Abstract:
Systems and containers for holding and transporting potentially hazardous materials are disclosed. Assembled containers may have locking mechanisms reducing the possibility of the containers being opened by persons that are not opening the container in a safe environment. Moreover, containers with releasably securable members for carrying substances such as frozen carbon dioxide, used for maintaining cold temperatures of various items are disclosed.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to systems and methods for storing hazardous substances to minimize exposure and access to the hazardous substance. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Potentially hazardous substances, such as frozen carbon dioxide (commonly referred to as dry ice), may need to be transported and require special handling. Containers for hazardous substances are generally known in the art. In particular, containers for hazardous substances are frequently designed to prevent the need for a person to come in direct contact with the substance. 
         [0003]    While such containers, according to the prior art, provide a number of advantageous features, they nevertheless have certain limitations. The present invention is provided to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention and various features of it. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but it simply provides a general overview and context for the more detailed description that follows. 
         [0005]    Aspects of this invention relate to a container for holding a hazardous substance, comprising two container members. A first container member defines a cavity and has a top including a vent and a clip, a first side including a first locking member, and a second side including a second locking member. A second container member defines a cavity and has a bottom including a vent and a clip, a first side including a third locking member, and a second side including a fourth locking member. Furthermore, the first locking member and the third locking member are configured to engage each other and the second locking member and the fourth locking member are configured to engage each other, thereby securing the first container member to the second container member. 
         [0006]    Further aspects of the invention relate to the container members having a plurality of locking members on some or all of the sides of the two container members. Additional aspects relate to some or all of the sides of the two container members having ridges, which may provide grip. Other aspects of the invention relate to providing warnings on the container and providing a plurality of vents and/or clips on the surfaces of the container members. Aspects of the invention relate to the clips being configured to be received by complementary structure on a cooler or other device where the container member may be used. Certain aspects of the invention relate to the clips, or other protrusions, that may extend over the vent(s) configured to prevent a person from placing a finger inside the assembled container or removing the contents from the assembled container. 
         [0007]    Additional aspects of the invention relate to a cooler configured to hold the container. Moreover, other aspects of the invention relate to a device for opening the container once the container is assembled and locked. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following detailed description in consideration with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  generally illustrates a perspective view of an illustrative container according to embodiments of the invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  provides a view of a top portion of an illustrative container according to embodiments of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  provides a view of a bottom portion of an illustrative container according to embodiments of the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  provides a side view of an illustrative container according to embodiments of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  provides a perspective view of an illustrative container including a handle according to embodiments of the invention; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  provides a perspective view of an illustrative container including a handle according to other embodiments of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  provides a perspective view of an illustrative container and cooler according to embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    In the following description of various example structures in accordance with the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, various example systems in accordance with aspects of the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts and structures may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “end,” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. 
         [0018]    In general, as described above, aspects of this invention relate to systems and methods for containing and transporting potentially hazardous materials in a safe and efficient manner. Specific examples of the invention are described in more detail below. The reader should understand that these specific examples are set forth merely to illustrate examples of the invention, and they should not be construed as limiting the invention. 
         [0019]    Referring to the drawings, FIGS.  1  and  4 - 6  depict an assembled container for holding a potentially hazardous material (in one example, frozen carbon dioxide, commonly known as dry ice), generally designated by the reference numeral  1000 . As shown in the figures, container  1000  generally has a first container member  1100  and a second container member  1200 .  FIG. 1  depicts first container member  1100  and second container member  1200  connected together to form assembled container  1000 . First container member  1100  and second container member  1200  may be of any shape or size, as long as the portions of the two container members  1100  and  1200  that meet are shaped such that container  1000  may contain a substance such as frozen carbon dioxide. 
         [0020]    The two container members  1100  and  1200  may be made of a plastic material appropriate for storing the potentially hazardous material. In one embodiment, container members  1100  and  1200  may be composed of polyurethane. The use of polyurethane would be appropriate for an application such as the embodiment depicted here for holding and transporting frozen carbon dioxide. The ability to reach very cold temperatures without destroying the structural integrity of container  1000  is one benefit provided by polyurethane. Of course, other materials may be used depending on the desired function and properties of container  1000 . 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, as depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , first container member  1100  may be a substantially rectangular member, with a top  1110 , a first side  1120 , a second side  1130 , a first end,  1140 , and a second end  1150 . Furthermore, first container member  1100  may have an open bottom  1160 , such that first container member  1000  defines a cavity  1170  extending between ends  1140  and  1150  and sides  1120  and  1130 . Additionally, as will be described below, second container member  1200  may have a similar structure such that when assembled with first container member  1100 , assembled container  1000  forms a substantially rectangular hollow container  1000 . 
         [0022]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , top  1110  of first container member  1100  may include any combination of various features described herein. In some embodiments, top  1110  may include one or more openings or vents  1112 . Top  1110  may also include a substantially planar surface  1118  that may allow for the display of warnings or other information relevant to the contents or proper handling of container  1000 . In some embodiments, the information or warnings on planar surface  1118  may be applied through a heat stamp. In other embodiments, substantially planar surface  1118  may have certain information or warnings molded into second container member  1100 , or the information or warnings may be added at a later time by using any of various methods, including stickers, writing directly on the container, etc. In certain embodiments, top  1110  may also include one ore more clips  1114 . In the embodiment depicted in the figures, top  1110  may include four vents  1112 , with four clips  1114  substantially adjacent to vents  1112 .  FIGS. 1-2 , and  4  also show vents  1112  to be of similar size and shape. In other embodiments, there may be more than four or fewer than four vents  1112 . Additionally, any number of vents  1112  may be of a different shape or size from any of the other vents  1112 . Certain embodiments of first container member  1100  may optionally include a handle  1118 , attached to top  1110 . 
         [0023]    One or both of sides  1120  and  1130  of first container member  1100  may include ridges  1128  and  1138  or other elements that may be useful in gripping first container member  1100 , either for carrying first container member  1100  or for engaging or disengaging first container member  1100  with second container member  1200 . First container member may also include protrusions  1180  extending from any of first side  1120 , second side  1130 , first end  1140 , and second end  1150  beyond the plane of open bottom  1160 . 
         [0024]    Each of sides  1120  and  1130  also may include at least one locking member  1122  and  1132 , respectively. In some embodiments, first side  1120  may have multiple locking members  1122  and second side  1130  may have multiple locking members  1132 . In the embodiment depicted, first side  1120  has two locking members  1122  and second side  1130  has two locking members  1132 . Locking members  1122  and  1132  may be any type of structure that may secure first container member  1100  with second container member  1200 . In the embodiment depicted, locking members  1122  and  1132  may include tabs  1124  and  1134  that extend beyond the plane of open bottom  1160 . In some embodiments, locking members  1122  and  1132  may include side wall extensions  1126  and  1136  that may extend outward from side walls  1120  and  1130 . In some embodiments, side wall extensions  1126  and  1136  may be the portion of locking members  1122  and  1132  that is connected directly to side walls  1120  and  1130  and tabs  1124  and  1134  may extend from side wall extensions  1126  and  1136 . Alternatively, side wall extensions  1126  and  1136  may provide additional structural support for tabs  1124  and  1134 . In some embodiments, side wall extensions  1126  and  1136  may extend around a substantial portion of tabs  1124  and  1134 , respectively. 
         [0025]    Variations of these embodiments, such as variations with different elements included on different parts of first container member  1100  are of course contemplated. For example, any of ends  1140  and  1150  and sides  1120  and  1130  may include any number of vents and clips in addition to, or instead of, the vents  1112  and clips  1114  included as part of top  1110  of first container member  1100 . In some embodiments, first container member  1100  may not include vents  1112  or clips  1114  at all. 
         [0026]    Second container member, depicted in  FIGS. 3 , and  5 - 6 , may be a substantially rectangular member having a bottom,  1210 , a first side  1220 , a second side  1230 , a first end  1240 , and a second end  1250 . Moreover, second container member  1200  may have an open top  1260 , such that second container member  1200  defines a cavity  1270  extending between ends  1240  and  1250  and sides  1220  and  1230 . Second container member  1200  may also include protrusions  1280  extending from any of first side  1220 , second side  1230 , first end  1240 , and second end  1250  beyond the plane of open top  1260 . In some embodiments, second container member may include recesses  1290  in any of first side  1220 , second side  1230 , first end  1240 , and second end  1250  extending from the plane of open top  1260  towards bottom  1210 . As discussed above, open top  1260  of second container member  1200  may be configured to align and mate with open bottom  1160  of first container member  1100 , forming a substantially rectangular hollow assembled container  1000 . 
         [0027]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 3-6 , second container member  1200  may include many of the same features included in first container member  1100  and, like first container member  1100 , second container member  1200  may include any combination of these features. In certain embodiments, bottom  1210  may include any number of vents  1212 . Bottom  1210  may also include a substantially planar surface  1218  that may allow for the display of any information relevant to the contents or proper handling of container  1000 . As with first container member  1100 , substantially planar surface  1218  may have certain information or warnings molded into second container member  1200 , or the information or warnings may be added at a later time by using any of various methods, including stickers, writing directly on the container, etc. In some embodiments, the information or warnings on planar surface  1218  may be applied through a heat stamp. In certain embodiments, bottom  1210  may also include any number of clips  1214 . In the embodiment depicted in the figures, bottom  1210  includes four vents  1212 , with four clips  1214  substantially adjacent to vents  1212 . As shown in the figures, vents  1212  are depicted as being of similar size and shape to each other and to vents  1112 . Alternative embodiments may include more or fewer than four vents  1212 , and each of vents  1212  may be of varying or similar shape and size compared with each other and with vents  1112  without departing from the scope of the invention. In some embodiments, second container member  1200  may include a handle  1218 , attached to bottom  1210 . In other embodiments, second container member  1200  may include a portion of a handle that, when first container member  1100  and second container member  1200  are assembled, is configured to form a complete handle with a portion of a handle attached to first container member  1100 . 
         [0028]    As with first container member, side  1220  and/or side  1230  of second container member  1200  may include ridges  1228  and  1238  or other elements that may be useful in gripping second container member  1200 . Sides  1220  and  1230  also may include at least one locking member  1222  and  1232 , respectively. In some embodiments, side  1220  may have multiple locking members  1222  and side  1230  may have multiple locking members  1232 . In the embodiment depicted, side  1220  has two locking members  1222  and side  1230  has two locking members  1232 . Locking members  1122  and  1132  may be any type of structure that may secure first container member  1100  with second container member  1200 . In the embodiment depicted, locking members  1222  and  1232  may include slots  1224  and  1234  formed by side wall extensions  1226  and  1236 . 
         [0029]    As mentioned above, any combination of these features may be present in various embodiments, and embodiments with elements included on different parts of second container member  1200  are contemplated. For example, any of ends  1240  and  1250  and sides  1220  and  1230  may include any number of vents and clips in addition to, or instead of, the vents  1212  and clips  1214  included as part of bottom  1210  of second container member  1200 . In some embodiments, second container member  1200  may not include vents  1212  or clips  1214  at all. 
         [0030]    In various embodiments, the shape and size of first container member  1100  and second container member  1200  may vary according to the function and properties desired for assembled container  1000 . For example, in some embodiments, each container member  1100  and  1200  may have a substantially hemispherical shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, or any other shape. Additionally, the two container members  1100  and  1200  may not have substantially the same shape as long as bottom  1160  of first container member  1100  is configured to align and mate with top  1260  of second container member  1200 . 
         [0031]    One aspect of the present invention allows a user to place a potentially hazardous substance into one or both of container members  1100  and  1200  and create an assembled container  1000  by utilizing cooperative locking members  1122 ,  1132 ,  1222  and  1232  of the first container member  1100  and the second container member  1200 . For example,  FIGS. 1 , and  4 - 6  show an assembled container that may be used for holding frozen carbon dioxide. As can be seen from the figures, locking members  1122  may be connected to locking members  1222 . Similarly, locking members  1132  may be connected to locking members  1232 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the tabs  1124  and  1134  of locking members  1122  and  1132  may be inserted into the slots  1224  and  1234  of locking member  1222  and  1232 . In some embodiments, portions of side wall extensions  1126  and  1226  may substantially surround tabs  1124  and may provide protection from tabs  1124  breaking and may also provide additional security so that the connected locking mechanism  1124  and  1134  is not easily disconnected. Similarly, portions of side wall extensions  1136  and  1236  may substantially surround tabs  1134 . 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, when locking members  1122  and  1222  and locking members  1132  and  1232  are engaged, the assembled container  1000  may be secured, such that disengaging first container member  1100  from second container member  1200  may require a special tool or device. Such a configuration may provide protection to a person who is transporting the hazardous substance. Additionally, such a configuration may prevent children or others from touching or removing the contents held by assembled container  1000 . Ultimately, in embodiments where assembled container  1000  holds frozen carbon dioxide, assembled container  1000  may assist in the safe delivery of a frozen product. 
         [0033]    Another aspect of the invention may require a special tool to unlock assembled container  1000  once locking members  1122  and  1132  are engaged with  1222  and  1232 , respectively. In one embodiment, an aspect of the invention utilizes a modified arbor press for disengaging locking members  1122  and  1132  from locking members  1222  and  1232 , respectively. In such an embodiment, the modified arbor press may function to disengage tabs  1124  and  1134  from slots  1224  and  1234 . Such a tool may operate similar to a drill press in that assembled container  1000  may be placed on a surface allowing for the arbor press to come down and disengage locking members  1122  and  1222 . Subsequently, assembled container may be realigned so that when the arbor press is lowered to assembled container, the arbor press may disengage locking members  1132  and  1232 . 
         [0034]    Recesses  1290  and protrusions  1180  and  1280  may provide a snug fit between first container member  1100  and second container member  1200 . The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3  shows protrusions  1280  on both of sides  1220  and  1230 . In such an embodiment, protrusions  1280  overlap both sides  1120  and  1130  between ridges  1128  and  1138 , respectively. The embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2-3  also shows protrusions  1180  on both of sides  1120  and  1130  and matching recesses  1290  on sides  1220  and  1230 . Recesses  1290  may be configured to receive protrusions  1180 , once again providing a more snug fit between first container member  1100  and second container member  1200 . In other embodiments, recesses  1290  and protrusions  1180  and  1280  may alternatively, or in addition, be on at least one of ends  1140 ,  1150 ,  1240 , and  1250 . Additionally, in some embodiments, first container member  1100  may have recesses instead of or in addition to second container member  1200  as long as the protrusion members of the opposite container member are configured to engage the recesses. 
         [0035]    Vents  1112  and  1212  may allow gaseous carbon dioxide to dissipate when frozen carbon dioxide begins to evaporate. The number, sizes and shapes of vents  1112  and  1212  may be adjusted based on the amount of ventilation that is needed for the particular application, the amount of frozen carbon dioxide present, the desired time of evaporation, etc. Clips  1114  and  1214  may prevent a person from intentionally or accidentally placing a finger or other object through vents  1112  and  1212 , preventing accidental burns or removal of portions of the frozen carbon dioxide. Moreover, in some embodiments, clips  1114  and  1214  may provide a method for attaching assembled container  1000  to a cooler or other apparatus that may have need for such a container. 
         [0036]    Top  1110  of first container member  1100  may have a large flat surface  1118  and, similarly, bottom  1210  of second container member  1200  may have a large flat surface  1218 . The flat surfaces  1118  and  1218  may provide space for putting information on assembled container  1000 . Flat surfaces  1118  and  1218  may have information (such as messages or warnings) on them via molding a message into first container member  1100  and/or second container member  1200 , via stickers placed on flat surface  1118  and/or  1218 , or via any other means known for displaying warnings or other information. 
         [0037]    Another feature that may be present in some embodiments is a handle. As described above, there are many ways that a handle may be included as part of assembled container  1000 . In some embodiments, first container member  1100  may have a handle  1118  attached to top  1110 . In other embodiments, second container member  1200  may have a handle  1218 , instead of or in addition to handle  1118 , attached to bottom  1210 . In other embodiments, assembled container  1000  may have a handle or handles attached to any of the sides or ends of either or both of first container member  1100  and second container member  1200 . An embodiment with handles attached to ends  1240  and  1250  is depicted in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . For example, in some embodiments, like the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , each of first container member  1100  and second container member  1200  may include portions of one or more handles, such that the portions of the handle or handles are configured to form a complete handle or handles when first container member  1100  is engaged with second container member  1200 . 
         [0038]    The handle or handles of assembled container  1000  may be useful for carrying container  1000  or for attaching container  1000  to a cooler  2000 , as depicted in  FIG. 7 . Cooler  2000  may be a cooler of any of various shapes or designs. In some embodiments, cooler  2000  may simply be a box (like a milk box) with insulating properties. In such embodiments, container  1000  may be placed inside the box along with the contents that require cooling. In other embodiments, cooler  2000  may be designed such that it is configured to receive any of various embodiments of container  1000 . As depicted in  FIG. 7 , cooler  2000  may contain at least two compartments, one for items that should be refrigerated (e.g. milk) and one for items that should be frozen (e.g. ice cream). Cooler  2000  may include tabs  2014 , configured to engage container  1000 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , tabs  2014  may rotate from an open or receiving position (depicted by the position that tab  2014   a  is in) or a closed or locking position (depicted by the position that tab  2014   b  is in). In other embodiments, tabs  2014  may configured to engage clips  1114  and  2114 . 
         [0039]    Assembled container may be made out of various plastics or other materials and may be manufactured by various means known in the art. In some embodiments, assembled container is molded out of polyurethane, which may maintain structural integrity when coming into repeated contact with extremely cold temperatures. Additionally, as previously mentioned, container  1000  may be of many different sizes and shapes. In one embodiment, assembled container may be sized to hold a standard size cut of frozen carbon dioxide. In embodiments where container  1000  may be used to transport and store ice cream for up to 8 hours, a standard cut of frozen carbon dioxide of approximately 10 inches by 3 inches by 3 inches may be used. In other embodiments, frozen carbon dioxide, or other substances to be held by container  1000  may be cut or formed to fit within container  1000 . Obviously, when storing frozen carbon dioxide, container could be used in many different applications where items need to remain at a low temperature. For example, container  1000  may be useful for transportation or temporary storage in the medical field or for frozen meats or other foods. 
         [0040]    Moreover, in addition to the possibility of having various sizes and shapes for container  1000 , first container member  1100  and second container member  1200  may be of varying size and shape. Although first container member  1100  and second container member  1200  are depicted as being of approximately the same size and shape in  FIGS. 1-6 , that may not be so in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, first container member  1100  could have much shorter sides and ends than second container member  1200 . In other embodiment, first container member  1100  may be of a generally half-oval shape. Second container member  1200  may be of a similar half-oval shape or of a generally rectangular shape with edges that are configured to mate with the edges of first container member  1100 . 
         [0041]    While the invention has been described in detail in terms of specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.