Abstract: A rotary food server for storing food in a chilled condition includes a dish rotatably mounted on a stationary base and having central and peripheral pockets for removably receiving food storage trays having removable lids. Coolant housings containing a chilled-retaining substance are refrigerator prior to use and then placed beneath and at the sides of the trays to chill food stored in the trays. In an alternative embodiment, a lower housing rotatably mounted on a stationary base has a cavity therein filled with a cooling medium such as a mixture of ice and water. Mounting of an upper housing on the lower housing causes cavities formed in the upper housing to displace the cooling medium to the sides as well as the bottoms thereof to chill food stored within the cavities.

Abstract: A portable recreational container provides insulated storage for food and beverages. The container is divided into independent compartments, one of which houses a battery and a number of audio/video devices, such as radio, CD, DVD, TV and an amplifier. The electric/electronic devices are isolated from the food compartment by a separating wall and cover(s) mounted over the electric/electronic devices.

Abstract: A container is disclosed which can include a container base having a cavity therein, a thermal source disposable in the cavity of the base, an insert being insertable within the cavity of the base such that the insert is in close proximity to the thermal source, and a cover. The cover and the insert can define a sealable compartment for the storage of food items. In other embodiments, the cover can be engageable directly with the base to define a storage compartment. The thermal source can act as either or both a heater and a cooler to help maintain the food items stored in the container at a desired temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for chilling beverages in containers. The apparatus includes a tubular body having a first opening, a second opening, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first opening, the inner surface and the second opening cooperate to define a passage through the tubular body for receiving a beverage container. The inner surface and outer surface of the tubular body are formed of and defined by a continuous film of flexible material. A non-gaseous temperature-retaining fluid is received between the inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body. The apparatus is pre-chilled prior to use, and then is rolled onto the beverage container such that the beverage container is received within the passage through the tubular body to rapidly chill the beverage to a desired serving temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-cooling containers for beverages and other liquids. Such containers comprise porous matrices as elements of the container bodies to effect the cooling of contained liquids by pervaporation. The liquid vapor can pass through the porous matrix directly to the environment or to a collector or trap comprising an absorbent material in contact with the container. Also disclosed are self-cooling containers incorporating insulative sleeves that reduce radiative warming of container surfaces yet permit sufficient pervaporative flux to cool containers residing within such sleeves.

Abstract: Device for cooling an object according to the present invention, which comprises a deformable sleeve-like body (1) which includes an inner compartment (3) intended to contact the object and housing a non-freezing cooling liquid and an outer compartment (4) surrounding the inner compartment and housing an insulator, wherein the sleeve-like body has a variable inner diameter, which allows an adjustment thereof to objects having different outer dimensions, and wherein the insulator includes a compressible resilient material. The outer compartment is manufactured of cloth having air-permeability, elasticity and water absorption property.

Abstract: A heat exchanging device is detachably mounted on a container or a cover. The cover is mounted on the container, thereby forming a closed space between the cover and the container. The heat exchanging device containing a temperature regulating medium is mounted in the closed space between the cover and the container. Thus, the heat exchanging device can be replaced easily and conveniently when being inoperative without having to move the food, thereby facilitating the user using the heat exchanging device, and thereby achieving the sanitary purpose.

Abstract: An insulated container assembly, which has a main body portion and a lid hingedly attached to the main body portion. The main body portion has four walls and is substantially rectangular in shape. The walls of the main body portion define an area for receiving and holding food and beverages therein. The walls each have a slot extending therethrough. The lid has an interior surface having a rectangular indentation centered therein. A plurality of gel packs are inserted within the slots of each wall of the main body portion, and in the rectangular indentation of the lid, for keeping the area within the main body portion hot or cold.

Abstract: A bottle carrier/cooler is provided for easy, convenient transportation, cooling and storage of a single conventional plastic beverage bottle. The bottle carrier/cooler is configured to substantially contain one standard bottle while exposing the bottle neck and bottle cap. The body of the bottle carrier/cooler is of a diameter sufficient to maintain ice, water or other refrigerants so the bottled beverage will remain at a desirable low temperature. The beverage which may be a soft drink, can be poured from the bottle without removing the bottle from the carrier/cooler. A seal connected to the carrier/cooler lid prevents leakage of the refrigerant while the beverage is poured and in conjunction with projections along the bottom of the carrier/cooler stabilize the bottle longitudinally. In the preferred embodiment of the invention a lid having a pour spout and finger tabs is provided.

Abstract: A portable hockey puck freezer consists of a freezable gel as is well known in the art of <<ice packs>> and is put in a freezer, along with pucks so that when taken out of the freezer, the pucks will stay frozen for several hours until they are needed for playing.

Abstract: A portable cooler and adjustable chair has a body, wheels, an insulating layer traveling about a perimeter of the body, a tray slidably positioned within the cavity, and a housing secured to the body for receiving a bottom portion of an umbrella. A foldable chair is slidably positioned on top of the body and can be folded between raised and lowered positions. A lid is provided adjacent the chair for allowing a user to access foodstuff disposed within the body cavity. Also, a handle is provided so that a user can readily transport the cooler by pivot same about the wheels applying motive force in a desired direction.

Abstract: A portable carrier for a beverage container includes a case (10) having an externally frusto-conical housing that fully encloses the beverage container, and a removable cooling core (70) that fits within the housing. A zipper (30) preferably extends along at least part of at least two sides of the case, and more preferably extends on the top and bottom of the case. A carrying strap (40) may include a pouch for storing a bottle opener.

Abstract: Novel sorption cooling devices capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time are disclosed. The sorption cooling devices are particularly useful for temperature-controlled shipping containers that are required to maintain a temperature below ambient for a time sufficient to complete delivery of the container and its contents. The shipping containers can be utilized to cost-effectively transport temperature-sensitive products.

Abstract: A portable container comprising: a box member; a Stirling cooler as a temperature controlling unit for refrigerating the inside of the box member, an operation unit for controlling the Stirling cooler; and handles for supporting the box member by grasping. Cutouts are formed between an upper surface of the box member and both side surfaces thereof, the operation unit is provided on one of the cutouts, and the handles are provided outwardly relative to the cutouts respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-cooling liquid container for rapidly cooling the liquid in a container by evaporation of coolant gas. A self-cooling liquid container having a liquid cooling device for cooling a liquid in a container by evaporation of a coolant gas comprises a coolant gas bottle inside the liquid container containing a coolant gas stored under pressure, a nozzle tube communicating with the coolant gas bottle and rounding outside the coolant gas bottle, a mounting support for mounting and supporting the coolant gas bottle inserted into the liquid container, and having a switching portion for selectively releasing the coolant gas, and a cap coupled with the mounting support outside of the container and selectively opening and closing the switching portion.

Abstract: The set of combined bottles with hidden cooler is designed to allow to store and cool two different types of beverages at once. The set contains two interlocked together bottles with handles and a cooling liner. The bottles interlock together by the use of straps. The hidden cooler keeps the beverages in bottles cool for continuous time. The cooler is made from safe for usage material. It is cored and filled with water. This invention allows continuing cooling of the beverages without interfering with the overall look of the bottles.

Abstract: A Self-Contained Air-Conditioned Enclosure; comprises of an Enclosure (1), connected through plurality of openings (13,14) to air ducts (20,21) of an Air-conditioning Unit (17). The Enclosure has a Roof (5), and sidewalls assembled with plurality of Wall Sheets (8) interspaced with Spacer Strips (9) to enhance thermal resistance of the sidewalls. The bottom of the sidewall is inserted under the structure that forms the floor to create an isolated enclosure. The Air-conditioning Unit (17) supplies the Enclosure through the Supply Air Duct (21) and withdraws air through Exit Air Duct (20). Part of the withdrawn air is reconditioned and supplied to the enclosure; the other part is replaced by fresh air. Energy is conserved from the replaced air in Heat Transfer Duct (37) and transferred to fresh air in Fresh Air Chamber (36). Unit efficiency is improved by mixing the exhausted withdrawn air in the Compressor Chamber (31) and exhausted by the Exhaust Air Duct (28).

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

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

Abstract: A portable cooler having one or more ice sheets including built-in refrigerant cubes. The cooler comprises an outer fabric shell and one or more sets of spaced apart refrigerant cubes encapsulated in plastic to form ice sheets that are attached to the interior walls of the cooler. The walls of the cooler may also include one or more layers of thermal insulation. The ice sheets provide a visually pleasing appearance to the inside of the cooler suggestive of cooling effects. The ice sheets may be retained along the walls of the cooler by seams sewn along the lanes passing between the refrigerant cubes, by being retained in pockets formed by sidewall liners or be being secured into chambers defined by the cooler's outer walls and a plastic insert fitted into the cooler.

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

Abstract: A cold-storage appliance comprises an open-topped insulating container defining an external surface, an insulating lid adapted to close the open top of the container, a cooling means adapted to cool the interior but not the exterior of the container, and a structure supporting the container, the lid and the cooling means. In accordance with the invention, the container is mounted to the structure for movement relative to the structure and the lid to open the container and afford access to its interior or to close the container, and at least a majority of the external surface of the container is exposed to ambient air when the container is closed by the lid.

Abstract: The cosmetics container includes: a cosmetics case; a refrigerant case; a container for containing the cosmetics case and the refrigerant case; a cosmetics cooling device having a cosmetics cooling tube for cooling cosmetics discharged from the cosmetics case flowing therein and a refrigerant channel for cooling and discharging out the cosmetics contained in the cosmetics cooling tube by evaporating refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant case while the refrigerant flows to a portion of the cosmetics cooling tube and surrounds the cosmetics cooling tube, the cosmetics cooling tube being made of a metallic material and located in the cosmetics cooling device; and a cap containing the cosmetics cooling device therein and having a cosmetics outlet for discharging out the cooled cosmetics, the cap being moved vertically for discharging out the cosmetics and the refrigerant by a pressing action.

Abstract: A cold-storage appliance includes an open-topped insulating container defining an external surface; an insulating lid adapted to close the open top of the container; a cooling means adapted to cool the interior of the container; and a structure supporting the container, the lid and the cooling means; wherein the container is mounted to the structure for movement relative to the structure and the lid to open the container and afford access to its interior or to close the container. A circulating fan or a heater creates air currents to warm the external surfaces of the bin or heating elements can be used to warm the external surfaces of the bin.

Abstract: A portable cooler has at least three separate storage compartments that comprise at least one ice-cold storage compartment; at least one dry moderately cold storage compartment; and at least one dry non-cold storage compartment. A temperature gradient construction enables the user to proficiently store food and non-food items of varying water sensitivities and temperature needs. Typically, a wet cooling medium is added to the ice-cold storage compartment. Discrete thermal conduction pathways extend from the ice-cold storage compartment into the moderately cold storage compartment, cooling the moderately cold storage compartment. The less cold compartment and the non-cold compartment are completely dry of water. Each of the compartments has its own lid enabling selective entry and thereby preventing temperature fluctuations and moister transfer when another compartment is accessed. The portable cooler has a plurality of foldable wheels on the base thereof to facilitate portability.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hollow casing, an insulation layer securely attached to an inner side thereof, a freezer area defined in the casing and in communication with the opening of the casing, a refrigeration area defined in the casing and separated from the freezer area by a baffle. The refrigeration area is in communication with the opening. A first conductor and a second conductor are sandwiched between the baffle and the insulation layer. A thermoelectric cooling chip is selectively actuated for reducing and increasing air temperature. A first heat dissipation device is provided to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric cooling chip, such that heat conduction between the first conductor and the second conductor is able to conduct cold air from the thermoelectric cooling chip to the refrigeration area and the freezer area.

Abstract: A cooler chest and can dispensing structure is described for individually dispensing cans therefrom. The structure comprises a cooler chest having a can dispensing structure positioned in the cooler compartment which extends between the opposite ends of the cooler chest. The can dispensing structure is sealed from the interior of the cooler chest to prevent ice and water therein from coming into contact with the cans.

Abstract: A storage device is provided for inter alia drink containers. The device includes a reservoir for a temperature conditioning material and multiple holders arranged in the reservoir. Each of the holders is configured for locating a drink container with a substantial portion of the same immersed in the temperature conditioning material when in use, whereby the drink container is removable therefrom for consumption and returnable thereto for temperature conditioning. The storage device further includes a first resilient member associated with each of the holders. The first member is formed with a number of displaceable elements arranged in a normal position to substantially cover the associated holder and are displaceable to an open position while engaging the drink container when same is located in the holder.

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

Abstract: A cooler for chilling food is particularly suited for outdoor buffet service and has an ice tray and a base that raises the ice tray off the ground. The ice tray is formed from insulated walls defining an interior compartment and includes a bottom wall and a side wall extending around the outer periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall has an upper surface that slopes away from the side wall to a drain that extends through the bottom wall. The cooler can be drained without tilting the cooler.

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

Abstract: Ice bag covers, articles and methods useful in the creation of a non-constrictive ice bag device that is compact and can be attached to a garment, said ice bag device comprising (a) an outer cover with extended peripheries to attach said outer cover to the inside or the outside of a garment using a plurality of safety pins; (b) a cooling medium, optionally in a liquid impermeable inner container that can fit inside the outer cover, said inner cooling container preferably being a plastic zipper bag which is sealed on three sides and having the fourth side open, the fourth side preferably having a rib and groove sealing closure; and (c) a plurality of safety pins for use to attach the ice bag device to a garment and to close the open side(s) of the outer cover; and wherein the ice bag device is optionally packaged in association with a set of instructions for use to direct the consumer how to use the product properly, to ensure that the consumer knows what benefits can be achieved, and how best to obtain these

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

Abstract: A reusable container for frozen goods, and a method of reusably containing ice pops, are disclosed. The reusable container includes at least two telescoping casings having at least an outermost casing that includes an uppermost portion and an innermost casing that includes a lowermost portion, wherein each casing has therein at least one cavity suitably sized for insertion of at least one frozen good into the cavity, and at least one liquid coolant within at least one of the casings. The method includes the steps of telescoping upward at least two telescoping cases to accommodate at least one ice pop, placing the at least one ice pop within the telescoped ones of the at least two telescoping cases, wherein, upon placement of the ice pop within the telescoped ones, the ice pop is at least partially surrounded by a frozen liquid coolant.

Abstract: Novel sorption cooling devices capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time are disclosed. The sorption cooling devices are particularly useful for temperature-controlled shipping containers that are required to maintain a temperature below ambient for a time sufficient to complete delivery of the container and its contents. The shipping containers can be utilized to cost-effectively transport temperature-sensitive products.

Abstract: A portable, temperature-controlled container for storing and transporting temperature-sensitive materials. The portable, temperature-controlled container includes a container having a bottom wall, four sides walls, and a top wall defining a cargo space. The container includes a temperature regulating unit connected to the container. The temperature regulating unit comprising a refrigeration unit. The temperature regulating unit being in communication with the cargo space of the container. The container includes a temperature controller connected to the container. The temperature controller comprising a temperature control unit and a temperature sensor positioned in the cargo space of the container. The container also includes a power supply.

Abstract: A self cooling container with an internal receptacle. The receptacle responds to differences in pressure between its internal and external walls so that when pressure acting external to the receptacle walls falls to atmospheric pressure the receptacle releases cooling agents that cool the contents of the container. The cooling agent may be scented with a pleasing scent. The container may be a can or a bottle for example. A method is provided for producing the bottle by blow molding of a plastic preform with threaded necks at opposite ends thereof and first and second chambers communicating with the necks with the second chamber inside the first chamber.

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 cooler for selectively maintaining a variety of food and beverage items at a low temperature, comprising a substantially rectangular insulated container and a cooling device for cooling the interior volume of the insulated container. The insulated container has a storage compartment, a lid, and at least one hinge which pivotally attaches the lid to the storage compartment. The cooling device has an associated air outlet vent for exhausting heat extracted from the interior volume of the insulated container during operation of the cooling device. The portable cooler has a display panel for enabling a user to control the operation of the cooling device and has a battery compartment for selective containment therein of at least one battery for powering the cooling device.

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

Abstract: A system for controlled freezing, storing and thawing a biopharmaceutical material includes a flexible container and a supporting structure. The flexible container is adapted to receive the biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, storing and thawing. The container further includes a flange and the supporting structure is engageable with the flange to receive the container. The supporting structure may position the container for freezing and may protect it during transport and storage.

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

Abstract: A mold for forming an ice ring on the inner surface of a bottle. The mold is in the form of a cylinder. One end of the mold carries a seal sized to form a fluid tight seal with the inner surface of the bottle neck. The mold is preferably hollow and has a handle attached to the end near the seal. The mold is inserted through the bottle neck until the seal forms a fluid tight seal with the bottle neck. Water is then poured into the bottle through the handle. The bottle is inverted and excess water allowed to flow out through the mold. The bottle is then set on the handle in a freezer until the water freezes. The mold is then removed. The bottle may then be filled with a selected drink through the ice ring.

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

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

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

Abstract: A cold-storage appliance (2) includes an open-topped insulating container (16) 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 (4, 6) supporting the container (16), the lid (22) 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 circulating fan (340) or a heater (346) creating air currents to warm the external surface of the bin (16) warming of the external surfaces using heating elements (380).

Abstract: A bottle carrier/cooler is provided for easy, convenient transportation, cooling and storage of a single conventional plastic beverage bottle. The bottle carrier/cooler is configured to substantially contain one standard bottle while exposing the bottle neck and bottle cap. The body of the bottle carrier/cooler is of a diameter sufficient to maintain ice or other refrigerants so the bottled beverage will remain at a desirable low temperature. The beverage which may be a soft drink, can be poured from the bottle without removing the bottle from the carrier/cooler. Finger detents formed within the sidewalls of the carrier/cooler keep the bottle in a radial stable location. A seal connected to the carrier/cooler lid prevents leakage of the refrigerant while the beverage is poured and in conjunction with projections along the bottom of the carrier/cooler stabilize the bottle longitudinally.

Abstract: A cryogenic transfer vial for storing and loading a crystal sample on a goniometer includes a cryogen retainer that inhibits spillage of the cryogen when the vial is inverted during sample loading and retrieval. The retainer may be an adsorptive material located in a region of the vial near a sample location, or may be a baffle arrangement within the vial for containing the cryogen.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, such as an evaporator, a condenser, or the like, for a refrigerator, such as a chill cabinet, a freezer cabinet or the like, includes at least one surface with which a thermal energy storage medium is in at least as far as possible heat-conducting contact, and bag-like reception containers to be connected to the evaporator.