Abstract: An ice chest or portable cooler is disclosed which includes a unique construction which enables the cooler to maintain the contents therein at or below a desired temperature for an extended period of time. The top, walls, and bottom of the cooler utilize a shell which includes an inner and outer layer of a plastic and a relatively thick layer of an insulation material between the layers of plastic. The construction adds strength and rigidity to the cooler, while not increasing the weight as a result of the relatively light insulation material.

Abstract: A transport box has a one-piece container, which has a base and walls extending from the base and delimiting a transport chamber. The container consists of particulate foam made of expanded polypropylene (EPP), which has a plurality of foam particles sintered to each other, wherein the foam particles each comprise an outer wall and a substantially hollow inner chamber enclosed by the outer wall. The outer walls of the foam particles at the inner faces of the container which delimit the transport chamber are thicker than in the remaining regions of the container and form an inner skin on the container.

Abstract: A thermal barrier liner is preferably spray coated onto the internal surface of a container. The liner is provided in embodiments including a closed cell substrate, a base layer having gas or liquid filled microcapsules, a base layer having microencapsulated solid-liquid phase change material, or combinations thereof. For the closed cell substrate embodiment, when the liner is under pressure within the container prior to the container being opened, the liner maintains a minimum thickness. When the container is opened and as pressure is released within the container, the liner expands to achieve equilibrium. The liner can be supplemented with a foaming agent to create cellular structures. Voids created by the microcapsules enhance the thermal barrier characteristics of the liner. The phase change material changes phase from a solid to a liquid state upon absorbing heat.

Abstract: A container is formed to include an interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region.

Abstract: A storage container that includes walls having complimentary-shaped edges with complex edge profiles. The complex edge profiles of adjoining walls mate with each other to form an interface that defines a thermal leak path between a storage area of the container and an exterior environment. The thermal leak path has a length that is greater than the thickness of the adjoined walls. In one example, the complex edge profile includes step-shaped features. The walls may also include one or more overlapping super-insulating panels. The panels may be joined to one another with adhesive layers. The super-insulating panels may be also be disposed in a wall including interior and exterior linings that are joined and sealed to define a space between the linings. The space may be evacuated and optionally filled with a super-insulating gas.

Abstract: A cooler is particularly configured for application of any selected design or marking. Any design may be easily applied to a standard cooler configuration. The design can be protected with a cover. The cooler also has structure for ease of mounting to different objects, and can be readily stacked. The lid can selectively retain cold or warm packs to cool or heat the interior.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to temporary foam cooler box construction, wherein the foam cooler box is provided hardware inlays for cooler hardware and then treated with a polyurethane shell coating to improve the cooler box durability and carrying capacity over its bare foam counterpart. The inlays are backing hardware that are adhered directly to the foam and then coated with the polyurethane, whereafter cooler hardware such as latches and hinges may be fastened to the inlays and be supported by the inlays and the shell coating of the cooler. The present invention discloses both a new device and method of manufacture therefor.

Abstract: A storage tank is provided for storing liquefied natural gas on, for example, a motor vehicle such as a bus or truck. The storage tank includes a metal liner vessel encapsulated by a resin-fiber composite layer. A foam insulating layer, including an outer protective layer of epoxy or of a truck liner material, covers the composite layer. A non-conducting protective coating may be painted on the vessel between the composite layer and the vessel so as to inhibit galvanic corrosion.

Abstract: A collapsible ice chest and stand is disclosed. The ice chest has body which is defined by an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall, and an insulator between the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall, a top sealed to said body along the rim of the outer sidewall, a bottom connected at the rim of the outer sidewall opposite the top, and a pair of loop handles joined to the outer sidewall. The ice chest has pockets sized to fit over the top of the upper connector pads of the stand, by which the ice chest is supported and held in place by the stand. The stand has four pairs of crossed legs, each pair of which is pivotally connected at their approximate centers by a pivot pin. The ends of the pairs of crossed legs are connected together using connector pads, which pads are pivotally connected together and frictionally connected to the ends of the legs of the stand.

Abstract: A thermally insulated container is disclosed. The thermally insulated container comprises a body, wherein said body includes portions that are demarked by non-seamed folds and portions that are demarked by seams, wherein the body includes a top, and at least one side, wherein said top and at least one side are demarked by a non-seamed fold.

Abstract: The invention concerns an insulated container whose outer walls are formed by a flexible outer skin, which forms a gap, with an insertion element, which is placed in the interior of the container and which is filled with an insulating and hardening foam body.

Abstract: A thermal barrier liner is provided to maintain a beverage within a container at a desired temperature. The thermal barrier liner is installed so as to make intimate contact with the internal surface of the container. According to a method of the invention, the liner is pre-made and mechanically inserted in the container prior to securing the top of the container to the sidewall. A closed cell structure is incorporated in the thermal barrier material. The closed cell structure causes the thermal barrier material to be gas permeable such that voids in the closed cell structure equilibrate with ambient pressure conditions. The voids change size based on changes in ambient pressure conditions as compared to pressure conditions in the thermal barrier material.

Abstract: An insulating container is disclosed. The insulating shipping container includes an outer container and pieces of laminated foam, which are cut or scored to create hinges that permit the laminated foam pieces to be configured into an insulating enclosure. Alternatively, the laminated foam pieces may be formed without hinges and friction fit into the outer container.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an insulated container having a liner fitted therein. The liner is removable, reusable, and washable. The insulated container also has an insulated partition defining a pair of thermally isolated compartments to maintain different temperatures in each compartment. To secure the liner in place, a latch is provided, and to vent trapped air, the liner includes a channel. The liner is also configured to shed water when inverted in a washing machine so that the liner can be easily sterilized. An additional unique feature of this invention is that the liner also includes coupling cavities configured to accept various bottles and cans to prevent the bottle or can from tipping over inside the insulated container.

Abstract: A back surface of an outer case is formed by mutually overlapping left and right back panels. The overlapping edges on the front side and backside of the panels may be bent toward the opposite side at a blunt angle. A joint between the back panels is established in which the overlapping edge of one back panel is pressed against the overlapping edge of the other back panel. Spacers are mounted between the outer and inner case such that the overlapping edges are put in close contact with each other. The bends are deformed in order to prevent leakage from the joint after the injection of foam liquid. Due to the pressure of the foam, both of the overlapping edges are placed in closer contact while deforming the bends to be substantially flat. Consequently, the sealing properties of the joint after the completion of the thermally insulated housing are secured.

Abstract: A back surface of an outer case is formed by mutually overlapping left and right back panels. The overlapping edges on the front side and backside of the panels may be bent toward the opposite side at a blunt angle. A joint between the back panels is established in which the overlapping edge of one back panel is pressed against the overlapping edge of the other back panel. Spacers are mounted between the outer and inner case such that the overlapping edges are put in close contact with each other. The bends are deformed in order to prevent leakage from the joint after the injection of foam liquid. Due to the pressure of the foam, both of the overlapping edges are placed in closer contact while deforming the bends to be substantially flat. Consequently, the sealing properties of the joint after the completion of the thermally insulated housing are secured.

Abstract: The invention is an assembly of abutting vacuum insulated panels configured and arranged to form a retention chamber with a slip surface providing a low kinetic coefficient of friction interposed between the panels within the abutment areas.

Abstract: A dent resistant laminated steel application is provided for a laminated appliance wall, including: an exterior cover having a first outer skin layer and at least a second substrate layer laminated thereto, wherein the first outer skin layer is stainless steel and overlays the second substrate layer. The second substrate layer can be bonded to the first outer skin layer, wherein the bonding material is disposed in the interspace between the first outer skin layer and the second substrate layer. The laminated wall can further include a first outer skin layer having a material thickness from about 0.014 to about 0.022 inches. The second substrate layer can be selected from the group consisting of fiberboard, galvanized steel, and polyester.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal container which can be used to store drinks and food, characterized in that the walls thereof comprise three layers, namely: an intermediate layer (3) made from propylene, polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene; an outer layer (2), and an inner layer (4), said outer and inner layers also comprising three panels in the form of an outer cardboard panel, an intermediate aluminum panel and an inner polyethylene panel. The container is intended primarily to retain the properties of wines under any circumstances and, more specifically, during transport from wine shops to the end user.

Abstract: The invention refers to a container for transporting cooled goods, comprising an inner container for receiving the cooled goods and an outer container surrounding the inner container. The inner container contains a thermally insulating material and has an outer surface on which outer ribs are arranged. The outer ribs generate spaces between the inner container and the outer container. The outer container has a plurality of ventilation holes for ventilating the spaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport container which provides mechanical and thermal stability for a load and which container is fabricated as the container is loaded. In particular, the present invention relates to a container which can be readily transported on aircraft, such as an aircraft container. In the field of logistics, that is the field of movement and supply of produce and materials, in particular in the transport of intermediate and finished products, containers have been developed which safely protect from physical damage a wide variety of product. Food and pharmaceutical products not only need protection from physical shock and pressures but also require temperature stability during transportation; otherwise goods can be damaged and be unusable, whether such damage is apparent or not.

Abstract: A storage container includes a receptacle having a circumferential sidewall and a sleeve fixedly attached to the receptacle having a circumferential sidewall with a left edge, a right edge, and marginal portions adjacent the left and right edges wherein the edges meet to form a butt seam. The receptacle sidewall and the sleeve sidewall define an insulating layer therebetween. The insulating layer includes a first edge and a second edge wherein the first and second edges do not extend under the marginal portions such that the insulating layer has a smaller circumference than that of the sleeve sidewall. A method for forming a storage container is also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible insulated container has a base wall and a peripheral wall with an open end defining an enclosure. The peripheral wall has at least two layers and is divided into elongate pockets between the layers, with foldable crease lines between adjacent pockets. Each pocket contains a flexible-walled, insulating gel pack which substantially fills the pocket. The crease lines may be defined by stitching securing the outer and inner layers of the container together. The gel packs may be surrounded by matting, foam or mesh material which is sewn into the lines of stitching, or may have integral peripheral rims sewn into the lines of stitching. The container is foldable between an erect, open condition and a storage condition in which it is folded along the crease lines into a substantially flattened package.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an insulating vessel for beverages. The vessel has an outsert and a insert. The insert is positioned within the cavity of the outsert. In one embodiment the insert has a plurality of insulating members that are spaced from an inner surface of the outsert to define a series of air gaps between an outer surface of the insulating members and the inner surface of the outsert. In another embodiment, the insert and outsert have generally conical side walls with substantially the same taper angle so as to be in a friction lock relationship with one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable carrier. The portable carrier is capable of removably retaining and carrying a beverage container. The portable carrier comprises an enclosure and a strap. The enclosure includes a base and a sidewall. The sidewall is extending vertically upward from a periphery of the base for configuring a hollow space with a top opening. The enclosure is capable of removably retaining the beverage container within the hollow space. Further, the strap is detachably coupled to the enclosure, proximate to the top opening, for configuring a loop for removably suspending the enclosure to a neck of a user for carrying the beverage container.

Abstract: A cold chain package including a plurality of panels surrounded by an overwrap, each of the panels including a plurality of layers of dissimilar materials, and a hinge formed between adjacent panels of the plurality of panels for facilitating folding of the panels to fit in a shipping container.

Abstract: A thermodynamic container for regulating the temperature of a liquid. An exemplary embodiment may include an inner layer of a thermal buffering material and an outer layer of insulation. The thermal buffering layer may include a phase change material and/or a non-phase change material. Some exemplary embodiments may include lid, which may include insulation, a thermal buffering layer, and/or a drinking port.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for preventing de-bonding of insulation from a propellant container surface. When assembled to a propellant container, the container includes a substrate having an outer surface, a base material having an overall rough outer surface relative to the outer surface of the substrate, and an adhesive material adhering the base material to the substrate. Alternately, the base material may be welded to the outer surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A thermally insulating transportation box, including a base part, two longitudinal side parts, two transverse side parts and at least one top part, which parts bound a transportation space and are produced from a thermally insulating material. The longitudinal side parts and the transverse side parts are pivotably mounted on the base part about pivot axes which each run parallel to the base part, so that they can be folded open from a folded-together arrangement, which extends parallel to the base part, into an arrangement which is perpendicular to this and in which they bound the transportation space, and the transportation space can subsequently be closed by the at least one cover part.

Abstract: Insulating beverage holder that can be fitted and carried inside a baseball cap. The insulating holder has a body made of a sheet of insulative fabric, with fasteners along fabric sides of the body. Fasteners are zip-lock strips or touch-fastener strips. The body is folded together and the sides fastened together to form a cup. The body, when opened out, fits inside a conventional baseball cap. The upper edges of the body can be tucked behind a finish edge on the cap, to hold the insulating holder body in place, even when the cap is removed from the head. The insulating holder may incorporate a strap for holding a bottle opener. The beverage holder may also be mounted on the outside surface of the baseball cap. Mating fastener strips are provided on the outside surface, which allow the body to be easily attached to or removed from the cap.

Abstract: Described is an insulation module (1) for a vessel (2) used in a chemical plant. The module may take the form of a panel having an outer surface layer (3) and an insulation layer (5) secured to the outer surface layer (3). Mounting means (10) extends from the panel (1) and enables mounting of the insulation module (1) on an outer wall (2) of the vessel. An air gap (15) is provided between the insulation layer (3) and the outer vessel wall (2) when the insulation module is mounted (1) on the vessel (2).

Abstract: An enclosure for storing temperature sensitive goods. The enclosure includes a wall that has an interior wall member and an exterior wall member that is spaced apart from the interior wall member to define a gap. The interior wall member partially defines the conditioned space. The enclosure also includes an insulation member that is disposed between the interior wall member and the exterior wall member within the gap. The insulation member has a vacuum insulation panel and foam insulation that is positioned on both sides of the vacuum insulation panel to separate the vacuum insulation panel from the interior wall member and the exterior wall member. The vacuum insulation panel and the foam insulation cooperate to insulate the conditioned space.

Abstract: An insulated tank assembly with insulation stop and a method of constructing such an assembly. The assembly includes an inner tank with an outer shell located in spaced relation to and surrounding the inner tank, creating at least one annular clearance space between the tank and the shell. The space is closed by a sealing device that includes a circumferential sealing strip having an unstretched strip length that is less than either the continuous outer top edge length or the continuous outer bottom edge length, or both, of the strip. Such length relationships make the sealing strip both resilient and resistant to rolling during construction of the assembly. The sealing strip may be a fibrous strip. The tank assembly may be insulated by placing insulating material within the at least one annular clearance space, which may be a foamable insulation material, foamed in place within the annular clearance space.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulated container having a temperature monitoring device that can be used to maintain an object stored in the container at a temperature that is below the normal operating temperature of the temperature monitoring device while still permitting the taking of measurements of the interior of the container. The container includes an RF transponder having an RF antenna, a temperature sensor, and a battery that is operatively connected to the transponder and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned in the container so that it is in a temperature monitoring relationship with the interior space of the container. The battery is positioned at least partially in one of the walls of the container at a location that is spaced apart from the temperature sensor and that is selected so that the battery does not experience a temperature that is below an operating temperature of the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for shipping articles under controlled temperature conditions, having a metallic article enclosure surrounded by a set of insulating panels, with a predetermined volume separation between the enclosure and the insulating panels, and the predetermined volume being filled with phase change material.

Abstract: Insulated containers which conform relatively closely in size to the payload size, which contain a payload and phase change material and/or a refrigerated gel are all placed in a larger insulated shipping container, which may house additional phase change material and/or refrigerant. The combined insulating effect of the inner and outer containers allows minimizing the use of phase change material inside the inner container for the payload itself, and the presence of the phase material, together with the use of frozen gels inside the outer container, provides for only a small difference in temperature between the interior of the inner container and the interior of the outer container. The inner containers can be less insulated and lower cost, and the outer containers can be recycled.

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

Abstract: A portable drinking container is provided. The drinking container comprises a drinking vessel, a separate skirt around the drinking vessel and a foam material located in a second cavity between the skirt and the drinking vessel. The drinking vessel has a sidewall defining a drinking cavity with an opening at a proximal end of the drinking vessel. The skirt is provided around a distal end portion of the drinking vessel. Generally, the drinking vessel is made of a first material and the skirt is made of a second material distinct from the first material, and in one embodiment the drinking vessel is made of a ceramic material and the skirt is made of stainless steel. Additionally, a removable fastener may be provided to connect the skirt to the drinking vessel.

Abstract: An improved truck bed toolbox lid and a method of producing the same. The truck bed toolbox lid includes an outer metallic sheet layer comprising a generally rectangular top sheet member, a longitudinal front edge member, two lateral edge members and a longitudinal rear edge member. A metallic liner sheet member is disposed inside the top sheet member in edge contact abutment with beveled inside edges of the front and rear longitudinal edge members and the lateral edge members to create an internal cavity in which the liner is by stitch welding. One or more injection ports are provided through the liner sheet member through which a self-expanding and self-curing, relatively high-density, foam is injected. The stitch welded edge contacts leave non-welded, gas permeable junctions along the wedged cavity periphery at a funneled apex of the edge contacted boundary which facilitate expansion of the foam toward the outermost edges of the cavity.

Abstract: A shipping box (1) for shipping of high-value, highly sensitive objects, especially framed paintings, or painting stabilized in terms of shape in some other way, has a frame having side walls (3), a bottom wall (4) and a top wall (5) which forms a cover, and can be completely sealed, the walls of the shipping box (1) being lined with vacuum insulation panels (6).

Abstract: An advanced thermal container has a thermally insulated open receptacle, a thermally insulated closure member, a data monitoring system incorporated into the container that can send and receive information via wireless communication, and a sealing system to minimize heat transfer and air exchange between the interior and exterior of the container. Hard plastic casing enclosing foam-encased vacuum insulation panels is used to construct the insulated receptacle and closure member. The closure member and receptacle each have an elongated portion with shoulders above and below the elongated portion. When the container is closed, a lower seal and an upper seal are compressed between the mating lower and upper shoulders, respectively. The onboard data monitoring system records important parameters concerning the internal and external environments of the container, particularly temperature information, as well as other significant events such as the number of times the container was opened during transit.

Abstract: An insulated double-skinned freight container having foam insulation (15) between the skins (11, 16, 17, 18) and a top rail forming a junction between an outer skin (11) of a side wall of the container and an outer skin (18) of a roof panel of the container. The rail includes a first web portion attached to the outer skin of the side wall, an inwardly inclined second web portion at a first obtuse angle to the first portion and a third web portion substantially perpendicular to the first web portion for attachment to the outer skin of the roof panel. The third web portion is provided with an inwardly extending return portion at an edge of the third web portion embedded in the foam insulation between the inner and outer skins.

Abstract: A cooler suitable for indoor and outdoor use is provided. The cooler includes a container having a bottom surface, a first base connectable to the bottom surface of the container and a second base alternatively connectable to the bottom surface of the container. The cooler may include open-ended inner and outer containers nested and spaced so that a gap is created between the outer container and inner container, with foam insulation occupying the gap. The first base supports the cooler at a height suitable for use on a table, while the second base supports the cooler suitable for stand-alone use on the floor or ground. The first base can be nested within and hung from the second base while the cooler is in use or stored.

Abstract: Insulated shipping container and method of making the same. In a preferred embodiment, the insulated shipping container comprises an outer box, an insulated insert, an inner box and a closure member. The outer box, which is preferably made of corrugated fiberboard, comprises a rectangular prismatic cavity bounded by a plurality of rectangular side walls, a closed bottom end, and top closure flaps. The insulated insert is snugly, but removably, disposed within the outer box and is shaped to define a rectangular prismatic cavity bounded by a bottom wall and a plurality of rectangular side walls, the insulated insert having an open top end. The insulated insert is made of a foamed polyurethane body to which on all sides, except its bottom, a thin, flexible, unfoamed polymer bag is integrally bonded.

Abstract: An insulating beverage or food container or sleeve is produced with a foam layer disposed on an inner surface of a paper stock. A polymer shrink film layer is arranged in a position along an inside surface of the beverage container. The foam layer is sandwiched between the polymer shrink film layer and the paper stock and decreases the energy transfer between the beverage and the user's hands allowing the user to hold onto the container for an extended period of time without causing user discomfort or pain. The polymer shrink film layer is produced from a shrink film polymer having a percent shrink in the range of 30% or less, and more particularly a percent shrink range of 5 to 10%.

Abstract: A box lid that can be used on a truck box is provided according to the invention. The box lid includes an outer box lid member constructed to fit over a box, an inner box lid member attached to the outer box lid member to provide a cavity between the outer box lid member and the inner box lid member, and injection foam provided within the cavity between the outer box lid member and the inner box lid member. The outer box lid member includes a cover member having a periphery, and a depending wall extending along the cover member periphery. The injection foam can be polyurethane foam. A method for manufacturing a box lid and a pickup truck bed box are provided.

Abstract: An insulating beverage cup or sleeve is produced with a foam layer disposed on an inner surface of a food or beverage paper stock. A polyethylene film layer is arranged in a position between a paper stock layer and an inside surface of the beverage container. The foam layer decreases the energy transfer between the beverage and the user's hands allowing the user to hold onto the cup for an extended period of time without causing user discomfort or pain, e.g. greatly extends the hold time of the paper cup. The exterior surface of the beverage cup remains highly printable and predisposed to high quality graphics both before and after cup manufacture.

Abstract: An improved temperature control device for maintaining the temperature of the contents of a beverage receptacle. The device is designed to keep a contained two-liter bottle cold for long periods of time. The device includes an annular column formed from insulating material encased within a durable sheath. The annular column defines a cylindrical container for placement of the two-liter bottle. A cover is included enclosing the two-liter bottle within the container. The cover is also formed from an insulating material and enclosed within a durable sheath. An outer wrap surrounds the cover and container, hingedly attaching the cover to the container so that the cover is removably securable. The outer wrap additionally includes a zipper, enabling the nylon wrap to be opened or closed, fastening the cover to the cylindrical container. The device also includes a variety of carrying straps that are removable from the outer wrap for ease and convenience.

Abstract: An insulation box unit and a refrigerator of the present invention employs i) rigid urethane foam with a 8.0 MPa-or-greater bending modulus, and a 60 kg/m3-or-lower density, and ii) a vacuum insulation material. The proper bending modulus provides the insulation box unit with a substantial strength, even in the case that the coverage of the vacuum insulation material with respect to the surface of the outer box exceeds 40%. The proper density prevents the insulation box unit from poor insulation efficiency due to undesired solid thermal conductivity. Despite of an extended use of the vacuum insulation material, the insulation box unit offers an excellent insulation efficiency and therefore accelerates energy saving. According to the recycling method of the present invention, rigid urethane foam formed of tolylene di-isocyanate composition, which was separated from refrigerator wastes, is recycled as a material of rigid urethane foam.

Abstract: An advanced thermal container has a thermally insulated open receptacle, a thermally insulated closure member, a data monitoring system incorporated into the container that can send and receive information via wireless communication, and a sealing system to minimize heat transfer and air exchange between the interior and exterior of the container. Hard plastic casing enclosing foam-encased vacuum insulation panels is used to construct the insulated receptacle and closure member. The closure member and receptacle each have an elongated portion with shoulders above and below the elongated portion. When the container is closed, a lower seal and an upper seal are compressed between the mating lower and upper shoulders, respectively. The onboard data monitoring system records important parameters concerning the internal and external environments of the container, particularly temperature information, as well as other significant events such as the number of times the container was opened during transit.