Patent Publication Number: US-2019170423-A1

Title: Systems and methods for delivering perishable items

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/660,153, filed Jul. 26, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/367,376, filed Jul. 27, 2016, which are both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to delivering perishable items, and more particularly, to delivering perishable items and maintaining them within a certain temperature range during delivery. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In a variety of settings requiring transport and delivery of items, one challenge is to deliver perishable items or merchandise (such as medicine or grocery produce) that must be maintained within a certain temperature range. If the perishable items are not maintained within this temperature range, they may spoil, lose effectiveness, or otherwise be unsuitable for use by customers. In this context, a certain amount of coolant and insulation may be needed in a delivery container in order to maintain the desired temperature of these perishable items or merchandise. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a delivery container that includes the proper amount of coolant and/or insulation. More specifically, under one approach, it would be desirable to provide a delivery container where the insulation characteristics could be modified during transport in order to maintain the desired temperature range within the container. Under another approach, it would be desirable to provide a delivery container where various combinations of coolant and insulation could be determined prior to transport in order to provide flexibility in making deliveries. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses and methods pertaining to delivering perishable items and maintaining them within a certain temperature range during delivery. This description includes drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a delivery container in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of an interstitial layer of a delivery container in accordance with several embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a delivery container in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a delivery container in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a system for transporting merchandise in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a process for transporting merchandise in accordance with several embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a system for transporting merchandise in accordance with some embodiments; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a process for transporting merchandise in accordance with several embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to delivering perishable items and maintaining them within a certain temperature range during delivery. In one form, there is provided a system for transporting merchandise including: a container configured to transport merchandise within a predetermined temperature range in a delivery vehicle along a delivery route from a source location to a destination location in the delivery vehicle, the container including: a merchandise storage area configured to receive merchandise and a coolant; an insulation compartment adjacent the merchandise storage area; a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature in the merchandise storage area at predetermined time intervals during transport from the source location to the destination location; and a control circuit configured to receive the temperature measurements from the first temperature sensor during transport and to modify the insulation characteristics of the container during transport in response to the temperature measurements to maintain the merchandise within the predetermined temperature range. 
     In some forms, the delivery vehicle may include an aerial drone. Further, the container may include: an outer bag with an interior divided into the merchandise storage area and the insulation compartment; an inner bag disposed within the interior of the outer bag and defining the merchandise storage area; and wherein the outer bag and the inner bag define the insulation compartment therebetween. In addition, the coolant may include dry ice. Also, the insulation compartment may be configured to retain a variable amount of insulation. 
     In some forms, the system may further include: a second temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature outside of the container at predetermined time intervals during transport from the source location to the destination location; a valve operable between an open position allowing air to flow from outside the container to inside the container and a closed position in which air flow from outside the container is blocked; wherein the control circuit is configured to: receive temperature measurements from the second temperature sensor during transport; compare temperature measurements of the first sensor with temperature measurements of the second sensor; and if a predetermined number of temperature measurements of the second sensor exceed a predetermined number of temperature measurements of the first sensor, modify the insulation characteristics of the container by allowing outside air into the container through the valve. 
     In some forms, the insulation compartment may be partially evacuated to create a partial vacuum. In addition, the system may further include a vacuum pump, wherein the control circuit is configured to: monitor the temperature in the merchandise storage area; and actuate the vacuum pump to modify the partial vacuum to modify the insulation characteristics of the insulation compartment during transport in response to the monitored temperature. 
     In some forms, the system may further include: at least one sensor configured to measure environmental conditions outside the container during transport; a computing device remote from the container and communicatively coupled to the control circuit; the control circuit configured to receive sensor measurements from the at least one sensor and transmit them to the computing device during transport; and the computing device configured to receive the sensor measurements from the control circuit, to make a determination regarding modification of the insulation characteristics, and to transmit the modification of the insulation characteristics to the control circuit. Also, the environmental conditions may include at least one of temperature, wind chill, heat index, amount of sunlight, elevation of route, humidity, and wind speed. 
     In another form, there is provided a method for transporting merchandise including: providing a delivery vehicle; providing a container configured to transport merchandise in the delivery vehicle, the container including: a merchandise storage area configured to receive merchandise and a coolant; and an insulation compartment adjacent the merchandise storage area; transporting the container in the delivery vehicle along a delivery route from a source location to a destination location; measuring the temperature in the merchandise storage area at predetermined time intervals during transport from the source location to the destination location; and by a control circuit, receiving the temperature measurements during transport and modifying the insulation characteristics of the container during transport in response to the temperature measurements to maintain the merchandise within a predetermined temperature range. 
     In another form, there is provided a system for transporting merchandise including: a container configured to transport merchandise within a predetermined temperature range in a delivery vehicle along a delivery route from a source location to a destination location in the delivery vehicle, the container including: a merchandise storage area configured to receive merchandise and a variable amount of coolant; an insulation compartment adjacent the merchandise storage area and configured to receive a variable amount of insulation; and a control circuit configured to calculate prior to transport a plurality of combinations of the amount of coolant and the amount of insulation required to maintain the merchandise within the predetermined temperature range. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a delivery container  100  that may be used in conjunction with the systems and methods described herein. It should be understood that this delivery container  100  is just one example of a container that may be used and that many other types, shapes, and forms of delivery containers may also be used. The delivery container  100  is used to store the merchandise (such as perishable items like medicine or chilled or frozen grocery produce) that is being transported and that is to be maintained within a certain temperature range. More specifically, the delivery container  100  is configured to transport merchandise within a predetermined temperature range in a delivery vehicle along a delivery route from a source location to a destination location in the delivery vehicle. For example, the delivery container  100  may be used for home delivery of a cooled retail item. 
     In this embodiment, the delivery container  100  may be in the form of a two layer bag  102  composed of an outer bag  104  and an inner bag  106 . The outer bag  104  has an interior that is divided into a merchandise storage area  108  and an insulation compartment  110 . The inner bag  106  is disposed within the interior of the outer bag  104  and defines the merchandise storage area  108 . As can be seen, the insulation compartment  110  may be in the form of an interstitial space  112  that is between the outer bag  104  and the inner bag  106  and that is adjacent the merchandise storage area  108 . The delivery container  100  may also include a Velcro® flap  114  that engages a Velcro® strip  116  to open and close the container  100 , although other access and fastening mechanisms may be used. 
     Further, as described further below, the interstitial space  112  may be filled with any of various insulating materials, such as an insulation material, air, vacuum, partial vacuum, or some combination thereof, to maintain the merchandise storage area  108  within a certain temperature range. In this form in  FIG. 1 , it is contemplated that the interstitial space  112  may be filled with an insulation material.  FIG. 2  shows a partial view of the interstitial space  112  with shading indicating that it is filled with an insulation material (such as various types of foams (including polyurethane and polystyrene), fiberglass, gas, etc.). In one form, the insulation compartment  110  may be configured to retain a variable amount of insulation material, depending on the needs of the transport. 
     The merchandise storage area  108  generally holds the merchandise  118  (such as, for example, frozen products) and a coolant  120  to maintain the merchandise storage area  108  at a desired, cool temperature. In one form, the coolant may be dry ice that is arranged above and/or around the merchandise  118 , although other types and forms of coolant may be used (such as ice; water; frozen gel packs; or liquid nitrogen, hydrogen, or carbon dioxide; etc.). The coolant may take advantage of the phase change between solid/liquid/gas. The merchandise storage area  108  also includes a temperature sensor  122  that measures the temperature in the merchandise storage area  108  at predetermined time intervals during transport from the source location to the destination location. The delivery container  100  also includes a control circuit  124  (described further below), and in one form, the temperature sensor  122  and control circuit  124  are collectively part of a unitary structure. It should be understood that temperature sensor  122  and control circuit  124  may also constitute separate structures. 
     The control circuit  124  receives temperature measurements from the temperature sensor  122  during transport and modifies the insulation characteristics of the insulation compartment  110  during transport in response to the temperature measurements to maintain the merchandise  118  within the desired temperature range. This may be done in various ways. As one example, as temperature rises, the coolant  120  (such as dry ice) may be sublimated into a gas, which can then be vented into the insulation compartment  110  or outside the delivery container  100 . Alternatively, where the insulation material is in the form of a gas (in whole or in part), some of the gas may be released from the container  100  during transport. So, if the temperature reaches a certain temperature threshold (indicating that the temperature is getting too high), the control circuit  124  may be configured to trigger venting of some of the gas into the insulation compartment  110  or outside the delivery container  100 . If the temperature does not reach this threshold, the gas would not be vented. It is contemplated that other coolants may have properties and characteristics that would make them desirable in certain circumstances and for certain temperature requirements. 
     As used herein, the term control circuit refers broadly to any microcontroller, computer, or processor-based device with processor, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals, which is generally designed to govern the operation of other components and devices. It is further understood to include common accompanying accessory devices, including memory, transceivers for communication with other components and devices, etc. These architectural options are well known and understood in the art and require no further description here. The control circuit  124  may be configured (for example, by using corresponding programming stored in a memory as will be well understood by those skilled in the art) to carry out one or more of the steps, actions, and/or functions described herein. 
     It is contemplated that the delivery container  100  may be transported in different types of delivery vehicles to a destination. For example, the delivery container  100  may be transported in a delivery truck or in an aerial drone. In one form, it may be desirable to use a truck and to keep items cool during transport without having to cool the entire truck. In another form, it is contemplated that transporting the delivery container  100  via an aerial drone may expose the delivery container  100  to environmental conditions that may be taken into account when maintaining the merchandise storage area  108  within the desired temperature range, as described further below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a slightly modified delivery container  200  from that shown in  FIG. 1 . As can be seen, this delivery container  200  generally includes the same general structure and components as container  100 . However, in this form, as described further below, the delivery container  200  includes additional structure to allow potential cooling by air outside of the container  200  if circumstances are appropriate. 
     The delivery container  200  includes an outer bag  204 , an inner bag  206 , and an insulation compartment  210  in between these bags. It also includes a merchandise storage  208  that generally holds the merchandise  218  and the coolant  220  to maintain the merchandise storage area  208  within the desired temperature range. The merchandise storage area  208  further includes a first temperature sensor  222  that measures the temperature in the merchandise storage area  208  at predetermined time intervals during transport. The delivery container  200  also includes a control circuit  224 . 
     In this form, the delivery container  200  may include a second temperature sensor  226  that measures the temperature outside of the container  200  at predetermined time intervals during transport from the source location to the destination location. It may also include a valve  228  that may be adjusted between an open position allowing air to flow from outside the container  200  into the container (into either the insulation compartment  210  or merchandise storage area  208 ) and a closed position in which air flow from outside the container  200  to the interior of the delivery container  200  is blocked. The control circuit  224  may be in wired or wireless communication with the second temperature sensor  226  and valve  228 . In this form, it is contemplated that the control circuit  224  may control the operation of the valve  228  depending on the respective temperatures. More specifically, the control circuit  224  may receive temperature measurements from the second temperature sensor  226  during transport; compare temperature measurements of the first temperature sensor  222  with temperature measurements from the second sensor  226 ; and if a certain number of temperature measurements from the second sensor  226  exceed a predetermined number of temperature measurements from the first sensor  222 , allow outside air into the delivery container  200  through the valve  228 . 
     In one form, it is contemplated that the delivery container  200  may include multiple valves  228  to control the air flow into and out of the container  200 . For example, the delivery container  200  may have an intake valve or check valve that is arranged to permit air flow in one direction only, i.e., into the delivery container  200 . The intake valve may be positioned to take advantage of the direction of movement of the delivery vehicle. Where the delivery vehicle is an aerial drone, the intake valve, for example, may be disposed on a forward facing surface exposed to onrushing air flow so as to facilitate the intake of relatively cool air during flight. Further, the delivery container  200  may have an exhaust valve or check valve that is arranged to permit air flow in one direction only, i.e., out of the delivery container  200 . The exhaust valve may also be positioned to take advantage of movement of the delivery vehicle. Where the delivery vehicle is an aerial drone, the exhaust valve, for instance, may be disposed on a rearward facing surface not exposed to onrushing air flow so as to facilitate exhaust during flight. The positioning of the valves  228  may be arranged to take advantage of differences in pressure at various locations about the aerial drone during flight. In addition, the control circuit  224  may coordinate the operation of the valves  228  such that the intake and exhaust each occur so as to optimize the cooling of the merchandise  218  being transported. As indicated above, the intake and exhaust valves may be coupled to the merchandise storage area  208  and/or the insulation compartment  210 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , there is shown another slightly modified delivery container  300  from that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . As can be seen, this delivery container  300  generally includes the same general structure and components as container  100 . However, in this form, as described further below, the delivery container  300  includes additional structure to allow adjustment of a partial vacuum in the insulation compartment  308  to modify the insulation characteristics during transport. 
     In this form, the delivery container  300  may include a rigid or flexible outer wall  306  and/or a rigid or flexible inner wall  304 . The inner wall  304  defines a merchandise storage  310  within its interior, and as above, this merchandise storage area  310  contains the merchandise  318  and the coolant  320 . The merchandise storage area  310  also includes a temperature sensor  322  for measuring the temperature in the merchandise storage area  308  at desired time intervals during transport of the merchandise  318 . 
     The outer wall  306  and the inner wall  304  define an insulation compartment  310  between them. In one form, the insulation material may constitute (in whole or in part) air, some other gas, or some combination of gases. In this form, it is generally contemplated that the insulation compartment  310  is partially evacuated to create a partial vacuum, whose insulation characteristics are used to maintain the merchandise storage area  308  within the desired temperature range. The delivery container  300  includes a vacuum pump that is preferably coupled to a pressure sensor (not shown) and to a power source (not shown), such as a battery, which may be part of a unitary structure. The vacuum pump  328  is coupled to and controlled by a control circuit  324 . In this form, the control circuit  324  monitors the temperature in the merchandise storage area  308  and activates the vacuum pump  328  to increase or decrease the partial vacuum to modify the insulation characteristics of the insulation compartment  310  during transport in response to the monitored temperature. 
     In addition, in one form, it is contemplated that the delivery container  300  may include one or more valves to control air flow into and out of the container  300  possibly in coordination with the vacuum pump  328 . As explained above, in one form, the delivery container  300  may include an intake valve and an exhaust valve that may be positioned at various locations about the aerial drone to take advantage of differences in pressure during flight. The control circuit  324  may coordinate the operation of the valves such that the intake and exhaust each occur so as to create the vacuum or modify the characteristics of the partial vacuum. In one form, the intake and exhaust valves may be coupled to the insulation compartment  310 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a system  400  that may use one of the delivery containers  100 ,  200 ,  300  described above. The system  400  generally contemplates taking into account some environmental conditions along the route taken by a delivery vehicle transporting the container. In one form, the system  400  may transmit these environmental conditions in real time to a remote computing device for adjustment of the insulation characteristics of the container during transport. 
     The system  400  includes a delivery container  402 . It is contemplated that the delivery container  402  is transported on a delivery vehicle  404  from a source location to a destination location. One type of delivery vehicle  404  that is contemplated is an aerial drone  406 , although other vehicles may also be used. Given the nature of its flight travel, it is contemplated that an aerial drone  406  may be subject to a variety of environmental conditions along its route that should be considered. A change in environmental conditions (or unexpected environmental conditions) may have a deleterious effect on the temperature inside the delivery container  402  and may cause the temperature to fall outside of the desired temperature range. Alternatively, it may be desirable to utilize favorable outside environmental conditions to extend the lifetime of the coolant. 
     In one form, it is contemplated that the delivery container  402  will include a merchandise storage area that holds merchandise  408  and a coolant  410  and an insulation compartment  412  that is adjacent to the merchandise storage area. The delivery container may be in the form of one of the embodiments of delivery containers  100 ,  200 ,  300  addressed above. However, numerous delivery containers are known, and it is also contemplated that other types and structurally-arranged delivery containers may be used than those embodiments shown herein. 
     Further, it is contemplated that the system  400  includes an inside temperature sensor  414  that measures the temperature in the merchandise storage area at pre-set time intervals during transport. It is also contemplated that the system may include one or more outside sensors  416  that measures one or more environmental conditions  418  outside of the delivery container  402 . As should be evident, it is contemplated that the delivery container  402  is exposed to these environmental conditions  418 , such as, for example, an aerial drone  406  transporting the container  402  with, at least, a portion projecting from the drone  406 . In addition, in one form, it is contemplated that these environmental conditions  418  may include, for example, temperature, wind chill, heat index, amount of sunlight, elevation of route, humidity, and wind speed, and the outside sensor(s)  416  may measure some of these environmental conditions  418 . 
     In one form, these inside and outside sensor measurements are taken at periodic intervals and are transmitted to a control circuit  420 . The control circuit  420  may compare these measurements and may determine if modification of the insulation characteristics of the insulation compartment  412  is required. For example, the control circuit  420  may make a simple comparison of the inside and outside temperature and may be configured to take real time action during transport based on a certain relationship of these inside and outside temperature measurements to one another. 
     In another form, the system  400  may include a computing device  422  remote from the container  402  and in wireless communication with the control circuit  420 . The control circuit  420  may transmit the inside and outside sensor measurements to the computing device  422  during transport. The computing device  422  may be configured to determine based on the measurements if modification of the insulation characteristics is required to maintain the predetermined temperature range during transport and, if so, to transmit the modification of the insulation characteristics to the control circuit  420 . It is contemplated that the computing device  422  may be able to make calculations based on these sensor measurements. In addition, the computing device  422  may access databases or other external sources providing additional information that may be used in such calculations, such as the environmental conditions that had been anticipated at the beginning of the transport (and that may have been the basis for the original calculations of the amount of coolant and the insulation required) and environmental conditions that are forecasted for the remainder of the delivery route. 
     The computing device  422  may use the measured environmental conditions (and any additional external data) to predict the effect of these factors on the remainder of transport and to instruct real-time adjustment of insulation characteristics accordingly to the control circuit  420 . For example, the measured wind speed may be higher than anticipated, which may lead to a longer than anticipated transport. In turn, this result may suggest that the amount of coolant may not be sufficient and that modification of the insulation characteristics may be warranted. Further, as should be evident, the outside sensor(s)  416  may measure a combination of environmental conditions. The computing device  422  may determine the effect of each of these environmental conditions and instruct adjustment of insulation characteristics based on this combination of environmental conditions. Further, it may be desirable to utilize environmental conditions to extend the lifetime of the coolant, such as by taking advantage of relatively low temperatures outside of the delivery container  400 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a process  500  for transporting merchandise (such as perishable items) that may use one or more of the systems/delivery containers  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  (and their components) described above. It is generally contemplated that the process  500  involves use of a container for delivering merchandise to a desired destination. The process  500  further involves monitoring the temperature of the merchandise during transport to make sure it stays within a desired temperature range and adjusting insulation characteristics of the delivery container, as necessary. 
     At blocks  502  and  504 , a delivery vehicle and delivery container are provided for transporting the merchandise along a delivery route from a source location to a destination location. In one form, it is contemplated that the delivery vehicle may be an aerial drone, although other delivery vehicles may also be used. In addition, in one form, it is contemplated that one of the delivery containers  100 ,  200 ,  300  described above may be used having a merchandise storage (holding the merchandise and a coolant) and an insulation compartment next to the merchandise storage area. However, it should be understood that other types of delivery containers may also be used. At block  506 , the delivery vehicle with delivery container depart from the source location. 
     At block  508 , the temperature of the merchandise is measured at certain time intervals, such as, for example, regular intervals of five minutes. It is generally contemplated that these temperature measurements are continued during the entire transport from the source location to the delivery location. These inside temperature measurements are transmitted to a control circuit, which may use this input in determining whether the insulation characteristics should be adjusted (see block  516 ). For example, as described above, the control circuit may vent sublimated coolant or may adjust a partial vacuum in the insulation compartment. 
     Optionally, at block  510 , it is contemplated that the environmental conditions outside of the delivery container may be measured. It is generally contemplated that periodic sensor measurements of an environmental condition may be taken, such as regular periodic measurements every five minutes. These environmental conditions may include such conditions as temperature, wind chill, heat index, amount of sunlight, elevation of route, humidity, and wind speed. For example, in one form, temperature measurements outside of the delivery container may be taken and transmitted to the control circuit. In turn, the inside and outside temperature measurements may be compared, and the control circuit may take action (such as allowing outside air into some portion of the container) in response to this comparison. 
     Optionally, in another form, it is contemplated that the measured environmental conditions may be transmitted to a remote computing device for analysis, possibly in combination with additional information from external sources. At block  512 , the control circuit may transmit the inside and/or outside sensor measurements to the remote computing device. It is contemplated that the computing device may also consider additional information, such as the environmental conditions that had been anticipated at the beginning of the transport and environmental conditions that are forecasted for the remainder of the delivery route. At block  514 , once the computing device has completed its calculations, it may transmit instructions/commands back to the control circuit. At block  516 , the insulation characteristics of the container may be modified in response to the instructions received by the control circuit. 
     It is generally contemplated that the process  500  shown in  FIG. 6  may be an iterative process. It is contemplated that sensor measurements will be taken periodically and that the control circuit will respond in real time during the transport. Accordingly, the insulation characteristics may be modified several times during transport in response to the sensor measurements, prior to arriving at the destination location (block  518 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a system  600  for transporting merchandise that may use one of the delivery containers  100 ,  200 ,  300  described above or one that is similar thereto. It is generally contemplated that the system  600  includes a merchandise storage area and an insulation compartment that can accommodate variable amounts of coolant and insulation. The system  600  generally involves the calculation of combinations of variable amounts of coolant and insulation prior to transport, and it is generally contemplated that one combination may be selected that suits the circumstances (such as taking into account the amount of coolant and/or insulation available to the user). 
     The system  600  includes a delivery container  602  that is transported in a delivery vehicle  604  along a delivery route from a source location to a destination location. In one form, it is contemplated that the delivery vehicle  604  may be an aerial drone  606 . An aerial drone  606  may be subject to environmental conditions that may affect the transport of the merchandise  608  and the ability to maintain the merchandise  608  within the desired temperature range. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the calculation of several possible coolant and insulation combinations may be significant under such circumstances. 
     In one form, the delivery container  602  includes a merchandise storage area for holding the merchandise  608  and coolant  610  therein. The merchandise storage area is of a sufficient size to allow variable sizes of merchandise  608  and variable amounts of coolant  610  therein. In one form, the delivery container  602  also includes an insulation compartment adjacent the merchandise storage area of a sufficient size and/or flexibility for holding a variable amount of insulation  612  therein. 
     The system  600  also includes a control circuit  614  that is configured to calculate prior to transport a plurality of combinations of the amount of coolant  610  and the amount of insulation  612  required to maintain the merchandise  608  within the predetermined temperature range. As described above, the term control circuit refers broadly to any microcontroller, computer, or processor-based device with processor, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals, and accessory devices (including memory, transceivers for communication with other components and devices, etc.). Further, it is contemplated that the control circuit  614  is configured to access databases and other external sources to determine such information as forecasted environmental conditions  616  along the delivery route. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the control circuit  614  determines multiples possible combinations of coolant and insulation, including Result  1  ( 618 ) and Result  2  ( 620 ). 
     The calculations and combinations may be tailored to suit the particular circumstances and nature of the merchandise  608 , coolant  610 , insulation  612 , and/or other factors. In one form, for example, the control circuit  614  may calculate a minimum amount of insulation required to maintain the merchandise  608  within the predetermined temperature range based on a predetermined type of insulation material and a predetermined amount and type of coolant. Further, the control circuit  614  may calculate the minimum amount of insulation required based on at least one of the physical size, weight, or thermal capacitance of the merchandise; the anticipated duration of transport; the mode of transport; and at least one forecasted environmental condition along the delivery route at the time of transport. It is contemplated that a user may select a combination of coolant and insulation that best suits the user&#39;s circumstances, such as based on the relative cost and/or availability of coolant and insulation. 
     In making these calculations, it is contemplated that a computing device may run an algorithm to determine how much coolant (such as dry ice)  610  and/or insulation  612  to add into the container  602 . The computing device may be coupled to various databases to access requisite data, such as an order database, a product characteristic database and/or a customer database. By accessing these databases, the computing device may: (1) determine characteristics of the cold/frozen items to be maintained in a cold/frozen state, such as the physical size, weight, and thermal capacitance of items; (2) determine the duration of delivery, e.g., in hours; (3) determine the amount of coolant and/or insulation required to maintain the temperature for the items for the duration; and (4) output this amount to a user who deposits the necessary amount of coolant and/or insulation into the delivery container/bag  602 . So, for example, the control circuit may access an order database (to determine the product being ordered and the amount of product), may access a product characteristic database (to determine the physical characteristics of the product), and may access a customer database (to determine the destination location). Once the destination location is known, the computing device may calculate a delivery route and the duration of delivery. The computing device may also access additional databases (such as an environmental conditions database) for additional factors in calculating the amount of coolant and/or insulation. 
     Further, it is contemplated that the above factors may be inputted for an initial determination of coolant  610  and insulation  612  prior to transport and that the insulation characteristics may then be monitored and modified in real time during transport to address environmental conditions. For example, a user may use a computing device accessing various databases to input the product, product details (physical, thermal characteristics), delivery mechanism, exposure to elements, duration, trip details, current environment details, and container and variability parameters. The computing device may determine combinations of (1) amount of coolant  610  and (2) the insulation characteristics of the container  602  (e.g., the amount of insulation and/or the amount of air content in insulation portion) for a given container for that given product for that given trip for that given day. Then, after the start of transport, the insulation properties of the container  602  may be adjusted in response to actual real time environmental conditions, including uncontrolled/controlled, indirect/direct exposure to elements. So, it is contemplated that the real time systems and processes of  400  and  500  may be combined with the prior-to-transport system  600  and process  700 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , there is shown a process  700  for transporting merchandise that may use the above-described systems and delivery containers. At blocks  702  and  704 , a delivery vehicle and delivery container are provided. As above, in one form, it is contemplated that the delivery vehicle may be an aerial drone. Further, in one form, the delivery container may include a merchandise storage area that holds the merchandise and coolant and an insulation compartment that holds the insulation. It is contemplated that the merchandise storage area and insulation compartment are sufficiently sized to accommodate variable sizes and amounts of merchandise, coolant, and insulation. 
     At blocks  706 - 14 , various factors relating to the merchandise, coolant, insulation, and delivery route may be inputted. At block  706 , the user may input the type of insulation material, the amount of coolant, and/or the type of coolant. In one form, it may be desirable to be efficient in the amount of coolant used. Under this approach, an amount of coolant may be entered in order to make a determination of the minimum amount of insulation that may be required (block  716 ). At block  708 , the physical size, weight, and/or thermal capacitance of the merchandise may be entered. At blocks  710  and  712 , the anticipated duration of the transport and/or the mode of transport may be entered. At block  714 , one or more environmental conditions along the delivery route forecasted during the transport period may be inputted. 
     At block  718 , after the various factors are inputted, the control circuit calculates, prior to transport, multiple possible combinations of the amount of coolant and insulation that may be required. Various software applications may be used to make these calculations. The user may then select the combination of coolant and insulation that best satisfies the user&#39;s requirements, taking into account such factors as the cost and availability of different types of coolant and insulation materials. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of other modifications, alterations, and combinations can also be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.