Storage Container with Temperature Control

Abstract

A storage container with temperature control and associated methods is described. The storage container includes a housing with an insulated inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive items. The storage container includes a temperature control system disposed within the insulated inner chamber of the housing and configured to regulate a temperature within the insulated inner chamber. The temperature control system includes a first reactive material, a second reactive material, a triggering mechanism, and a barrier preventing mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material. A triggering event automatically causes the triggering mechanism to alter or move the barrier to initiate mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material to produce a resulting reaction, the resulting reaction regulating the temperature within the insulated inner chamber.

Description

BACKGROUND

The temperature of a product being shipped may be important to the recipient. For example, frozen or cold products are expected to arrive at the recipient's location in a substantially similar condition as shipped and perishable products must meet certain temperature criteria. Accordingly powered vehicles such as refrigeration and warming trucks have been developed to continuously cool or heat products during transit.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a storage container with a temperature control system that maintains a predetermined temperature within the storage container during shipping. The temperature control system of the storage container includes materials that mix upon the occurrence of a triggering event resulting in an endothermic or exothermic reaction. The reaction either absorbs heat to cool the storage container to a predetermined temperature, or releases heat to warm the storage container to a predetermined temperature so as to prevent melting or cooling of a product.

In one embodiment, an exemplary temperature-controllable storage container includes a housing and a temperature control system. The housing includes an insulated inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive one or more items. The temperature control system is disposed within the insulated inner chamber of the housing. The temperature control system is configured to regulate a temperature within the insulated inner chamber. The temperature control system includes a first reactive material, a second reactive material, a triggering mechanism, and a barrier preventing mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material. A triggering event automatically causes the triggering mechanism to alter or move the barrier to initiate mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material to produce a resulting reaction. The resulting reaction regulates the temperature within the insulated inner chamber.

In an embodiment, a method of regulating a temperature within a storage container is provided. The method includes providing a storage container that includes a housing with an insulated inner chamber. The method includes detecting a triggering event occurring within the inner chamber. The method includes altering or moving automatically, based on the detecting, a barrier between a first reactive material and a second reactive material in the insulated inner chamber, the altering or moving initiating mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material to produce a resulting reaction, the resulting reaction regulating a temperature within the insulated inner chamber.

In an embodiment, a temperature-controllable storage container including a housing, a passive temperature control system, and a temperature control system is provided. The housing includes an insulated inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive one or more items. The passive temperature control system is disposed within the insulated inner chamber of the housing. The temperature control system is disposed within the insulated inner chamber of the housing. The temperature control system is configured to regulate a temperature within the insulated inner chamber. The temperature control system includes a first reactive material, a second reactive material, a triggering mechanism, and a barrier preventing mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material. A triggering event automatically causes the triggering mechanism to alter or move the barrier to initiate mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material to produce a resulting reaction. The resulting reaction regulates the temperature within the insulated inner chamber.

It should be appreciated that combinations and/or permutations of embodiments are envisioned as being within the scope of the present invention. Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed storage containers with temperature control and associated methods, reference is made to the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, help to explain the invention. In the figures:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary storage container in an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary temperature control system in an embodiment prior to a triggering event.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary temperature control system in an embodiment after the triggering event and during a resulting reaction.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary triggering mechanism in an embodiment before and after the triggering event.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary triggering mechanism in an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary triggering mechanism in an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of regulating a temperature within a storage container in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a chart illustrating temperature values for different containers during passive cooling relative to a frozen compliance value.

FIG. 9 is a chart illustrating time values for different containers for maintain a frozen product within a frozen compliance range.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that the relative terminology used herein, such as “front”, “rear”, “left”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up” and “down” is solely for the purposes of clarity and designation and is not intended to limit embodiments to a particular position and/or orientation. Accordingly, such relative terminology should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to embodiments having specific dimensions. Thus, any dimensions provided herein are merely for an exemplary purpose and are not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having particular dimensions.

Although packages of perishable, cold or hot products that are being shipped may include a passive cooling or heating system in the form of a cooling or heating insert, the effectiveness of such passive systems can depend on the length of shipping. Passive cooling or heating systems cool or heat the space within the package for a limited amount of time until a neutral temperature is reached. Although passive systems may be acceptable for shipping product over a short period of time, if shipment of a package is delayed or will take a longer amount of time, the passive systems become ineffective and allow the temperature within the package to fluctuate beyond the acceptable temperature.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a storage container with a triggered temperature control system operable to maintain a predetermined temperature within the storage container during shipping. The temperature control system of the storage container includes materials that mix upon the occurrence of a triggering event resulting in an endothermic or exothermic reaction. The reaction either absorbs heat to cool the storage container to a predetermined temperature, or releases heat to warm the storage container to a predetermined temperature to prevent melting or cooling of the product. The triggering event can be an identified drop or rise in temperature within the storage container beyond a predetermined temperature, with the temperature control system actively providing the cooling or heating only after the triggering event occurs.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary temperature-controlled storage container 100 (hereinafter “container 100”) in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The container 100 generally includes a housing with an insulated enclosure or chamber 102 formed by a bottom wall 104, a front wall 106, a rear wall 108, side walls 110, 112, and a top wall (not shown for clarity). Although illustrated as a substantially square configuration, it should be understood that the container 100 can be any other configuration (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, or the like). The walls of the container 100 can include insulation 114 to assist in maintaining the desired conditions within the chamber 102. The chamber 102 defines a space configured and dimensioned to receive one or more items 116. When the top wall or lid is secured, a seal can be formed between the walls of the container 100 such that outer conditions cannot penetrate within the container 100, and the cold or warm/hot temperature within the container 100 cannot escape out of the container 100. Efficient cooling or heating within the container 100 is thereby achieved.

The container 100 includes one or more triggered temperature control systems 118 disposed within the insulated inner chamber 102. The triggered temperature control system 118 is configured to regulate the temperature within the chamber 102. The triggered temperature control system 118 includes a first reactive material 120, a second reactive material 122, a triggering mechanism 124, and a barrier 126. The barrier 126 prevents mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 prior to a triggering event. In one embodiment, the triggered temperature control system 118 can be in the form of a capsule including the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 separated by the barrier 126.

The triggering event may be the expiration of a designated amount of time noted by a timer, or may occur when a temperature sensor indicates that unsatisfactory temperature conditions exist within the chamber 102. In particular, the triggered temperature control system 118 remains in a non-activated configuration until the triggering event occurs. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the triggering event automatically causes the triggering mechanism 124 to alter or move the barrier 126 to initiate at least partial mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 to produce a resulting reaction (e.g., an endothermic reaction or an exothermic reaction). The resulting reaction regulates the temperature within the chamber 102 to maintain the temperature within the chamber 102 at a desired temperature or temperature range. It should be understood that the triggered temperature control system 118 isolates the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 from the items 116 to prevent damage to the items, while having a housing that allows energy from the chamber 102 to be absorbed or energy to be emitted into the chamber 102.

In some embodiments, the container 100 can include one or more passive temperature control systems 128 (e.g., a gel pack, dry ice, ice, combinations thereof, or the like) disposed within the chamber 102 and configured to passively cool the chamber 102. The passive temperature control system 128 can assist in cooling or heating the chamber 102 during the initial phase (e.g., the first day or two days) of shipping, and the triggered temperature control system 118 can cool or heat the chamber 102 during the second phase (e.g., after the temperature within the chamber 102 reaches a predetermined value or a predetermined amount of time has passed). The passive temperature control system 128 and triggered temperature control system 118 can thereby work in separate stages or together to ensure the items 116 are shipped in acceptable environmental conditions and arrive to their location in an unexpired condition. In an embodiment, the triggered temperature control system 118 can act as a backup to the passive temperature control system 128 and actuates if the passive temperature control system 128 fails to maintain the items 116 in acceptable environmental conditions.

In an embodiment, the triggered temperature control system 118 can be an endothermic reaction system configured to produce an endothermic reaction upon mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122. The endothermic reaction reduces the temperature within the chamber 102 by absorbing energy. In such embodiments, the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 can be liquids. In one embodiment, the first reactive material 120 can be ammonium nitrate and second reactive material 122 can be water. In one embodiment, the first reactive material for an endothermic reaction system can be selected from sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen chloride, ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, combinations thereof, or the like. In such an embodiment, water can be used as the second reactive material.

In an embodiment, the triggered temperature control system 118 can be an exothermic reaction system configured to produce an exothermic reaction upon mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122. The exothermic reaction increases the temperature within the chamber 102 by emitting energy. In such embodiments, the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 can be liquids. In one embodiment, the first reactive material 120 can be calcium chloride and the second reactive materials 122 can be water. In one embodiment, the first reactive material for an exothermic reaction system can be magnesium sulfate. In such an embodiment, water can be used as the second reactive material. In one embodiment, sodium acetate supercooled to a solid can be used by itself without a second reactive material.

In an embodiment, the triggered temperature control system 118 can include a temperature sensor 130 disposed within the chamber 102 and configured to detect the temperature within the chamber 102. In such embodiments, the triggering event can be a detected temperature. For example, the temperature sensor 130 can monitor the temperature within the chamber 102 and, upon detecting that the temperature reaches a predetermined value or a value below a predetermined value, the temperature sensor 130 can actuate the triggering mechanism 124 by sending a signal to the triggering mechanism 124 to alter or move the barrier 126 to initiate mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122. For example, the triggering mechanism 124 may be a mechanical device in wired or wireless communication with the temperature sensor 130 that upon receiving a command may physically move or pierce the barrier 126. Thus, upon a detected increase or decrease of the temperature within the chamber 102 beyond the desired temperature, the resulting reaction from mixing of the first and second materials 120, 122 actively assists in cooling or heating the chamber 102 to prevent expiration of the items 116 prior to delivery.

In an embodiment, the triggered temperature control system 118 can include a timer 132 (alone or in combination with the sensor 130) disposed within the chamber 102. The timer 132 can keep track of the time elapsed since the container 100 was packaged or shipped. In such embodiments, the triggering event can be an elapsed time. For example, the timer 132 can count down from a predetermined time value (e.g., 24 hours, 36, hours, 48 hours, or the like) and, upon reaching the end of the countdown (e.g., zero hours and zero minutes), the timer 132 can actuate the triggering mechanism 124 by sending a signal to the triggering mechanism 124 to alter or move the barrier 126 to initiate mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122. For example, the triggering mechanism 124 may be a mechanical device in wired or wireless communication with the timer 132 that upon receiving a command may physically move or pierce the barrier 126. Thus, if the container 100 is being shipped for longer than the predetermined time value, the resulting reaction from mixing of the first and second materials 120, 122 actively assists in cooling or heating the chamber 102 to prevent expiration of the items 116 prior to delivery.

In one embodiment, the barrier 126 can be a glass structure that can be at least partially broken or moved by the triggering mechanism 124 to allow for mixing between the first and second reactive materials 120, 122. In an embodiment, the barrier 126 can be a plastic structure that can be at least partially broken, pierced or moved by the triggering mechanism 124 to allow for mixing between the first and second reactive materials 120, 122. In an embodiment, the barrier 126 can be injected by the triggering mechanism 124 to allow for mixing between the first and second reactive materials 120, 122. In an embodiment, a liquid material can be pressurized and injected with force into a chamber including a measure of a second granular solid material, the injection facilitating agitation and mixing of the materials.

In an embodiment, the triggering mechanism 124 can be a mechanical triggering mechanism. In one embodiment, the mechanical triggering mechanism can be configured to move the barrier 126 in response to a command based on the temperature within the chamber 102 reaching a predetermined value as detected by the sensor 130 and/or the timer 132 reaching an elapsed time. Movement of the barrier 126 allows the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 to mix and generates the resulting reaction. In one embodiment, the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 can be kept together as a solid or liquid and a mechanical force delivered to the reactive materials can set the reaction in motion. For example, the mechanical triggering mechanism can be configured to generate a mechanical force to at least one of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 in response to the temperature within the chamber 102 reaching a predetermined value as detected by the sensor 130 and/or the timer 132 reaching an elapsed time. The mechanical force initiates mixing the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 and generates the resulting reaction.

In one embodiment, the mechanical force stresses and cracks the barrier 126, allowing the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 to mix. In one embodiment, a metallic activator strip can be set to click over or change into a new shape in response to the changing shape of a thermostat metal, thereby creating a mechanical force or impact for a supercooled compound (such as melted sodium acetate). In one embodiment, crystallization of a supersaturated solution (such as sodium acetate) can be used to generate an exothermic reaction. In one embodiment, the mechanical triggering mechanism can include two different metals joined by a fixed connection. The two different metals can bend at different rates in response to fluctuation in the temperature within the chamber 102, the different rates of bending causing the fixed connection to break and initiate mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 to generate the resulting reaction.

In an embodiment, the triggering mechanism 124 can be an electrical triggering mechanism. In one embodiment, the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 can be kept together as a solid or liquid and an electric current or heat can set the reaction in motion. For example, the electrical triggering mechanism can be configured to generate an electric current to at least one of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 in response to the temperature within the chamber 102 reaching a predetermined value as detected by the sensor 130 and/or the timer 132 reaching an elapsed time. The electric current initiates mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 and generates the resulting reaction. As a further example, the electrical triggering mechanism can be configured to apply heat to at least one of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 in response to the temperature within the chamber 102 reaching a predetermined value as detected by the sensor 130 and/or the timer 132 reaching an elapsed time. The application of heat forces mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 and generates the resulting reaction. In one embodiment, the electric current can open a gateway or barrier 126 (e.g., a reusable gateway or barrier 126), thereby allowing the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 to mix. In one embodiment, the electric current can power a mechanical breakage of a barrier 126 (e.g., a glass barrier) to trigger the change of a supercooled liquid to a solid, or the like. The electric current can be initiated by a sensor or timer that indicates a need for more heat or cold. In one embodiment, the electrical triggering mechanism can be configured to complete an electric circuit to open, break or pierce the barrier 126 in response to the temperature within the chamber 102 reaching a predetermined value as detected by the sensor 130 and/or the timer 132 reaching an elapsed time. Alteration or movement of the barrier 126 allows mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 and generates the resulting reaction.

Triggers for initiating mixing of the first and second reactive materials 120, 122 can be electrical or mechanical. For example, an electric signal can open a gate or initiate a force that can be triggered by the timer 132 or by a change in the environment (such as temperature) detected by the sensor 130. Mechanical triggers can be automatic and based on the different expansion rates of metals due to temperature variations that activate a coil to wind or unwind. Such winding or unwinding of the coil can be a trigger by completing an electrical circuit that opens or breaks a gate or barrier 126 is the conditions within the container 100 reach unacceptable levels.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrammatic views of an exemplary temperature control system 200 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 shows the temperature control system 200 prior to a triggering event, while FIG. 3 shows the temperature control system 200 after the triggering event and during a resulting reaction. The temperature control system 200 includes a first reactive compound or material 202, a second reactive compound or material 204, a triggering mechanism 206, and a barrier 208 disposed between the first and second reactive materials 202, 204.

Prior to reaching a predetermined temperature or an elapsed time, the barrier 208 remains between the first and second reactive materials 202, 204 and prevents mixing between the first and second reactive materials 202, 204. During this time, a separate passive cooling or heating system can be used to maintain the initial desired temperature within the storage container. Upon reaching the predetermined temperature and/or the elapsed time, the triggering mechanism 206 alters or moves the barrier 208 to allow for mixing of at least a portion of the first and second reactive materials 202, 204, generating a resulting reaction 210. The resulting reaction 210 either absorbs energy to cool the chamber of the container or emits energy to heat the chamber of the container. The triggering mechanism 206 can be a mechanical triggering mechanism or an electrical triggering mechanism (or both) that moves, breaks or pierces the barrier 208. In an embodiment, a mechanical force or electrical current delivered to one of the reactive materials 202, 204 causes mixing of the reactive materials 202, 204.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary triggering mechanism 400 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The triggering mechanism 400 can include two different metals 402, 404 disposed adjacent to each other and bound to each other via one or more fixed connections 406. The metals 402, 404 have different properties that affect their rates of expansion. Therefore, as the temperature changes within the chamber of the container, each metal 402, 404 expands or contracts at a different rate. For example, the metal 402 can expand at a faster rate than the metal 404. Due to the fixed connections 406, expansion of the metal 402 at a faster rate results in bending of the triggering mechanism 400.

Bending of the triggering mechanism 400 can mechanically or electrically alter or move the barrier between the first and second reactive materials. For example, the triggering mechanism 400 can bend and impart a force on the barrier to move or break the barrier, thereby allowing mixing of the first and second reactive materials. As a further example, the triggering mechanism 400 can bend and complete a circuit that imparts an electric current to one or both of the first and second reactive materials to initiate mixing of the first and second reactive materials.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary triggering mechanism 500 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The triggering mechanism 500 can include mechanical and/or electrical components for triggering mixing of the first and second reactive materials. The triggering mechanism 500 includes a sensor 502 configured to detect a temperature within the chamber of the container. The triggering mechanism 500 includes a bi-metallic coil 504. The bi-metallic coil 504 is connected to the sensor via a wire 506 at connecting point 508. The triggering mechanism 500 includes a first metal 510 and a second metal 512. As the coil 504 is warmed, the second metal 512 straightens out and pulls away from the first metal 510. As the coil 504 cools, the first and second metals 510, 512 are placed in contact with each other so that either an electrical circuit is completed or a mechanical stress is imparted on a barrier.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary triggering mechanism 600 in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The triggering mechanism 600 can be an electrically powered sensor that detects conditions within the chamber of the container. In one embodiment, based on a change in the conditions (e.g., a temperature reaching a predetermined value), circuitry 602 of the triggering mechanism 600 can electronically transmit a signal to a computer control or processing device to initiate mixing of the first and second reactive materials.

For example, based on the signal, the computer control or processing device can transmit an electric current to one or both of the first and second reactive materials to initiate mixing of the first and second reactive materials. In one embodiment, based on a change in conditions, a switch of the circuitry 602 of the triggering mechanism 600 can be actuated to complete a circuit that transmits an electric current to one or both of the first and second materials to initiate mixing of the first and second reactive materials.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 700 of regulating a temperature within a storage container. To begin, at step 702, the storage container including a housing with an insulated inner chamber is provided. At step 704, a triggering event occurring within the inner chamber is detected (e.g., temperature reaching a predetermined value, a predetermined elapsed time, or the like). At step 706, based on the detected triggering event, a barrier between the first and second reactive materials and within the chamber can be automatically altered or moved.

In an embodiment, at step 708, a mechanical triggering mechanism can move the barrier in response to the temperature within the insulated inner chamber reaching a predetermined value (and/or a timer reaching a predetermined elapsed time). In an embodiment, at step 710, a mechanical force to at least one of the first and second reactive materials can be generated with a mechanical triggering mechanism in response to the temperature within the insulated inner chamber reaching a predetermined value (and/or a timer reaching a predetermined elapsed time).

In an embodiment, at step 712, an electric current to at least one of the first and second reactive materials can be generated with an electrical triggering mechanism in response to the temperature within the insulated inner chamber reaching a predetermined value (and/or a timer reaching a predetermined elapsed time).

In an embodiment, at step 714, heat can be applied to at least one of the first and second reactive materials with an electrical triggering mechanism in response to the temperature within the insulated inner chamber reaching a predetermined value (and/or a timer reaching a predetermined elapsed time).

In an embodiment, at step 716, an electric circuit can be completed with an electrical triggering mechanism to open, break or pierce the barrier in response to the temperature within the insulated inner chamber reaching a predetermined value (and/or a timer reaching a predetermined elapsed time).

At step 718, based on the altered or moved barrier, mixing of the first and second reactive materials is initiated to produce a resulting reaction (e.g., an endothermic reaction or an exothermic reaction).

At step 720, based on the resulting reaction between the first and second reactive materials, the temperature within the insulated inner chamber is regulated to maintain the items within the container at the desired temperature or in the desired temperature range.

FIG. 8 is a chart illustrating temperature values for different container types during passive cooling relative to a frozen compliance value 800 of approximately 20° F. For testing purposes, each container included a frozen product (e.g., ice cream) and two phase change material (PCM) 3 lb gel packs obtained from a −33° F. blast chiller. The data provided in FIG. 8 is intended to show the time period during which passive cooling from the gel packs maintained the temperature within the container below the frozen compliance value 800. It should be understood that even with the passive cooling (or similarly heating), the temperature within the container eventually reaches and exceeds the compliance value 800. The exemplary temperature control system can be initiated (e.g., the reaction between the active materials can be initiated) when the temperature within the container is detected to be within, e.g., 5 degrees, 4 degrees, 3 degrees, 2 degrees, 1 degree, or the like, of the compliance value 800. In some embodiments, triggering of the temperature control system can occur within a fraction of a degree from the compliance value 800 to extend the length of cooling provided by both the passive and active cooling systems. The temperature control system can thereby maintain the temperature within the container below the compliance value 800 for cooling and above the compliance value for heating after passive cooling or heating (if any) is depleted.

Line 802 represents the ambient temperature during experimentation. Line 804 represents the performance of an insulated bag as maintaining the temperature below the frozen compliance value 800 for approximately 10 hours. Line 806 represents the performance of a Japan tote as maintaining the temperature below the frozen compliance value 800 for over 18 hours. Line 808 represents the performance of a tote having a 1.5 inch polyurethane insulation lining as maintaining the temperature below the frozen compliance value 800 for approximately 18 hours. Line 810 represents the performance of a tote having a 1 inch polyurethane insulation lining as maintaining the temperature below the frozen compliance value 800 for approximately 18 hours. Thus, depending on the type of material used for the container, the exemplary temperature control system reaction can be initiated at a preset temperature below the compliance value 800 for frozen items. It should be understood that different compliance values 800 can be selected based on the preferred temperature of the packaged items, e.g., frozen items, cold items, warm items, hot items, or the like.

FIG. 9 is a chart illustrating time values for different containers for maintaining a frozen product below or within a frozen compliance range 900 (e.g., between approximately 3° F. and approximately 10° F.). A frozen product was placed and sealed within each of the containers, and the temperature was monitored to determine how long each type of container could maintain the product below or within the compliance range 900 without passive cooling assistance. The exemplary temperature control system can be initiated (e.g., the reaction between the active materials can be initiated) when the temperature within the container is detected to be below the bottommost or topmost value of the range 900 by, e.g., 5 degrees, 4 degrees, 3 degrees, 2 degrees, 1 degree, or the like, or while the temperature is detected to be within the compliance range 900. In some embodiments, triggering of the temperature control system can occur within a fraction of a degree from the compliance range 900 to extend the length of cooling provided by the active cooling systems.

Line 902 represents the performance of a tote having a 1.5 inch polyurethane liner and Styrofoam as maintaining the product below or within the compliance range 900 for approximately 3.5 hours. Line 904 represents the performance of a tote having a 2 inch polyurethane line as maintaining the product below or within the compliance range 900 for approximately 4 to 9 hours. Line 906 represents the performance of a reflective bag as maintaining the product below or within the compliance range 900 for approximately 7.5 to 12.5 hours. Line 908 represents the performance of a Japan tote as maintaining the product below or within the compliance range 900 for approximately 8 to 13 hours. Line 910 represents the performance of an ASDA tote as maintaining the product below or within the compliance range 900 for approximately 3.5 to over 19 hours. Thus, depending on the type of material used for the container, the exemplary temperature control system reaction can be initiated at a preset temperature below or within the compliance range 900 for frozen items.

The exemplary storage container therefore includes a temperature control system that actuates based on a triggering event to maintain items at the desired conditions during shipping. For example, when the temperature within the storage container increases after a passive temperature control system fails due to prolonged shipping times, the triggering mechanism of the temperature control system initiates mixing of the first and second reactive materials to generate an endothermic reaction that absorbs energy to cool the contents of the storage container. As a further example, when the temperature within the storage container decreases after a passive temperature control system fails due to prolonged shipping times, the triggering mechanism of the temperature control system initiates mixing of the first and second reactive materials to generate an exothermic reaction that emits energy to warm the contents of the storage container. Expiration of the shipped items can thereby be prevented during prolonged shipping.

While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A temperature-controllable storage container, comprising: a housing including an insulated inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive one or more items; anda temperature control system disposed within the insulated inner chamber of the housing, the temperature control system configured to regulate a temperature within the insulated inner chamber, the temperature control system including: a first reactive material;a second reactive material;a triggering mechanism; anda barrier preventing mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material;wherein a triggering event automatically causes the triggering mechanism to alter or move the barrier to initiate mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material to produce a resulting reaction, the resulting reaction regulating the temperature within the insulated inner chamber.

2. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 1, wherein the temperature control system further includes: a temperature sensor disposed within the housing and configured to detect the temperature within the insulated inner chamber,wherein the triggering event is a detected temperature.

3. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 1, wherein the temperature control system further includes: a timer disposed within the housing,wherein the triggering event is an elapsed time.

4. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 1, wherein the temperature control system is an endothermic reaction system configured to reduce the temperature within the insulated inner chamber.

5. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 4, wherein the first reactive material is ammonium nitrate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen chloride, ammonium chloride, or potassium chloride, and the second reactive material is water.

6. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 1, wherein the temperature control system is an exothermic reaction system configured to increase the temperature within the insulated inner chamber.

7. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 6, wherein the first reactive material is calcium chloride or magnesium sulfate, and the second reactive material is water.

8. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 6, wherein the first reactive material is a crystallization-type supersaturated solution.

9. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 1, wherein the barrier is a glass structure.

10. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 1, wherein the barrier is a plastic structure.

11. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 1, wherein the triggering mechanism is a mechanical triggering mechanism.

12. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 11, wherein the mechanical triggering mechanism is configured to move the barrier in response to the temperature within the insulated inner chamber reaching a predetermined value.

13. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 11, wherein the mechanical triggering mechanism is configured to generate a mechanical force to at least one of the first and second reactive materials in response to the temperature within the insulated inner chamber reaching a predetermined value.

14. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 11, wherein the mechanical triggering mechanism includes two metals joined by a fixed connection, the two metals bending in response to fluctuation in the temperature within the insulated inner chamber.

15. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 1, wherein the triggering mechanism is an electrical triggering mechanism.

16. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 15, wherein the electrical triggering mechanism is configured to generate an electric current to at least one of the first and second reactive materials in response to the temperature within the insulated inner chamber reaching a predetermined value.

17. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 15, wherein the electrical triggering mechanism is configured to apply heat to at least one of the first and second reactive materials in response to the temperature within the insulated inner chamber reaching a predetermined value.

18. The temperature-controllable storage container of claim 15, wherein the electrical triggering mechanism is configured to complete an electric circuit to open, break or pierce the barrier in response to the temperature within the insulated inner chamber reaching a predetermined value.

19. A method of regulating a temperature within a storage container, comprising: providing a storage container that includes a housing with an insulated inner chamber;detecting a triggering event occurring within the inner chamber; andaltering or moving automatically, based on the detecting, a barrier between a first reactive material and a second reactive material in the insulated inner chamber, the altering or moving initiating mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material to produce a resulting reaction, the resulting reaction regulating a temperature within the insulated inner chamber.

20. A temperature-controllable storage container, comprising: a housing including an insulated inner chamber configured and dimensioned to receive one or more items;a passive temperature control system disposed within the insulated inner chamber of the housing; anda temperature control system disposed within the insulated inner chamber of the housing, the temperature control system configured to regulate a temperature within the insulated inner chamber, the temperature control system including: a first reactive material;a second reactive material;a triggering mechanism; anda barrier preventing mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material;wherein a triggering event automatically causes the triggering mechanism to alter or move the barrier to initiate mixing of the first reactive material with the second reactive material to produce a resulting reaction, the resulting reaction regulating the temperature within the insulated inner chamber.