Patent Publication Number: US-2015060440-A1

Title: Fresh food shipping vessel

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/873,274, filed on Sep. 3, 2013, and entitled, “Fresh Food Shipping Vessel System.” 
     This is ALSO a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/986,790, filed on Apr. 30, 2014, and entitled, “Fresh Food Shipping Vessel.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to food shipments and, more particularly, to a shipping container (the “Vessel”) that enables the transport via common carrier of fresh foods within a re-usable, temperature-controlled and impact-protected shipping Vessel. 
     (2) Description of Related Art 
     Shipping containers have long been known in the art. Shipping containers come in a variety of forms and are used to ship a variety of products. By way of example, a traditional shipping container is a cardboard box that can be used to ship any number of items. While operable for holding items therein, such a shipping container may not be desirable to ship cold-food products since it does not maintain temperatures well nor is it designed to maintain a consistent temperature (within a narrow temperature range) throughout the container. 
     As an enhancement over traditional cardboard boxes, some retailers ship cold food products in Styrofoam™ (“Foam”) containers. While such Foam containers are functional for maintaining food products at a cooled temperature, they are not durable, present environmental problems once they are out of service and lack a lot of the functionality that is provided by the present invention. For example, Foam containers are not capable of maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the container within a narrow temperature range. As another example, a traditional Foam container is typically filled by simply stacking items therein. By stacking items on top of and next to one another, a traditional Foam container does not provide for convective and/or conductive properties that can be employed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the container for prolonged periods of time. Further, a traditional Foam container allows a user to simply place several items therein, but does little to catalog actual placement of those items (which may be desirable if the food is being sent to multiple consumers at one shipping location). 
     Thus, a continuing need exists for a new and improved fresh food shipping container that solves the aforementioned problems and, in doing so, provides for (1) convective and/or conductive properties to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the container (within a narrow temperature range) for prolonged periods of time; (2) allows for specific inventory control; (3) ease of shipping by common carriers; (4) reduces waste and provides for re-usability; and (5) provide for remote monitoring and analysis of the status of the container and its contents. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to food shipments and, more particularly, to a fresh food shipping Vessel for safely and effectively shipping fresh foods. The shipping Vessel includes an insulation cage that adapted/formed to hold one or more drawers therein. Further, the Vessel includes one or more drawers for positioning within the insulation cage, each drawer adapted to hold at least one item thereon. 
     In one aspect, the insulation cage includes a crate and a tub, with an insulation layer entirely sealed between the crate and tub. 
     In yet another aspect, the insulation cage includes a lid for sealing the one or more drawers within the insulation cage. 
     In another aspect, the insulation cage includes a plurality of insulation cage magnets and wherein the lid includes a plurality of lid magnets, with the insulation cage magnets and lid magnets being polarity keyed such that the lid is attachable with the insulation cage in a single configuration. 
     Further, the one or more drawers each include side walls surrounding a thermally conductive bottom portion, whereby the thermally conductive bottom portion is operable for providing conduction and radiation to items amongst the drawers. 
     In yet another aspect, the drawers include slots formed through the side walls, whereby the slots are operable to provide for convection flow amongst the drawers. 
     In another aspect, the thermally conductive bottom portion includes a plurality of holes formed there through, whereby the holes are operable to provide for convection flow amongst the drawers. 
     Further, a plurality of containers are included for attaching with a drawer, each of the containers having a plurality of protrusions. 
     Additionally, each drawer includes container connectors formed in the thermally conductive bottom portion, the container connectors being formed as recesses to receive the plurality of protrusions and hold the container in place during transit. The container connectors and holes are positioned in the bottom portion such that when the containers are affixed with the container connectors, the holes are positioned between side walls of adjacent containers and remain uncovered by the containers, thereby assisting convection flow amongst the drawers. 
     In another aspect, at least one temperature plate is included for positioning within the insulation cage, the temperature plate adapted to maintain a desired temperature for a period of time. The temperature plate is a cold plate that includes a void having water therein, whereby a shipper can freeze the cold plate to provide a cold temperature to the vessel during transit. 
     Further and in another aspect, the Vessel includes an outer protective shell for holding the insulation cage therein. The shell includes front loading doors with a single, center closing seam. 
     In another aspect, a ratcheting latch mechanism can be included that spans the center closing seam and is adapted to pull the seam tightly closed to seal the doors in a closed position. The ratcheting latch mechanism includes a first part for connecting with a first door and a second part for connecting with a second door, the first and second parts being detachably attachable with the first and second doors, respectively, whereby each of the first and second parts are replaceable in the event of damage. The first part includes an elongated portion with a clasp portion attached with the elongated portion via a hinge, the clasp portion having a clasp and a lifting handle. The second part includes a catch formed to receive and lockingly engage with the clasp. 
     In another aspect, a tamper proof latch system is included, whereby the tamper proof latch system is operable for providing assurance to an end user that contents of the vessel have not been tampered with during transit. The tamper proof latch system includes a band and slots formed through the second part, the slots formed to accommodate the band and position the band over the clasp portion such that lifting the clasp portion causes the band to break. 
     In another aspect, the shell includes an interior, an exterior, and outer walls, and further comprising one or more handle assemblies that are detachably attachable with the outer walls. Each handle assembly includes a base plate and a faceplate, the baseplate having a spring-loaded handle pivotally attached thereto, with the base plate positioned in the interior of the shell and secured to the faceplate that is positioned on the exterior of the shell, thereby providing a replaceable, secure and retractable handle. 
     In another aspect, open connectors are affixed with the doors and outer walls of the shell, the open connectors being positioned such that when the doors are swung entirely open, the open connectors engage with one another to maintain the doors affixed against the side walls in an open position. In one aspect, the open connectors are magnets. 
     In another aspect, the shell is formed of a corrugate plastic and the shell and insulation cage are substantially cube-shaped. 
     Finally, the present invention also includes a method for forming and using the invention described herein. The method for forming the Vessel comprises a plurality of acts of forming and assembling the parts described herein to collectively form the Vessel. The method for using the Vessel comprises a plurality of acts of loading and shipping the Vessel with the relevant items and containers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a shipping Vessel according to the principles of the present invention, depicting an outer protective shell and an internal insulation cage that includes a plurality of drawers and a closing lid; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded-view illustration of the insulation cage according to the principles of the present invention, depicting a crate, an insulation layer, and a tub; 
         FIG. 3A  is an illustration of the insulation cage according to the principles of the present invention, depicting the insulation layer as affixed within the tub; 
         FIG. 3B  is an illustration of the insulation cage according to the principles of the present invention, depicting a cut-away to illustrate the insulation layer therein; 
         FIG. 3C  is a close-up, sectional-view illustration of the insulation cage according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3D  is an illustration of the insulation cage with temperature plates according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of an assembled insulation cage according to the principles of the present invention, depicting a plurality of drawers positioned within the insulation cage; 
         FIG. 5A  is an illustration of a drawer according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  provides several view-point illustrations of a small food container for use with the drawer according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5C  provides several view-point illustrations of a large food container for use with the drawer according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5D  provides several view-point illustrations of an elongated food container for use with the drawer according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5E  is a top, perspective-view illustration of a plurality of containers arranged for positioning within a drawer; 
         FIG. 5F  is a bottom, perspective-view illustration the plurality of containers arranged for positioning within a drawer; 
         FIG. 5G  is a top, perspective-view illustration depicting the plurality of containers being positioned into a drawer; 
         FIG. 5H  is a cross-sectional, side-view illustration of a drawer and containers according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5I  is an illustration of a plurality of drawers according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5J  is an illustration of a plurality of drawers according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded-view illustration of the closing lid according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is an illustration of the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is an illustration of the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7C  is an illustration of the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of a side handle for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration of a locking mechanism for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of a rigid trim assembly for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11A  is an illustration of a tamper proof latch system for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11B  is an illustration of the tamper proof latch system for use with the outer protective shell according to the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to food shipments and, more particularly, to a fresh food shipping Vessel for safely and effectively shipping fresh foods. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     The reader&#39;s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. 
     Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object. 
     (1) Description 
     As noted above and as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the present invention is directed to a fresh food shipping Vessel  100 . It should be explicitly understood that although the Vessel  100  is described with respect to shipping food items, the use of the term “food” is used for illustrative purposes only as one suitable application and that the Vessel  100  is not intended to be limited thereto. For example, instead of food, the Vessel  100  can be used to transport beverages, organs for transplant, other biologic materials, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, fresh flowers, or any other item or materials where it may be desirable to maintain a stable temperature during transit. Thus, as evident below, the Vessel  100  has been specifically designed to (1) maintain a consistent temperature throughout the container (within a narrow temperature range) for prolonged periods of time: (2) allow for specific inventory control; (3) provide for ease of shipping by common carriers; (4) reduce waste and provide for re-usability, and (5) provide for remote monitoring and analysis of the status of the Vessel and its contents. 
     The shipping Vessel  100  includes several components, including an outer protective shell  102 , an internal insulation cage  104 , a plurality of drawers  106 , and a closing lid  108 . As will be evident below, each of the components of the shipping Vessel  100  provide several unique features that individually and collectively further enhance the operability of the shipping Vessel  100 . 
     As noted above, the shipping Vessel  100  includes an insulation cage  104 . The insulation cage  104  is any suitable insulating container or box that is operable for maintaining cold (or hot) items therein. As a non-limiting example and as shown in  FIG. 2 , the insulation cage  104  includes a crate  200 , an insulation layer  202 , and a tub  204 . The crate  200  and/or tub  204  provide a level of rigidity and durability to the insulation cage  104  and, as such, are formed of any suitably durable material, a non-limiting example of which includes plastic. Alternatively, the insulation layer  202  is any suitable material that can be employed to provide an insulating effect to the material positioned within the insulation cage  104 . As a non-limiting example, the insulation layer  202  is a polyurethane foam that can be blown into a gap between the crate  200  and the tub  204 . For example,  FIG. 3A  depicts the insulation layer  202  as positioned within tub  204 . However and as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, foam is subject to degradation over time. Thus, in one non-limiting example and as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 4 , the crate  200  includes a peripheral lip  300  that projects laterally from an end of the crate  200 . The crate  200  can be positioned within the tub  204  such that the peripheral lip  300  engages/contacts the rim  306  of the tub  204 . Thus, in this aspect, the crate  200  is affixed with the tub  204  (via, for example, the point of contact between the peripheral lip  300  and the rim  306 ). The crate  200  is affixed with the tub  204  using any suitable adhesion technique, non-limiting examples of which include plastic or sonic welding and use of an adhesive (e.g., glue or epoxy). In one aspect, the crate  200  is formed such that when positioned within and affixed to the tub  204 , a gap exists between the crate  200  and tub  204 . As a non-limiting example, the gap is approximately one and one half inches thick and surrounds the crate  200 . Using any suitable filling technique, the insulation layer  202  can then be blown through a hole formed through the tub  204  and into the gap. Upon sealing the hole, the insulation layer  202  is then sealed in a water tight manner between the crate  200  and tub  204 . 
     As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, by sealing (e.g., via a watertight plastic weld seal) the insulation layer  202  between the crate  200  and tub  204 , the insulation cage  104  provides substantial insulating properties, yet can also be easily cleaned and sanitized without detrimentally affecting the foam (i.e., insulation layer  202 ) therein. In other words and in one non-limiting aspect, the crate  200  and tub  204  completely cover the insulation layer  202  so that the crate  200  can be sterilized while not contaminating the insulation layer  202 . The tub  204  piece, in one non-limiting example, is a thin plastic film that prevents external contamination of the foam insulation. In another aspect, material selection for the Vessel and its insulation cage  104  involves the use of plastics and smooth surfaces so that chances of bacteria build up are reduced and the ease of sterilization is maintained. 
     For further understanding,  FIG. 3B  provides an illustration of the insulation cage  104 , depicting a cut-away to illustrate the insulation layer  202  between the crate  200  and tub  204 .  FIG. 3C  is a close-up, sectional-view illustration of the insulation cage  104 . As shown, the tub  204  is a thin-piece of material (although it can be formed of any desired thickness) that is sealed against the crate  200 , with the insulation layer  202  there between. 
     Further and as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , an important feature of the insulation cage  104  is its ability to effectively hold a plurality of compartments and/or items. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated, the insulation cage  104  includes a plurality of drawers  106 . As shown between  FIGS. 3A and 4 , the insulation cage  104  includes a rail system that allows the drawers  106  to easily slide in and out of the crate  200 . As a non-limiting example, the rail system includes a plurality of rails  302  (shelves) that project from an inner wall  304  of the crate  200 . The rails  302  are separately formed and attached (via an adhesive, screws, etc.) to the wall  304  or can be integrally formed in the wall  304  during formation of the crate  200 . The rails  302  are operable for allowing the drawers  106  to slide in and out of the cage  104  (while supporting a drawer  106 ) while a rail above the drawer  106  operates to prevent the drawer  106  from tipping when extended from the cage  104 . Stop tabs  308  can optionally be included to lock the drawers  106  into the Vessel so that the drawers  106  cannot be easily removed from the cage  104 . It should also be noted that the rails  302  allow the packer or user to selectively position the drawers  106  in the desired location. As a non-limiting example, multiple drawers  106  may be used. As another non-limiting example, a single drawer may be used to hole a large item or positioned centrally to provide space above and below the drawer  106 , or any combination thereof. 
     In one aspect, the plurality of compartments (e.g., drawers  106 ) can be used to allow for shipment of several different items to a variety of individuals. Imagine a scenario where a plurality of consumers each order a different lunch meal (e.g., a sandwich, crackers, salad, etc.). Each consumer would ideally prefer to know exactly which drawer  106  contained their particular food item. In order to allow for such functionality it is desirable to catalog which drawer  106  contains which item. In one aspect, a label (e.g., sticky label) can be adhered to the end of the drawer identifying the contents of a particular drawer or an end consumer&#39;s name. Alternatively and as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5A , the each drawer  106  can include a unique identifier  400 , a non-limiting example of which includes a bar code. It should be understood that any suitable identifier can be employed, such as a simple number stamp, a label (e.g., 1, A, etc.), a bar code, a QR code, or a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip, or any combination thereof. In either event, the unique identifier  400  allows a packer (i.e., the person packing the goods into the Vessel) to catalog exactly what is being packed into a particular drawer  106  and can also be used to notify an end consumer which drawer  106  their particular food item rests in. For example, the packer using an inventory catalog/shipping system can scan the bar code when packing a first drawer  106  and designate that the first drawer  106  has the food products for Consumers A and B. Alternatively, when packing a second drawer  106  (for Consumers C and D), the same inventory catalog/shipping system can be utilized to designate that the second drawer  106  has the food products for Consumers C and D. The inventory catalog/shipping system can then generate an email, text, or any other suitable message, that is sent to the relevant consumers notifying them of which particular drawer their order can be found in (e.g., Drawer 1, 2, etc.). As can be understood by those skilled in the art, an inventory catalog/shipping system operates on a data processing system with a processor and memory having instructions encoded thereon that would allow such a system to catalog inventory and provide such notifications as described above. 
     In addition to allowing for unique identification capabilities, the drawers  106  can be designed to assist in maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the Vessel. As a non-limiting example, the drawers  106  are designed to provide for both convection and conduction. Due to the convective and conductive properties of the Vessel (and/or drawers  106 ), fans are not required to maintain optimal temperature throughout the Vessel. For example and as shown in  FIG. 5A , the drawers  106  can be formed to include a plurality of holes  500  that allows for convention (air flow) to spread the temperature throughout the Vessel. In one aspect, the holes pass entirely through a bottom portion  508  of the drawers  106 . In another aspect, some of the holes can be formed into a specific shape that allows the designated hole to engage with a protrusion on a container and, in doing so, operate as a container connector  501 . For example, the hole can receive the protrusion in a coupling arrangement. These aspects are described in further detail below. 
     In another aspect, the edges of the drawings  106  can optionally be formed to include ridges  502  near convection slots  504  that would prevent a food pack from sliding over and covering a convection slot  504 , thereby further assisting in air flow within the Vessel. 
     In another aspect, the drawers  106  are formed entirely of any suitably stable material, a non-limiting example of which includes plastic. However and as noted above, the drawers  106  can also be designed to provide for conduction. Thus, the drawers  106  are optionally formed, at least partially, of any suitable material that enhances thermal conduction, a non-limiting example of which includes metal. For example and in one aspect, metal conduction plates can be included between the drawers  106 , with metal disks formed in the drawers  106  to further enhance conduction between the metal plates and the layers of drawers  106 . Alternatively, the drawers  106  are desirably formed such that a bottom portion  508  (i.e., the portion that includes the holes  500 ) of the drawers  106  is formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g., metal). In this aspect, the side walls  510  can be formed of plastic, with the metal bottom portion  508  affixed with (e.g., via a tongue and groove connection, etc.) and surrounded by the plastic side walls  510 . Thus, temperature can be easily transferred between drawer  106  levels via the metal bottom portion  508 , while the plastic side walls  510  provide stability yet decrease overall weight of the drawer  106  (as opposed to metal side walls). Referring again to  FIG. 3A , to further maintain a desired temperature within the Vessel, optional temperature plates  310  (e.g., a cold plate) can be positioned within the crate  200 . The temperature plates  310  are any suitable mechanism or device that is operable for maintaining a stable temperature. As a non-limiting example, the temperature plates  310  are metal plates having a void or cavity therein that is filled with a freezable material, non-limiting examples of which include gel and water. In this aspect, the temperature plate  310  would operate as a cold source to assist in maintaining a desired cold temperature in the insulation cage  104  during transit. Alternatively, if a hot item is being shipped, the temperature plates  310  could be filled with a material that generates or maintains heat and operates as a hot plate. In one aspect, the hot plate can simply be filled with a gel and heated, with the gel maintaining and radiating heat from the hot plate. In another aspect, the hot plate could be filled with chemicals that provide a one-time exothermic chemical reaction. For example, the hot plate can be formed to include two breakable compartments in the cavity such that when a packer compresses the hot plate, the compartments break which causes the reagents to mix and produce heat. As another non-limiting example, the hot plate can be reusable. For example, the hot plate can include in its void a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate (CH 3 COONa) in water and operate essentially as a sodium acetate heat pad. To be activated, a portion of the hot plate can be formed to include a rubber seal that holds a small ferrous metal strip or disc inside the void of the hot plate. The rubber seal is accessible on the outside of the plate and allows a user to manipulate the rubber seal and, thereby, flex the strip or disc that is held within the liquid inside the void. Flexing the metal causes crystallization which releases the energy (i.e., heat) of the crystal lattice. In order to reuse the hot plate, a packer can simply place the hot plate in boiling water which re-dissolves the sodium acetate trihydrate in the water and recreates a supersaturated solution. The hot plate can then be reused to provide heat during the next shipment. 
     Thus, in operation, the packer would position a pre-frozen (or pre-heated) temperature plate  310  into the crate  200  when packing the Vessel to provide a temperature (cold or hot) source therein. The temperature plate  310  can be affixed with the insulation cage  104  in any desired manner. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in  FIG. 3D , the temperature plates  310  can be slid into the insulation cage  104  and held in place via a shelf  320  or any other mechanism or device that is operable for holding an item in place. 
     In addition to their thermal conductive/convective properties, the drawers  106  can also be shaped to provide optimal space utility. It should be understood that the drawers  106  can be formed in any desired shape; however, in a desired aspect, the drawers  106  can be formed in a square shape that allows for optimized space utilization and cube formation when stacked. 
     Further, it should be understood that any item or container can be packed in the drawers  106 . As a non-limiting example, the invention includes individual food containers that are specifically designed to minimize lateral space waste and increase the conductive and convective properties of the Vessel. Several non-limiting examples of such containers are illustrated in  FIGS. 5B through 5J . 
     For example,  FIG. 5B  provides several illustrations of a small food container  520 . Specifically,  FIG. 5B  provides front-view  521 , side-view  522 , top-view  523 , bottom-view  524 , top perspective-view  525 , and bottom perspective-view  526  illustrations, respectively, of the small food container  520 . As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the food container can be formed in any desired shape and of any suitable material, a non-limiting example of which includes plastic being formed into the shapes as illustrated throughout  FIGS. 5B through 5G . In this non-limiting example, the food containers include a lid  527  and a basket or container portion  528 . Notably, a bottom of the container portion  528  includes at least one and desirably several protrusions  529  that are formed to engage with the container connectors (depicted as element  501  in  FIG. 5A ). For example, when the food container  520  is positioned into a drawer  106  (as shown in  FIG. 5G ), the protrusions  529  fit into the container connectors  501  and, in doing so, prevent the food container  520  from sliding around in the drawer  106 . The protrusions  529  also prevent shifting which protects against damage to the food therein. Notably, the drawers  106  can be positioned closely on top of one another such that little space (e.g., one quarter of an inch) exists between top of a food container  520  and the bottom of a drawer  106 . Thus, in addition to preventing shifting, the interior of the Vessel (and its drawers  106 ) is designed to protect the contents and provide a consistent and uniform temperature no matter what vertical orientation the Vessel is positioned in (i.e., it may be upside down at times or on its side). 
     Further, the protrusions  529  can be formed of any desired depth or length. For example, the protrusions  529  can be formed to protrude through the bottom container connector  501 , yet be flush with the bottom-side of the drawer  106  (in which the particular container is attached). This aspect would allow for air flow in the drawer  106  compartment below to engage with the protrusion  529  and, in doing so, provide a cooling effect to the contents of that particular container. In another aspect, the protrusions  529  are of a sufficient depth or length such that they protrude through the thickness of the bottom of the drawer  106  and contact a container or ice pack in the drawer  106  compartment below. For example, if an ice pack were positioned directly below a particular drawer  106  and container  520 , the protrusion  529 , via contact with the ice pack [cold source?], would assist the conductive properties of the Vessel by allowing the temperature of the ice pack to more easily transfer to the contents of the particular container  520 . As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the protrusions  529  and container connectors  501  as described and illustrated are provided as but one non-limiting example according to the principles of the present invention and it should be understood that such connectors  501  and protrusions  529  can be reversed and/or positioned at any desirable location on the respective container  520  and drawer  106 . 
     For further understanding.  FIGS. 5C and 5D  provide illustrations of additional container shapes. Specifically,  FIG. 5C  provides front-view  531 , side-view  532 , top-view  533 , bottom-view  534 , top perspective-view  535 , and bottom perspective-view  536  illustrations, respectively, of the large food container  530 . Finally,  FIG. 5D  provides front-view  541 , side-view  542 , top-view  543 , bottom-view  544 , top perspective-view  545 , and bottom perspective-view  546  illustrations, respectively, of the elongated food container  540 . Notably, both the large food container  530  and elongated food container  540  also include the optional protrusions  529 . A benefit of the multiple and modular containers is that the modular containers enable multiple configuration layouts within the Vessel, which prevents the containers and food from moving. 
     For further understanding,  FIG. 5E  is a top, perspective-view illustration of a plurality of containers arranged for positioning within a drawer, while  FIG. 5F  provides a bottom, perspective-view illustration of said containers. As a non-limiting example, the configuration as depicted in  FIGS. 5E and 5F  illustrates two small food containers  520 , one large food container  530 , and one elongated food container  540 . Further, it should be noted that a temperature component can optionally be included. The temperature component is any mechanism, device, or item that is designed to affect or control temperature within the Vessel, non-limiting examples of which include an ice pack  550  or heat pack. For example, if the food is desirably maintained in a cooled state, the temperature component is an ice pack  550  that operates as a cold source (i.e., heat sink) to cool the Vessel. For example, the ice pack  550  can be a standard ice pack or gel pack that is positioned within the drawer to provide a cooling effect within the Vessel. In another aspect, the ice pack can be a frozen water bottle (e.g., a standard water bottle or shaped as illustrated in  FIGS. 5E and 5F ) that is used to cool the Vessel, yet can be retrieved by the end consumer for consumption. In yet another aspect, the temperature component (e.g., ice pack  550 ) can be formed to include protrusions  529  similar to that of the containers  520 ,  530 , and  540 . Thus, the ice pack  550  can also be securely affixed with the drawer  106  via the protrusions  529 . 
     It should also be noted that the containers can be formed such that the side walls  552  rise from the ground surface at any desired angle. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in the figures, the side walls  522  can be formed at an angle such that they do not lay flat against an adjacent container. In other words, the side walls  522  are formed at angles to provide gaps  524  between adjacent containers. An advantage to this aspect is further illustrated in  FIG. 5G . As shown in  FIG. 5G , the holes  500  can be optimally positioned in the drawer  106  such that they are not covered when the drawer  106  is filled with containers (e.g.,  520 ,  530 ,  540 , and/or the ice pack  550 ). In this aspect, the container connectors  501  affix the desired containers such that the holes  500  are positioned between the side walls  522  of adjacent containers. Due to the gaps  524  between adjacent containers, air flow is maintained throughout the Vessel to provide for appropriate convective forces and cooling. Further, ridges or channels  560  can also be formed in the side walls  552  of the containers (e.g.,  520 ,  530 ,  540 ). The channels  560  increase the gap  524  slightly to provide for air flow and convective forces and, further increase the side wall  522  surface area of any given container, thereby enhancing the ability of the container to maintain a desired temperature. 
     As noted above and as illustrated in the cross-sectional side-view illustration of  FIG. 5H , any desired number and size of containers (e.g.,  520  and  540 ) can be positioned within a drawer  106 . In one aspect and as illustrated, the protrusions  529  fit into the container connectors  501  and, in doing so, prevent the food containers (e.g.,  520  and  540 ) from sliding around in the drawer  106 . The container connectors  501  can be holes formed entirely through the bottom portion  508  of the drawers  106 . Thus, in this aspect, the protrusions  529  rest within the holes. As another non-limiting example and as illustrated in  FIG. 5H , the container connectors  501  can be recesses formed in the thermally conductive bottom portion  508  such that the protrusions  529  rest within the recesses to prevent the containers from moving. 
     As noted above and as further illustrated in  FIG. 5I , the drawers  106  are designed to provide for both conductive and convective properties to achieve a uniform temperature throughout the Vessel and in each drawer  106 . Thus, in one aspect, each drawer  106  is outfitted with its own cold source (e.g., ice pack  550 ) as well as a thermally conductive plate (e.g., metal bottom portion  508 ). The cold sources (e.g., ice pack  550 ) and thermally conductive bottom portion  508  transfer cold air to its surrounding containers and drawers  106  through convection  590 , conduction  592 , and radiation  594 . By use of a thermally conductive bottom portion  508 , the cold (or heat if used for hot items) can be transferred quickly and efficiently to the rest of the Vessel&#39;s contents, thus ensuring that the containers in contact with the thermally conductive bottom portion  508  stay within a prescribed temperature range (e.g., plus or minus ten (five, etc.) degrees of the pre-packed temperature). Additionally, the container connectors  501 , when formed as recesses within a thermally conductive bottom portion  508 , provide protrusions on a bottom side of the drawers  106  that further assist in conduction  592  if positioned against an adjacent container. For example, if the Vessel is upside down, a container which would otherwise be below a particular container connector  501  could now rest on top of the container connector  501  and receive cold/heat transfer via conductive forces. Additionally, convection slots  504  around the drawer  106  allow for the circulation of air inside the Vessel, thereby facilitating the convective flow of heat. 
     The concept of radiation  594  and convection  590  is further illustrated in the front-view illustration of  FIG. 5J . As shown in  FIG. 5J , a plurality of drawers  106  are positioned on top of one another. The cold sources (e.g., ice packs  550 ) in conjunction with the thermally conductive bottom portions  508  radiate  594  heat or cold to surrounding containers and drawers  106 . Further, due to the slots, holes and spaces between the drawers and containers, a convention  590  flow occurs to further allow for maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the Vessel. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the shipping Vessel  100  includes a closing lid  108  that is used to seal the drawers  106  within the insulation cage  104 . The closing lid  108  is any suitable lid mechanism or device that can be used to contain and/or seal the drawers  106  within the insulation cage  104 , a non-limiting example of which is depicted in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  provides an exploded-view illustration of a lid  108  assembly according to the principles of the present invention. In this non-limiting example, the lid  108  includes an outer lid portion  600 , lid insulation  602 , an inner lid portion  604 , a plug  606 , pressure sensitive tape (PSA)  608 , a clip  610 , a gasket  612 , and a plurality of lid magnets  614 . The outer lid portion  600  is affixed with the inner lid portion  604  via, for example, sonic or plastic welding. The outer and inner lid portions  600  and  602  are formed such that after they are affixed with one another, a gap exists between the two components. The lid insulation  602  (e.g., polyurethane foam) can then be blown through a hole  601  and into the gap, with the hole  601  thereafter sealed with the plug  606  (e.g., via plastic or sonic welding). 
     A clip  610  is optionally included and affixed with the inner lid portion  604  using any suitable mechanism or device, a non-limiting example of which includes the pressure sensitive tape  608 . The clip  610  is operable to hold paper, receipts, inventory, return shipping instructions, or any other suitable communication that is desirable to provide to the recipient of the shipping Vessel. Further, the inner lid portion  604  can be formed with a recess  620  that accommodates such a communication. As a non-limiting example, the recess  620  can be formed to fit an A4 of 8½ by 11 paper. 
     As noted above, the door gasket  612  is attached (e.g., via an adhesive or PSA) with the inner lid component  604 . The door gasket  612  is any suitable mechanism, material, or device that is operable for providing an air seal between the lid  108  and the insulation cage when the lid  108  is affixed with the insulation cage. A non-limiting example of such a suitable door gasket  612  is foam and/or rubber weather stripping. Further, to assist the lid  108  in maintaining connectivity with the insulation cage, the shipping Vessel includes a cage locking device. The cage locking device is any suitable mechanism or device that is operable for locking the lid  108  in place against the insulation cage, non-limiting examples of which include clasps, latches, keyed locks, etc. In a desired aspect, the cage locking device includes the plurality of lid magnets  614  that are polarity keyed to insulation cage magnets such that the lid  108  can only be attached one way. For example and referring again to  FIG. 3A , a plurality of insulation cage magnets  312  can be affixed (e.g., via an adhesive, press-fit, etc.) with the insulation cage  104  at any suitable location to magnetically connect with the lid magnets  614 . As a non-limiting example, a plurality of recesses  314  are formed in the insulation cage  104 , with the insulation cage magnets  312  being press-fit and/or glued into the recesses  314 . Thus and as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the lid  108  can be securely affixed with the insulation cage  104  via the magnetic connection between the lid magnets  614  and the insulation cage magnets  312 . Thus, the lid magnets  614  in combination with the insulation cage magnets  312  serve as an efficient method to latch and seal the insulation cage  104  shut while still allowing quick access to the insulation cage  104  when not in transport. 
     As noted above, the plurality of lid magnets  614  are polarity keyed to insulation cage magnets  312  such that the lid  108  can only be attached one way. As a non-limiting example, all of the lid magnets  614  (except one) can be attached such that the positive sides of the magnets  614  protrude from the lid  108 . One lid magnet  614  is reversed such that its negative side protrudes from the lid  108 . In this aspect, the insulation cage magnets  312  would all be positioned (except one) such that their negative sides are directed to toward the lid  108 . One insulation cage magnet  312  is reversed such that its positive side is positioned toward the lid  108 . Thus, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there would only be one configuration in this example in which the lid  108  would adhere to the insulation cage  104 . 
     As illustrated, the lid  108  is freely removable from the insulation cage  104 . However, in another aspect, the lid  108  can be designed such that it is connected with the insulation cage  104  via a hinge. 
     In another aspect and as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the lid  108  can be formed to include handles  616  that assist the user in grasping and pulling the lid  108  from the insulation cage  104 . As a non-limiting example, the handles  616  are formed as continuous handles along the side lengths of the lid  108  to allow for sufficient grasping space while minimizing space intrusive handles. 
     As noted above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the shipping Vessel  100  also includes a hollow outer protective shell  102  that is formed to contain the insulation cage  104  (and lid  108 ) therein. The outer protective shell  102  is formed of any suitably stable and/or reusable material, a non-limiting example of which includes plastic. It should be noted that the shell  102  serves as a maintainable shipping container for the insulation cage and can be reused multiple times for shipment. 
     Because the shell  102  is reusable, it may be subject to wear. As such, some or all parts of the outer protective shell  102  can be easily replaced should a part turn out to be broken or no longer functional. The design is implemented so that the failure of one part on the shell  102  will desirably not jeopardize the usability of the shell  102  as a whole. As a non-limiting example and as depicted in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the outer shell  102  includes replaceable door locking mechanisms  706  and handle assemblies  724 . The outer shell  102  and its various components are described in further detail below. 
     In a desired aspect, the shell  102  is formed of a translucent or transparent plastic corrugate that allows for printing on both the inside and outside of the shell  102 . For example, printing on the inside of the shell  102  can be seen on the outside of the shell  102 . 
     Further, the outer protective shell  102  is formed in any suitable shape and in any suitable manner to allow for containment of the insulation cage therein  104 , a non-limiting example of which is the cube-shape as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C. Further and as shown in  FIG. 7C , the outer protective shell  102  includes front loading doors  700  and  702  with a single, center closing seam  704 . 
     The doors  700  and  702  are securely closed using the door locking mechanism  706 . The door locking mechanism  706  is any suitable mechanism or device that allows for selectively locking/unlocking two components together. As a non-limiting example, the door locking mechanism  706  is a ratcheting latch. In other words, the ratcheting latch spans the center closing seam  704  and pulls the seam tightly closed to seal the doors  700  and  702  in a closed position. Unlocking the ratcheting latch allows the front loading doors  700  and  702  to swing  708  open to allow access to the insulation cage contained therein. 
     In a desired aspect, the shell  102  includes a mechanism or device that allows a user to maintain the doors  700  and  702  in an open position. For example, open connectors  710  are affixed with the doors  700  and  702  and outer walls of the shell  102 . Thus, when the doors  700  and  702  are swung  708  entirely open, the open connectors  710  engage with one another to maintain the doors  700  and  702  affixed against the side walls. The open connectors  710  are any suitable mechanism or device that allows for the doors  700  and  702  to be selectively maintained in an open position, non-limiting examples of which include magnets or hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro™). 
     In an aspect in which the outer shell  102  is formed as a box-shape (e.g., cube-shape) with front loading doors  700  and  702 , all of the wall edges are directly connected with another wall edge, with the exception of the front top  712  and front bottom  714  loading edges. For example, the top wall  716  of the shell  102  is connected with a side wall  718  along the length of a top, side-edge  720 . Because of the lengthwise connection along the top, side-edge  720 , the top, side-edge  720  becomes relatively rigid. However, if the outer shell  102  is formed of a material that is somewhat flexible (e.g., plastic corrugate), the front top  712  and front bottom  714  loading edges are not connected, with any other component along their entire lengths and, as such, are subject to flexion and deformation. To provide further stability/rigidity to the front top  712  and front bottom  714  loading edges, rigid trim assemblies  722  can be included that clip over the front top  712  and front bottom  714  loading edges to provide rigidity to said edges. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the rigid trim assembly  722  is a clip-like device that can simply be slid over and affixed with the front top  712  and front bottom  714  loading edges to provide rigidity to said edges. The rigid trim assembly  722  can be affixed with the relevant edges using any suitable mechanism or device, non-limiting examples of which include an adhesive or PSA  1000 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7C , to assist in carrying the Vessel, the shell  102  can be formed to include one or more handle assemblies  724  on one or more side walls  718  (desirably, two opposing side walls  718 ). While any suitable handle device can be employed, the handle assemblies  724  are desirably designed as high-strength, low-profile handles, a non-limiting example of which is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the handle assembly  724  includes a plastic base plate  800  having a spring-loaded plastic handle  802  pivotally attached thereto. The handle  802  is spring-loaded via a spring  808  or any other device that biases the handle  802  toward the base plate  800 . The base plate  800  can be positioned within the outer shell  102  and secured (via screws  804  or any other adhesion technique) to a plastic faceplate  806  that is positioned outside of the outer shell  102 . Thus, the side wall  718  of the outer shell  102  is effectively sandwiched between the face plate  806  and base plate  800  to provide for a secure and retractable handle  802 . 
     As noted above with respect to  FIG. 7C , the doors  700  and  702  are securely closed using a door locking mechanism  706 . For further understanding, a non-limiting example of a suitable locking mechanism  706  is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the door locking mechanism includes first part  900  for connecting with a first door (e.g., element  700  in  FIG. 7C ) and second part  902  for connecting with the second door (e.g., element  702  in  FIG. 7C ). The first part  900  can be affixed with the first door  700  via, for example, a first base plate  904  with screws  906  that pass through the first door  700  and into the first part  900 . Similarly, the second part  902  can be affixed with the second door  702  via, for example, a second base plate  908  with screws  910  that pass through the second door  702  and into the second part  902 . Regardless of the particular connection technique, importantly, the first and second parts  900  and  902  are formed to securely attach with one another and seal the doors closed. Thus, as one non-limiting example, the first part  900  includes an elongated portion  912  with a clasp portion  914  attached with the elongated portion  912  via a hinge. As shown, the clasp portion  914  includes a clasp  916  and a lifting handle  918 . 
     The second part  902  includes a catch  920  formed to receive and lockingly engage with the clasp  916 . For example, as the clasp portion  914  pivots downward, the clasp  916  is forced over and against the catch  920 , thereby locking the clasp  916  against the catch  920 . Notably, the elongated portion  912  serves to position the clasp portion  914  (and its clasp  916 ) more directly over the second part  902  (and its catch  920 ) and, in doing so, reduces the requisite radius of rotation  922  of the clasp portion  914 . Because the radius of rotation  922  is decreased (in comparison to a clasp that did not include such an elongated portion  912 ), the clasp  916  provides a returning force  924  to the catch  920 . In other words, in addition to simply locking, the clasp  916  forces the catch  920  back toward the first part  900 . By forcing the catch  920  back toward the first part  900 , the first and second doors  700  and  702  are further tightened against one another to form a tight closing seal there between. 
     Desirably, the Vessel includes a tamper proof latch system. The tamper proof latch system is any suitable mechanism or device that provides an indication/assurance to an end user (consumer) that the contents of the Vessel have not been tampered with during shipment. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the door locking mechanism  706  is formed such that a breakable band  1100  (e.g., formed of paper, plastic, etc.) can be attached to the door locking mechanism  706 . In this aspect, a sealed band  1100  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) would indicate that no one has opened the Vessel, whereas an open band  1100  (shown in  FIG. 11B ) would indicate that the Vessel has been opened. For example, the second part  902  (and corresponding second base plate) can include slots  1104  formed there through to accommodate the band  1100 . The band  1100  can be positioned through the slots  1104  and around the back of the second part  902  (and corresponding second base plate) and over the clasp portion  914 . The band  1100  is then sealed unto itself to form the sealed band  1100  (as illustrated in  FIG. 11A ). When someone lifts the clasp portion  914 , the band  1100  is broken into an open band  1100  (as illustrated in  FIG. 11B ). Thus, in this example, it is entirely impossible to open the doors  700  and  702  and access the contents without breaking the band  1100 . 
     As noted above, the Vessel and its components are, in one aspect, designed for ease of shipping by common carriers. While the Vessel and its components can be formed in any size, shape, and dimension, desirably and in one aspect, the components are formed to meet the volumetric and weight requirements for low-cost shipping by common carriers. As a non-limiting example and per the shipping requirements of one carrier (i.e., FedEx), the volume (as measured from the exterior) must be less than 5,184 cubic inches to avoid excess size surcharges. In other words and per this non-limiting example, “dimensional weight” is applied to FedEx ground packages that are three cubic feet (5,184 cubic inches) or larger. To determine the volume, one must multiple the length of the Vessel, by its width and height. If the total is 5,184 cubic inches or greater, then one must calculate the dimensional weight of the Vessel by dividing the volume by 166 (for shipments within the U.S.) or 139 (for shipments to Canada). If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, charges may be assessed based on the dimensional weight (now being referred to as a chargeable weight). If the chargeable weight exceeds 150 lbs., a prorated per-pound rate will be used. Dimensions of one-half inch or greater are rounded up to the next whole number, whereas dimensions less than one-half inch are rounded down. The final calculation is rounded up to the next whole pound. 
     Alternatively, if the Vessel measures less than 5,184 cubic inches, dimensional weight does not apply and shipping charges will be assessed based on actual weight. Therefore and as noted above, it is desirable (in this example) to form the Vessel so that its volume (as measured from its exterior) is less than 5,184 cubic inches (and desirably greater than 4,000 cubic inches). Thus, in one non-limiting example and referring again to  FIG. 1 , the outer protective shell  102  is formed in a cubic shape such that each of its length  120 , width  122  and height  124  are 17.25 inches, providing a total volume of 5,134 cubic inches. If rounded down (i.e., from 17.25 to 17 inches), then the total volume is 4,913 cubic inches. The insulation cage  104  is then cubicly-shaped to closely fit within the shell  102  and maximize the space available for shipping the items within the Vessel. 
     Also as noted above, the Vessel and its components are, in one aspect, reusable. For example and as addressed above, many of the components can be easily replaced if deemed damaged or broken. Replacing individual components (as opposed to the entire Vessel) reduces waste, provides for cost efficiencies, and is green (i.e., promotes environmental benefits and considerations). In addition to simply being replaceable, the Vessel can be formed of any suitable material that assists in reusability. For example, the Vessel and its components are formed of material that allows it to withstand the rigors of shipping and then, once returned, to be sanitized so that it can be re-used. As a non-limiting example, the Vessel and its components are formed of thermoplastics (ABS plastic), polyethylene, polypropylene, BPA-free materials, stamped aluminum and steel, urethane foam or alternative insulation materials, or any combination thereof. In essence and in one aspect, the Vessel and its components are desirably formed of stable, sealable, and/or sanitize-able materials that allow for sterilization and reuse. 
     In another aspect, the Vessel can be formed to have on-board sensing capabilities and/or analytics, such as electronic monitoring of the temperature in the Vessel, the contents and inventory of the Vessel, tamper and theft detection, etc. The Vessel can also be formed to have the capability to transmit the obtained data/information to a desired party via the Cloud or any other suitable transmission medium (e.g., Internet, Wifi, etc.). Thus, the Vessel can include any required sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, tilt sensor, GPS sensor, light sensor, etc.) and or components that allow for sensing and/or analytics of the status of the Vessel, a non-limiting example of which include temperature sensors communicatively connected with a microprocessor or chip and transmitter for analyzing and/or transmitting the relevant temperature data to a receiving party (through the Cloud, Internet, etc.). As another non-limiting example, a circuit can be completed when the doors of the Vessel are closed. When the doors are open, the circuit is broken, which is indicative of opening or tampering with the Vessel. Thus, in one aspect, the Vessel can include the relevant components to sense when the doors are open, with a micro-processor or other circuitry that is operable for analyzing and/or transmitting the data to the relevant party. As such and as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are a variety of sensing and analytical features that can be incorporated into the Vessel which provide for remote monitoring and analysis of the status of the Vessel and its contents 
     In summary, described is a shipping Vessel that includes an outer protective shell  102 , an internal insulation cage  104  with a closing lid  108  and a plurality of drawers  106 . The drawers  106  and other components are specifically designed to provide for conductive and/or convective properties within the Vessel  100  to assist in maintaining items (e.g., food, etc.) at a desired temperature. Further, the food containers  520  and cold/hot sources (e.g., ice packs  550 ) are also designed to assist in the conductive and/or convective properties of the food shipping Vessel  100 . Some non-limiting example advantages over the prior art include: (1) the ability to maintain desired temperatures (e.g., cold or hot) for a desired period of time (e.g., at least 36 hours) after the shipping Vessel  100  leaves the cold (or hot) chain (even when exposed to extreme temperatures, such as 95 degrees Fahrenheit); (2) the shipping Vessel  100  is designed to work within the existing logistics infrastructure, including but not limited to FedEx, United Parcel Service (UPS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) to meet their volumetric and weight requirements for low-cost shipping; (3) the drawers  106  and containers are designed to separate and protect contents from trauma during transit; (4) the modular design allows for shipping a wide variety of contents; (5) the Vessel  100  is constructed with durable materials that can be re-used; (6) the materials and design allow for easy sanitization for reuse; (7) no tape or scissors are needed to seal or open the Vessel  100 ; and (8) the shipping Vessel  100  can accommodate food or other items destined to multiple consumers at one shipping location. Finally, it should be understood that the specific examples described and illustrated are provided as non-limiting examples of suitable aspects; however, the invention is not intended to be limited thereto as it can be modified as needed and is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.