Abstract:
A storage container system comprising an arrangement for adjustable ventilation intended for storing at least one article that is thermally sensitive and/or requires ventilation to the ambient atmosphere. The device includes at least one door and at least one aperture ventilation assembly. The aperture ventilation assembly includes a planar wall aperture array and a corresponding planar shutter aperture array, wherein the sliding relationship between the two arrays results in a plurality of ventilation levels, including a fully open state, and a closed state capable of substantially sealing off the contents of the container from the ambient atmosphere. Certain preferred embodiments include a plurality of storage compartments configured within the container&#39;s inner volume wherein each compartment is sealed from one another and possesses its own aperture ventilation assembly for ventilation adjustments.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to storage containers primarily directed to the safekeeping of thermally sensitive materials and/or materials requiring cold storage and/or ventilation, e.g. food, medication, and the like. In a more specific aspect, the present invention primarily relates to a portable storage system comprising a means for adjustable ventilation with respect to the ambient atmosphere surrounding the portable storage container. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Storage containers for the purpose of storing medicines, holding foods and the like, under a variety of temperature conditions are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,651 (to Laib et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 7,357,272 (to Maxwell), U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2005/0082305 (to Dais et al.), U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0176022 (to Furlong), U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2011/0180543 (to Rusnak et al.), and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0191022 (to Meiser et al.), all generally describe storage containers having some type of aperture, hole, or vent. The vents in the aforementioned references are vents provided to function as gas-exchange ports (e.g. oxygen exchange), and possess relatively small openings. Such small openings are not capable of providing a rapid thermal equalization with the environment surrounding the container, where the inside temperature of the container equals that of the immediate environment is the goal. Such a rapid thermal equalization requires substantially large ventilation openings that allow substantial air flow, not taught by the aforementioned references. 
     U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0191022 (to Meiser et al.) teaches a lockable container (to prevent unauthorized intrusion) including a ventilation scheme is not adjustable. The remaining aforementioned references disclose containers that possess some sort of adjustable ventilation scheme, but do not lend themselves to intrusion locking. 
     None of the aforementioned references teach a container system that can be constructed from thermally insulative materials (typically rigid materials over ¼ inch thick), and still perform their intended function. Furthermore, the corresponding adjustable ventilation schemes could not be constructed from said thermally insulative materials due to the incompatibility between the nature of the adjustable ventilation designs and the material properties of typical thermally insulative type materials. 
     Accordingly, in view of the foregoing deficiencies among other shortcomings, there exists a clear motivation in the storage container arts for new and useful improvements. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a portable storage container having a means for manually adjustable ventilation. The storage container includes at least one door and at least one aperture ventilation assembly. The aperture ventilation assembly includes a wall aperture array and a corresponding shutter aperture array located on a shutter member, both possessing a planar geometry, wherein the sliding relationship between the two arrays results in a plurality of ventilation levels, including a fully open state, and a closed state capable of substantially sealing off the contents of the container from the ambient atmosphere. Certain preferred embodiments, from the conceivable many, further include a plurality of storage compartments configured within the container&#39;s inner volume wherein each compartment is sealed from each other and possesses its own aperture ventilation assembly enabling discrete ventilation adjustments. 
     In the storage arts, rectangular type container structures are best known for storage efficiency, and therefore, is the primary focus of the present invention. It is not the intention of the present invention to teach away from the utilization of containers having geometries other than rectangular. Exemplary nonrectangular containers geometries include, but not limited to: spheres, cylinders, and conic sections. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a user friendly portable storage container having at least one aperture ventilation assembly that enables rapid thermal equalization of the container&#39;s storage area with the ambient atmosphere or environment. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable storage container substantially fabricated from a thermally insulative, rigid material such that when the container&#39;s aperture ventilation assemblies are in the closed state, the container&#39;s inner storage volume is thermally isolated from the ambient atmosphere, thereby performing the function of an ordinary cooler. Additionally, the aperture ventilation assembly will be configured from such a thermally insulative, rigid material so to not introduce any substantial thermal leaks in the storage container&#39;s structure when the ventilation assemblies are in the closed state (no ventilation). 
     It is another object of the present invention directed to certain preferred embodiments from the conceivable many, wherein the portable storage container includes a lockable hingedly connected door with limited range of motion so that the door provides a temporary shelf when the door is in the open position. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention directed to certain preferred embodiments from the conceivable many, wherein the portable storage container includes a lockable hingedly connected door so to prevent unauthorized access to the contents stored in the unit&#39;s inner storage volume. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention directed to certain preferred embodiments from the conceivable many, wherein the portable storage container includes an external control for positioning the shutter member(s) so that a user can adjust the ventilation level when the portable storage container is in the closed door or closed door locked position. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide a relatively simple device that is economical from the viewpoint of the manufacturer and consumer, is susceptible to low manufacturing costs with regard to labor and materials, and which accordingly evokes low prices for the consuming public, thereby making it economically available to the buying public. 
     Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective. 
     Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of this specification. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the conception regarded as the present invention. 
     PARTICULAR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a simple, cost-effective, efficient solution directed to a portable storage type containers having a means for manually adjustable ventilation. Multi-compartment containers can be configured such that each compartment possesses its own ventilation control system. 
     One focus of the present invention is to provide a user the ability to select the best storage condition for a given item or variety of items contained in the one or more storage compartments. Given a lunchbox type embodiment of the present invention having an upper thermos compartment, a lower left compartment, and a lower right compartment, wherein each compartment has its own ventilation control system; a user can customize the ventilation level or magnitude of each compartment to the optimum storage condition of the contents contained therein. For example, given a 40 deg. F., environment (e.g. a tent or an automobile passenger compartment on a cool day), a tuna sandwich can be placed in the lower left compartment with the ventilation level set fully open to take advantage of the cool temperature of the ambient atmosphere or environment; fruit can be stored in the lower right compartment with the ventilation level set to a partially open to allow respiration without undue dehydration; and a thermos containing a hot beverage can be stored in a vent-less state in the upper thermos compartment for enhanced thermal storage. Additionally, if the unit is accessible to others, a door lock can protect contents from unauthorized access without interfering with set ventilation levels. 
     Additional advantages of the present invention pertain to situations where thermally sensitive materials (medications, medically treated foods, mother&#39;s milk, and the like) have to be transported from one thermally controlled environment to another (e.g. presently utilized refrigerator to destination refrigerator). A portable storage container of the present invention, in the locked condition, with the ventilation level set fully open position is located in the presently utilized refrigerator (refrigerator-A). The container can then be removed from refrigerator-A, and the ventilation level can then be positioned to the closed state via an external shutter member control knob, substantially sealing off contents from the warm ambient atmosphere. The container, now acting as a simple cooler, can be safely transported to the destination refrigerator (refrigerator-B), where the ventilation level is returned to the fully open position just prior to placement in refrigerator-B. The contents stored in the portable storage container are thermally managed while simultaneously protected from unauthorized access. Ventilation adjustments while maintaining secure storage for the contents yields several benefits, including: the user/owner can bypass the effort required to unlock the container for ventilation adjustments, a courier can be instructed to adjust ventilation level without having access to contents-valuable in medication transports, and so forth. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The ensuing detailed description section makes reference to the annexed drawings. An enhanced understanding of the present invention will become evident when consideration is given to the detailed description thereof and objects other than the aforementioned become apparent. The invention will be described by reference to the specification and the annexed drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an front orthogonal view of an exemplary portable storage container  100 , with the hingedly connected door in the closed state. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective front view of exemplary portable storage container  100  with the hingedly connected door in the open state. 
         FIG. 3  primarily illustrates a detailed perspective view of the right side wall of the inner storage volume of the portable storage container. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an orthogonal front view of right shutter member  400 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an inner storage volume detailed perspective view of right shutter member  224  superjacently engaging right side wall  220 . Additionally depicted is a user, adjusting ventilation level by manipulating right shutter member  224 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an external orthogonal view of left side wall  218  of exemplary portable storage container  100  with the hingedly connected door in the open state. Additionally, depicts an external shutter control assembly selected to the open position. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an external orthogonal view of left side wall  218  of exemplary portable storage container  100  with the hingedly connected door in the closed state. Additionally, this figure depicts an external shutter control assembly selected to the partially open position. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an external perspective view of left side wall  218  of exemplary portable storage container  100  with the hingedly connected door in the closed state. Additionally, this figure depicts an external shutter control assembly selected to the closed position. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front view detail of  FIG. 6  where the external shutter control assembly is disposed in the open position resulting in a fully open ventilation level. No wall aperture  602  blockage results from left shutter member  226 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an orthogonal front view detail of  FIG. 7  where external shutter control assembly is disposed in the partially open position resulting in a partially open ventilation level. Left shutter member  226  is blocking a portion of wall aperture  602 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an orthogonal front view detail of  FIG. 8  where external shutter control assembly is disposed in the closed position resulting in substantially no ventilation. Left shutter member  226  is completely blocking wall aperture  602 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the left portion of the inner storage volume, comprising left side wall  218  and back wall  214 , further depicting a single shelf support system. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective front view of the inner storage volume of exemplary portable storage container  100 , further depicting a double shelf support system. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a front view of an exemplary multi-compartment portable storage container  1400  with a hingedly connected lid  1402  in the closed state. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a partially exploded front view of an exemplary multi-compartment portable storage container  1400  with a hingedly connected lid  1402  in the open state. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates orthogonal front views of left shutter member  1510  and right shutter member  1512 . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates perspective front view of a refrigerator appliance with an exemplary portable storage container stored within. 
     
    
    
     The drawings are not to scale, in fact, some aspects have been emphasized for a better illustration and understanding of the written description. 
     DEFINITIONS AND CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS SPECIFICATION 
     The portable storage system comprising a means for adjustable ventilation or portable storage container discussed throughout this disclosure shall have equivalent nomenclature, including the container, the device, the unit, the apparatus, the present invention, or the invention. Additionally, the term “exemplary” shall possess a single meaning throughout this disclosure; wherein the sole definition pertains to serving as an example, instance, or illustration. 
     It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As well, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, “characterized by”, “possessing” and “having” are all understood to function as open-ended transition terms that can be used interchangeably. 
     The term magnetic fastening material is understood to include and define magnets as well as any solid material that is attracted to a magnet, including iron, steel, and the like. Such magnetic fastening materials properly combined, provide an impermanent fastening means that continuously provides engagement forces utilized in components requiring a holding, latching, and sliding frictional engagement type of relationships. 
     To help facilitate disclosure understanding and streamline the location of figures and associated part numbers, a systematic parts/features numbering convention has been employed. The first digit in three digit part numbers refers to the figure number where the part was first introduced, or is best depicted. Likewise, in four digit part numbers, the first two digits refer to the figure number where the part was first introduced, or is best depicted. Although this disclosure may at times deviate from this convention, it is the intention of this numbering convention to enable expeditious comprehension of the disclosure. 
     PARTS/FEATURES LIST 
     
         
         
           
               100 . portable storage container (door in the closed state) 
               102 . door (front wall)—hingedly connected 
               104 . lock/handle assembly 
               106 . lock 
               108 . handle 
               110 . holding magnet (left side) 
               112 . holding magnet (right side) 
               114 . continuous hinge (piano hinge) 
               116 . fasteners (screws) 
               120 . feet 
               200 . portable storage container (door in the open state) 
               202 . door travel limiters 
               204 . retractor cable assembly 
               205 . retractor cable 
               206 . locking arm 
               208 . strike plate 
               210 . inner storage volume 
               212 . top wall 
               214 . back wall 
               216 . bottom wall 
               218 . left side wall 
               220 . right side wall 
               222 . door fastener(s) 
               224 . right shutter member 
               226 . left shutter member 
               300 . storage volume detail (right portion of unit) 
               302 . wall aperture(s), (right side) 
               304 . wall aperture array, (right side) 
               306 . wall magnetic fastening material, rear member (second magnetic fastening material) 
               308 . wall magnetic fastening material, front member (second magnetic fastening material) 
               400 . right shutter member 
               402 . right shutter aperture(s) 
               404 . right shutter aperture array 
               406   a . shutter magnetic fastening material 
               406   b . shutter magnetic fastening material 
               408   a . shutter magnetic fastening material 
               408   b . shutter magnetic fastening material 
               500 . right wall aperture ventilation assembly (internal view) 
               502 . user 
               600 . left wall aperture ventilation assembly (external view with ventilation level in the fully open state) 
               602 . wall aperture(s), (left side) 
               603 . wall aperture array, (left side) 
               604 . external shutter control assembly 
               606 . control knob (for external shutter member) 
               608 . control knob slot 
               610 . airflow (maximum level) 
               612 . shoulder strap assembly 
               700 . portable storage container left side (ventilation level in the partially open state) 
               702 . airflow (reduced level) 
               800 . portable storage container left side (ventilation level in the closed state) 
               802 . airflow (no airflow-sealed) 
               900 . fully open ventilation level (wall aperture  602  and left shutter aperture are in alignment) 
               1000 . partially open ventilation level (wall aperture  602  and left shutter aperture are in partial alignment) 
               1100 . closed ventilation level (wall aperture  602  and left shutter aperture are not in alignment—substantially sealed condition) 
               1200 . storage volume detail (inner storage volume single shelf support system) 
               1202 . back wall shelf support member (upper shelf) 
               1204 . side wall shelf support member (upper shelf) 
               1300 . double shelf support system 
               1302 . back wall shelf support member (lower shelf) 
               1304 . side wall shelf support member (lower shelf) 
               1306 . lower shelf 
               1400 . multi-compartment portable storage container 
               1402 . lid (hingedly connected to body  1404 ) 
               1404 . body 
               1406 . lock assembly (key access) 
               1406   a . latching arm (spring loaded) 
               1406   b . strike plate 
               1406   c . latching arm release 
               1406   d . key hole 
               1408 . left compartment wall aperture array 
               1410 . external shutter control assembly (left) 
               1412 . right compartment wall aperture array 
               1414 . external shutter control assembly (right) 
               1500 . multi-compartment portable storage container 
               1502 . lid bottom wall (for lid inner storage volume) 
               1504 . separation wall 
               1506 . left shutter member 
               1508 . right shutter member 
               1510 . lid inner storage volume 
               1512 . thermos 
               1514 . left compartment inner storage volume 
               1516 . right compartment inner storage volume 
               1600 . pair of shutter members 
               1602 . left shutter magnetic fastening material 
               1604 . left shutter magnetic fastening material 
               1606 . left shutter aperture 
               1608 . left shutter aperture array 
               1610 . control knob—left external shutter member 
               1612 . right shutter magnetic fastening material 
               1614 . right shutter magnetic fastening material 
               1616 . right shutter aperture 
               1618 . right shutter aperture array 
               1620 . control knob—right external shutter member 
               1700 . refrigerator appliance (portable storage container  100  stored within) 
               1702 . key (for lock/handle assembly  104 ) 
               1704 . ambient atmosphere (surrounding portable storage container  100 ) 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to the drawings of the present invention, several embodiments pertaining to the communication system and method of use thereof will be described. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Terminology of similar import other than the words specifically mentioned above likewise is to be considered as being used for purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense. 
     In this context, the portable storage container having a means for manually adjustable ventilation may be constructed from a variety of durable materials. Preferred embodiments, are substantially fabricated from thermally insulative, rigid type materials so that the portable storage container&#39;s inner storage volume is thermally isolated from the ambient atmosphere when the container&#39;s ventilation level is in the closed state. Exemplary preferred class of materials is available from Coastal Enterprises located at 1925 West Collins Ave., Orange, Calif., 92863-4875. The materials are available in sheet form and classes include low temp polyurethane precision boards as well as Precision Board Plus PBLT—made with Green “eco-friendly” urethane components. These durable materials possess a closed cell structure to prevent absorption, possess excellent thermal insulation properties, and are easily cut or machined with standard cutting tools. 
     Plastic materials suitable for use in the construction of the device are those normally solid, organic polymers that are readily shaped or molded or otherwise fabricated into the desired container form and possess sufficient rigidity. 
     Preferably, the polymers are thermoplastic and are relatively inert to those materials which are to be stored or contained within the unit. Because of their low cost and superior structural properties, polymers used in structural applications, so-called engineering plastics, present a logical material choice. Preferred polymers include: polystyrene, styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene/butadiene copolymers, styrene/butadiene/acrylonitrile copolymers, rubber modified styrene polymers, and other polymers of monovinylidene aromatic carbocyclic monomers are generally preferred. Other polymers which may be suitably employed are acetal plastics such as polyformaldehyde resin, polyolefins such as polyformaldehyde resin, polyolefins such as amides, such as nylon, rigid polyvinyl chloride, polyesters such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) acrylic resins such as poly(methyl methacrylate), and the like. The polymers, among others, can be formed into the desired shape by conventional forming techniques, e.g., blow molding, extrusion, rotational molding, and injection molding. 
     It is understood that material selection considerations are dependent on a variety of factors, including: compatibility with the items to be stored, attributes of user(s), method of transportation (e.g. manual transport, hand-cart, automobile), compatibility expected environmental conditions, device cost considerations, and the like. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front orthogonal view of an exemplary portable storage container  100  with the hingedly connected door  102  in the closed state. Lock/handle assembly  104  is located on the top center portion of door  102 , and includes lock  106 , and handle  108  for opening door  102 . Lock  106  is controlled by key  1702  (depicted in  FIG. 17 ) and controls locking arm  206  (depicted in  FIG. 2 ) which impermanently engages strike plate  208  at the discretion of the user(s) providing locked and unlocked states for door  102 . The bottom edge portion of door  102  is fastened to the upper portion of continuous hinge (piano hinge)  114  by fasteners (screws)  116 ; whereas the lower portion of continuous hinge (piano hinge)  114  is fastened to the front edge of bottom wall  216  in like manner. 
     Holding magnet (left side)  110  and holding magnet (right side)  112  both function as convenience accessories for temporarily holding steel key  1702  (as depicted in  FIG. 17 ), or the like magnetic material. Feet  120  are positioned about the four corners of bottom wall  216  to provide a compliant interface between bottom wall  216  and a receiving surface. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates open door configuration  200 , depicting a perspective front view of exemplary portable storage container  100  with hingedly connected door  102  in the open state. Inner storage volume  210  is configured from the following edgedly connected planar surfaces: door (front wall)  102 , top wall  212 , back wall  214 , bottom wall  216 , left side wall  218  (overlaid with left shutter member  226 ), and right side wall  220  (overlaid with right shutter member  224 ). 
     Retractor cable assembly  204  includes retractor cable  205 , wherein one end of cable  205  is retractably secured to top wall  212  via cable assembly  204 , while the opposing end of cable  205  is fastened to door  102  via door fastener  222 . The retracting system provides a means for a controlled opening and/or assisted closing of hingedly connected door  102 . More specifically, controlled opening will prevent door  102  from dropping open or slamming, by dampening the opening motion. The pulling force associated with retractor cable  205  on door  102  additionally provides a user with an assisted closing feature. Door travel limiters  202  are two fixed length cords with one of the ends fastened to door  102  via fasteners  222  and opposing ends fastened to the upper-front portion of both left side wall  218  and right side wall  220 . Door travel limiters  202  limit the range of motion of door  102  to approximately ninety degrees, which enables door  102  to function as a temporary storage surface or shelf when extended to the open position. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates storage volume detail  300 , depicting a perspective view of the right side wall  220  portion of inner storage volume  210 . By way of example, but not limitation, features and functions of right side wall  220  are mirrored on the left side wall  218 . Right side wall  220  and right shutter member  224  are component members comprising right wall aperture ventilation assembly  500  (depicted in  FIG. 500 ). 
     Right side wall  220  possesses wall aperture array  304  comprised of a plurality of wall apertures  302 . Wall apertures  302  each possess a wall aperture shape and a wall aperture size. By way of example, but not limitation, the wall aperture shape is configured as an oval slot, wherein the wall aperture size dictates slot parameters such as length, width, open area, and the like. In preferred embodiments, wall apertures  302  are symmetrically disposed about right side wall  220 , thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing, functional wall aperture array  304 . Fastened onto right side wall  220  are wall magnetic fastening material (rear member)  306  and wall magnetic fastening material (front member)  308 , both fastening materials shall be referred to as second magnetic fastening materials. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of right shutter member  400 . Right shutter member  400  possesses a right shutter aperture array  404  comprised of a plurality of right shutter apertures  402 . Shutter apertures  402  each possess a shutter aperture shape and a shutter aperture size. By way of example, but not limitation, the shutter aperture shape is configured as oval slots, wherein the shutter aperture size dictates slot parameters such as length, width, open area, and the like. In preferred embodiments shutter apertures  402  are symmetrically disposed about right shutter member  224 , thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing, functional shutter aperture array  404 . Fastened onto right shutter member  224 , are shutter magnetic fastening materials  406   a ,  406   b ,  408   a , and  408   b ; these four fastening materials shall be referred to as first magnetic fastening materials. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates right wall aperture ventilation assembly  500 , depicting a detailed perspective view of right shutter member  224  superjacently engaging right side wall  220 . Right shutter member  224  and right side wall  220  possess a coordinated sliding relationship with each other. Right shutter member  224  is held onto right side wall  220  by the interactive magnetic forces between the first and second magnetic fastening materials. These magnetic forces (attracting) additionally generate a biasing force urging right shutter member  224  onto right side wall  220  creating frictional engagement that encourages sealing between the two surfaces. Shutter aperture array  404  is substantially identical to wall aperture array  304 , both possessing oval slots having the same aperture size, coordinate locations, and so forth, to enable all shutter apertures  402  to align with corresponding wall apertures  302  when shutter aperture array  404  is slid to the open position. With shutter aperture array  404  in the open position, inner storage volume  210  can intake and/or exhaust air to the outside environment or ambient atmosphere. Sliding shutter aperture array  404  to the closed position will misalign all shutter apertures  402  with respect to corresponding wall apertures  302 , thereby sealing off inner storage volume  210  from the ambient atmosphere preventing or greatly reducing air intake and/or exhaust. Depicted is user  502  slidingly positioning shutter member  224  from inner storage volume  210 . 
     The biasing force urging right shutter member  224  onto right side wall  220  is a continuous fastening force, present when right side wall  220  is experiencing sliding motion, in addition to static positions. This dynamic fastening system provides an effective means for slidingly holding said shutter member  224  against said wall aperture array  304  located on right side wall  220 . Additonally, the dynamic fastening system does not require a slot or rail system to slidingly hold shutter member  224  in place. Therefore shutter member  224  can be easily detached and removed by a user by merely overcoming the magnetic holding forces. Such a configuration enables quick, simple disassembly/assembly to facilitate device cleaning. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates left wall aperture ventilation assembly  600 , depicting an external view of left side wall  218 . Note that the depicted left wall aperture ventilation assembly  600  is a substantial mirror image of the aforementioned right wall aperture ventilation assembly  500  and associated drawings and explanations, with the exception of the added external shutter control assembly  604  feature. Otherwise, all components comprising right wall aperture ventilation assembly  500  have equivalent left wall aperture ventilation assembly  600  components, which function in like manner; the component relationships, dimensions, and the like, are to be regarded as comparable for the present discussion. 
     External shutter control assembly  604  provides a means for adjusting left shutter member  226  from the outside of the container. The left shutter member  226  can be adjusted with the container in any state (i.e. door  102  in the open, closed, or closed and locked states). External shutter control assembly  604  includes control knob  606 , and control knob slot  608  having an open position located at the far left and an opposing closed position located at the far right. Control knob  606  is securely fastened to left shutter member  226 ; knob  606  can be positioned by a user along any point between and including the open and closed positions depicted on control knob slot  608 . The positioning of control knob  606  along slot  608  determines the amount of airflow  610  permitted through every wall aperture  602  (comprising array of wall apertures  602 ) simultaneously. 
     Left wall aperture ventilation assembly  600  depicts control knob  606  in the open position, resulting in maximum airflow  610  through array of wall apertures  602 . A detailed drawing further elaborating on the maximum airflow  610  configuration is depicted in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 6  additionally depicts shoulder strap assembly  612 , which provides a user a convenient means for carrying the container. Shoulder strap assembly  612  is particularly useful when the container is storing heavy items, e.g. liquids. Shoulder strap assembly  612  is configured to be user removable. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates left wall aperture ventilation assembly  700 , depicting an external view of left side wall  218 . Depicted is control knob  606  positioned mid-way between the open position and a closed positions disposed on control knob slot  608 , resulting in a reduced airflow  702  condition. A detailed drawing further elaborating on the reduced airflow  702  configuration is depicted in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates left wall aperture ventilation assembly  800 , depicting an external view of left side wall  218 . Depicted is control knob  606  positioned in the closed position located on the far left portion of control knob slot  608 , resulting in a zero or no airflow  802  condition where the inner storage volume is substantially sealed off from the ambient atmosphere. A detailed drawing further elaborating on the no airflow  802  configuration is depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a fully open ventilation level  900 .  FIG. 9  depicts the ventilation details associated with left wall aperture ventilation assembly  600 , depicting control knob  606  in the open position, resulting in maximum airflow  610 . 
     Wall aperture  602  is in full alignment with left shutter aperture (analogous to right shutter aperture  402  of  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a partially open ventilation level  1000 .  FIG. 10  depicts the ventilation details associated with left wall aperture ventilation assembly  700 , depicting control knob  606  positioned mid-way between the open position and a closed positions located on control knob slot  608 , resulting in a reduced airflow  702  condition. Wall aperture  602  is in partial alignment with left shutter aperture (analogous to right shutter aperture  402  of  FIG. 4 ). Depicted is a portion of left shutter member  226  material blocking wall aperture  602  resulting in reduced airflow. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a no (zero) ventilation level  1000  condition.  FIG. 11  depicts the ventilation details associated with left wall aperture ventilation assembly  800 , depicting control knob  606  positioned to the closed position located on control knob slot  608 , resulting in a no (zero) airflow  802  condition. Wall aperture  602  is in complete misalignment with left shutter aperture (analogous to right shutter aperture  402  of  FIG. 4 ). Depicted is a left shutter member  226  material completely blocking wall aperture  602  resulting in a no (zero) airflow  802  condition. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates storage volume detail  1200 , depicting a perspective view of left side wall  218 . This container embodiment includes side wall shelf support member  1204  and back wall shelf support member  1202  for supporting a removable shelf so to provide a means for efficiently utilizing the container&#39;s inner storage volume. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates inner storage volume double shelf support system  1300 , depicting a means for supporting a lower and an upper self. This container embodiment includes side wall shelf support member  1204  and back wall shelf support member  1202  for removably supporting an upper shelf; and side wall shelf support member  1304  and back wall shelf support member  1302  supporting removable lower shelf  1306 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a multi-compartment portable storage container  1400 , comprising a lid  1402  hingedly connected to body  1404 , where lid  1402  is in the closed state. Lock assembly  1406 , includes latching arm  1406   a , which is pivotally attached to lid  1402 , mating strike plate  1406   b  further comprising latching arm release  1406   c  and key hole  1406   d . Lock assembly  1406  provides a means for locking lid  1402  to body  1404  to prevent unauthorized access to storage container  1400 . 
     External shutter control assembly  1410  corresponds to left compartment wall aperture array  1408  further depicting a sealed or a no (zero) ventilation level comparably depicted in  FIG. 11 . External shutter control assembly  1414  corresponds to right compartment wall aperture array  1412  further depicting a sealed or a partially open ventilation level comparably depicted in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a multi-compartment portable storage container  1500 , depicting a perspective front view of an exemplary container with lid  1402  hingedly connected to body  1404 ; where lid  1402  is in the open state. Left compartment inner storage volume  1514  and right compartment inner storage volume  1516  are partitioned by separation wall  1504 ; in preferred embodiments, separation wall  1504  is configured from a thermally insulative material. 
     Left compartment inner storage volume  1514  possesses an aperture ventilation assembly that includes a left shutter member  1506  that cooperates with left compartment wall aperture array  1408  to provide a means for adjustable ventilation. Left shutter member  1506  is externally controllable using external shutter control assembly  1410  via control knob  1610 . Likewise, right compartment inner storage volume  1516  possesses an aperture ventilation assembly that includes a right shutter member  1508  that cooperates with right compartment wall aperture array  1412  to provide a means for adjustable ventilation. Right shutter member  1508  is externally controllable using external shutter control assembly  1414  via control knob  1620 . 
     In this particular embodiment, lid  1402  includes a lid inner storage volume  1510 ; for exemplary purposes, thermos  1512  is shown housed in lid inner storage volume  1510 . It is understood that other embodiments containing a lid inner storage volume  1510  can include one or more aperture ventilation assemblies. 
     Removable lid bottom wall  1502  functions as a thermal barrier such that inner storage volumes  1514 ,  1516 , and lid inner storage volume  1510  are thermally isolated from each other when the multi-compartment portable storage container  1500  is in the closed or assembled state as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a pair of shutter members  1600 ; comprising left shutter member  1506 , right shutter member  1508 , used in left compartment inner storage volume  1514  and right compartment inner storage volume  1516 , respectively. Left shutter member  1506  includes a plurality of left shutter apertures  1606  that forms a left shutter aperture array  1608  configured to cooperate and function as a shutter with left compartment wall aperture array  1408 . Functioning in like manner to aforementioned embodiments, aperture ventilation assemblies include attached magnetic fastening materials  1602 ,  1604  that are magnetically attracted to corresponding magnetic materials located and fastened within the respective storage compartment; and control knob  1610  provides a means for externally controlling left shutter member  1506 . Likewise, right shutter member  1508  includes a plurality of right shutter apertures  1616  that forms a right shutter aperture array  1618  configured to cooperate and function as a shutter with right compartment wall aperture array  1412 . Functioning in like manner to aforementioned embodiments, aperture ventilation assemblies include attached magnetic fastening materials  1612 ,  1614  that are magnetically attracted to corresponding magnetic materials located and fastened within the respective storage compartment; and control knob  1620  provides a means for externally controlling right shutter member  1508 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a refrigerator appliance  1700 , depicting a portable storage container  100  stored within. Shown is key  1702  (cooperates with lock/handle assembly  104 ), removably stored on holding magnet  112  for convenience. Refrigerator appliance  1700  provides an example of a controlled ambient atmosphere  1704 . Portable storage container  100  containing items that are to be kept cold, e.g. certain medicines, foods, and the like; would have all aperture ventilation assemblies set to the fully open ventilation level (as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 ) to permit the cool ambient atmosphere  1704  produced by refrigerator appliance  1700  to freely enter container  100 . When portable storage container  100  is removed from refrigerator appliance  1700 , the aperture ventilation assemblies on the container should be set to the fully closed ventilation level  1100  (as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11 ) to maintain the cool ambient atmosphere within, and reduce/prevent stored items from interacting with warm air temperatures found outside of the refrigerator appliance  1700 . The process is reversed when container  100  is returned to an appropriate cool ambient atmosphere.