Patent ID: 7500593
Filing Date: 2009-03-10
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for shipping an article under controlled temperature conditions, comprising: (a) a first volume sized for containment of said article, and a first enclosure surrounding said first volume; said first enclosure having a double-walled construction with a second volume sealed between said double walls; (b) a phase change material at least partially filling said second volume; (c) at least a partial coating of a non-soluble crystalline material which will promote the formation of ice crystals in the phase change material; and (d) at least one relief vent into said second volume through one of said double walls, said relief vent having the characteristic of equalizing the air pressure between the second volume and the exterior of said enclosure, and the further characteristic of being impervious to the passage of said phase change material; and (e) a plurality of insulating walls surrounding said first enclosure, at least one of said plurality of insulating walls being removable to provide access to the interior of said first enclosure.