PORTABLE CONTAINER WITH COOLING OR HEATING UNIT

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND
Field

The present disclosure is directed to a portable container, and more particularly to a portable container with a cooling or heating unit for temperature sensitive goods.

Description of the Related Art

Portable coolers are used to store products (e.g., liquids, beverages, medicine, organs, food, etc.) in a cooled state. Some are Styrofoam containers that are often filled with ice to keep the product in a cooled state. However, the ice eventually melts, soaking the products and requiring the emptying of the liquid. Such coolers can also leak during transport, which is undesirable. Additionally, such coolers are undesirable for transporting goods across long distances due to their inability to maintain the product in a cooled state, the melting of ice and/or possible leaking of liquid from the cooler. Therefore, such coolers are undesirable for use with temperature sensitive products (e.g., food, vaccines, medicine, organ transplants, perishable material, etc.). This can result in the non-usability of the products in the cooler. For example, once potency of medicine (e.g., a vaccine) is lost, it cannot be restored, rendering the medicine ineffective and/or unusable. Another drawback of existing containers is that they are single-use containers (e.g., made of cardboard) that end up in the landfills after a single use.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure a portable (e.g., hand carried) container is provided with a payload chamber for one or more temperature sensitive or perishable goods. The container can made of a thermally insulative material, such as foam (e.g., expanded polypropylene (PPE) foam) and include a one piece receptacle with a payload chamber and a lid operable to allow access to the payload chamber (or disallow access to the payload chamber when the lid is in the closed position relative to the receptacle). A cooling or heating unit is removably disposed in the payload chamber. The cooling or heating unit includes a body (e.g., single piece, monolithic) that can be placed in the payload chamber to cool or heat the one or more temperature sensitive or perishable goods. The body can be made of or include (e.g., housed in a chamber of a housing of the body) a heat regulating material (e.g., phase change material (PCM), such as a liquid to solid PCM, for example water, paraffin, etc.) that can cool or heat (or limit the cooling or heating of) the one or more temperature sensitive or perishable goods in the payload chamber. The cooling or heating unit includes electronics (e.g., housed in the body, so that the heat regulating material and electronics are in a single seamless or monolithic body), including: temperature sensor(s) to sense a temperature of the heat regulating material and/or payload chamber, one or more power storage elements (e.g., batteries), a controller (e.g., processor(s), CPU), memory for storing data (e.g., GPS location data, sensed temperature data), one or more GPS sensor, an LTE antenna, a transceiver (e.g., for wireless communication via Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTH®). The cooling or heating unit optionally includes visual indicators for one or more of power, GPS, LTE, temperature and battery to indicate their operation and/or malfunction or non-operation. The body can have one or more handles with an insulative border to allow a user to grab and/or carry the cooling or heating unit without coming in touch with the thermally conductive material.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a portable cooler container system is provided. The system comprises an insulated vessel having a payload chamber configured to receive a payload of one or more temperature sensitive or perishable goods. The system also comprises a lid configured to close the payload chamber of the vessel, the lid being movable relative to the vessel to access the payload chamber. The system also comprises a heating or cooling module configured to be removably disposed in the payload chamber proximate the payload. The heating or cooling module comprises a body of heat regulating material and electronics attached to the body, the electronics comprising a controller and one or more of a memory, a GPS sensor, one or more parameter sensors, one or more visual indicators, one or more power storage elements and a wireless communication system.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a heating or cooling module is provided for use with a portable cooler container. The heating or cooling module comprises a body of heat regulating material, the body configured to be removably disposed in a payload chamber of the portable cooler container proximate a payload of temperature sensitive or perishable goods. The heating or cooling module also comprises electronics attached to the body, the electronics comprising a controller and one or more of a memory, a GPS sensor, one or more parameter sensors, one or more visual indicators, one or more power storage elements and a wireless communication system.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a charging unit for multiple heating or cooling modules that can be used with a portable cooler container is provided. The charging unit comprises a body comprising a plurality of slots, each of the slots configured to removably receive a heating or cooling module therein and electronics. The electronics include a controller, a power source operable to transmit power to the plurality of slots to transmit power to the heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots, a temperature conditioning module operable to circulate heated or cooled air proximate the slots to charge a heat regulating material of the heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots, and a data communication module operable to download data or information from the heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the container of FIG. 1 with the cooling or heating unit between the lid and the payload chamber of the receptacle of the container.

FIG. 3 is a schematic disassembled view of the container of FIG. 1 with the lid removed and showing the cooling or heating unit over the payload chamber of the receptacle of the container.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the receptacle of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a container for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded view of the lid and receptacle of the container of FIG. 1 with the cooling or heating unit removed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a stack of three containers for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stack of two containers for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a stack of three containers for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of one of the containers in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the container in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stack of two containers for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded view of a stack of three containers for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of one of the containers in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13B is a bottom perspective view of the container in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stack of two containers for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a stack of three containers for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 16 is a schematic exploded view of the stack of three containers of FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stack of two containers for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 18 is a schematic top view of an heating or cooling module for use with a container for temperature sensitive or perishable goods.

FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram of electronics of the heating or cooling module of FIG. 18.

FIG. 19B is a schematic diagram of electronics of the heating or cooling module of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a charging system for one or more of the heating or cooling modules of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of electronics of the charging system . . .

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a charging system and a heating or cooling module coupled to the charting system.

FIG. 23 is a schematic partial view of a portion of a heating or cooling module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes various implementations of a container (e.g., portable container) that can be used to transport goods. Advantageously, the containers are multi-use containers (i.e., not single use containers, such as of cardboard) that reduce landfill waste. Also, the containers can be multi-use containers and can be made of recyclable materials (e.g. polypropylene). The containers can be used with or without a heating or cooling module. The containers have sufficient strength to allow them to be stacked on top of each other (e.g., in columns of 3-10, such as 4 or 5). The goods can be temperature sensitive and/or perishable goods that need to be kept cold, such as medicine, food (raw, such as meat, fish or poultry, or prepared food), beverages, human or animal tissue. The goods can be temperature sensitive and/or perishable goods that need to be kept warm or hot, such as prepared food dishes or soup, or warm beverages. The present disclosure also describes an inventive heating or cooling module for use with a container, the module having electronics that track location and parameter data (e.g., temperature, humidity) and transmit such location and parameter data wirelessly to a remote electronic device. The present disclosure also describes an inventive charging unit for charging the heating or cooling modules (e.g., simultaneously), facilitating mass use of such containers and heating or cooling modules, such as an order fulfilment facility (e.g., for shipping medication, food, etc.).

FIGS. 1-4 shows a schematic view of a container assembly 100 (the “container”). The container assembly 100 can include a receptacle or vessel 10 and a lid 20. The receptacle or vessel 10 and/or the lid 20 (e.g., both the receptacle 10 and the lid 20) can in one implementation be made of a thermally insulative material, such as foam (e.g., expanded polypropylene or PPE foam). Other suitable materials can be used (e.g., other polymer materials, other thermally insulative materials). In one implementation, the container assembly 100 can have an inner container made of a thermally insulative material (e.g., such as foam, for example expanded polypropylene foam with low thermal conductivity) and the inner container can be surrounded by an outer enclosure of a different material (e.g., rigid plastic or other impact resistant material). In one implementation, the receptacle 10 and the lid 20 are made of the same material. The receptacle or vessel 10 can be a single piece (e.g., monolithic, seamless). The lid 20 can be a single piece (e.g., monolithic, seamless). In the illustrated implementation, the vessel 10 has a generally rectangular shape (e.g., when viewed from above). However, the receptacle or vessel 10 can have other suitable shapes (e.g., square or cube, cylindrical). In one implementation, the container assembly 100 can have a length of approximately 20 inches, a width of approximately 12 inches and a height of approximately 8 inches. However, other suitable dimensions are possible (e.g., that allow a user (an adult) to hand carry the container assembly 100).

The receptacle or vessel 10 has an opening 12 at one end (e.g. a top end) and a base 14 at an opposite end (e.g., bottom end) and a cavity or chamber 15 between the opening 12 and a bottom wall 16. The receptacle or vessel 10 has an inner wall 18 (e.g., lower inner wall) that extends to (e.g., contacts, merges with) the bottom wall 16. The receptacle or vessel 10 has an inner wall 17 (e.g., upper inner wall) that extends between the inner wall 18 and the opening 12. At least a portion of the chamber 15 can have a length L (e.g., between opposite inner walls 18). At least a portion of the chamber 15 can have a length L1 (e.g., between opposite inner walls 17). The chamber 15 has a width W. The receptacle or vessel 10 can have a wall thickness T1 between the base 14 and the bottom wall 16. The receptacle or vessel 10 can have a wall thickness T2 between the inner wall 18 and an outer wall 11. The inner wall 17 can be spaced from the inner wall 18 by a distance D so as to define a step or ledge 19 therebetween (e.g., so a thickness of the sidewall 17 is T2−D, that is smaller than a thickness of the inner wall 18). The chamber 15 includes a height H between the bottom wall 16 and the step or ledge 19. In one implementation, the step or ledge 19 can extend along an entire circumference of the chamber 15. In one implementation, the length L can be about 17 inches, the height H can be about 3-5 inches, the thickness T1 can be about 1¼ inches, the thickness T2 can be about 1 inch and the distance D can be about 0.5 inches. However other suitable dimensions are possible. In one implementation, the chamber 15 has a payload volume of approximately 450-500 in³, such as about 480 in³.

With reference to FIG. 1-3, the receptacle or vessel 10 has a recess 8 on an upper wall 6 that facilitates removal of the lid 20 from above the vessel 10. For example, the recess 8 allows a user to at least partially insert one or more fingers below the lid 20 (e.g., below a ledge or shoulder 23 of the lid 20). In one implementation, the recess 8 can be defined on the upper wall 6 at one location. In another implementation, the recess 8 can be defined on the upper wall 6 at multiple locations (e.g., at two opposite locations, such as on a front wall and a rear wall of the receptacle 10).

With continued reference to FIGS. 3-4, the lid 20 can in one implementation be completely separable (e.g., removable) from the receptacle or vessel 10. In another implementation, the lid 20 can be coupled to the receptacle or vessel 10 by a hinge, allowing the lid 20 to move (e.g., pivot) between an open position and a closed position relative to the receptacle 10. The lid 20 can have a top portion 22 and a bottom portion 24 that extends from an underside of the top portion 22. The bottom portion 24 can have a smaller area than the top portion 22 to provide the ledge or shoulder 23 between an outer edge E1 of the bottom portion 24 and an outer edge E2 of the top portion 22. In one implementation, when the lid 20 is placed on the receptacle or vessel 10 to close the chamber 15, the bottom portion 24 extends through the opening 12 so that the outer edge E1 of the bottom portion 24 is disposed proximate (e.g., adjacent, in contact with) the inner wall 17 and so the shoulder 23 of the lid 20 sits on top of the vessel or receptacle 10 about the opening 12. In one implementation, the lid 20 can couple to the receptacle or vessel 10 via a friction fit (e.g., via a friction force between the outer edge E1 of the bottom portion 24 of the lid 20 and the inner wall 17 of the receptacle or vessel 10). In one implementation, the outer edge E1 of the bottom portion 24 has a dimensions substantially equal to a dimension of the inner wall 17 so that the bottom portion 24 of the lid 20 closely fits against the inner wall 17 (e.g., to inhibit heat transfer therebetween to maintain the temperature of the chamber 15 substantially constant).

With continued reference to FIGS. 3-4, a heating or cooling module 200 (the “module”) can be disposed in the receptacle or vessel 10 (e.g., disposed below the opening 12). In one implementation, the module 200 has an outer edge E3 with a shape and dimensions (e.g., perimeter shape, width and length) that substantially corresponds with a shape and dimensions of the inner wall 17. In one implementation, the module 200 has a rectangular shape (in top plan view). In one implementation, the module 200 can sit on (e.g., contact, be supported on) the step or ledge 19. Additional features and the operation of the module 200 are further described below. The features described above for the container 100 also apply to (e.g., can be implemented in) all containers disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a container assembly 100A (“container”). Some of the features of the container 100A are similar to features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the container 100A are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4, except that an “A” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the container 100A in FIG. 5, except as described below. Though the features below are described in connection with the container assembly 100A, the features also apply to all containers disclosed herein.

The container 100A differs from the container 100 in that it includes handles 13A on opposite sides of the receptacle or vessel 10 (FIG. 5 only shows handle 13A on one side but one of skill in the art will recognize that a handle can also be included in the opposite side of the vessel 10). The handle 13A can be defined by an opening in the wall of the vessel 10 that allows a user's hand to at least partially extend into the handle 13A opening to allow the user to carry the container 10A.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a container assembly 100B (“container”). Some of the features of the container 100B are similar to features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the container 100B are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4, except that a “B” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the container 100B in FIG. 6, except as described below. Though the features below are described in connection with the container assembly 100B, the features also apply to all containers disclosed herein.

The container 100B differs from the container 100 in that the lid 20B couples to the receptacle or vessel 10B magnetically instead of via a friction fit. One or both of the lid 20B and vessel 10B can have one or more magnets or magnetic material (e.g., metal) that allows the lid 20B to be removably coupled to the top of the receptacle or vessel 10B.

FIGS. 7-8 shows a schematic view of a stack of container assemblies 100C (“containers”). Some of the features of the container 100C are similar to features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the container 100C are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4, except that a “C” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the container 100C in FIG. 6, except as described below. Though the features below are described in connection with the container assembly 100C, the features also apply to all containers disclosed herein.

The container 100C differs from the container 100 in that it includes one or more magnets or magnetic material (e.g., metal) M in the lid 20C and in the base 14C of the receptacle or vessel 10C. The magnets M in the lid 20C of one container 100C and the magnets M in the base 14C of the container 100C above it exert a magnetic force MF that magnetically couples the two stacked containers 100C (e.g., to inhibit the inadvertent movement of one container 100C relative to another container 100C in the stack). Though FIG. 8 only shows two containers 100C, one of skill in the art will recognize that more than two containers 100C can be stacked and magnetically coupled in the manner described above. The magnets M can be embedded in the lid 20C and the base 14C of the vessel 10C (e.g., during manufacturing of the lid 20C and vessel 10C). For example, where the lid 20C and vessel 10C are made of a foam material (e.g., polypropylene or PPE foam), the magnets M can be embedded in the foam material during molding of the lid 20C and the vessel 10C. In one implementation, the lid 20C can have four magnets M (e.g. proximate the corners of the lid 20C) that magnetically couple with four magnets M in the base 14C (e.g. proximate the corners of the base 14C) of the receptacle or vessel 10C of an adjacent container 100C in the stack. In one implementation, the lid 20C has magnet(s) M of one polarity and the vessel 10C (e.g., the base 14C of the vessel 10C) has magnets M of an opposite polarity. In another implementation, the lid 20C has magnet(s) M of one polarity and the vessel 10C (e.g., the base 14C of the vessel 10C) has metal M′ that the magnets M of the lid 20C can exert a magnetic force MF on. In another implementation, the vessel 10C (e.g., base 14C of the vessel 10C) has magnet(s) M of one polarity and the lid 20C has metal portions M′ that the magnets M of the vessel 10C can exert a magnetic force MF on.

FIGS. 9-11 shows a schematic view of a stack of container assemblies 100D (“containers”). Some of the features of the container 100D are similar to features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the container 100D are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4, except that a “D” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the container 100D in FIGS. 9-11, except as described below. Though the features below are described in connection with the container assembly 100D, the features also apply to all containers disclosed herein.

The container 100D differs from the container 100 in that the lid 20D has one or more channels 25D or a top surface 21D of the lid 20D. In one implementation, the channel(s) 25D extends along at least a portion of a perimeter of the lid 20D. In one implementation, the channel 25D is a single channel that extends along an entire perimeter of the lid 20D. The vessel 10D has one or more feet 8D that protrude from the base 14D and are sized to at least partially fit in the one or more channels 25D to allow the stacked containers 100D to couple to each other (e.g., to inhibit the inadvertent movement of one container 100D relative to another container 100D in the stack). In one implementation, the one or more feet 8D extend along at least a portion of a perimeter of the base 14D. In one implementation, the feet 8D is a single foot that protrudes from the base 14D and extends along an entire perimeter of the base 14D (e.g., defines a ring that fits in the corresponding channel 25D of the lid 20D).

FIGS. 12-14 shows a schematic view of a stack of container assemblies 100E (“containers”). Some of the features of the container 100E are similar to features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the container 100E are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4, except that an “E” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the container 100E in FIGS. 12-14, except as described below. Though the features below are described in connection with the container assembly 100E, the features also apply to all containers disclosed herein.

The container 100E differs from the container 100 in that the base 14E of the receptacle or vessel 10E has a recessed area 6E that can at least partially receive a portion of the lid 20E of a container 100E below it. The recessed area 6E therefore allows the stacked containers 100E to couple to each other (e.g., to inhibit the inadvertent movement of one container 100E relative to another container 100E in the stack). The lid 20E is shaped (e.g., has a radius) that allows it to at least partially extend into the recessed area 6E in the base 14E of the receptacle or vessel 10E.

FIGS. 15-17 shows a schematic view of a stack of container assemblies 100F (“containers”). Some of the features of the container 100F are similar to features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the container 100F are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4, except that an “F” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the container 100 in FIGS. 1-4 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the container 100F in FIGS. 15-17, except as described below. Though the features below are described in connection with the container assembly 100F, the features also apply to all containers disclosed herein.

The container 100F differs from the container 100 in that the lid 20F has a recessed area 26F that can at least partially receive a portion of the base 14F of a container 100F above it. The recessed area 26F of the lid 20F therefore allows the stacked containers 100F to couple to each other (e.g., to inhibit the inadvertent movement of one container 100F relative to another container 100F in the stack). The base 14F of the receptacle or vessel 10F is shaped (e.g., has a radius) that allows it to at least partially extend into the recessed area 26F of the lid 20F.

FIG. 18 shows a top view of an inventive heating or cooling module 200 (the “module”) for use with a container, such as the container 100-100F. However, the heating or cooling module 200 can advantageously be used with other suitable containers. In other implementations, more than one heating or cooling module 200 can be used with a container, such as the container 100-100F (e.g., depending on the shape of the container or to provide longer duration of temperature conditioning for payload in the container). The module 200 has a length L2 and width W2. In one implementation, the length L2 can be approximately 20-24 inches and the width W2 can be approximately 8-12 inches. The module 200 can have a depth or thickness (e.g., in a direction orthogonal to the width W2 and length L2) of between 1 inch and 2 inches, such as approximately 1¼ inches. However, the module 200 can have other suitable dimensions. In one implementation, the width W2 of the module 200 can be approximately equal to the width W of the chamber 15 (between opposite inner walls 17) and the length L2 of the module 200 can be approximately equal to the length L1 of the chamber 15 of the receptacle or vessel 10, which advantageously allows the module 20 fit in a space C of the receptacle or vessel 10 above a lower portion 15′ of the chamber 15 and allows the module 20 to be supported by the step or ledge 19 of the receptacle or vessel 10. The payload (e.g., of temperature sensitive goods or material) can be disposed in the lower portion 15′ of the chamber 15 below the module 200 (e.g., spaced apart from and below the module 200). This advantageously allows easy insertion and removal of the module 200 while maintaining the module 200 in a fixed location in the receptacle or vessel 10 (e.g., inhibiting the module 200 from shifting during transit of the container 100). In another implementation, the length L2 of the module 200 can be approximately equal to the length L of the lower portion 15′ of the chamber 15 of the receptacle or vessel 10 and a width smaller than width W to allow the module 200 to sit on top of (e.g., in contact with) the payload (e.g., of temperature sensitive goods or material) in the lower portion 15′ of the chamber 15.

In one implementation, the module 200 is a single piece (e.g., monolithic, seamless). The module 200 has a body 210 of heat regulating material (e.g., thermally conductive material). In one implementation, the heat regulating material is a phase change material or PCM (e.g. a liquid-solid phase change material, such as water or paraffin, a solid-solid phase change material) with a desired transition (e.g., melt) temperature that absorbs heat from its surroundings or delivers heat to its surroundings, depending on the phase of the material. In one implementation, the PCM is water. In one implementation, the PCM is biodegradable. The heat regulating material can advantageously maintain the payload within a temperature range of 2 to 10 degrees Celsius, preferably 2-8 degrees Celsius (e.g., by regulating the among of heat removed from or transferred to the contents in the payload chamber). The module 200 therefore operates as a heating or cooling element to heat or cool (or limit the cooling or heating of) the chamber 15 (e.g., the lower portion 15′ of the chamber 15) and the payload disposed therein.

With continued reference to FIG. 18, the module 200 can have one or more handles 220 to advantageously facilitate the grabbing and carrying of the module 200 by a user. The handle 220 can be defined by an opening 225 in the body 210.

Advantageously, the module 200 can include a grip 230 adjacent (e.g., attached to, next to) and around at least a portion of (e.g., around an entirety of) the opening 225 to allow a user to grab the handle 220 while inhibiting contact with the heat regulating material while carrying or grabbing the module 200.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19A-19B, the module 200 includes electronics 250, 250′ (e.g., an electronics module). In one implementation, the electronics 250, 250′ are located in an end of the module 200 opposite the handle 220 and a single piece (e.g., monolithic, seamless, not detachable) with the rest of the module 200. In another implementation, the electronics 250, 250′ are in a detachable module from the body 210 and removably couples to the body 210 (e.g., via a mechanical connection between the detachable module and the body 210, such as a key-slot connection or a magnetic connection between magnets or magnetic material in the detachable module and the body 210), allowing for the module 200 to be modular. Where the electronics 250, 250′ are in a separate detachable module, it can be separately charged (e.g., its batteries charged) and attached to the module 200, 200′ before or after the heat regulating material (e.g., PCM) is charged (e.g., via the charging unit 300, 300′ or via a heat transfer unit, such as a freezer or heater, as discussed further below). For example, where the module 200, 200′ is a cooling unit, the detachable electronics module can be attached to the module 200, 200′ before or after the heat regulating material (e.g., PCM) is frozen. In another example, where the module 200, 200′ is a heating unit, the detachable electronics module can be attached to the module 200, 200′ before or after the heat regulating material (e.g., PCM) is heated (e.g., melted). In some implementations, a customer may not need some of the functionality in the electronics 250, 250′ that another customer may want, so a module with electronics 250, 250′ tailored to a particular customer can be attached to the module. For example, one customer may not need GPS tracking or an LTE antenna, but may be interested primarily in tracking the temperature of the module 200. For such a customer the electronics 250, 250′ module can be chosen that excludes the GPS electronics or sensor and the LTE antenna and attached to the module 200. Another customer may require a longer battery life, and not require wireless communication, so the electronics 250, 250′ module can be chosen to provide a larger battery and exclude other electronics function (e.g., exclude wireless electronics or LTE antenna, etc.).

The electronics can include one or more visual indicators 260 on a surface of the module 200. The visual indicator(s) 260 can be multi-colored LED lights that indicate one or more of normal operation, malfunction and non-operation of one or more parameters of the electronics 250, such as via the color of the LED (e.g., green for normal operation, red for malfunction, off or no color for nonoperation). For example, the visual indicator(s) 260 can indicate the status of one or more of power (on or off), global positioning system (GPS) functionality, wireless communication (e.g., radio antenna, such as LTE, functionality, Wi-Fi functionality, BLUETOOTH® functionality), charge level of power storage elements, such as batteries, (e.g., green for fully charged, yellow for low and off for discharged), and temperature level (e.g., green for temperature within acceptable range, yellow for temperature nearing bounds of acceptable range, red for temperature outside acceptable range). In another implementation, the visual indicator(s) are excluded from the module 200. In one implementation, the power storage elements (e.g., batteries) in the electronics 250 are charged via electrical contacts 265 (e.g., electrical contact strips) at an end (e.g. edge of the module 200). In another implementation, the power storage elements (e.g., batteries) in the electronics 250′ are charged via inductive power coupling and the module 200 does not have electrical contacts.

FIG. 19A shows a schematic diagram of the electronics 250 of the module 200. A controller 252 (e.g., one or more processors, central processing unit or CPU) communicates (e.g., electrically communicates, two-way communication) with one or more power storage elements (e.g., batteries) 254. As discussed above, in one implementation, the power storage element(s) 254 can receive power (e.g., from a power source, as further discussed below) via electrical contact(s) 265. The controller 252 also communicates with a memory 256 that can store information sensed by one or more sensors (e.g., GPS, temperature, humidity, pressure, such as such parameter measurements over a period of time), instructions for operation of the electronics 250 and/or information received wirelessly from a remote electronic device (e.g., request for transfer of sensed parameter data or GPS location).

The controller 252 also communicates with a wireless communication system, which can include a transmitter/receiver or transceiver 258 via which the electronics 250 can communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, a desktop computer, remote server, cloud server) via a wireless communication system such as Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 standard) and/or short-range wireless communication standard (e.g., BLUETOOTH®) via which the electronics 250 can communicate information (e.g., GPS location, sensed parameter data, such as sensed temperature, humidity and pressure, etc.) wirelessly (e.g., to the cloud, to a remote electronic device, such as a smartphone, etc.). The wireless communication system can also (additionally or alternatively) include a radio antenna 259 (e.g., cell radio antenna or cell radio, such as LTE radio antenna) via which the electronics 250 can communicate information (e.g., GPS location, sensed parameter data, such as sensed temperature, humidity and pressure, etc.) wirelessly (e.g., to the cloud, to a remote electronic device, such as a smartphone, etc.). The electronics 250 can also include a data port or connection (e.g., pin connection, electrical contact) 267 via which the electronics 250 can communicate information (e.g., GPS location, sensed parameter data, such as sensed temperature, humidity and pressure, etc.) to a separate electronic device.

The controller 252 also communicates with the visual indicators 260 described above, one or more parameter sensors 262 (e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity, gas such as carbon dioxide, motion such as via an accelerometer) and one or more global positioning system (GPS) sensors 264 (e.g., receiver(s)) that obtain location information for the electronics 250 (and therefore for the module 200). In one implementation, the electronics 250 include a power button or interface 266 that communicates with the controller 252 to turn on or turn off the operation of the electronics 250 (e.g., when manually operated by a user). In another implementation, the electronics 250 automatically turn on when the module 200 is removed or retrieved from a charging unit, as further discussed below.

FIG. 19B shows a schematic diagram of the electronics 250′ of the module 200. Some of the features of the electronics 250′ are similar to features of the electronics 250 in FIG. 19A. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the electronics 250′ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the electronics 250 in FIG. 19A, except that an “′” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the electronics 250 in FIG. 19A are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the electronics 250′ in FIG. 19B, except as described below.

The electronics 250′ differ from the electronics 250 in that the power storage element(s) 254 (e.g., batteries) can receive power (e.g., from a power source) via a wireless power receiver 255 (e.g., inductive coupling receiver) that communicates with the controller 252.

In operation, in one implementation the user grabs a module 200 (e.g., via the handle 220), such as removes or retrieves the module 200 from a charging unit as discussed further below, after the heat regulating material (e.g., PCM) is in a charged state (e.g., able to absorb heat, as compared to ambient, if the module is a cooling module, able to release heat, as compared to ambient, if the module is a heating module). In another implementation, the module(s) 200 can instead be charged (e.g., frozen if a cooling unit, heated if a heating unit) in a thermal transfer unit (e.g., freezer, such as an industrial freezer if the module 200 is a cooling unit, heater if the module 200 is a heating unit), where they can be placed or stored to have the heat regulating material (e.g., PCM) charge (e.g., freeze if the module 200 is cooling unit, melt if the module 200 is a heating unit). The module(s) 200 can be removed from the thermal transfer unit when ready to use (e.g., ready to be placed in a container, such as the container 100-100F). The user either actuates the power button or interface 266 to turn on the electronics 250, 250′ and/or confirms that the electronics 250, 250′ are on (e.g., have automatically turned on once the module 200 is removed from the charging unit) by inspecting the visual indicators 260 to confirm that the different functions of the electronics 250, 250′ (e.g., GPS, temperature sensing, wireless communication such as radio antenna, battery charge) are all in a normal operating state. If one or more of the visual indicators 260 fail to confirm that the different functions of the electronics 250, 250′ are in a normal operating state (e.g., they indicate nonoperation or malfunction of one or more functions of the electronics 250, 250′, such as via different colored lights or flashing lights or lights that are off), the user can set aside the module 200 and grab another module 200 (e.g., from the charging unit).

The module 200 can be inserted in a container, such as the container 100-100F (e.g., after inserting a payload of temperature sensitive or perishable goods in the (lower portion 15′ of the) chamber 15), in the manner described above (e.g., so that the module 200 fits in the space C of the receptacle or vessel 10 above a lower portion 15′ of the chamber 15 and is supported by the step or ledge 19). In one implementation, a buffer material (e.g., a thermally insulative material, such as a foam piece of a particular thickness) can optionally be inserted between the module 200 and the payload in the chamber 15 (e.g., the lower portion 15′ of the chamber 15) and/or inserted between the payload and the bottom of the container 100-100F (e.g., the bottom of the lower portion 15′ of the chamber 15). The buffer material can inhibit the freezing of the payload contents (e.g., medication) in the chamber 15 (for example, if the module 200 or ambient temperature is too cold). The container (e.g., container 100-100F) can then be closed with the lid, such as lid 20-20F, and the container transported from one location to another location (e.g., hand carried, and/or shipped via FedEx or DHL or UPS, or transported by a delivery service, transported within a distribution network). Once the container arrives at its destination and/or returned to its original location (e.g., in an empty container), the module 200 can be removed from the container and connected to (e.g., inserted in) a charging unit (as described further below) to recharge the heat regulating material (e.g., PCM).

Advantageously, the electronics 250, 250′ track location (via the GPS sensor 264) and sensed data of one or more parameters (e.g. via the sensors 262) and store the location and parameter data in the memory 256 and/or transmit said information to a remote electronic device via the transmitter/receiver 258 and/or antenna 259. In one implementation, the electronics 250, 250′ can transmit such data in regular intervals (e.g., based on an operating program or algorithm stored in the memory 256 and executed by the controller 252). In another implementation, the electronics 250, 250′ can transmit such data in response to receiving a request or query from a remote electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, a desktop computer, remote server, cloud server) via the transmitter/receiver 258 and/or antenna 259. Advantageously, if transmission of data is not possible (e.g., because the antenna 259 is not receiving a signal, or due to malfunction of the transmitter/receiver 258), the data is saved in the memory 256 to be transmitted at a later time (e.g., at the next received query or at the next regular reporting interval), either wirelessly or via the data port or connection (e.g., pin connection, electrical contact) 267, as further discussed below.

The electronics 250, 250′ in the module 200 are advantageously able to provide historical location data and parameter data (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, gas detection) versus time, which can provide useful information of the state of the temperature sensitive and/or perishable goods during transit in the container (e.g., whether the temperature sensitive and/or perishable goods were maintained within a desired temperature range, humidity range, pressure range, etc. during transit). Such information can advantageously provide an indication of whether the temperature sensitive and/or perishable goods (e.g., medicine such as vaccines and insulin, or raw or prepared food products) are safe to use or consume. For example, if the temperature sensitive and/or perishable goods includes medication(s), such historical data can provide an indication of whether the efficacy of the medication has been maintained during transit by maintaining the medication(s) within a desired temperature range. In another example, if the temperature sensitive and/or perishable goods include raw or prepared food, such historical data can provide an indication of whether the food has been maintained within a desired temperature range for consumption (e.g., to inhibit growth of bacteria and thereby inhibit food-borne illnesses).

FIG. 20 shows an inventive charging unit 300 for one or more (e.g., multiple) modules 200. Advantageously, the charging unit 300 can charge multiple modules 200 simultaneously (e.g., make the heat regulating material, such as PCM, of the module 200 able to absorb heat, as compared to ambient, if the module is a cooling module; make the heat regulating material of the module 200 able to release heat, as compared to ambient, if the module is a heating module). The charged module(s) 200 can then be used with (e.g., inserted in) multiple containers, such as the containers 100-100F to transport (e.g., ship) temperature sensitive and/or perishable goods.

The charging unit 300 can be disposed within a perimeter 302 (e.g., in a room, warehouse, etc.) and have a plurality of slots 310, each slot 310 sized to removably receive a module 200 therein. A user U can grab the module 200 by the handle 220 and insert the module 200 in the slot 310 (e.g., so that the electronics 250 enter first into the slot 310). Similarly, once the module 200 is charged, the user U can remove the module 200 from the charging unit 300 by grabbing it by the handle 220. In one implementation, each slot 310 can include a push-push spring loaded coupling that allows the user U to push the module 200 into the slot 310 to fully insert the module 200 in the charging unit 300 (e.g., so that an edge of the handle 220 is substantially aligned with an opening of the slot 310) to couple the module 200 to the charging unit 300 (e.g., for the initiation of the charging process). Once the charging process is completed, the user U can push on at least a portion of the module 200 to decouple the module 200 from the charging unit 300, the spring loaded coupling pushing the module 200 so that at least the handle 220 extends outside the slot 310, allowing the module 200 to be removed from the slot 310 (e.g., by allowing the user to grab the handle 220 and pull the module 200 from the slot 310). In another implementation, each slot has an button or interface that can be actuated (e.g., pressed, touched) by a user U to at least partially eject the module 200 from the slot 310 (allowing the user U to grab the handle 220 and pull the module 200 from the slot 310).

In another implementation, each slot 310 can have a magnetic coupling mechanism (e.g., one or more magnets, such as electromagnets) operable to magnetically couple to the module 200 when the module 200 is at least partially inserted in the slot 310. The magnetic coupling mechanism can, when actuated or operated in one mode, draw the module 200 into the slot 310 to seat the module 200 in the slot 310 to allow for charging of the heat regulating material and/or charge the power storage elements 254 and/or transfer (e.g., download) data from the memory 256 of the module 200. The magnetic coupling mechanism can, when deactivated or operated in second mode (e.g., a reversed polarity mode for an electromagnet), push the module 200 at least partially out of the slot 310 to decouple the module 200 from the charging unit 300, allowing the user to withdraw the module 200 from the charging unit 300.

The charging unit 300 can have multiple sections of slots 310. One or more sections 304 can have an indicator 320 (e.g. visual indicator, such as LED(s), for example illuminated green colored LEDs) to indicate that the modules 200 in the section(s) 304 are fully charged and ready for use (e.g., ready to be removed from the charging unit 300 for use with the containers 100-100F). One or more sections 306 can have an indicator 322 (e.g. visual indicator, such as LED(s), for example non-illuminated LEDs or illuminated LEDs of a different color) to indicate that the slots 310 in the section(s) 306 are empty (e.g., do not have modules 200 in them). One or more sections 308 can have an indicator 324 (e.g. visual indicator, such as LED(s), for example illuminated red colored LEDs) to indicate that the modules 200 in the section(s) 308 are charging and not ready for use. In still another implementation, the visual indicator(s) 320, 322, 324 of each of the sections 304, 306, 308, can change between different states (e.g., colors, on or off condition) depending on whether the slots 310 of that section are empty, occupied by modules 200 that are still charging and not ready to use, or occupied by modules 200 that are fully charged and ready to be removed from the charging unit 300 and used. In another implementation, each slot 310 has a visual indicator next to it that illuminates in a different color to indicate if the module 200 in the slot 310 is charging or fully charged and ready for use. The visual indicator can illuminate in a different color, or be off, if the slot 310 is empty.

The charging unit 300 can have one or more first (e.g., top) ventilation openings 350 and one or more second (e.g., side) ventilation openings 360. FIG. 21 shows a schematic diagram of at least a portion of the electronics of the charging unit 300. The charging unit has a controller 370 that communicates with (e.g., controls the operation of) a power source 380, a data communication module 390 (e.g., wired communication module, such as high speed internet connection, a temperature conditioning module (e.g., heating unit or a cooling or refrigeration unit, such as a vapor-compression refrigeration module) 400 and a data port or connection 367. The temperature conditioning module 400 circulates heated or cooled (e.g., chilled) air (e.g., with one or more fans) within the enclosure of the charging unit 300 and exposes one or more surfaces of the module 200 inserted into the slot 310 directly or indirectly to said heated or cooled (e.g., chilled) air to charge the heat regulating material or PCM of the module 200. Air enters the charging unit 300 via the ventilation openings 360, is utilized by the temperature conditioning module 400 to circulate heated or cooled (e.g., chilled) air, and exits the charging unit 300 via the ventilation openings 350. The power source 380 transmits power to the one or more power storage elements 254 of the module 200 directly or via the controller 370, either via electrical contacts 368 that interface with electrical contacts 265 of the module 200 or via induction coupling if the module 200 has a wireless power receiver 255. Data (e.g., sensed temperature, GPS location history, etc.) can be transferred (e.g., downloaded) from the module 200 via a data port or connection 367 that interfaces (e.g., electrically connects) with the data port or connection (e.g., pin connection) 267 of the module 200 and communicated via the data communication module 390, for example, to a remote electronic device (e.g., cloud based data storage system, a remote computer, remote server, etc.).

FIG. 22 shows a schematic diagram of a charging unit 300′ and heating or cooling module 200′. Some of the features of the charging unit 300′ and heating or cooling module 200′ are similar to features of the charging unit 300 in FIGS. 20-21 and heating or cooling module 200 in FIG. 18. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the charging unit 300′ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the charging unit 300 in FIGS. 20-21, and the reference numerals used to designate the various features of the heating or cooling module 200′ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding features of the heating or cooling module 200 in FIG. 18, except that an “′” has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the charging unit 300 in FIGS. 20-21 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the charging unit 300′ in FIG. 22, and the structure and description for the various features of the heating or cooling module 200 in FIG. 18 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the heating or cooling module 200′ in FIG. 22, except as described below.

The heating or cooling module 200′ differs from the heating or cooling module 200 in that it has one or more pathways (e.g., channels, conduits, tubes, pipes) 215′ that extend through the body 210′ of heat regulating material (e.g., phase change material or PCM). The one or more pathways 215′ can be in thermal communication (e.g., in contact with, be surrounded by) the body 210′ of heat regulating material to allow heat transfer between the body 210′ of heat regulating material and the one or more pathways 215′ (or fluid flowing within the pathway). The one or more pathways 215′ can have a first end connected to a first connector 217′ (e.g., optionally including a one-way valve) and a second end connected to a second connector 218′ (e.g., optionally including a one-way valve). In one implementation, the first and second connectors 217′, 218′ can be part of a unit 216′ attached to or incorporated in a portion of (e.g., surface of) the module 200′, as shown in FIG. 23. In one implementation, the first and second connectors 217′, 218′ can protrude from a surface of the module 200′. In another implementation, the first and second connectors 217′, 218′ can be in a recessed opening of the module 200′. In another implementation, the module(s) 200′ can instead be charged (e.g., frozen if a cooling unit, heated if a heating unit) in a thermal transfer unit (e.g., freezer, such as an industrial freezer if the module 200′ is a cooling unit, heater if the module 200′ is a heating unit). The module(s) 200′ can be placed or stored in the thermal transfer unit to have the heat regulating material (e.g., PCM) charge (e.g., freeze if the module 200′ is cooling unit, melt if the module 200′ is a heating unit), for example without having a temperature conditioning fluid flow through the pathway(s) 215′ of the module 200′. The module(s) 200 can be removed from the thermal transfer unit when ready to use (e.g., ready to be placed in a container, such as the container 100-100F).

With continued reference to FIG. 22, the charging unit 300′ differs from the charting unit 300 in that it includes one or more pairs of conduits (e.g. tubes, pipes) 420′, 430′ that connect with connectors that interface with the first and second connectors 217′, 218′ of the module 200′ when the module 200′ is inserted in a slot 310′ of the charging unit 300′. Though only one slot 310′ is shown in FIG. 22, one of skill in the art will recognize that the charging unit 300′ can have a plurality of slots 310′ for charging multiple modules 200′ simultaneously (e.g., similar to the slots 310 of the charging unit 300 in FIGS. 20-21. The one or more pair of conduits 420′, 430′ can connect to a manifold 410′ in fluid communication and/or attached with the temperature conditioning module 400′. The temperature conditioning module 400′ can condition a fluid (e.g., heat or cool a liquid, such as water). For example, where the temperature conditioning module 400′ is a cooling unit, the temperature conditioning module 400′ can cool or chill a fluid (e.g. a liquid) for delivery to the one or more modules 200′, as further discussed below. The temperature conditioning module 400′ can in one implementation include a base chiller unit (e.g., a vapor compression system) that cools a coolant, such as a glycol and water mixture, using a refrigerant. The fluid can be a liquid (e.g., water, or a water and glycol mixture) that can be cooled (e.g., to sub-zero Fahrenheit temperatures). In another implementation, the temperature conditioning module 400′ can heat a fluid (e.g., a liquid) for delivery to the one or more modules 200′, as further discussed below.

In operation, a module 200′ is inserted into a slot 310′ of the charging unit 300′ (in a similar way discussed above for the charging unit 300), so that the first and second connectors 217′, 218′ of the module 200′ couple with corresponding connectors of the charging unit 300′. The temperature conditioning module 400′ can be operated upon actuation by a user (e.g., via a manual or electronic command, such as by pressing a button). In another implementation, the temperature conditioning module 400′ can automatically be operated upon coupling of the first and second connectors 217′, 218′ with corresponding connectors of the charging unit 300′ (e.g., via an electronic switch, such as sensor, that confirms coupling of the module 200′ to the charging unit 300′). As noted above, the charging unit 300′ can have multiple slots 310′ that can receive modules 200′. The temperature conditioning module 400′ can be operated to flow a conditioning fluid through one or more of the multiple modules 200′ (e.g. a subset of all the modules 200′, all of the modules 200′) to simultaneously charge the heat regulating material (e.g., PCM) of said one or more of the multiple modules 200′ (e.g. a subset of all the modules 200′, all of the modules 200′).

In one implementation, where the module 200′ is a cooling module, the temperature conditioning module 400′ is operated (e.g., by a controller, similar to the controller 370 of the charging unit 300) to cool or chill the coolant and flow the coolant (e.g., via a pump of the charging unit 300) through the conduit 420′, into the body 210′ of heat regulating material via the first connector 217′ and pathway 215′, out of the body 210′ of heat regulating material via the pathway 215′ and second connector 218′ and back to the temperature conditioning module 400′ via the conduit 430′. The temperature conditioning module 400′ therefore circulates the coolant through the body 210′ of heat regulating material to cool or chill the heat regulating material (e.g., PCM) to charge the heat regulating material (e.g., so that the PCM is ready to absorb heat when removed from the slot 310′ and inserted into a container, such as the container 100-100F.

In another implementation, where the module 200′ is a heating module, the temperature conditioning module 400′ is operated (e.g., by a controller, similar to the controller 370 of the charging unit 300) to heat the coolant and flow the coolant (e.g., via a pump of the charging unit 300) through the conduit 420′, into the body 210′ of heat regulating material via the first connector 217′ and pathway 215′, out of the body 210′ of heat regulating material via the pathway 215′ and second connector 218′ and back to the temperature conditioning module 400′ via the conduit 430′. The temperature conditioning module 400′ therefore circulates the heated fluid through the body 210′ of heat regulating material to heat the heat regulating material (e.g., PCM) to charge the heat regulating material (e.g., so that the PCM is ready to release heat when removed from the slot 310′ and inserted into a container, such as the container 100-100F.

In another implementation, the charging unit can combine the features described above for the charging unit 300 and charging unit 300′. For example, the charging unit can have a temperature conditioning module that heats or cools a liquid and flows the heated or cooled liquid through the one or more pairs of pathways in the heating or cooling module 200′ (when the heating or cooling module 200′ is connected to the charging unit) to charge a heat regulating material of the heating or cooling module 200′, and the temperature conditioning module can also circulate a heated or cooled fluid (e.g., air) over the heating or cooling modules 200′ to charge the thermally conductive material 210, 210′ of the heating or cooling modules 200′ when they are disposed in the slots 310, 310′. Advantageously, one or more charging units 300, 300′ can be housed in a single location (e.g., a warehouse), which can be the same location or an adjacent warehouse or location that holds the containers, such as the containers 100-100F. Both can be at a shipment fulfillment center or at a shipment origination location, advantageously allowing the easy assembly of containers 100-100F with temperature sensitive or perishable goods and heating or cooling modules 200, 200′. In one implementation, the charging unit(s) 300, 300′ can also be at the destination location, allowing the modules 200, 200′ to be removed from the containers 100-100F and inserted into the slots 310, 310′ for charging, and allowing the temperature sensitive and/or perishable goods to be removed at the destination location.

Additional Embodiments

In embodiments of the present disclosure, a portable cooler container system, heating or cooling module or charging unit may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:

Clause 1. A portable cooler container system, comprising:

- an insulated vessel having a payload chamber configured to receive a payload of one or more temperature sensitive or perishable goods;
- a lid configured to close the payload chamber of the vessel, the lid being movable relative to the vessel to access the payload chamber; and
- a heating or cooling module configured to be removably disposed in the payload chamber proximate the payload, comprising
  - a body of heat regulating material, and
  - electronics attached to the body, the electronics comprising a controller and one or more of a memory, a GPS sensor, one or more parameter sensors, one or more visual indicators, one or more power storage elements and a wireless communication system.

Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein the vessel is made of extruded polyethylene.

Clause 3. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the electronics are in a module configured to be detached from the body.

Clause 4. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the heat regulating material is a phase change material.

Clause 5. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising one or more electrical contacts on a surface of the heating or cooling module via which power is supplied to the electronics.

Clause 6. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising one or more electrical contacts or ports on a surface of the heating or cooling module via which data from the electronics can be downloaded.

Clause 7. The system of any preceding clause, wherein electronics comprise an inductive power receiver in electrical communication with the controller and configured to wirelessly receive power.

Clause 8. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the wireless communication system includes one or more of a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a transceiver and an a radio antenna.

Clause 9. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the heating or cooling module comprises a handle configured to at least partially receive a user's hand to allow the heating or cooling module to be hand carried by the user.

Clause 10. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the vessel comprises a step or ledge configured to support the heating or cooling module over the payload.

Clause 11. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the lid and a bottom portion of the vessel have one or more magnets or magnetic material, allowing for the magnetic coupling of multiple portable cooler containers when stacked.

Clause 12. The system of any preceding clause, wherein one of the lid and a bottom portion of the vessel has one or more recesses and the other of the lid and the bottom portion of the vessel has one or more protrusions, allowing for the coupling of multiple portable cooler containers when stacked.

Clause 13. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the heating or cooling module includes one or more pathways through the body of heat regulating material that connect with a pair of connectors attached to the heating or cooling module, the one or more pathways configured to allow flow of a temperature conditioned fluid therethrough to condition or charge the heat regulating material.

Clause 14. A heating or cooling module for use with a portable cooler container, comprising:

- a body of heat regulating material, the body configured to be removably disposed in a payload chamber of the portable cooler container proximate a payload of temperature sensitive or perishable goods; and
- electronics attached to the body, the electronics comprising a controller and one or more of a memory, a GPS sensor, one or more parameter sensors, one or more visual indicators, one or more power storage elements and a wireless communication system.

Clause 15. The module of clause 14, wherein the electronics are in a module configured to be detached from the body.

Clause 16. The module of any of clauses 14-15, wherein the heat regulating material is a phase change material.

Clause 17. The module of any of clauses 14-16, further comprising one or more electrical contacts on a surface of the heating or cooling module via which power is supplied to the electronics.

Clause 18. The module of any of clauses 14-17, further comprising one or more electrical contacts or ports on a surface of the heating or cooling module via which data from the electronics can be downloaded.

Clause 19. The module of any of clauses 14-18, wherein electronics comprise an inductive power receiver in electrical communication with the controller and configured to wirelessly receive power.

Clause 20. The module of any of clauses 14-19, wherein the wireless communication system includes one or more of a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a transceiver and an a radio antenna.

Clause 21. The module of any of clauses 14-20, wherein the heating or cooling module comprises a handle configured to at least partially receive a user's hand to allow the heating or cooling module to be hand carried by the user.

Clause 22. The module of any of clauses 14-21, wherein the heating or cooling module includes one or more pathways through the body of heat regulating material that connect with a pair of connectors attached to the heating or cooling module, the one or more pathways configured to allow flow of a temperature conditioned fluid therethrough to condition or charge the heat regulating material.

Clause 23. A charging unit for multiple heating or cooling modules that can be used with a portable cooler container, the charging unit comprising:

- a body comprising a plurality of slots, each of the slots configured to removably receive a heating or cooling module therein; and
- electronics comprising
  - a controller,
  - a power source operable to transmit power to the plurality of slots to transmit power to the heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots,
  - a temperature conditioning module operable to circulate heated or cooled fluid to charge a heat regulating material of the heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots, and
  - a data communication module operable to download data or information from the heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots.

Clause 24. The charging unit of clause 23, wherein the power source is configured to simultaneously transmit power to multiple heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots.

Clause 25. The charging unit of any of clauses 23-24, wherein the temperature conditioning module is configured to simultaneously charge the heat regulating material of multiple heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots.

Clause 26. The charging unit of any of clauses 23-25, wherein the data communication module is configured to simultaneously download data or information from multiple heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots.

Clause 27. The charging unit of any of clauses 23-26, wherein each of the slots comprises one or more electrical contacts configured to contacts one or more electrical contacts on a surface of the heating or cooling module inserted in the slot to one or both of transfer power to the heating or cooling module and download data or information from the heating or cooling module.

Clause 28. The charging unit of any of clauses 23-27, wherein the electronics further comprises a wireless power transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit power to the heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots.

Clause 29. The charging unit of any of clauses 23-28, wherein each slot further comprises a magnetic coupling mechanism operable to magnetically couple to at least a portion of the heating or cooling element when disposed in the slots to facilitate transfer of power and data between the charging unit and the heating or cooling module.

Clause 30. The charging unit of any of clauses 23-29, wherein each slot further comprises a spring-loaded coupling mechanism operable to couple to at least a portion of the heating or cooling element when disposed in the slots to facilitate transfer of power and data between the charging unit and the heating or cooling module.

Clause 31. The charging unit of any of clauses 23-30, further comprising a plurality of visual indicators on the body operable to indicate whether one or more of the slots are empty, whether one or more of the slots have a heating or cooling module disposed therein that is in the process of charging, and whether one or more of the slots have a heating or cooling module disposed therein that is fully charged and ready for use.

Clause 32. The charging unit of any of clauses 23-31, further comprising one or more pairs of conduits in fluid communication with the temperature conditioning module, the temperature conditioning module configured to heat or cool a liquid and flow the heated or cooled liquid through the one or more pairs of conduits and one or more pathways in the heating or cooling modules coupled to the charging unit to charge a heat regulating material of the heating or cooling module.

Clause 33. The charging unit of any of clauses 23-32, wherein the temperature conditioning module is operable to circulate a heated or cooled fluid over the heating or cooling modules to charge the thermally conductive material of the heating or cooling modules when disposed in the slots.

Clause 34. The charging unit of any of clauses 23-33, wherein the heated or cooled fluid circulated over the heating or cooling modules is air.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the devices described herein need not feature all of the objects, advantages, features and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those of skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the discussed devices.

PORTABLE CONTAINER WITH COOLING OR HEATING UNIT

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