DRY ICE PASSIVE COOLING DEVICE

Disclosed embodiments provide a passive cooling solution that enables delivery of perishable consumables such as food, beverages and/or medicines. In embodiments, a container comprises a first compartment for items to be kept at a freezer temperature, a second compartment for items to be kept at a refrigerator temperature, and a third compartment for items to be kept at an unrefrigerated temperature. A dry ice compartment has a first side panel facing the first compartment, and a second side panel facing the second compartment. The first side panel and second side panel have differing amounts of surface area, creating an asymmetrical cooling profile that promotes freezer temperatures in the first compartment, and refrigerator temperatures in the second compartment. A divider separates the second compartment and the third compartment to promote unrefrigerated temperatures in the third compartment.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to passive cooling devices, and more particularly, to a dry ice passive cooling device.

BACKGROUND

Increasing numbers of services now deliver foods, beverages, medicines, and other consumables to consumer's homes and businesses. These services provide new levels of convenience for many people. Certain consumable items need to be kept refrigerated or frozen to maximize shelf life. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth. Bacteria are prevalent everywhere in nature. When bacteria have ample nutrients (food), moisture, and favorable temperatures, they can grow rapidly, increasing in numbers to the point where some types of bacteria can cause illness. Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 and 140° F. It is therefore desirable to maintain a proper temperature range for these items while in storage.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, there is provided a storage container comprising: a bin; a bin lid, the bin lid rotatably affixed to the bin; a first partition, wherein the first partition extends from a front inner surface to a rear inner surface; wherein the first partition includes a lower portion comprising a freezer compartment divider and an upper portion comprising a dry ice compartment; and a second partition, wherein the second partition extends from a front inner surface to a rear inner surface.

In another embodiment, there is provided a storage container comprising: a bin; a bin lid, the bin lid rotatably affixed to the bin; wherein the bin comprises a floor; a plurality of ridges disposed on the floor, wherein each ridge of the plurality of ridges has a height ranging from ten millimeters to 50 millimeters; a dry ice sleeve disposed on a lateral interior freezer surface of the bin; a first partition, wherein the first partition extends from a front inner surface to a rear inner surface; wherein the first partition includes a lower portion comprising a freezer compartment divider and an upper portion comprising a dry ice compartment; a second partition, wherein the second partition extends from a front inner surface to a rear inner surface; wherein the dry ice compartment comprises a base panel, a refrigerated side panel, a freezer side panel, and, a dry ice compartment lid; wherein the freezer side panel and the refrigerated side panel have unequal ventages; wherein the refrigerated side panel comprises: a plurality of indentations formed therein; and a plurality of small openings formed therein, and wherein each small opening of the plurality of small openings includes a first portion within an indentation from the plurality of indentations, and a second portion outside of the indentation; wherein the freezer side panel comprises: a plurality of indentations formed therein; a plurality of small openings formed therein; and a plurality of large openings formed therein; wherein a first subset of the small openings are partial indented section small openings; and wherein a second subset of the small openings are non-indented section small openings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments provide a passive cooling solution that enables delivery of perishable consumables such as food, beverages and/or medicines. In embodiments, a container comprises a first compartment for items to be kept at a freezer temperature, a second compartment for items to be kept at a refrigerator temperature, and a third compartment for items to be kept at an unrefrigerated temperature. A dry ice compartment has a first side panel facing the first compartment, and a second side panel facing the second compartment. The first side panel and second side panel have differing amounts of surface area, creating an asymmetrical cooling profile that promotes freezer temperatures in the first compartment, and refrigerator temperatures in the second compartment. A divider separates the second compartment and the third compartment to promote unrefrigerated temperatures in the third compartment. In this way, items can be kept within a proper temperature range for an extended period of time. This enables delivery services to provide containers to unattended areas such as a front or back porch. The items can remain safely stored for several hours. Embodiments may further include mechanical or electronic locks to provide further security.

In disclosed embodiments, a refrigerator temperature is a temperature ranging from 33 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, a freezer temperature is a temperature ranging from minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, and an unrefrigerated temperature may be an ambient temperature of outdoor air. In some embodiments, an unrefrigerated temperature may range from 42 degrees Fahrenheit to 89 degrees Fahrenheit. The ranges stated are exemplary, and in embodiments, the refrigerated and freezer temperature ranges may vary from those stated above.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a storage container100in accordance with disclosed embodiments. InFIG. 1, and some additional drawings, an axis indicator L may be shown to provide information regarding orientation of a view of the container100. Container100includes a bin102, with a hinged bin lid104affixed to the bin102. In embodiments, the bin102is rectangular. Container100further includes lock106. In embodiments, the lock106may be mechanical or electronic. The mechanical lock may include a key lock or a combination lock. In embodiments, the combination lock may be user-configurable, allowing a combination to be set and/or changed.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of storage container100showing internal components in accordance with disclosed embodiments. In this view, the bin102is rendered as transparent to reveal internal components and features. Bin102includes floor130. Disposed on floor130are a plurality of ridges, indicated generally as132. The ridges132serve to promote air circulation beneath stored items. As can be seen in this view, bin102includes a first compartment116for frozen items. Examples of such frozen items can include ice cream and frozen food products. Bin102includes a second compartment114for refrigerated items. Examples of such refrigerator items can include fresh milk, eggs, and meats. Bin102includes a third compartment112for unrefrigerated items. Examples of such unrefrigerated items can include dry cereals, dried pasta products, and breads.

An ambient compartment divider122separates the second compartment114from the third compartment112. Further details of the ambient compartment divider124are shown inFIGS. 6A-6D. The ambient compartment divider122is approximately the same height as the height of the bin102.

A freezer compartment divider124separates the second compartment114from the first compartment116. Further details of the freezer compartment divider122are shown inFIGS. 7A-7D. The freezer compartment divider124has a height that is less than the height of the bin102, in order to accommodate dry ice compartment220that sits on top of the freezer compartment divider124. The dry ice compartment220is described in further detail inFIGS. 8-10. Dry ice compartment220and freezer compartment divider124combine to form a partition221.

The dry ice compartment220is configured and disposed to contain a block of dry ice. In embodiments, the dry ice compartment220is configured and disposed to contain a five-pound block of dry ice. The asymmetrical design of the dry ice compartment creates different temperature ranges in the third compartment116and the second compartment114. The third compartment116is maintained at a freezer temperature, while the second compartment114is maintained at the refrigerator temperature.

Some embodiments may further include a dry ice sleeve118. In embodiments, the dry ice sleeve may be used to store the dry ice instead of the dry ice compartment220. In embodiments, the dry ice sleeve is comprised of a stretchable plastic material. The dry ice sleeve118is affixed to the lateral interior freezer surface157, which is the interior surface that is farthest from the third compartment112that is used for storing “ambient” (non-refrigerated) items such as dried pasta, canned food, and the like. This may be used in colder environments. During winter in colder climates, by placing the dry ice within the dry ice sleeve118, it provides less cooling to the second compartment114, preventing the second compartment114from freezing. This is important because certain items such as vegetables can become damaged if frozen. Furthermore, liquid containers can potentially rupture if the contents freeze. Therefore, the dry ice sleeve is an important feature for enabling successful operation of the passive cooling device in colder environments.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of storage container100in accordance with disclosed embodiments showing an open lid104. In this view, the bin102is rendered as transparent to reveal internal components and features. As can be seen in this view the lid104is rotatably affixed to the bin102by hinges, indicated generally as115. While three hinges are shown inFIG. 3, embodiments may have more or fewer hinges than depicted inFIG. 3. The ambient compartment divider122separates the second compartment114from the third compartment112. The ambient compartment divider122is approximately the same height as the height of the bin102. The freezer compartment divider124separates the second compartment114from the first compartment116. The freezer compartment divider124has a height that is less than the height of the bin102, in order to accommodate dry ice compartment220.

The dry ice compartment220comprises a refrigerated side panel232, a freezer side panel234, and a dry ice compartment lid236, which is affixed to side panels232and234via hinge233, and is shown in an open configuration, revealing dry ice slot238. During use, a piece of dry ice is placed within slot238, and the lid236is then closed to secure the dry ice. The contents (food items) within the compartments116,114, and112may be preserved for several hours.

As can be seen inFIG. 3, the bin102has a front inner surface151, and a rear inner surface153, and the ambient compartment divider122and dry ice compartment220and freezer compartment divider124extend from the front inner surface151to the rear inner surface153. Thus, dry ice compartment220and freezer compartment divider124combine to form a partition221(FIG. 2), where the dry ice compartment220serves as the upper portion of the partition221, and the freezer compartment divider124serves as the lower portion of the partition. Ambient compartment divider122also serves as a second partition. In embodiments, the partitions extend from a front inner surface151to a rear inner surface153.

FIG. 4Ais a front view of a storage container100in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Container100comprises bin102and lid104. In this view, front surface108of bin102is visible. Bin102has a height107. In embodiments, the height107ranges from48centimeters to58centimeters. Other height ranges are possible within disclosed embodiments. Bin102further includes exterior bottom surface103. In some embodiments, feet, casters, and/or other features may be disposed underneath the exterior bottom surface103to elevate the exterior bottom surface103off the ground/floor where the container100is placed.

FIG. 4Bis a side view of a storage container100in accordance with disclosed embodiments. As can be seen in this view the lid104is rotatably affixed to the bin102by hinges, indicated generally as115. In embodiments, one or more handles179may be affixed to the sides of the bin102for convenient carrying.FIG. 4Cis a bottom-up view of a storage container in accordance with disclosed embodiments. In this view, front surface108and back surface109of bin102are shown, as well as exterior bottom surface103. Exterior bottom surface103may be generally flat (planar). Bin102has depth111. In embodiments, the depth111ranges from 45 centimeters to 55 centimeters.FIG. 4Dis a back view of storage container100in accordance with disclosed embodiments. In this view, back surface109of bin102is shown. As can be seen in this view, the lid104is rotatably affixed to the bin102by hinges, indicated generally as115. While three hinges are shown inFIG. 4D, embodiments may have more or fewer hinges than depicted inFIG. 4D.FIG. 4Eis a top-down view of storage container100in accordance with disclosed embodiments. As can be seen in this view, the lid104is rotatably affixed to the bin102by hinges, indicated generally as115. While three hinges are shown inFIG. 4E, embodiments may have more or fewer hinges than depicted inFIG. 4E.

FIG. 5Ais a perspective view of container100showing the floor130of a storage container in accordance with disclosed embodiments. The floor130has a plurality of ridges132on the floor130, which serve to improve air circulation.FIG. 5Bis a top-down view showing the floor surface of storage container100in accordance with disclosed embodiments. The lid is not shown inFIG. 5AandFIG. 5Bto reveal internal components. As can be seen in the view ofFIG. 5B, the container100includes first compartment116for frozen items, second compartment114for refrigerated items, and third compartment112for unrefrigerated items. The ambient compartment divider122separates the second compartment114from the third compartment112. The dry ice compartment220, along with freezer compartment divider124(FIG. 5A) separates the second compartment114from the first compartment116. The dry ice compartment220is configured with asymmetrical side panels, providing a greater amount of cooling to compartment116than compartment114.

Some embodiments may further include a dry ice sleeve118. In embodiments, the dry ice sleeve may be used to store the dry ice instead of the dry ice compartment220. This may be used in colder environments. During winter in colder climates, by placing the dry ice within the dry ice sleeve118, it provides less cooling to the second compartment114, preventing the second compartment114from freezing.

Lock106is used to secure the container, by keeping the lid104closed. The lock may be a mechanical lock or an electronic lock, depending on customer needs and/or security requirements.

FIG. 5Cshows additional detail of the surface of floor130. As can be seen inFIG. 5C, a plurality of ridges, shown generally as132, extend upward from floor130. The ridges132have a height135. In embodiments, the height135ranges from 10 millimeters to 50 millimeters.

FIG. 5Dis a top-down view showing the storage container100in a cold climate configuration in accordance with disclosed embodiments. In this configuration, dry ice block183is placed within sleeve118. The dry ice compartment220may be left empty. In this configuration, there is a first compartment116for frozen items, and a second compartment117for both refrigerated and/or unrefrigerated items. In this configuration, the ambient compartment divider122is placed adjacent to the dry ice compartment220. This configuration may be used when the outside air is below a predetermined temperature, or is expected to fall below a predetermined temperature during the duration for which the container is expected to be storing items. In embodiments, the predetermined temperature is 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

FIG. 6Ais a side view of an ambient compartment divider122in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Ambient compartment divider122has a length144. In embodiments, the length144is slightly less than the depth111, such that the ambient compartment divider122can snuggly fit to create a partition within the container100.

FIG. 6Bis a front view of ambient compartment divider122. Ambient compartment divider122has a height123. In embodiments, the height123is approximately the same height as height107shown inFIG. 4B.FIG. 6Cis a top-down view of ambient compartment divider122in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Ambient compartment divider122has a thickness143. In embodiments, the thickness143ranges from 35 millimeters to 45 millimeters.FIG. 6Dis a perspective view of ambient compartment divider122in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7Ais a side view of a freezer compartment divider124in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Freezer compartment divider124has a length146. In embodiments, the length146is slightly less than the depth111, such that the freezer compartment divider124can snuggly fit to create a partition within the container100.FIG. 7Bis a front view of freezer compartment divider124in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Freezer compartment divider124has height125. In embodiments, height125ranges from 20 centimeters to 25 centimeters. This provides room for the dry ice compartment220which is positioned above the freezer compartment divider124to serve as partition221(FIG. 2).FIG. 7Cis a top-down view of freezer compartment divider124in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Freezer compartment divider124has thickness145. In embodiments, the thickness145ranges from 20 millimeters to 40 millimeters.FIG. 7Dis a perspective view of a freezer compartment divider in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 8Ais a side view of a dry ice compartment refrigerated side panel232in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Panel232has a length811. In embodiments, the length811is slightly less than the depth111, such that the side panel232can fit within the container100to create partitions. Panel232comprises a plurality of small openings, indicated generally as802. In embodiments, the openings802are circular. Other shapes are possible for the openings802. In embodiments, each small opening802has a diameter805. A radius R of each opening802is half the diameter805. The area of each opening A is defined as:

The total ventage V1of the refrigerated side panel232is defined as:

Where H is the number of small openings, and A is the area of each small opening.

In embodiments, H ranges from 14 to 18. In embodiments, the diameter805ranges from 3 centimeters to 4 centimeters.FIG. 8Bis a front view of dry ice compartment refrigerated side panel232in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Side panel232has a height807. In embodiments, the height807ranges from 20 centimeters to 25 centimeters. The height807combined with the height125(FIG. 7B) is selected such that the combined height is less than the height107, enabling the lid104to close.FIG. 8Cis a top-down view of dry ice compartment refrigerated side panel232in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Panel232has thickness809. In embodiments, thickness809ranges from one centimeter to two centimeters.FIG. 8Dis a perspective view of dry ice compartment refrigerated side panel232in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 8Eshows additional details of dry ice compartment refrigerated side panel232in accordance with disclosed embodiments. As can be seen inFIG. 8E, a plurality of indentations804are formed in the panel232. The indentations have a depth812. In embodiments, the depth812ranges from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters. A plurality of small openings802are formed within the side panel232. A portion of at least some openings is formed within the indentation, and another portion of those openings is formed outside the indentation area. Region816includes an area of an opening formed within an indentation. Region814includes an area of that same opening formed outside of the indentation. The indentations serve to increase exposed surface area of a dry ice block inserted in slot238(FIG. 12). The openings serve to allow cooled air to pass into the second compartment114(FIG. 5B), enabling contents within the second compartment114to remain at a refrigerated temperature for an extended period (several hours).

FIG. 9Ais a side view of a dry ice compartment freezer side panel234in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Panel234has a length911. In embodiments, the length911is equivalent to length811ofFIG. 8A, and is slightly less than the depth111, such that the side panel234can fit within the container100to create partitions. Panel234comprises a plurality of small openings, indicated generally as902. In embodiments, the small openings902are circular. Other shapes are possible for the openings902. In embodiments, each small opening902has a diameter905. In some embodiments, diameter905ranges from 2 centimeters to 4 centimeters. In some embodiments, diameter905ranges from 2 centimeters to 3 centimeters. In some embodiments, diameter905ranges from 3 centimeters to 4 centimeters. A radius RSof each opening902is half the diameter905. The area of each small opening ASis defined as:

Panel234comprises a plurality of large openings, indicated generally as906. In embodiments, the large openings906are circular. Other shapes are possible for the openings906. In embodiments, each large opening906has a diameter919. A radius RLof each opening906is half the diameter919.

The area of each large opening ALis defined as:

The total ventage V2of the side panel234is defined as:

Where HSis the number of small openings, and ASis the area of each small opening, and HLis the number of large openings, and ALis the area of each small opening

In embodiments, HLranges from 10 to 12. In embodiments, the diameter919ranges from 5 centimeters to 7 centimeters. In embodiments, HSranges from 8 to 10. In embodiments, the diameter905ranges from 2 centimeters to 3 centimeters. Thus, in embodiments, the total ventage V2of side panel234is greater than the total ventage V1of the side panel232, thereby providing a dry ice compartment220with an asymmetric ventage to promote cooling, where the first compartment116is maintained at a freezer temperature and where the second compartment114is maintained at a refrigerator temperature. Thus, in embodiments, side panel232and side panel234have unequal ventages. Thus, in embodiments, V2>V1.

A portion of each large opening906is formed within the indentation, and another portion of those openings is formed outside the indentation area. Region916includes an area of a large opening formed within an indentation. Region914includes an area of that same large opening formed outside of the indentation. The indentations serve to increase exposed surface area of a dry ice block inserted in slot238(FIG. 12). A subset of the small openings902are partial indented section small openings, similar to as shown inFIG. 8E, an example of which is indicated inFIG. 9Aas902A. Another subset of the small openings902are non-indented section openings, an example of which is indicated inFIG. 9Aas902B.

FIG. 9Bis a front view of dry ice compartment freezer side panel234in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Side panel234has a height907. In embodiments, the height907is similar to height807ofFIG. 8Band ranges from20centimeters to25centimeters. The height907combined with the height125(FIG. 7B) is selected such that the combined height is less than the height107, enabling the lid104to close.FIG. 9Cis a top-down view of dry ice compartment freezer side panel234in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Panel234has thickness909. In embodiments, thickness909ranges from one centimeter to two centimeters.FIG. 9Dis a perspective view of dry ice compartment freezer side panel232in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

Referring again toFIG. 9AandFIG. 9D, two specific small openings are referenced as902A and902B. Opening902A is a partial indented section small opening, as it is formed partially within an indented area and a non-indented area, similar to as shown inFIG. 8Ewith regions814and816. Opening902B is formed completely within a non-indented section. Thus, in embodiments, the side panel234includes a first set of small openings formed completely within a non-indented section and a second set of small openings formed partially within an indented area. Embodiments further include a plurality of large openings formed within the side panel234. This arrangement provides additional cooling to compartment116to enable air within that compartment to remain at a freezer temperature.

FIG. 9Eshows additional details of dry ice compartment freezer side panel234in accordance with disclosed embodiments. As can be seen inFIG. 9E, a plurality of indentations904are formed in the panel234. The indentations have a depth912. In embodiments, the depth912ranges from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters. A plurality of small openings902are formed within the side panel234. A portion of at least some of the small openings is formed within the indentation, such as opening902A, and another portion of those openings is formed outside the indentation area, such as opening902B. Large openings, indicated generally as906are also formed within the side panel234. The indentations serve to increase exposed surface area of a dry ice block inserted in slot238(FIG. 3). The openings serve to allow cooled air to pass into the first compartment116(FIG. 5B), enabling contents within the first compartment116to remain at a frozen temperature for an extended period (several hours).

FIG. 10Ais a top-down view of a dry ice compartment lid236in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Lid236has a length942. In embodiments, length942ranges from 44 centimeters to 48 centimeters. Lid236may further comprise opening932, allowing the dry ice to be viewed without needing to open the lid236, in order to assess the amount of dry ice remaining. Lid236may further include a warning text label934. In the example ofFIG. 10A, the warning text label934states “Caution Dry Ice.” The lid236may further include a warning symbol936, such as to convey that caution is warranted when handling dry ice.FIG. 10Bis a front view of dry ice compartment lid236in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Dry ice compartment lid236has width944. In embodiments, width944ranges from 8 centimeters to 12 centimeters.FIG. 10Cis a side view of dry ice compartment lid236in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Dry ice compartment lid236has thickness946. In embodiments, thickness946ranges from 8 millimeters to 12 millimeters.FIG. 10Dis a perspective view of dry ice compartment lid236in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 11shows additional details of dry ice compartment220. As can be seen inFIG. 11, a base panel956is disposed over the freezer compartment divider124. The dry ice compartment freezer side panel234and the dry ice compartment refrigerated side panel232are in contact with the base panel956, and the lid is rotatably affixed to the dry ice compartment freezer side panel234and dry ice compartment refrigerated side panel232, forming slot238to secure dry ice during use.

FIG. 12shows details of a dry ice compartment220showing placement of a block of dry ice183. As can be seen inFIG. 12, the dry ice compartment lid236is affixed to the dry ice compartment220by hinge233. When the lid236is opened, it reveals slot238, allowing block183to be inserted therein. The lid236is then closed (such as shown inFIG. 3), securing the block of dry ice in the compartment. In embodiments, the lid236may have a securing mechanism such as a latch to secure it in a closed position. Since dry ice evaporates directly, bypassing the liquid phase, there is no messy liquid to clean or dispose of, as is the case with melting water-based ice.

In embodiments, various components, such as the bin, dividers, and dry ice compartment are comprised of expanded polypropylene (EPP). Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) is a highly versatile closed-cell bead foam that provides a unique range of properties, including outstanding energy absorption, multiple impact resistance, thermal insulation, buoyancy, water and chemical resistance, an exceptionally high strength to weight ratio and recyclability.

As can now be appreciated, disclosed embodiments enable safe and secure delivery of perishable items such as food, beverages, and medicines. This can power a new industry of business that deliver such goods to consumers at their homes, ushering in a new level of convenience and safety. Disclosed embodiments can utilize three compartments, with one compartment for frozen goods, one for refrigerated goods, and one for unrefrigerated goods. Disclosed embodiments can be utilized in colder climates by reconfiguring the dividers and positioning the dry ice in the sleeve on the side instead of in the dry ice container. In this way, disclosed embodiments can serve people in a variety of climates, enabling more efficient distribution of food, beverage, and medicine items.

While some disclosed embodiments were shown with three compartments, other embodiments can have more or fewer compartments to accommodate a wide range of products to be stored. As an example, some embodiments may include four compartments, which include a freezer compartment, a cold refrigerated storage compartment (e.g., for dairy and/or medications), a cool storage compartment (e.g., for produce), and/or an ambient compartment for non-refrigerated goods (e.g., dry pasta). Embodiments can be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate various amounts of food storage and expected preservation duration.