Abstract: A portable insulated container includes an outer shell and a temperature control pack. The portable insulated container also includes a first insert portion that fits inside the outer shell and a second insert portion that also fits inside the outer shell and is configured to engage with the first insert portion to form a plurality of insulated cavities including a temperature control pack cavity along with three or more separate bottle storage cavities. Each of the three or more bottle storage cavities is configured for receiving a bottle and each of the three or more bottle storage cavities is configured for receiving bottles of different sizes and shapes. Each of the three or more bottle storage cavities may also be equidistant from the temperature control pack cavity.

Abstract: Cooler beverage inserts may include an insert container having an insertion surface and a container retrieval surface opposite the insertion surface. A container interior may extend between the insertion surface and the container retrieval surface. The container interior may be configured to contain a cooling medium. At least one receptacle interior may extend from the insertion surface through the container interior to the container retrieval surface and open to the insertion surface and the container retrieval surface. The at least one receptacle interior may be sized and configured to accommodate a plurality of beverage containers. The at least one receptacle interior may have a uniform width or diameter from the insertion surface to the container retrieval surface. Accordingly, the plurality of beverage containers may be sequentially removable from the at least one receptacle interior without removal of the insert container from the cooler.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide rigid (hard-sided) ice packs that include contours configured to cooperate with whole fish, as harvested. The contours allow the fish to have close contact with surfaces of the ice pack while also protecting the fish from being bruised, crushed, deformed, or otherwise damaged during storage or transportation.

Abstract: A method of thawing an object (21) in a frozen state placed in an interior of a container (10), in which an AC voltage which is 10V or higher and 5 kV or lower is applied to the object (21) in the frozen state to flow a current which is 1 ?A or higher and 1000 mA or lower, through the object (21) in the frozen state, includes the steps of: partially thawing the object (21) in the frozen state in such a manner that a temperature in the interior of the container (10) is controlled to cause the object (21) in the frozen state to be partially thawed while applying the AC voltage to the object (21) in the frozen state; and stopping application of the AC voltage to the object (21) and preserving the object (21) while maintaining a state in which the object (21) partially thawed.

Abstract: Bodily fluid sample transport systems, devices, and method are provided. In at least one embodiment described herein, methods are provided for the physical transport of small volumes of bodily fluid in liquid form from one location to another location. By way of nonlimiting example, the samples are collected in liquid form at a collection site, transported in liquid form, and arrive at an analysis site in liquid form. In many embodiments, the liquid form during transport is not held in a porous matrix, wicking material, webbing, or similar material that prevents sample for being extracted in liquid form at the destination site. In one embodiment, small volume of sample in each sample vessel is in the range of about 1 ml to about 1 microliter.

Abstract: A beverage chilling system is provided. The system comprises a cover, a vessel, a fastener, and is configured such that the fastener allows attachment of the cover to a vessel, so that the cover can be used to prevent sunlight from warming the contents of the vessel. In certain implementations, the cooling device can take on an egg-shaped character and provide easy carrying by way of a movable handle.

Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a chest cooler for dispensing a number of products. The chest cooler may include an outer frame, a number of product compartments within the outer frame, an upper door, and a front door. The front door may include a transparent panel. Some or all of the products are accessible via either the upper door or the front door and visible through the transparent panel.

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. Both the receptacle and the engaging seal member of the lid may be outwardly splayed. The container may also include a thermal storage element, and the container may have an accommodation for receiving the thermal storage element.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with substantially thermally sealed storage containers are described herein. These include an apparatus comprising a stored material module, a stabilizer unit, a stored material module cap and a central stabilizer unit. The apparatus also include a transportation stabilizer unit with dimensions corresponding to a substantially thermally sealed storage container with a flexible conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is to an icebox, which has volume varying means so as to selectively vary a storage space of the icebox for storing various food supplies and to simultaneously store various portable means and household items to thereby prevent convenience in use. The icebox includes: an icebox body having a bottom and side walls, which are filled with insulating material, and a storing part opened at one side for storing foods therein; a cover for selectively opening and closing the opened side of the icebox body, the cover having a receiving part; a capacity varying part interposed between the icebox body and the cover and slidably joined to the storing part so as to vary the capacity of the storing part. Because the capacity of the storing part of the icebox is selectively varied, the icebox enables the user to utilize the space of the storing part in various ways, can accommodate various kinds of food supplies and household items, and is convenient in going long distance.

Abstract: A cooler for holding two cans, particular beverage cans containing beer, soft drinks or the like, in a stacked or tandem arrangement. The cooler holds the cans snuggly, keeping them safe from bumps and the like, and also insulates the cans to preserve cold or hot temperature of can contents as long as practicable. The cooler has a cylindrical configuration including a body with an open top, a closed bottom, and an interior space. The body has a cylindrical sleeve and a bottom, which is either in the form of a separate panel or unitary with the sleeve. The bottom has an aperture for preventing or reducing vacuum on the inside of the cooler.

Abstract: A device capable of storing beverages is provided with a base and a lid. The base includes a central cavity capable of retaining beverage containers and a cooling component. The bottoms of beverage containers may rest in container-retaining pockets molded into the bottom of the base and the tops of beverage containers may rest in one or more pockets protruding from the lid. One advantage is that the beverage containers may come into direct contact with the cooling component located in the central cavity of the base of the device.

Abstract: A portable cooler has a thermally isolating outer shell defining an internal compartment for holding contents to be kept cool, such as, for example, food, drinks and temperature-sensitive medicine. The portable cooler has a door connected to the outer shell for providing unrestricted access to the internal compartment. The portable cooler may have a shelf for holding a cold gel pack to help keep the contents cool. The cooler may also have a plurality of dividers (that are optionally reconfigurable) for defining variously sized storage spaces for the contents. The cooler may have an aesthetically pleasing curved outer shell and an adjustable shoulder strap so that the cooler can be carried on a person's shoulder. Because the cooler is easy and comfortable to carry and because its large swing-open door provides full and quick access to its contents, this cooler is more ergonomic and aesthetic than traditional designs.

Abstract: A generally box shaped portable ice chest for medical supplies and the like includes a plastic housing having a top, bottom, front, back and two sides and an inner compartment within the plastic housing. Between the plastic housing and inner compartment there are three layers of insulation including a Styrofoam polystyrene foam layer, a compressed cork layer and a compressed rubber layer sandwiched between the stainless steel lining and the outer housing. The inner compartment includes three removable vertically stacked drawers and a beverage compartment behind the drawers for receiving a plurality of beverage containers. One of the drawers is adapted to receive dry ice. Each of the drawers includes a plurality of openings. A fan, a solar panel and a rechargeable battery and circuit for charging the battery are disposed in the top of the housing for circulating air through the drawers and beverage container.

Abstract: A tube (20) with outer and inner walls (22, 24) and webbing (26) between them. The inner wall (24) forms a cylindrical inner chamber (28) that slidably receives drink cans (50) end-to-end. Spaces between the inner and outer walls, and between the webbing, form longitudinal thermal chambers (23) surrounding the inner wall for receiving thermal packs (48) along the length of the inner chamber (28). Convection paths (32) between the thermal chambers (23) and the inner chamber (28) provide air circulation for efficient heat transfer. The inner chamber has an access opening (29) at the front end of the tube for receiving and dispensing the drink cans. An elevator (40) in the inner chamber may be provided to move drink cans toward the access opening via cords or rods (44) extending from the front end of the tube that pull the elevator toward the front end of the tube.

Abstract: A device capable of storing beverages is provided with a base and a lid. The base includes a central cavity capable of retaining beverage containers and a cooling component. The bottoms of beverage containers may rest in container-retaining pockets molded into the bottom of the base and the tops of beverage containers may rest in one or more pockets protruding from the lid. One advantage is that the beverage containers may come into direct contact with the cooling component located in the central cavity of the base of the device.

Abstract: A cooler for beverage containers, comprising an outer holder (5) and at least one inner holder (17), received in the outer holder (5), provided with: at least a series of receiving positions (28) within the inner holder, for beverage containers (30); a cooling device (13) for forming an ice layer between the at least one inner holder and the outer holder; pumping means (22) for drawing coolant from the at least one inner holder (17) and lifting coolant between the inner holder (17) and the outer holder (5); at least one overflow (32) for reintroducing lifted coolant into the inner holder (17).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cooler of table-type, which can be easily kept in custody and reduce power consumption, and which can increase a cooling efficiency and provide a visual satisfaction to a user.

Abstract: A cooler for beverage containers preferably includes a cooler container, a cooler lid and a cooler cover. The cooler container, cooler lid and cooler cover are shaped to resemble a V-type engine. The cooler container includes an outer surface wall, which has a substantially consistent thickness. An inner surface of the outer surface wall forms a cooling cavity to accept beverage containers and ice. A pair of cylinder banks are formed on opposing sides of the cooler container and the cooler lid. At least one beverage container opening is formed through each cylinder bank to receive a beverage container. The cooler cover includes a first valve cooler cover, a manifold cooler cover and a second valve cooler cover. The cooler lid is secured to a bottom of the manifold cooler cover.

Abstract: The cooling chest for rapidly quenching beverages includes a quench tray for holding containers of beverage. The quench tray is lowered into salt-water or other cooling liquid which is cooled by a refrigeration unit. A processing device determines the temperature of the beverages within the containers within the quench tray and further activates a mechanism for removing the quench tray from the water or cooling liquid when the desired temperature is reached. The processing device can also activate the mechanism for removing the quench tray from the water or cooling liquid when the upper lid or access doors are opened.

Abstract: A portable cooler including a sealable outer container, and a sealable inner container situated within the outer container. A first thermoelectric cooling device having a cooling panel and a heating panel is mounted on the wall of the outer container such that the cooling panel faces the interior of the sealable outer container and the heating panel faces outside of said sealable outer container. A second thermoelectric cooling device, also having a cooling panel and a heating panel, is mounted on the wall of the internal container such that the cooling panel faces the interior of the inner container and the heating panel faces outside of the sealable inner container into the interior of said sealable outer container.

Abstract: A cooler includes a box portion having a rigid outer shell and a rigid inner shell, an insulative material disposed between the outer shell and the inner shell. The inner shell defines a chamber therein having a floor and opening to a inner shell top, the floor sloping from a higher end to a lower end. The box portion defines a drain hole passing therethrough adjacent to the lower end. The inner shell and the outer shell define a cavity therebetween adjacent to the floor. The cavity, into which a tray fits, opens to a hole defined by the outer shell. The outer shell includes a bottom from which four feet that are molded into the outer shell extend so as to form an air gap between the bottom and any surface upon which the cooler is placed. A door is configured to cover the hole. The outer shell defines a first recess about the hole so that neither the door nor the attachment member extends beyond an outer surface of the outer shell when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A dual compartment cooling device that is designed to cool water, or other beverages, as a batch based on expected demand. This provides for the cooling of beverages which are to be consumed in a subsequent demand cycle at which time it is refilled but allows remaining water to remain “hotter” until it is to be in the next dispense cycle.

Abstract: A beverage cooler for cooling one or more beverages and a method for assembled the beverage cooler are disclosed herein. The beverage cooler includes a frame member having a cooling chamber defined within at least a portion of the frame member, and a beverage support surface that is mounted with respect to the frame member for movement between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position of the beverage support surface, the beverage support surface is positioned to support at least one beverage container. In the retracted position of the beverage support surface, the beverage support surface is not positioned to support at least one beverage container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frozen beverage holder and method of making the same, the frozen beverage holder formed from a frozen block with one or more orifices formed in the frozen block adapted to receive a beverage container. The beverage holder may be formed entirely from a frozen liquid, semi-liquid, semi-solid, or gaseous material, and may also include height positioning devices or steps to position a beverage container inserted into the orifices at a desired height, a storage area and drainage channel formed into the frozen beverage holder; and a business card holder formed as a groove in the frozen beverage holder and configured so that a business card may be vertically inserted into the groove. The present invention is also directed at a mold for making the frozen beverage holder.

Abstract: The present invention is a geometrically optimized beverage cooler, which positions fluid-filled containers (bottles, cans, vials, syringes, etc.) in an angled, upright, and evenly spaced position for serving and display. The device uniformly distributes ice and cold water around each bottle to maximize the effective cooling capacity of a given quantity of ice, thus reducing the amount of ice needed and the weight of the device during transport. Various embodiments of the apparatus include an ergonomically and structurally reinforced handle and an insulating lid having complementary contours.

Abstract: Multiple food storage systems are disclosed herein. One food storage system includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defines a second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. A separate food storage system includes a main lid configured for use with a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein.

Abstract: A diaper bag having a major compartment with pockets on the walls or bottom thereof for one or more of the following accessories needed either by the mother or baby for travel: wipes, diapers, spare clothes, Mom's ipod, cell phone, keys and/or wallet, a changing mat, snacks, formula, baby food, and having actively or passively heated and cooled insulated compartments for formula, baby food included on the inside or outside of the main compartment.

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.

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.

Abstract: An invertible portable cooler having a lid, an insulated interior to receive and retain ice and ice water, a can receptacle member to receive and retain a plurality of beverage cans, and an ice trap to receive and retain ice drained of excess water, wherein the beverage cans and ice retained by the ice trap are accessible by opening the lid of the cooler. The cooler may be provided with one or two spigots for dispensing the ice water without removing the cooler lid. The cooler may have a second lid opposite from the first lid. A cooler stand may be provided that accommodates inversion of the cooler.

Abstract: An apparatus for conductive and convective cooling of the liquid contents of bottles in a thermally insulating chest. A plate with spaced holes each for receiving a respective bottle with a gap between each of the bottles and the side of the respective hole. A set of legs for supporting and stabilizing the plate within the chest and crushed ice, ice cubes and the like filling the volume between the plate's support surface, the exposed upper portions of the bottles and the associated sides of the chest. Conductive cooling is attained through direct contact between the bottles and the ice. Convective cooling occurs through the liquid contents of the bottles, the colder, more dense liquids in the upper portions of the bottles flowing down into and displacing the less dense and warmer liquid contents upwardly toward the ice.

Abstract: A pouch for carrying temperature-sensitive products having at least three sides and a bottom that are fixedly attached. The sides and bottom of the pouch form an internal container which may be sized and configured to hold a variety of sizes and shapes of temperature-sensitive products. The pouch may also comprise a releasably-attached top. A thermo-regulable agent is contained within at least one of the sides.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing saline slush for surgical applications. Producing surgical saline slush in a slush bottle that is a rigid or semi-rigid, high integrity, sturdy container that resists punctures and leaks to better maintain a sterile barrier and does not rely on having an external object placed in the fluid to mix the slush. Slush is agitated by rotating the slush bottle within a slush bottle carriage around an axis of rotation. Agitation of the slush may be increased by including an agitation feature such as at least one fin in one or more sidewalls of the slush bottle. The rotating slush bottle is chilled. One variation is to keep the sterile saline in a flexible container and tumble the flexible container in a rotating slush bottle. Other variations are suggested.

Abstract: A containment apparatus (10) having a floor wall (12) with four side walls (16) extending therefrom and an opening (13) at the top. Each of the side walls (16) and the floor wall (12) include apertures (20) defined within to allow air to flow freely throughout the containment apparatus. A lid (18) may be provided to place on the containment apparatus to cover the opening (13). A divider (21) made of interlocking wall strips (23) that connect to define a plurality of separate compartments (25). Each interlocking wall strip (23) having multiple apertures (20) defined within to allow for free airflow around, through and between each compartment (25). An alternative embodiment of the divider (31) is comprised of a molded material such as plastic for holding thermosensitive product vials. The alternative divider (31) having a plurality of aligned wells (39). Each well (39) being adapted to support one thermosensitive product vial.

Abstract: In my research and testing I referenced other name brand coolers in shape and made a prototype for demonstrating to public and testing. Research was done to make sure the cooler was not already on the market thru the U.S. patent database. To my findings there is nothing to this affect.

Abstract: An insulated carrier having an interior lip for supporting a planar organizer having a plurality of spaced apart apertures for receiving user provided containers and organizer aperture covers for covering said containers. The carrier having a lid for covering said carrier and having segregated storage compartments for utilitarian use, such as cutlery storage. The storage compartments having a latch door providing access therein.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for rapidly cooling small volumes of fluids. The apparatus includes a plurality of cooling elements each including a housing forming a sealable cooling fluid chamber which can house a cooling fluid. At least one spacer is arranged to separate opposed cooling elements and provide a separation distance between the opposed cooling elements. Each of the plurality of cooling elements is arranged to be independently separable to allow ready assembly, disassembly, and cleaning. The plurality of cooling elements can include a stack of disc-shaped cooling elements or concentric cylinders that can be situated in a container and rotated by a motor.

Abstract: A wearable cooler device for the transport of consumables having multiple access ports near the bottom thereof and containing pathways that direct the consumables to areas proximate the access ports, thereby allowing easy removal while preventing the unintended egress of the consumables from the wearable cooler.

Abstract: The cooling chest for rapidly quenching beverages includes a quench tray for holding containers of beverage. The quench tray is lowered into salt-water or other cooling liquid which is cooled by a refrigeration unit. A processing device determines the temperature of the beverages within the containers within the quench tray and further activates a mechanism for removing the quench tray from the water or cooling liquid when the desired temperature is reached. The processing device can also activate the mechanism for removing the quench tray from the water or cooling liquid when the upper lid or access doors are opened.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing cooler for beverages in the form of an insulated ice chest having an insulated base, insulated side walls, insulated end walls and an insulated cover; a spigot mounted in one of the chest walls above the base and having a controllable dispensing valve adjacent an exterior surface of the chest wall; at least one inverted bottle having a valve body mounted thereon, said valve body having locking grooves and splines formed thereon on upper portions and having an air venting means integrally formed by crenellations on lowermost portions thereon; a reservoir with a reservoir top wall having a circular opening with locking grooves and splines formed thereon adapted to engage and to support an inverted bottle through said grooves and splines on the valve body; and a delivery tube communicating between the reservoir and the spigot to permit gravity flow of liquid from the reservoir to the spigot.

Abstract: A gel-pack for chilling bottled beverages comprising a flexible plastic envelope, sealed around its perimeter, provided with a spaced array of holes therethrough whereby the gel-pack can be draped over a plurality of beverage bottles, with the necks of the bottles protruding through the holes in the gel-pack.

Abstract: A portable cooler has a thermally isolating outer shell defining an internal compartment for holding contents to be kept cool, such as, for example, food, drinks and temperature-sensitive medicine. The portable cooler has a door connected to the outer shell for providing unrestricted access to the internal compartment. The portable cooler may have a shelf for holding a cold gel pack to help keep the contents cool. The cooler may also have a plurality of dividers (that are optionally reconfigurable) for defining variously sized storage spaces for the contents. The cooler may have an aesthetically pleasing curved outer shell and an adjustable shoulder strap so that the cooler can be carried on a person's shoulder. Because the cooler is easy and comfortable to carry and because its large swing-open door provides full and quick access to its contents, this cooler is more ergonomic and aesthetic than traditional designs.

Abstract: The beverage dispensing cooler is a cooler for storing food, drinks, cans, beverages and the like which is divided into a plurality of tubes. Each tube has a slide handle therein which slides the containers outward for easy access via the front of the cooler.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat transfer system is provided. The thermoelectric heat transfer system comprises a coolant circuit with a pump circulating coolant through the circuit. A first heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the coolant circuit to remove heat from the coolant. At the same time, a second heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the coolant circuit. Thermoelectric modules (TEMs) are integrated into the second heat exchanger to create a temperature differential between fins and conduits of the second heat exchanger. The coolant flows through the conduits to draw heat from the TEMs, while a fan assembly conveys air through the fins into a climate-controlled area to cool the climate-controlled area to a desired temperature. In other embodiments, a sleeve acts as the second heat exchanger. The sleeve is adapted to receive and cool beverage containers and like items.

Abstract: A cooler includes a box portion having a rigid outer shell and a rigid inner shell, an insulative material disposed between the outer shell and the inner shell. The inner shell defines a chamber therein having a floor and opening to a inner shell top, the floor sloping from a higher end to a lower end. The box portion defines a drain hole passing therethrough adjacent to the lower end. The inner shell and the outer shell define a cavity therebetween adjacent to the floor. The cavity, into which a tray fits, opens to a hole defined by the outer shell. The outer shell includes a bottom from which four feet that are molded into the outer shell extend so as to form an air gap between the bottom and any surface upon which the cooler is placed. A door is configured to cover the hole. The outer shell defines a first recess about the hole so that neither the door nor the attachment member extends beyond an outer surface of the outer shell when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy and convenient way of cooling or chilling beverage containers. An ice mold is filled with water. The water is froze in the ice mold to form a block of ice having at least one beverage recess formed therein. The block of ice is removed from the ice mold and placed in the basin of the sink such that the block of ice is closely supported by the basin of the sink and beverage containers can be received in the beverage recesses in the block of ice.

Abstract: The Invention is a tray for serving a beverage in a nightclub or tavern. A tray body defines a reservoir adapted to contain a beverage. A reservoir aperture communicates through the tray body and is controlled by a valve. A dispensing opening is defined by the bottom side of the tray body and aligns the drinking vessel with the reservoir aperture. The valve is actuated when a drinking vessel is placed in engagement with the dispensing opening. A plurality of drinking vessel receptacles located on the top side of the tray are adapted to support drinking vessels.

Abstract: A cooler apparatus including removable thermal adjustment units is described. In one embodiment, the cooler apparatus comprises a housing defining an outer wall including a side wall and a bottom wall, an inner wall and a plurality of compartments between the inner wall and outer wall, the inner wall defining a storage compartment. A thermal adjustment unit is then removably coupled to the housing and fit within one of the plurality of compartments to adjust a temperature. In this manner, an interior temperature of the cooler may be adjusted. A removable tray may be included in the cooler. The removable tray may define a set of receptacles for receiving a set of items, including beverages. A lid may then be coupled to another removable thermal adjustment unit. The lid is attached to an open portion of the cooler to form a seal for preserving the interior temperature of the cooler. A handle and a set of wheels are then coupled to the exterior of the cooler to facilitate transportation of the cooler.