Patent ID: 6308530
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: F25D,F28D,Y02E

Abstract:
A cooling apparatus for conditioning air within an area of a vehicle, the air within the vehicle area capable of being substantially isolated from surrounding ambient air, the cooling apparatus capable of retaining a fluid in a melted liquid state or frozen solid state, the cooling apparatus comprising:a) a closed container for retaining the fluid, the container comprising an outer elastic sleeve and an internal volume, the elastic sleeve permitting the container to expand, or contract in response to fluctuations in the container internal volume;b) a jacket member inserted around the elastic sleeve for stabilizing the container in a generally fixed position, the jacket member having an inner and outer surface;c) means for manipulating the temperature of the container fluid, the means in thermal contact with the fluid; andd) means for reducing expansion of the container elastic sleeve when the container fluid is in the frozen solid state, the means inserted within the container.