Portable Receptacle Patents (Class 62/457.1)
  • Patent number: 8356723
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable ice chest having an improved foot operated lid or lid arrangement. The foot operated linkages are spaced away from the food holding compartment of the ice chest, being provided at end portions or in side panels of a container body. In one embodiment, a single lid or cover is provided. In another embodiment, a pair of lids or covers are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Brian S. Clement, Terence M. Adam
  • Patent number: 8348173
    Abstract: A portable temperature controlled container having a body including an internal chamber with an opening into the internal chamber; and a temperature control unit coupled to the body and displaced to be thermally coupled with a first portion of the internal chamber, the temperature control unit configured to selectively alter the temperature in the internal chamber by releasing a thermally controlled material into the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: ROYAL BIJOU
    Inventor: In Jae Shin
  • Publication number: 20120318016
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a movable refrigerator including a main body travel driving unit configured to automatically rotate the wheel to move the main body and a main body travel switching unit configured to turn on or off the main body travel driving unit to automatically or manually move the main body. Accordingly, the user may suitably select and use automatic operation and manual operation according to the user's healthy condition, the environment of the used place, or the need of use, thereby greatly enhancing the use convenience of a movable refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Namgi Lee, Sungil Park
  • Patent number: 8322147
    Abstract: Methods disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing integrally thermally-sealed storage containers. Methods include creating at least one indentation in at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet, wherein the at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet includes at least one first ultra efficient insulation material and wherein the at least one indentation is in a size and shape substantially conforming with material to be stored; placing material to be stored within one or more of the at least one indentation; placing at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet adjacent to the material to be stored, wherein the at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet includes at least one second ultra efficient insulation material; and creating a thermal seal between at least two layers of thermal barrier sheet, substantially thermally sealing the material to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Tokitae LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, William H. Gates, III, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8297070
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained race car cooler comprises an enclosure divided interiorly by vented baffles into separate cooling and fan compartments. A removable top covers the enclosure. Air is drawn through the enclosure and between adjacent cooling compartments by an electric fan. A plurality of removable canisters, frictionally fitted through orifices in the top, store “dry ice” for cooling. Each canister is peripherally restrained by a plurality of radially spaced-apart J-hooks emanating from the top that are biased inwardly by an elastic band. The J-hooks peripherally grasp the canisters and provide a detent for snappingly engaging or releasing the canisters. A heat-exchange standoff is secured beneath each canister upon the enclosure floor and comprises a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel rails with air passageways defined between them. Cooler lids removably coupled to the canisters are externally serviceable. Carbon dioxide venting is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Greg L. Pryor
  • Patent number: 8256156
    Abstract: A portable angler cooler apparatus includes two skis removably connected to a bottom-most circumferential edge of two wheels such that the wheels may remain elevated above a ground surface during transportation. A handle is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the cooler such that the skis are removably connected to the handle after the skis are detached from the wheels. Each of the skis may have a pair of spring-loaded clips mated to opposed longitudinal edges of each wheel respectively so as to be selectively biased between tensioned and equilibrium positions when engaged and disengaged from each of the wheels and the handle respectively. A T-bar locks selected ones of the compartments at a closed position to prohibit premature disengagement from the cooler during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: John W. Burgoyne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8209995
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: PackIt, LLC
    Inventors: Melissa Renee Kieling, Jeannette Marie Brisacher-Dirksen
  • Patent number: 8177123
    Abstract: A system for use in storing biopharmaceutical materials includes a holder and a container for holding biopharmaceutical materials therein. The container includes a storage portion and a sampling portion connected to each other by a connecting portion. The holder has a storage cavity receiving the storage portion and a sampling cavity receiving the sampling portion. The holder includes a first portion and second portion. The container is received between the first portion and the second portion to connect the container to the holder. The holder includes an interior storage cradle bounding the storage cavity of the holder. The holder includes an interior sampling cradle bounding the sampling cavity. The sampling cradle is separated from the storage cradle and connected to the storage cradle by a passage receiving the connecting portion connecting the storage portion to the sampling portion. An outer rim of the holder is connected to the cradle and separated from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim North America Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Voute, Jonathan Cutting, Isabelle Gay
  • Publication number: 20120024004
    Abstract: A beverage cooler is configured for retaining a plurality of beverage containers. The beverage cooler includes a rigid body defining a plurality of recessed surfaces that are each sized to receive at least a portion of a side surface of a beverage container. A cooling chamber is defined within at least a portion of the body for cooling the beverage containers. A collapsible beverage housing is mounted to the body that defines a plurality of separate compartments that are each sized to contain a beverage container. The beverage housing is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position in which each discrete compartment is oriented to readily receive a beverage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Raffi Kouyoumdjian, Robert Petner
  • Patent number: 8097449
    Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the cassette and transporter with heat transfer surfaces arranged to transfer heat between a cooling source in said transporter and the heat transfer surfaces of the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems
    Inventors: Jeffrey C Garland, Douglas Schein, David Walters Wright
  • Patent number: 8069680
    Abstract: Methods disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing integrally thermally-sealed storage containers. Methods include creating at least one indentation in at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet, wherein the at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet includes at least one first ultra efficient insulation material and wherein the at least one indentation is in a size and shape substantially conforming with material to be stored; placing material to be stored within one or more of the at least one indentation; placing at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet adjacent to the material to be stored, wherein the at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet includes at least one second ultra efficient insulation material; and creating a thermal seal between at least two layers of thermal barrier sheet, substantially thermally sealing the material to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tokitae LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, William H. Gates, III, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8065888
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining low temperature of a food item includes a first bowl member, a second bowl member, and a lid member. The first bowl member includes a first body portion, a first open top end portion, and a first closed bottom end portion. The first bowl member is capable of receiving a cooling material therewithin. Further, the second bowl member includes a second body portion, a second open top end portion, and a second closed bottom end portion. The second bowl member is capable of receiving the food item therewithin. The second bowl member is configured to be removably received within the first bowl member. The second bowl member includes at least one handle member for facilitating lifting and carrying of the second bowl member. The lid member covers the food item received in the second bowl member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Bonnie Rogers
  • Patent number: 8061159
    Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and an internal, substantially rigid molded plastic receptacle mounted therein. It has a cover structure that includes a reinforcement member for engaging a land region of the molded receptacle, thereby tending to yield an interface tending to have a sealing relationship. The container may also include a thermal storage element, and the container may have an accommodation for receiving the thermal storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: California Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin S. Mogil, Mark J. Greenstein, Michael Ramundi, Andrius S. Birutis, David W. Sagan, Evan R. Olander, Richard C. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20110247356
    Abstract: A freight container for transporting articles at a predetermined temperature is provided with a Peltier element (1) within heat isolating walls. Under control of a control module (2), the Peltier element (1) can be energized by a battery (3) in order to collect or emit heat from/to the inside of the container. The container has an outside supporting frame that keeps the container from collapsing The Peltier element is connected to the supporting frame, via a heat spreader (4), and one or more heat pipes (5) extending through at least one of said insulating walls. Thus, the frame is used emit or collect heat to/from the outside environment of the container. The container, moreover, may comprise photovoltaic means (8) outside the container, on wall panels that are supported by the frame, for converting light into electric energy which can be fed to said Peltier element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicants: Coltratech B.V., Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurweten schappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Lucienne Jozefina Wilhelmina Maria Krosse, Arnold Felix Linnewiel, Hendrik Pieter Oversloot
  • Publication number: 20110239691
    Abstract: The technology is to provide an insulated portable container unit to maintain specific temperature specs to be used for storage or transporting food, medical and pharmaceutical products, and floral. The technology will consist of a combination of a specific gel coating; specific fiberglass sheets; specific polyurethane foam insulation; specific wrapped wood reinforcement; and specific steel reinforcement. The technology will have a combination of specific components that create a refrigerated technology that increases storage and transportation efficiency and saves energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Georgette Constance Suttman
  • Publication number: 20110232307
    Abstract: A liquid refrigeration system for a thermally-insulated storage container includes a tank configured to store liquid air therein, a conduit system having a first end portion coupled to the tank and a second end portion configured to be positioned within an interior of the thermally-insulated storage container, a spray head coupled to the second end portion of the conduit system, a control system electrically coupled to the tank and the spray head to control the flow of liquid air from the tank to the spray head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: David Pickup
  • Publication number: 20110197625
    Abstract: A cooler includes a body, a cover coupled to the body, and an extendable handle. The body includes a base, a first and second sidewall extending from the base and positioned to face one another, and a third and fourth sidewall extending from the base and positioned to face one another. The third and fourth sidewalls extend from the first sidewall to the second sidewall. The handle includes a first and second bar and a center bar extending from one end of the first bar to one end of the second bar. The handle is positionable in an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the horizontal component of the distance from the center bar to the fourth sidewall is less than when the positioned in the extended position. The handle is either slidably coupled or telescopically coupled to the first and second sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Hayes M. Urban, Matthew C. Grossman, Kit R. Morris, John Maldonado, James B. Duke
  • Publication number: 20110193710
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a refrigerated container carrying temperature-sensitive cargo. The system includes sensors disposed throughout the container and/or an associated vehicle for measuring parameters of the container or vehicle, including temperature, motion, and fuel efficiency, among many others. The system optionally includes a global positioning system receiver to monitor geographic location. The system communicates with a command center to allow real-time tracking and monitoring of the container. To reduce false positive alerts, the system buffers alerts by at least 30 minutes and blocks signal transmission when the container is located within specified geofences such as loading and unloading sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: PAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason McIlvain, Fred Matrulli, John W. Sammon, III
  • Publication number: 20110167839
    Abstract: A packaged beverage temperature adjustment apparatus includes: a temperature adjustment section configured to hold a packaged beverage, and adjust a temperature of the packaged beverage; and a rotation driving section configured to rotate the temperature adjustment section, the temperature adjustment section including at least one temperature adjustment unit abutting on a side face of the packaged beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: TEX E.G. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takahide Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20110167863
    Abstract: Insulated cooler bags are disclosed. Methods of making and using insulated cooler bags are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Francis N. Herrbold
  • Patent number: 7963397
    Abstract: The invention provides a knock-down, lightweight, thermally insulating, shipping container made at least in part from a polymer core covered by a thermoplastic sheet layer. In an embodiment of the invention, the shipping container is modular, being adjusted to suit the item(s) to be shipped. In an embodiment of the invention, the base, top panel and walls are made of expanded polystyrene core and combined with high impact polystyrene surface. In one embodiment, a mesh is introduced into the core to strengthen the core making the shipping container tamper proof. A shipping container bag that is light weight, strong, made of a fire retardant material and which forms an ultra violet light, weather and dust barrier can be used to store the shipping container. A system and method for supplying, dispensing, positioning, tracking, transporting, forwarding and storing the light weight shipping containers based on the shipping container bag is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventors: Vance L. Seagle, Philip J. Tschirn, Rick D. Imbrecht, David G. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20110138820
    Abstract: A portable, automated, cold-chain maintaining, cooling apparatus is disclosed. This apparatus comprises one or more portable cooling modules in communication with one or more portable transition modules. The cooling modules have cooling module conveyor apparatus to move containers of product through the module and a product cooling apparatus to provide cooling air to the product. The portable transition module is in communication with each of said one or more portable cooling modules in such a manner to maintain the cold temperature of said cooled product. A transition module conveyor apparatus within the transition module is in communication with the cooling module conveyor apparatus and automatically transfer the product from the cooling modules into the portable transition module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Frederic R. Weeth, Michael J. Azzopardi
  • Patent number: 7950246
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Minnesota Thermal Science, LLC
    Inventors: William N. Mayer, William T. Mayer, Kurt O. Mankell
  • Patent number: 7950249
    Abstract: A portable insulated cooler has a bottom space adapted to hold ice cubes. A removable perforated panel suspended over the bottom space separates the bottom space from a central cooled storage area. A removable frame suspended above the central cooled areas holds ice cube containing flasks. Each flask has a large closable opening in its upper broad flat face to easily receive ice cubes. The lower broad face of the flask forms a cooling upper margin of the central cooled area so that the contents of the area are cooled from both top and bottom. The flasks have a flange around the upper face to rest upon the frame, while most of the flask is below the frame. This enables the insulated cooler top to close. By cooling from both top and bottom, the central area is more uniformly cooled. Opening the cooler top to access the central area creates less heat gain than with prior art devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Robert J. White, Richard W. White
  • Patent number: 7937964
    Abstract: A mounting kit consisting of a top panel made from polyethylene plastic with designated areas cut out to accommodate a standard car stereo and four speakers along with optional support sides also made from polyethylene plastic to allow for installation within an ice chest (cooler) or other secure, durable container. An antenna, screws, power switch, charging receptacle and all mounting hardware are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony Joey Temple
  • Patent number: 7926295
    Abstract: A blank, carton, package, and method for enclosing a plurality of containers in a carton is disclosed. The carton includes first and second top panels, first and second side panels, and a bottom panel. The top panels each include separation lines with one top panel disposed over the other top panel when formed as a carton. The carton is openable along the separation lines to expose the containers. The carton is capable of receiving a cooling substance therewithin when the top panels are separated along the separation lines. The carton including at least two handle tear lines with a handle disposed therebetween. The handle capable of being engaged to move the carton or package as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirsten L. Brand
  • Publication number: 20110041545
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable ice chest having an improved foot operated lid or lid arrangement. The foot operated linkages are spaced away from the food holding compartment of the ice chest, being provided at end portions or in side panels of a container body. In one embodiment, a single lid or cover is provided. In another embodiment, a pair of lids or covers are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Brian S. Clement, Terence M. Adam
  • Publication number: 20110041544
    Abstract: An insulating can cooler, which plays sounds. The cooler consists of a cylindrical enclosure, which is open on top and enclosed on the bottom. The cooler also consists of a sound device that will activate when a can or bottle is inserted in or extracted from the cooler. Have the ability to record a sound when a button is held in for a period of time; and the ability to download music from the Internet or other devices; and the ability to shut off and change the sound with a switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Tom Ferguson, Mark Balog, Mark Gumbel, Marie Prugar, John Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110011122
    Abstract: A new and improved portable bulkhead for use within, for example, refrigeration containers in order to, for example, divide the interior space of the refrigeration container into a predetermined refrigeration compartment within which a predetermined refrigeration temperature is to be maintained, wherein the new and improved portable bulkhead comprises a central core block fabricated from extruded polystyrene and having oppositely disposed side surface portions, and a pair of vinyl sheets respectively laminated onto the opposite side surface portions of the central core block so as to form, with the central core, a three-piece laminated portable bulkhead. The resulting bulkhead exhibits enhanced stiffness, rigidity, durability, service life expectancy, and does not readily absorb water which renders the same capable of being readily washed-down during cleaning and maintenance procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Toby Clark
  • Publication number: 20110005260
    Abstract: An insulating can cooler, which plays sounds. The cooler consists of a cylindrical enclosure, which is open on top and enclosed on the bottom. The cooler also consists of a sound device that will activate when a can is inserted in or extracted from the cooler or by pressing external buttons. The recording device will be activated when one button is held in for a period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Tom Ferguson, Mark Balog, Mark Gumbel, Marie Prugar, John Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7866539
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gottfried Senftner, Peter Wigand
  • Patent number: 7841207
    Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and an internal, substantially rigid molded plastic receptacle mounted therein. It has a cover structure that includes a reinforcement member for engaging a land region of the molded receptacle, thereby tending to yield an interface tending to have a sealing relationship. The container may also include a thermal storage element, and the container may have an accommodation for receiving the thermal storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: California Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin S. Mogil, Mark J. Greenstein, Michael Ramundi, Andrius S. Birutis
  • Patent number: 7836722
    Abstract: A food container includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper wall and the lower wall. At least one of the upper wall, the lower wall, and the side wall includes a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material. The phase change material has a latent heat in the range of 40 J/g to 400 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C. The phase change material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Outlast Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Monte C. Magill, Jeanette Heimbach
  • Patent number: 7827806
    Abstract: A portable cooled merchandising unit including a product container assembly and a thermoelectric assembly. The product container assembly includes an exterior frame and an interior container forming a floor and side panels defining an interior region. Openings to the interior region are defined opposite the floor. Airflow paths are defined at an exterior of the panels and are fluidly connected to the interior region via the opening. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device connected to a heat sink that is fluidly connected to the airflow path away from the opening. A fan is positioned to circulate air from the thermoelectric device and into the interior region via the airflow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Galen Hersey, Thomas P. Meehan, Mark Bedard
  • Publication number: 20100275641
    Abstract: A recreational amusement (20) takes the form a cooler (21) having a toss-type game board (28) integrated with the cooler's lid (26). The toss-type game board (28) includes one or more cavities (29) in the top (27) of the lid (26). Provision is made for orienting the top (27) of the lid (26) in a sloping position for play of the game enabled by the game board (28). The cooler (21) retains all conventional features of a beverage type cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin Edward Manner, Brooks Christopher Bennett
  • Publication number: 20100278009
    Abstract: A configuration for the deck of a marine vessel, wherein parallel and perpendicular travel paths, for movement of individual OBS unit storage baskets, are formed along a deck utilizing, in part, the storage baskets themselves. A portion of the deck is divided into a grid defined by a series of low-to-the-deck perpendicular and parallel rails and each square in the grid is configured to hold an OBS unit storage basket. Around the perimeter of the grid is an external containment wall which has a greater height than the rails. Storage baskets seated within the grid are configured to selectively form internal containment walls. Opposing internal and external containment walls define travel paths along which a storage basket can be moved utilizing a low, overhead gantry. A basket need only be lifted a minimal height above the deck in order to be moved along a path. The containment walls and the deck itself constraining uncontrolled swinging of baskets, even in onerous weather or sea conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James N. Thompson, Jerry L. Laws, Roger L. Fyffe
  • Patent number: 7810348
    Abstract: A container has a thermal pack aligned on a central axis of the container. The thermal pack includes a material such as a phase change material for cooling (or heating) the liquid in the container. The thermal pack attaches to the container such as by a threaded connection in a receiving tube, which makes full circumferential contact with an end of the thermal pack. The container has a drinking or pouring opening aligned relative to the thermal pack, but completely separated from the thermal pack. Radial flow slots permit fluid to flow from the container interior through the drinking or pouring opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Grand-Bonanza Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Shewchuk
  • Publication number: 20100218532
    Abstract: A luggage refrigerator apparatus comprises a storage cabinet for transporting personal belongings and a means for refrigeration. After a traveler reaches his or her destination and unpacks personal belongings from the luggage, he or she may use the luggage to store and refrigerate groceries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory Beliczynski
  • Patent number: 7764497
    Abstract: A transit container, such as a rack-mount style container, includes a temperature control system for maintaining a desired temperature within the container such that any cargo within the container remains operational at selected times and possibly in selected locations. The temperature control system includes support or mounting brackets, a temperature control assembly, shock isolation devices for shock attenuation of the temperature control assembly, exhaust assemblies that include exhaust fans and exhaust/intake louvers, and a mounting plate attachable to a lid of the transit container. The temperature control assembly and the aforementioned components may be arranged to have a low-height profile or envelope, which in turn permits the temperature control system to be located in a cavity or chamber of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Environmental Container Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis M. Becklin
  • Patent number: 7753202
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a cover-cooler combination for a golf bag which allows for maintaining perishable items such as beverage or food or both at temperatures above or below room temperature for a sufficient period of time to ensure enjoyment of the item held in the cover-cooler device while also continuing to provide traditional protection for the golf clubs in a golf bag. The cover-cooler combination may also include added features such as wireless device holders, pocket-like holders for keys, writing utensils, golf accessories including additional golf balls and tees, etc. to enhance a golfer's golfing experience by adding convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Ty P. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7748223
    Abstract: A constant temperature liquid bath using a thermo-module in which even if an article whose temperature is to be controlled exists in the bath, the temperature of the liquid is efficiently adjusted to a constant value. The liquid bath includes an outer bath storing the liquid, an inner bath disposed in the outer bath through a gap, and including holes in its sidewall through which the liquid flows into the inner bath from the outer bath and an opening at a central portion of its bottom, and an agitator that causes the liquid to flow upward from the opening of the bottom of the inner bath between sidewalls of the inner and outer baths by a rotor blade disposed on a central portion of a bottom between the outer bath and the inner bath. The thermo-module is mounted on an outer surface of the sidewall of the outer bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Minoura
  • Publication number: 20100154463
    Abstract: A cooler is provided and includes a housing having a sidewall portion defining an open compartment of a size larger than a beverage keg. The housing also having a wall portion defining a partially opened base member configured to support the compartment and provide a seat for at least a portion of the beverage keg. The base member includes an opening configured to receive a spout operatively associated with the beverage keg. A sealing member is configured to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between at least a portion of the beverage keg and the base member. An anti-lift plug is operatively associated with the housing and is adapted to releasably couple to the spout of the beverage keg and contact a portion of the opening of the base member such that the beverage keg is prevented from floating during dispensing of a beverage contained within the beverage keg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth DeGennaro, Christopher Amenita
  • Patent number: 7721566
    Abstract: An apparatus having a plurality of phase change material-containing wall panels. The wall panels have a thickness and sides. The wall panels define an inner major surface and an outer major surface. The sides of the wall panels are hingedly interconnected to define a closed structure. Two diametrically opposed hinge interconnections are proximate the inner major surface. The remaining hinge interconnections are proximate the outer major surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Minnesota Thermal Science, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Wilken
  • Publication number: 20100116768
    Abstract: A bottle including a body portion having a plurality of dividing walls extending from a base portion to a plurality of connection regions; a first chamber for holding a first liquid; a second chamber for holding a second liquid; a third chamber for holding a third liquid; and a removable cap; wherein a height of the plurality of dividing walls is less than an overall height of the body portion and the plurality of connection regions are configured to be a maximum height of the plurality of dividing walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Theodosios Kountotsis
  • Patent number: 7691622
    Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the cassette and transporter with heat transfer surfaces arranged to transfer heat between a cooling source in said transporter and the heat transfer surfaces of the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Garland, Douglas Schein, David Walter Wright
  • Patent number: 7678563
    Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Walter Wright, Douglas Schein, John Brassil
  • Patent number: 7677406
    Abstract: An insulation container includes a flexible exterior container and a rigid interior container for maintaining stored items at a cool temperature. The exterior housing includes a lid for selectively sealing the entire open top thereof for selectively inserting or removing large or multiple items, the lid having an auxiliary door for quickly removing small or single items from the internal storage area. Opening only the auxiliary door also helps to maintain the internal temperature for a longer time than is possible if the entire lid is opened. The interior housing may be constructed of stainless steel for enhanced insulation with an intermediate housing sandwiched between interior and exterior housings. The intermediate housing may include a rubber material for preventing condensation from forming on the exterior housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Floyd S. Maxson
  • Patent number: 7678066
    Abstract: A massage and/or dispensing device includes a body, and an applicator element intended to be placed in contact with a surface to be massaged and/or a surface to which a product is to be applied. The applicator element is movably retained in the body or mounted for movement relative to the body. The arrangement further includes a cooling arrangement which includes means of expanding a refrigerant liquefied gas directly in contact with the applicator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jacques Habatjou
  • Publication number: 20100031950
    Abstract: An apparatus including a cooler and a grill. The cooler may be used to store a plurality of foodstuffs. The grill may be used for cooking. The grill is attached to the cooler by a sliding attachment that allows the grill and the cooler to be in a first, collapsed position whereby the grill and the cooler are maintained in a close proximity to one another for transportation and a second, expanded position whereby the grill and the cooler are maintained in a more distant proximity to one another than the collapsed position for cooking upon the grill. A grill compartment may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: POSITIVE OUTCOMES, INC.
    Inventor: Ray N. Paslawski
  • Patent number: 7637120
    Abstract: The container holding device is designed to improve the process of cooling liquids within containers. The present invention comprises a gripping device, which holds a container of fluid, and a drive shaft which is designed so that it can be securely inserted into the chuck of a hand held motorized rotary device. The inner surface of the gripping device frictionally retains a container securely, while the container is submerged into a chest filled with ice or an icy water solution and the hand held motorized rotary device actuated. The rotation accelerates the transference of the heat from the container into the colder ice or icy solution. A detachable handle, capable of connecting to the drive shaft, may also be used to allow the user to manually spin the container of fluid if a hand held motorized rotary device is not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Brian Edward Doss