Patent Publication Number: US-2017350635-A1

Title: Container with passive temperature controls

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to improving the delivery of passively cooled products in segmented containers. The products in a particular compartment of the container are maintained at a particular temperature range through the use of a one-way pressure relief valve between a coolant compartment and the particular compartment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     When shippers and other delivery companies ship products to users, the products often require cooling. For example, if a user orders dairy products from a grocery store for delivery, the products may require a container that maintains a temperature below a specified temperature to prevent spoilage. In some instances, certain products in an order require different amounts of cooling than other products. For example, an order from the grocery store may include dairy products that require a shipping temperature of 33-38 degrees F. and/or frozen items that require a shipping temperature of 0-20 degrees F. Delivery companies typically ship such items in different containers because of the different temperature requirements. 
     SUMMARY 
     Techniques herein provide a delivery container for delivering items to users by a delivery organization. The delivery container is suitable to deliver multiple items that require storage at a specific temperature range for the duration of the delivery. The delivery container may be a cube or a rectangular prism constructed of an insulating material. The delivery organization may position a panel in the delivery container to separate a chilled compartment from a compartment with a coolant. The panel between the compartments includes a pressure relief valve that opens when the pressure difference between the compartments reaches a set point. The open valve allows the chilled compartment to exchange air with the compartment with the coolant until the drop in the pressure difference allows the valve to close. The temperature in the chilled compartment is maintained in the desired range by the opening and closing of the valve. 
     In certain other example aspects described herein, methods to prepare the container and select the coolant are provided. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the example embodiments will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated example embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration depicting a cross section of a side view of a delivery container with a coolant compartment and a chilled compartment separated by a panel having a valve disposed therein, in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration depicting a cross section of a valve in a closed state, in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration depicting a cross section of the valve in an open state, in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration depicting a cross section of a side view of a delivery container with a coolant compartment and two chilled compartments, with the compartments separated by panels that each have a valve disposed therein, in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Overview 
     The example embodiments described herein provide a segmented container wherein different segments of the container are maintained at different temperatures through the use of insulated barriers. In an example embodiment, a delivery organization receives an order to deliver one or more products to a user. In an example, the user has ordered products from a merchant to be delivered to the residence of the user. Alternatively, the delivery organization is the merchant and is delivering products sold by the delivery organization. Alternatively, the delivery organization receives products to ship from one user to a second user. 
     One or more of the products for delivery may require cooling to prevent spoiling, to ensure product stability, to provide a better user experience, or for any suitable reason. In the example, products in the delivery container require a temperature range that is above the temperature range created in a compartment with a coolant. In many of the examples herein, the products require cooling below ambient temperatures for delivery. However, in alternate examples, the products may require heating above ambient temperatures. Instead of coolants, the shipper may employ heating devices that will raise the temperature in the delivery container. In other examples, the coolants or other devices are provided to control other environmental factors, such as humidity. 
     In an example, one or more products require cooling to less than 38 degrees F., but above approximately 33 degrees F. The delivery organization configures a segmented container for shipping the group of products at the temperature range. Additionally, other products may be placed into one or more other compartments of the container. For example, frozen products may be placed into the compartment with coolant, and chilled products may be placed in a third compartment that is not cooled to a particular temperature. Any other suitable compartments or product temperatures may be utilized. 
     The size of the compartments may be varied by moving the panels that divide the compartments. The panels may be affixed to the walls of the container by any suitable means. For example, the wall of the container may have inset grooves into which the panels may slide or inserted via spring force and thus be affixed to the walls of the container. The grooves are set at regular intervals to allow the size of the compartments to be varied as needs arise. Alternatively, the wall of the container may have tabs, clips, or any other suitable connectors that may be used to affix the panel to the walls of the container. Alternatively, the panels may be constructed of multiple walls, such as four walls, that allow the panels to be self-supporting. That is, the panels may not require any connection to the walls of the container to divide the compartments. The compartments may be formed by stacking smaller containers inside the outside container. 
     The thickness and composition of the panels and the container vary between embodiments to allow for a preferred rate of heat transfer with the coolant. That is, the panels separating the compartments may be composed of a particular thickness of material (or multiple layers to achieve the desired thickness) to allow each compartment to be cooled to a particular temperature. In a preferred example, the panels are composed of cardboard or other recyclable material. Alternatively, the panels may be composed of any preferred material such as, polystyrene foam, cellulose, plastic, or any other suitable material. 
     The container and panels may be similarly composed of one or more materials to provide a required amount of insulation, rigidity, strength, or other required characteristics for the container. In an example, the container is composed of a cardboard outer shell with alternating layers of cardboard and plastic film inside the container walls. The term cardboard as used herein represents any recyclable or environmentally friendly material such as corrugated cardboard, cellulose, or any other material that is manufactured from a recyclable material or is itself recyclable. In an example, the panels are formed of airtight materials such as plastic, to prevent air from escaping from the compartments. 
     The delivery organization determines the type and/or amount of coolant needed to maintain the temperature in each compartment. The coolant required may be based on factors such as the mass and the thermal conductivity of the products in the compartments, the ambient temperature, the amount of time that delivery is expected to take, thickness of the panels and the container walls, the material of the panels and the container, the temperature of the items at the time of packing, and any other suitable factors. Based on these factors, the delivery organization selects an appropriate coolant and a particular amount of the coolant. A larger amount of coolant may cause a lower temperature to be maintained in each of the compartments, a temperature to be maintained for a longer period of time, or both. Certain coolants may cause the temperature to be lower than other coolants. For example, dry ice may cause the temperature to be lower than the temperature caused by water ice. 
     After segmenting the container into compartments and selecting the appropriate amounts of coolant, the delivery organization places the coolant in the delivery container. In the example, a particular type of coolant is placed in the bottom compartment of the container. In certain examples, the items requiring the lowest temperature storage are place in the compartment with the coolant. The delivery organization may place a tray or panel over the coolant to support the items in the next compartment. 
     The products are placed on the one or more trays or panels in the appropriate compartment of the container. The top of the delivery container is then affixed to the container to seal the container. 
     In other embodiments, the compartments are configured in a horizontal row instead of a vertical column. That is, the coolant may be on one side of the container, and the compartments are divided to be next to each other in a row. 
     In the panel between the coolant compartment and the chilled compartment maintaining the 33-38 degree temperature range, the delivery organization installs a pressure relief valve to maintain the temperature in the chilled compartment. The valve is typically a one-way valve that will open when the high pressure side has a pressure greater than the low pressure side. Typically, the pressure of the high pressure side must be more than a certain amount higher than the pressure of the low pressure side for the valve to open. For example, the pressure may only force the valve open when the high pressure side is 0.2, 1, or 5 pounds per square inch (“psi”) greater than the low side. 
     In the example, the coolant cools the chilled compartment to a lower temperature. The lower temperature may vary as the coolant melts, warms, evaporates, sublimates, or otherwise loses its cooling effect. In the example, if the coolant is water ice, the coolant compartment is cooled to less than 32 degrees F., such as 0 degrees F. In another example, if the coolant is dry ice, the coolant compartment is cooled to less than 0 degrees F., such as −20 degrees F. The thickness and insulating capacity of the panels and the container walls, as well as the amount and type of coolant(s) may be varied to dictate the temperature in each compartment. 
     As the coolant compartment temperature lowers and/or the environment causes the chilled compartment temperature to rise, the pressure difference between the coolant compartment and the chilled compartment increases. The pressure in each compartment is proportional to the temperature in each compartment. When the difference in the temperatures of the two compartments increases, the difference in the pressures of the two compartments increases proportionally. When the pressure difference is greater than the set point of the valve, the valve is forced open by the pressure difference. 
     For example, the valve may include a spring operated seal to prevent air flow when closed. That is, the spring forces the valve closed to prevent air from flowing through the valve. When the pressure difference is greater than the set pressure of the spring, the valve is forced open and air flows through the valve. When the air flows from the high pressure side of the valve to the low pressure side of the valve and the pressure equilibrates or the pressure difference otherwise drops below the set point of the valve, the spring forces the valve to close. Alternate valves may not use a spring to close the valve and the valve closes by another means. For example, the valves may use a gasket or other material to seal the valve and open under pressure. 
     When the temperature in the chilled compartment rises to a desired temperature, the pressure proportionally rises to that desired pressure and forces open the valve. When open, the valve allows air to flow through the valve. Initially, the air from the chilled compartment flows through to the coolant compartment reducing the pressure and thus the temperature of the chilled compartment. As the valve typically takes some amount of time to reclose, a flow of cooler air from the coolant compartment may flow into the chilled compartment and exchange heat with the air in the chilled compartment causing the chilled compartment temperature to further cool. When the pressure in the chilled compartment decreases, the temperature in the compartment will experience a proportional decrease in temperature. 
     When the pressure of the chilled compartment reaches an equilibrium with the coolant compartment, or drops below the set pressure of the valve, the valve closes. The temperature of the chilled compartment has been chilled to a desired temperature based on the speed of the closure of the valve. A faster closing valve will allow a smaller exchange of air and heat between the compartments and a lesser reduction in the heat of the chilled compartment. A valve that takes a longer time to close will allow for a greater exchange of air and will cause the temperature in the chilled compartment to be cooled to a relatively lower temperature. 
     In testing certain embodiments, a valve allows control of a temperature range in the chilled compartment of about 4 to 5 degrees F. That is, the temperature when the valve opens is about 4 to 5 degrees higher than after the valve closes. For example, the temperature of the chilled compartment may be maintained for an extended period of time between 33 and 38 degrees F. 
     In another example, the container may have multiple cooled compartments, such as a compartment for the coolant, a compartment for frozen items, and a compartment for refrigerated items. The container may include two valves for maintaining the temperature in each respective compartment. For example, a valve between a coolant compartment and the first compartment may maintain the temperature of the first compartment at 0-6 degrees F. A second valve between the first compartment and the second compartment maintains the temperature in the second compartment at 33-38 degrees F. The two valves in this configuration operate substantially the same as the examples herein using a single valve. 
     The container is delivered to the user in any suitable manner, such as by the delivery organization itself, a delivery service, a postal service, a courier, or any other suitable delivery organization or person. The user receives the delivery container and removes the items for use or storage. 
     By using and relying on the methods and systems described herein, the user may receive a container that contains products that are maintained at a specific temperature range. As such, the systems and methods described herein may allow products to be shipped that would otherwise be at risk or spoilage or degradation. These systems and methods will reduce waste, container usage, and shipping container volume, shipping costs, and also the reduce the number of different types of container materials required to maintain temperatures. Further, the products in the containers will have reduced damage from overheating or overcooling. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like (but not necessarily identical) elements throughout the figures, example embodiments of the present technology are described in detail. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration depicting a cross section of a side view of a delivery container with a coolant compartment  121  and a chilled compartment  122  separated by a panel having a valve disposed therein, in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
     In an example, a delivery organization receives an order to deliver one or more products to a user. In an example, the user has ordered products from a merchant to be delivered to the residence of the user. Alternatively, the delivery organization is the merchant and is delivering products sold by the delivery organization. Alternatively, the delivery organization receives products to ship from one user to a second user. The products ordered are indicated in  FIG. 1  as one or more items  113  and one or more items  114 . 
     In the example, the items  113  require cooling to less than 32 degrees F. but typically approximately 0 degrees F., the items  114  require cooling to less then 40 degrees F. and typically in a range bounded by 33 to 38 degrees F. These temperatures are only examples of typical temperature requirements for different products. In other examples, items  113  are not maintained in the coolant compartment  121 , only in the chilled compartment  122 . In other examples, other items are stored in a third compartment that does not require a specific temperature range. Any suitable temperature may be requested or utilized for the items  113 ,  114 . In alternate examples, the items  113 ,  114  may require heating above ambient temperatures. Instead of coolants, the shipper may employ heating devices that will raise the temperature in the delivery container  100 . The functions of the methods described herein may be applied to an environment requiring heating. Other examples may be directed to controlling other environmental factors, such as humidity. 
     In an alternate design, the coolant compartment  121  does not include items  113 . That is, the coolant compartment cools the chilled compartment  122 , but does not cool any items in the coolant compartment  121 . The coolant compartment  121  would include only the coolant  111 . 
     The delivery organization desires to deliver all the items  113 ,  114  in a single delivery container  100 . In an example, the container  100  is a box that is substantially a cube. In another example, the container  100  is a rectangular prism. Any other suitably shaped container  100  may be used, such as a cylinder. The container wall  101  may be constructed of cardboard, foam, cellulose, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The container wall  101  may be constructed of a combination of materials, such as a plastic shell with a foam liner and foam panels. The materials may be selected based on the heat transfer properties of the materials. In an example, the container wall  101  is constructed of an insulating material, such as a foam material to reduce the heat flowing into the interior of the container  100 . In an example, the materials are selected based on factors affecting the environmentally friendly nature of the material. For example, the materials may be selected because the materials are recyclable or are made from recycled materials. 
     In an example, the container  100  is composed of a cardboard container wall  101  with alternating layers of cardboard and a plastic film inside the container walls. The use of the term cardboard represents any recyclable or environmentally friendly material such as corrugated cardboard, cellulose, or any other material that is manufactured from a recyclable material or is recyclable itself. For example, the container  100  comprises a container  103  with a cardboard lid  107  for enclosing the coolant and items  113 ,  114 . The container  103  may incorporate a plastic film, plastic bag, waterproof liner, or any suitable component for ensuring that the compartments  121 ,  122  are substantially airtight. The container  103  may be a series of panels that are assembled inside the container wall  101 . Alternatively, the container  103  may be a fully formed box that is placed inside the container wall  101 . Alternatively, the container  103  may be formed by two boxes that stack onto one another to form the two compartments  121 ,  122 . Any other configuration may be employed to represent the container  103 . 
     The compartments  121 ,  122  of the container  101  are configured to be substantially sealed and airtight. The compartments  121 ,  122  must be substantially airtight to allow the air in the compartments  121 ,  122  to be monitored and controlled with the valve  115  to maintain the temperatures. 
     The panel  108  and the lid  107  may be selected to reduce the heat flowing into the coolant compartment  121  of the container  100  from other compartments, such as from compartment  122  or from the environment. The panel  108  and lid  107  may be constructed of cardboard, foam, cellulose, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The panel  108  and lid  107  may be constructed of a combination of materials, such as a plastic shell with a foam liner and foam panels. The materials may be selected based on the heat transfer properties of the materials. 
     The lid  107  may be constructed in any manner to close and seal the box enclosing compartments  121 ,  122 . For example, the lid  107  may be constructed or two or four flaps that are configured to fold down and be sealed with tape or any suitable sealant. The lid  107  may be a solid section made of a similar material as the sidewalls that slips onto the sidewalls of the container  103  and provides a seal. The lid  107  may be constructed of a different material than the container  103  to provide a desired amount of insulation. Any suitable lid  107  may be employed. 
     In an example, the panel  108  and lid  107  are constructed of an insulating material, such as a layered cardboard and plastic. The panel  108  may be affixed to the walls  101  of the container  100  by any suitable means. For example, the container wall  101  may have inset grooves  106  into which the panels may slide and thus be affixed to the walls of the container. The grooves  106  may be set at regular intervals to allow the size of the compartments  121 ,  122  to be varied as needs arise. Alternatively, the container wall  101  may have tabs, clips, or any other suitable connection that may be used to affix the panel  108  to the walls  101 . The panel  108  is affixed in a position to allow for the size of the coolant  111 . For example, if a greater volume of coolant  111  is required, then the panel  108  may be positioned higher up the container wall  101 . Alternatively, the panel  108  may form an integrated top of a container  103  and thus may not be a separate panel. 
     The panel  108  includes a pressure relief valve  115  that passes through the panel  108 . The valve  115  is typically a one-way valve that will open when the high pressure side has a pressure greater than the low pressure side. Typically, the pressure of the high pressure side must be more than a certain amount higher than the pressure of the low pressure side for the valve  115  to open. For example, the pressure may only force the valve  115  open when the high pressure side is 0.2, 1, or 5 pounds per square inch (“psi”) greater than the low side. 
     The coolant  111  cools the coolant compartment  121  to a lower temperature. The lower temperature may vary as the coolant  111  melts, warms, evaporates, sublimates, or otherwise loses its cooling effect. In the example, if the coolant  111  is water ice, the coolant compartment  121  is cooled to less than 32 degrees F., such as 0 degrees F. In another example, if the coolant  111  is dry ice, the coolant compartment  121  is cooled to less than 0 degrees F., such as −20 degrees F. The thickness and insulating capacity of the panels  107 ,  108  and the container walls  103 ,  101  may be varied to dictate the temperature in each compartment. The coolant  111  in the coolant compartment  121  causes the temperature in the chilled compartment  122  to decrease due to heat transfer between the conjoined or adjacent compartments  121 ,  122 . That is, when heat transfers through the panel  108 , the temperature in the chilled panel will decrease initially. The two compartments  121 ,  122  will reach an equilibrium after initially being placed in the container  101 . However, the coolant  111  may not be sufficient to bring the temperature of the compartment  122  to the desired temperature, or the coolant  111  may not be sufficient to keep the temperature of the compartment  122  at the desired temperature. In these circumstances, the valve  115  serves to assist with maintaining the desired temperature. 
     As the coolant compartment  121  temperature lowers and/or the chilled compartment  122  temperature increases, the pressure difference between the coolant compartment  121  and the chilled compartment  122  increases. The pressure in each compartment  121 ,  122  is proportional to the temperature in each compartment  121 ,  122 . When the difference of the temperatures of the two compartments  121 ,  122  increases, the difference in the pressures of the two compartments  121 ,  122  increases proportionally. When the pressure difference is greater than the set point of the valve  115 , the valve  115  is forced open by the pressure in the chilled compartment  122 . 
     For example, the valve  115  may include a spring operated seal to prevent air flow when closed. The valve is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration depicting across section of a valve in a closed state, in accordance with certain example embodiments.  FIG. 3  is an illustration depicting across section of the valve in an open state, in accordance with certain example embodiments. The cross sections of the valve  115  in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are shown penetrating the panel  108  that separates the chilled compartment  122  from the coolant compartment  121 . 
     In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , for the purposes of clarity, a flapper style valve is shown. The valve  115  may include any configuration of spring, seat, and seal  416 . For example, the valve  115  may include a poppet style valve stem, a flapper style seal, a disc seal, or any other suitable valve style that opens when exposed to a pressure differential. In the valve  115  depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a simple flapper  416  is provided to illustrate that the valve  115  opens to allow air to flow from the higher pressure side to the lower pressure side. 
     As depicted, the high pressure side in  FIGS. 2 and 3  represents the chilled compartment  122  wherein the pressure increases as the temperature increases. The low pressure side in  FIGS. 2 and 3  represents the coolant compartment  121  wherein the pressure decreases as the temperature decreases. 
     In the example, a spring or other force causes the valve to close to prevent air from flowing through the valve when the pressures in the low pressure side and the high pressure side are substantially equal. When the pressure difference between the two compartments  121 ,  122  is greater than the set pressure of the spring, the valve  115  is forced open and air flows through the valve  115 . When the air flows from the high pressure side of the valve  115  to the low pressure side of the valve and the pressure equilibrates, the spring forces the valve  115  to close. Alternate types of valves  115  may not use a spring to close the valve  115 . For example, the valves  115  may use a gasket or other material to seal the valve  115  and open under pressure. 
     When the temperature in the chilled compartment  122  rises to a desired temperature, the pressure proportionally rises to a desired pressure and forces open the valve  115 , as described herein. When open, the valve  115  allows air to flow through the valve  115 . Initially, the air from the chilled compartment  122  flows through to the coolant compartment  121  reducing the pressure and thus the temperature of the chilled compartment  122 . As the valve  115  typically takes some amount of time to reclose, a flow of cooler air from the coolant compartment  121  flows into the chilled compartment  122  and exchanges heat with the air in the chilled compartment  122  causing the chilled compartment  122  temperature to further cool. 
     When the pressure of the chilled compartment  122  reaches an equilibrium state with the coolant compartment  121 , the valve  115  closes. The temperature of the chilled compartment  122  has been chilled to a desired temperature based on the speed of the closure of the valve  115 . A faster closing valve  115  will allow a smaller exchange of air and heat between the compartments and a lesser reduction in the heat of the chilled compartment  122 . A valve  115  that takes a longer time to close will allow for a greater exchange of air and will cause the temperature in the chilled compartment  122  to be cooled to a relatively lower temperature. 
     In testing, the valve  115  is able to control a temperature range in the chilled compartment  122  as low as 4 to 5 degrees F. That is, the temperature when the valve  115  opens is 4 to 5 degrees higher than after the valve  115  closes. For example, the temperature of the chilled compartment  121  may be maintained for an extended period of time between 33 and 38 degrees F. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the container  100  is sized to hold all of the items  113 ,  114  or a selected portion of the items  113 ,  114 . Based on the items that are to be shipped at different temperatures, the delivery organization configures the panels  108  and the size of the container  103  being placed in the container  100 . 
     In an alternate example, a panel  108  is not used, but instead container  103  is formed by two separate boxes. That is, a first container  103  may be placed in the container  101  to form compartment  121 , and a second box is placed on top of the first box to form compartment  122 . Similarly, a third box may be placed on the second box to form a third compartment. 
     The appropriate coolant  111  to control the temperature in each compartment  121 ,  122  is placed into the container  100 . The coolant  111  required may be based on factors such as the mass and the thermal conductivity of the products  113 ,  114  in the compartments  121 ,  122 , the ambient temperature, the amount of time that delivery is expected to take, the thickness of the components of the container  100 , the material of the components of the container  100 , and any other suitable factors. Based on these factors, the delivery organization selects an appropriate coolant  111  and a particular amount of coolant  111 . A larger amount of coolant  111  may cause a lower temperature to be maintained, the temperature to be maintained for a longer period of time, or both. Certain types coolant  111  may cause the temperature to be lower than another coolant. For example, dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) may cause the temperature in the compartments  121 ,  122  to be lower than the temperature caused by water ice. 
     In the example, compartment  121  is selected to store the one or more items  113  at less than 32 degrees F. but approximately 0 degrees F. In the example, based on the size of the items  113 , the expected delivery time, the insulation properties of the container  100  and the other components, the ambient temperature, and any other suitable factors, the coolant  111  selected for use is dry ice. Any other suitable coolant may be selected that will cool the compartment  121  to an appropriate temperature. 
     The coolant  111  is placed in the bottom of the container  100 . The items  113  are placed in the compartment  121  with the coolant  111 . In an example, the coolant  111  is in a package or other material that prevents contact of the items  113  with the coolant. For example, the coolant  111  may be covered with a tray, a plastic cover, a section of fabric, or any other material or structure to protect the item  113  from contacting the coolant  111  directly. Alternatively, the items  113  may be affixed to the wall of the first cardboard container  106  in any suitable manner. For example, the items  113  may be affixed to the wall of the first cardboard container  106 , wrapped in bubble wrap, placed in packing foam, or suspended in packing material. 
     The panel  108  is placed over the coolant  111 . The panel  108  may be affixed to the walls  101  of the container  100  by any suitable means. For example, the container wall  101  may have inset grooves  106  into which the panels may slide and thus be affixed to the walls of the container. The grooves  106  may be set at regular intervals to allow the size of the compartments  121 ,  122  to be varied as needs arise. Alternatively, the container wall  101  may have tabs, clips, or any other suitable connection that may be used to affix the panel  108  to the walls  101 . The panel  108  is affixed in a position to allow for the size of the coolant  111 . For example, if a greater volume of coolant  111  is required, then the panel  108  may be positioned higher up the container wall  101 . 
     In the example, compartment  122  is selected to store the one or more items  114  below 40 degrees F., such as approximately 33-38 degrees F. Based on the size of the items  114 , the expected delivery time, the ambient temperature, and any other suitable factors, the delivery organization may select insulation properties of the container  100 , the container  103 , the panel  108 , and the top panel  107 , the size of the compartment  122 , the size and placement of the valve  115 , and other suitable factors to achieve the desired temperature in compartment  122 . 
     After affixing the panel  108 , the items  114  may be placed in the compartment  122 . The items  114  may rest on the panel  108  that is over the coolant  111 . The items  114  may be affixed to the wall of the first cardboard container  106  in any suitable manner. For example, the items  114  may be affixed to the wall of the first cardboard container  106 , wrapped in bubble wrap, placed in packing foam, or suspended in packing material. 
     A top panel  107  is placed on the container  103  to close or seal the container  103 . The top panel  107  may be any type of lid or top that can close the container  100  for shipping. The top panel  107  may be a separate panel that fits snuggly over the lip of the wall of the container  103 . The top panel  107  may be a panel that is connected on one side to the wall of the container  103  and folds over to seal the container  103 . The top panel  107  may be a separate panel that fits snuggly inside the wall of the container  103 , such as in a groove in the container wall  101 . Any type of top panel  107  may be used to close or seal the container  103 . The container  103  may be sealed shut with tape, glue, or any other suitable sealing material. 
     The temperature of the compartment  122  is cooled through the panel  108 , and the temperature is controlled by the valve  115  as described herein. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration depicting a cross section of a side view of a delivery container  101  with a coolant compartment  121  and two chilled compartments  122 ,  423 , with the compartments separated by panels that each have a valve disposed therein, in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
     The container  101  may have multiple chilled compartments  122 ,  423 , such as a compartment  121  for the coolant  111 , a compartment  122  for frozen items  114 , and a compartment  423  for refrigerated items  417 . The container may include two valves  115 ,  418  for maintaining the temperature in each respective compartment  122 ,  423 . For example, a valve  115  between a coolant compartment  121  and the first compartment  122  may maintain the temperature of the first compartment  122  at 0-6 degrees F. A second valve  418  between the first compartment  122  and the second compartment  423  maintains the temperature in the second compartment  423  at 33-38 degrees F. The two valves  115 ,  418  in this configuration operate substantially the same as the examples herein using a single valve  115 , as described in  FIG. 1 . 
     The second valve  418  is positioned in a panel  109  that is configured substantially the same as panel  108 . That is, panel  109  is positioned in the container  103  to split the container  103  into two compartments  122 ,  423 . The second valve  418  has a higher pressure side open to the compartment  423  and a lower pressure side open to compartment  122 . Similar to the method described in  FIG. 1-3  with respect to valve  115 , the temperature in the higher temperature compartment  423  causes the valve  416  to open. The open valve  418  allows the warmer air from compartment  423  to flow into compartment  122  to cause the pressure difference to drop and to allow the valve  416  to close. The pressure reduction and the mixing of air from compartment  122  and compartment  423  causes the temperature in compartment  423  to be lowered to a desired temperature. The compartment  423  is thus controlled within a specific temperature range. 
     The two valves  115 ,  416  may create a cascade effect to cause the temperatures in the compartments  122 ,  423  to be controlled in the desired temperature range. In an example, the coolant compartment  121  may cool the first chilled compartment  122  to a range, such as 0-6 degrees F. The cold air in this compartment  122  similarly cools the second compartment  423  to a temperature range of 33-38 degrees F. This would allow items  114  in the first compartment  122  to remain frozen while the items  417  in the second compartment  423  are merely refrigerated. 
     The container  100  is delivered to the desired user with the cooled items inside. Upon arrival, the items in the compartments are at the desired temperatures as specified in the examples herein. The user receiving the container  101  may unpack the items from the container  100  and store the items in an appropriate cooled environment. 
     In the example, the components of the container  100 , such as the container  103 , the container walls  101 , the panels  107 ,  108 , and any other appropriate components may be recycled or disposed of in any appropriate manner. The valve  115  may be removed and reused by the user or returned to the delivery organization for reuse. The valve  115  may be recycled or disposed of in any appropriate manner. 
     In an alternate example, the valve  115  performs as described herein with the intent to maintain the temperature of the coolant compartment  121 . That is, the exchange of air with the chilled compartment  122  causes the temperature of the coolant compartment  122  to rise via the exchange of warmer air from the chilled compartment  122 . Thus, while the temperature of the chilled compartment  122  is controlled as described herein, the temperature in the coolant compartment  121  is being similarly controlled. Typically, the temperature of the coolant compartment  121  is warmed to keep the temperature from being too low. That is, when the temperature of the coolant compartment  121  decreases, the pressure difference drops proportionally below the valve set point and the valve  115  opens to warm the coolant compartment  121 . The temperature of the coolant compartment  121  is accordingly maintained within a desired range. 
     The example systems, methods, and acts described in the embodiments presented previously are illustrative, and, in alternative embodiments, certain acts can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, omitted entirely, and/or combined between different example embodiments, and/or certain additional acts can be performed, without departing from the scope and spirit of various embodiments. Accordingly, such alternative embodiments are included in the inventions described herein. 
     Although specific embodiments have been described above in detail, the description is merely for purposes of illustration. It should be appreciated, therefore, that many aspects described above are not intended as required or essential elements unless explicitly stated otherwise. Modifications of, and equivalent components or acts corresponding to, the disclosed aspects of the example embodiments, in addition to those described above, can be made by a person of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments defined in the following claims, the scope of which is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.