, are legs for supporting the device during use.

Abstract: An insulated housing assembly for the transport and storage of food items while maintaining the temperature of the food items. The invention provides lower and upper assembly portions which when mated define a compartment for the storage of stackable food containers. The upper and lower asemblies are surrounded by a layer of insulating material to prevent the loss of heat from the food items contained within the compartment. The insulated housing assembly also incudes a swivable handle in a recess for facilitating carrying the insulated assembly. Also included in another recess is a handle for manipulating the containers disposed within the compartent, which have catches for attchment of the handle.

Abstract: A courier expressable cargo quilt having an elongated, substantially rectangular body comprising an insulative material including a plurality of panels substantially foldably connected, defining an accordian-like structure, the accordian-like structure having an unfolded position adapted to facilitate placement of the body substantially over a temperature sensitive load by unfolding the accordian-like structure and a folded position adapted to provide a courier-expressable cargo quilt; and an exterior cover structure adapted to at least partially enclose the accordian-like structure.

Abstract: A snap fit lid for a container is described. The lid can be made to incorporate thermal insulation and engages the container internally and at its edge to form a double seal. An annular gap is formed between the double seals. A groove runs transversely to the annular gap across the internal and external seals to allow pressure equalization in the container with its surrounding environment. The closure straddles the container at its top and snaps to the container top to create a pair of offset opposed seals for a snug fit to the container. The closure is particularly amenable to use in tray sized containers used extensively in foodservice applications.

Abstract: Container for transporting foods, parallelepiped, formed by an hollow body (1) and a cover (3), in plastic material, in which interior it is provided a plurality of spaces (5) and/or wells (9, 11, 13, 15) for transporting foods, drinks and cutlery. The container is provided with suitable means for the application of a closing strap (29) and with cavities (31) for taking and lifting the cover (3).

Abstract: A thermal container designed to contain a food product, medical supplies or other substances during transportation from the place of manufacture to the place of use and to maintain those products at a constant temperature and in a substantially dry environment. The thermal container is equipped with a pouch containing a quantity of a desiccant or a layered shield which contains a quantity of a desiccant. Moisture in the form of steam or condensation resulting from the product is absorbed by the desiccant. A netting affixed to the interior of the thermal container holds the pouch or layered shield which may easily be replaced as the desiccant becomes saturated with water.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a portable, insulated carrier having a generally rigid housing defining a primary insulated compartment. An auxiliary storage assembly is attached to the housing for retaining an article on the housing externally of the primary insulated compartment. The auxiliary storage assembly includes a ledge and a retainer whereby the article abuts the ledge and is retained against the housing by the retainer. A secondary storage assembly is attached to the outside surface of the housing externally of the primary insulated compartment. The secondary storage assembly is formed of a flexible material to secure the contents yet provide access when necessary. An article retention assembly is attached to an outside surface of the housing. The retention assembly includes a generally elastic panel portion attached to an exterior surface of the housing with at least one edge thereof defining an opening for receiving articles therethrough.

Abstract: A cooler insert for organizing articles inside a cooler. The insert is adapted for receiving tubular members. The tubular members are sized to hold beverage containers such as two liter bottles and the like. The insert provides an interconnecting structure for arranging the tubular members in modular fashion.

Abstract: A molded tray having a lid section and a storage section, and a method for its manufacture. The molded tray is especially adapted for the storage and service of food products, such as may be made and sold at take-out restaurants. The device comprises a lid section and a storage section interconnected with a bending, or hinge, section. The hinge section is provided with an area of reduced thickness providing a hinge point, and permitting the lid section to overlie the storage section without significant elastic memory so that the lid remains in the closed position adjacent the storage section. The method comprises the deposition of pulp fibers on a carrier net, with a mask plate positioned to prevent deposition of pulp fiber in the location of the area of reduced thickness.

Abstract: A baby food containment box is provided including a base for containing baby food. Also included is a lid removably coupled to the base. A pair of straps are provided for containing a bib within the box. Further, the base has a foam block removably situated therein with a plurality of recesses formed in a top face thereof for containing various items.

Abstract: The package includes a container and a lid therefor, both made of a thermal insulating foam material. The container has a line of weakening extending across the bottom wall and the side wall of the container to permit breaking of the latter into two parts across the cavity. The line of weakening is disposed in a plane which is normal to the bottom wall and which is located in the area of maximum width of the cavity. The container serves as a mould for a flowable settable food product which, once set, is readily available for eating by breaking the container across the cavity. The food product is normally ice cream and a release film surrounds the same within the cavity. One or more cavities may be provided in the same container. The lid seals each cavity independently of the others.

Abstract: An improved food delivery system comprises an insulated container and plates that will either generate heat to keep food hot during delivery, or absorb heat to keep food cold during delivery. This combination will hold food for extended periods of time either above a desired elevated temperature, or below a desired lower temperature.

Abstract: An infant care bag that includes a primary bag assembly and at least one detachable formula case assembly that is detachably securable to the primary bag assembly. The primary bag assembly includes a diaper bag, an accordion fold safety card folder, a number of safety instruction/first-aid cards and a flexible safety card tether. The diaper bag includes a safety card storage pocket formed therein. The accordion fold safety card folder is sized to fit within the safety card storage pocket when in a folded configuration. The flexible safety card tether is secured between the accordion fold safety card folder and the diaper bag. The at least one detachable formula case assembly is detachably securable to the diaper bag. Each detachable formula case assembly has a case member and a removable anti-bacterial formula bottle enclosure. The removable anti-bacterial formula bottle enclosure is constructed from an anti-bacterial plastic and includes a top section and a bottom section.