Patent Description:
Portable coolers are used to store products (e.g., liquids, beverages, medicine, organs, food, etc.) in a cooled state. Some are Styrofoam containers that are often filled with ice to keep the product in a cooled state. However, the ice eventually melts, soaking the products and requiring the emptying of the liquid. Such coolers can also leak during transport, which is undesirable. Additionally, such coolers are undesirable for transporting goods across long distances due to their inability to maintain the product in a cooled state, the melting of ice and/or possible leaking of liquid from the cooler. Therefore, such coolers are undesirable for use with temperature sensitive products (e.g., food, medicine, organ transplants, perishable material, etc.). This can result in the non-usability of the products in the cooler. For example, once potency of medicine (e.g., a vaccine) is lost, it cannot be restored, rendering the medicine ineffective and/or unusable. Another drawback of existing containers is that they are single-use containers that end up in the landfills after a single use.

The present invention is characterised over <CIT>, which discloses an apparatus for transporting and delivering agrifood comprising a refrigerant pipe for adjusting the temperature of a storage space. <CIT> discloses a container with active temperature control having control circuitry for controlling the operation of one or more heating elements and one or more power storage elements for providing electrical energy to the control circuitry and/or heating elements. <CIT> discloses an actively heated or cooled food container having one or more heating or cooling elements in thermal communication with one or both of a sidewall and a base for heating or cooling one or more chambers.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved portable cooler designs (e.g., for transporting medicine, such as vaccines, insulin, epinephrine, vials, cartridges, injector pens, organ transplants, food, other perishable solid or liquid material, etc.) that can maintain the contents of the cooler at a desired temperature or temperature range. Additionally, there is a need for an improved portable cooler design.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a portable cooler container system is provided in accordance with claim <NUM>.

The cooler of the first aspect can optionally have a vacuum-insulated double wall chamber that can be sealed with the lid (e.g., with a vacuum-insulated lid). This allows the temperature in the chamber to be maintained (e.g., be maintained substantially constant) for a prolonged period of time (e.g., <NUM> days, <NUM> day, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, etc.). Optionally, the chamber can hold perishable contents (e.g., medicine, food, other perishables, etc.) therein and the phase change material (e.g., one or more ice packs, a phase change material sleeve) can be in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact) with the perishable contents). Optionally, the cooler has an insulated outer housing (e.g., made of foam, such as lightweight foam).

Optionally, the container can have a cooling fan and one or more air intake openings. The cooling fan is operable to cool the chamber and/or the phase change material in the chamber.

Optionally, the container has one or more sensors that sense a temperature of the chamber and/or contents in the chamber and communicate the information with circuitry. Optionally, the sensed temperature information is communicated (e.g., wirelessly, via a port on the container, such as a USB port) with an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a cloud server, a remote laptop or desktop computer, a USB drive).

In accordance with an embodiment, the active temperature control system can be operated to heat or cool a chamber of a vessel to approach a temperature set point suitable for the contents in the cooler container.

In accordance with an embodiment, the cooler is a stackable portable cooler that allows power transfer between a plurality of the stacked coolers to charge and/or power the temperature control system in the stacked coolers.

Optionally, the container of the first aspect can include one or more batteries configured to provide power to one or both of the circuitry and the one or more thermoelectric elements.

Optionally, the circuitry is further configured to wirelessly communicate with a cloud-based data storage system and/or a remote electronic device.

Optionally, the screen is an electrophoretic ink display screen.

<FIG> illustrate a cooler container assembly <NUM> (the "assembly"), or components thereof. Though the features below are described in connection with the cooler container assembly <NUM>, the features also apply to all cooler containers, such as cooler containers <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ disclosed herein. The assembly <NUM> includes a container vessel <NUM>, can further include a frame <NUM> coupled to the container vessel <NUM>, and further includes a lid <NUM> removably coupleable to a top end T of the container vessel <NUM>. Optionally, the lid <NUM> can be a double walled vacuum lid.

In one implementation, the frame <NUM> can have a rectangular shape (e.g., a square shape) with two or more (e.g., four) pillars <NUM>. However, in other implementations, the frame <NUM> can have other suitable shapes (e.g., cylindrical). The frame <NUM> optionally defines one or more openings or open spaces <NUM> between the frame <NUM> and the container vessel <NUM>, allowing air to pass or flow through said openings or spaces <NUM> (e.g., even when multiple cooler container assemblies <NUM> are stacked on top of and beside each other, as shown in <FIG>).

A lower surface <NUM> of the frame <NUM> can have one or more air intake openings <NUM> (e.g., an intake grill). As shown in <FIG>, the air intake openings <NUM> can be arranged around at least a portion of (e.g., around an entirety of) the periphery of the container vessel <NUM>.

An upper surface <NUM> of the frame <NUM> can have one or more distal vent openings 205A. <FIG> shows two distal vent openings 205A, though more or fewer openings 205A can be provided in other implementations. The exhaust vent opening(s) 205A can optionally have a curved shape (e.g., semicircular shape). The upper surface <NUM> of the frame <NUM> can have one or more electrical contacts <NUM> (e.g., contact pads, curved contacts). Optionally, the electrical contacts <NUM> can be recessed relative to the upper surface <NUM>. In the implementation shown in <FIG>, the frame <NUM> has two distal vent openings 205A disposed near opposite corners of the frame <NUM>, and two electrical contacts <NUM> disposed near opposite corners of the frame <NUM>, each electrical contact <NUM> interposed between the two distal vent openings 205A along a plane that defines the upper surface <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> has a bottom surface (e.g., underside surface) <NUM> that also has one or more proximal vent openings 205B (see <FIG>) that fluidly communicate with the distal vent opening(s) 205A. The bottom surface <NUM> also has one or more electrical contacts <NUM> (see <FIG>). Optionally, the electrical contacts <NUM> (e.g., pin contacts, Pogo pins, contact pads) can protrude from the bottom surface <NUM>. Advantageously, when the cooler container assemblies <NUM> are stacked (in a column), the electrical contacts <NUM> on the bottom surface <NUM> of one frame <NUM> will contact the electrical contacts <NUM> on the top surface <NUM> of an adjacent frame <NUM> to thereby provide an electrical connection between the adjacent cooler container assemblies <NUM>. Similarly, when stacked, the proximal vent openings 205B on the bottom surface <NUM> of one frame with substantially align with distal vent openings 205A of an adjacent frame <NUM> to thereby provide fluid communication (e.g., a flow path, a chimney path) between the adjacent cooler container assemblies <NUM> (see <FIG>).

With continued reference to <FIG>, the cooler container assembly <NUM> also includes a display screen <NUM>. Though <FIG> shows the display screen <NUM> on the container vessel <NUM>, it can alternatively (or additionally) be incorporated into the frame <NUM> and/or lid <NUM>. The display screen <NUM> can optionally be an electronic ink or E-ink display (e.g., electrophoretic ink display). In another implementation, the display screen <NUM> can be a digital display (e.g., liquid crystal display or LCD, light emitting diode or LED, etc.). Optionally, the display screen <NUM> can display a label <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, (e.g., a shipping label with one or more of an address of sender, an address of recipient, a Maxi Code machine readable symbol, a QR code, a routing code, a barcode, and a tracking number), but can optionally additionally or alternatively display other information (e.g., temperature history information, information on the contents of the container vessel <NUM>). In another implementation, the display screen <NUM> can display an advertisement (e.g., for one or more of the payload components, for example, read by an RFID reader of the container <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴), as further discussed herein. According to the present invention, the display screen <NUM> is configured to selectively display shipping information for the portable cooler container <NUM>.

The cooler container assembly <NUM> also includes a user interface <NUM> comprising a button or touch screen. In <FIG>, the user interface <NUM> is on the upper surface <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In another implementation, the user interface <NUM> is disposed on the container vessel <NUM> and/or lid <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> is optionally a button (e.g., a "return home" button). In one implementation, the user interface <NUM> is a depressible button. In still another implementation, the user interface <NUM> can be a touch screen portion (e.g., separate from or incorporated as part of the display screen <NUM>). Advantageously, actuation of the user interface <NUM> is configured to alter the information shown on the display <NUM>, such as the form of a shipping label shown on an E-ink display <NUM>. For example, actuation of the user interface <NUM>, is configured to switch the text associated with the sender and receiver, allowing the cooler container assembly <NUM> to be shipped back to the sender once the receiving party is done with it. Optionally, actuation of the user interface <NUM> can additionally cause a signal to be sent by circuitry in the assembly <NUM>, as further discussed below, to a shipping carrier (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL) informing the shipping carrier that a shipping label (e.g., new shipping label) has been assigned to the portable cooler and that the cooler is ready for pick-up and shipping.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the cooler container assembly <NUM> along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. The assembly <NUM> can optionally have one or more feet <NUM> that protrude from the bottom surface <NUM> can facilitate the positioning and/or interlocking of one assembly <NUM> on top of another assembly <NUM> when stacking them together. The container vessel <NUM> can have a chamber <NUM> defined by an inner wall 126A and a base wall 126B and sized to removably hold one or more materials or products to be cooled (e.g., solids, liquids, food, beverages, medicines, living organisms or tissue). The chamber <NUM> can in one implementation be cylindrical.

The assembly <NUM> also includes a cooling system <NUM>. The cooling system <NUM> can optionally be at least partially housed in the vessel container <NUM>. In one implementation, the cooling system <NUM> can be housed below the chamber <NUM> (e.g., in one or more cavities between the base wall 126B and the bottom end B of the cooler container assembly <NUM>). The cooling system <NUM> includes a first heat sink <NUM> (e.g., a cold side heat sink), one or more thermoelectric modules or TEC (e.g., Peltier elements) <NUM>, and a second heat sink <NUM> (e.g., a hot side heat sink). The one or more thermoelectric modules (e.g., Peltier elements) <NUM> can be interposed between (e.g., in thermal communication with, in thermal contact with, in direct contact with) the first heat sink <NUM> and the second heat sink <NUM>.

The cooling system <NUM> can optionally include a fan <NUM> in fluid communication with the second heat sink <NUM>, the fan <NUM> selectively operable to flow air past the second heat sink <NUM> to effect heat transfer from the second heat sink <NUM> (e.g., to remove heat from the hot side heat sink <NUM>). The cooling system <NUM> can include one or more fans <NUM> in fluid communication with the first heat sink <NUM>, the fan(s) <NUM> selectively operable to flow air past the first heat sink <NUM> to effect heat transfer with the first heat sink <NUM> (e.g., to allow the cold side heat sink <NUM> to remove heat from the air flowing past the heat sink <NUM>). In the implementation shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, two fans 216A, 216B are in fluid communication with the first heat sink <NUM>. In one example, the fans 216A, 216B are operable to flow air in the same direction. However, more or fewer fans <NUM> can be utilized, and can operate in series or parallel to provide air flow. In one example, the fans 216A, 216B are axial fans. In another example, the fans 216A, 216B can be centrifugal fans or radial fans. Other types of fans can be used. As further discussed below the cooling system <NUM> can flow (e.g., circulate) cooled air cooled by the first heat sink <NUM> into a channel <NUM> defined between the inner wall 126A and a second wall <NUM> (e.g., inner liner wall), the cooled air cooling the inner wall 126A and thereby cooling the chamber <NUM> and the contents in the chamber <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, The cooling system <NUM> exhausts air that flows past the second heat sink <NUM> (e.g., heated air that has removed heat from the hot side heat sink <NUM>) via air vent assemblies 202A, 202B, where said air enters channels 206A, 206B in the exhaust assemblies 202A, 202B via one or more openings 204A, 204B, where the exhausted air travels upward along the channels 206A, 206B and exits the cooler container assembly <NUM> via the distal vent openings 205A. Additionally, the channels 206A, 206B extend to the proximal vent openings 205A, 205B, thereby allowing air from a lower assembly <NUM> to also pass through the channels 206A, 206B and exit via the distal vent openings 205A, 205B. Accordingly, when the assemblies <NUM> are stacked on top of each other, the channels 206A, 2016B align to allow for (hot) air to exhaust the stacked assemblies <NUM> in a chimney like manner (See <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, intake air I flows (e.g., via openings <NUM>) into the assembly <NUM> (e.g., via operation of the fan <NUM>) and into fluid contact with the second heat sink <NUM>, after which the exhaust air E is vented via the channels 206A, 206B and distal vent openings 205A.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the container vessel <NUM> includes one or more sleeve portions <NUM> defined between a third wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> (e.g., inner liner wall). The one or more sleeve portions <NUM> can optionally be discrete volumes disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the second wall <NUM>. The one or more sleeve portions <NUM> house a phase change material (PCM) <NUM> or thermal mass therein. In one implementation, the phase change material <NUM> can be a solid-liquid PCM. In another implementation, the phase change material <NUM> can be a solid-solid PCM. The PCM <NUM> advantageously can passively absorb and release energy. Examples of possible PCM materials are water (which can transition to ice when cooled below the freezing temperature), organic PCMs (e.g., bio based or Paraffin, or carbohydrate and lipid derived), inorganic PCMs (e.g., salt hydrates), and inorganic eutectics materials. However, the PCM <NUM> can be any thermal mass that can store and release energy.

In operation, the cooling system <NUM> can be operated to cool the first heat sink <NUM> to cool the chamber <NUM>. The cooling system <NUM> can optionally also cool the PCM <NUM> (e.g., via the second wall <NUM> as cooled air/coolant flows through the channel <NUM>) to charge the PCM <NUM> (e.g., to place the PCM <NUM> in a state where it can absorb energy). In one example, one or more fins can extend from the second wall <NUM> (e.g., into the volume of the sleeve portion(s) <NUM>), for example to enhance heat transfer to the PCM <NUM>. Advantageously, the PCM <NUM> operates as a passive (e.g., backup) cooling source for the chamber <NUM> and contents disposed in the chamber <NUM>. For example, if the one or more intake vents <NUM> are partially (or fully) blocked (e.g., due to dust or debris accumulation in the vent openings <NUM>) or if the cooling system <NUM> is not operating effectively due to low power, or due to loss of power, the PCM <NUM> can maintain the chamber <NUM> and contents in the chamber <NUM> in a cooled state until the active cooling system can once again operate to cool the chamber <NUM> and contents therein.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the container vessel <NUM> can include a fourth wall <NUM> (e.g., outer liner wall) that defines an annular channel <NUM> between the second wall <NUM> (e.g., inner liner wall). In one implementation, the annular channel <NUM> can be under negative pressure (e.g. vacuum), thereby advantageously inhibiting heat transfer with the cooled air flowing through the annular channel <NUM> to inhibit (e.g., prevent) loss of cooling power and/or improve the efficiency of the cooling loop. An outer vessel wall <NUM> is disposed about the fourth wall <NUM>. An inlet line (e.g., cool air inlet line, tube, pipe or conduit) <NUM> can have a proximal end <NUM> in fluid communication with one end 215A of a cold air fluid chamber <NUM> and extend to a distal end <NUM> in communication with the channel <NUM> between the inner wall 126A and the second wall (e.g., inner liner wall) <NUM>. An outlet line (e.g., cool air exhaust line, tube, pipe or conduit) <NUM> can have a proximal end <NUM> in communication with the channel <NUM> between the inner wall 126A and the second wall <NUM> and extend to a distal end <NUM> in fluid communication with an opposite end 215B of the cold air fluid chamber <NUM>. Advantageously, the cold air fluid chamber <NUM>, inlet line <NUM>, outlet line <NUM> and channel <NUM> defines a closed system via which a cooled fluid (e.g., cooled air, a cooled liquid coolant) is passed to cool the inner wall 126A and thereby the chamber <NUM>. The air vent assemblies 202A, 202B are arranged about the fourth wall <NUM> (e.g., outer liner wall), with a gap or channel <NUM> defined between the air vent assemblies 202A, 202B (see <FIG>).

In operation, the fans 216A, 216B operate to drive air past the first heat sink <NUM> (e.g., cold side heat sink to cool said air) and the air is then directed via the proximal end <NUM> into the inlet line <NUM> (e.g., in direction F in <FIG>, <FIG>). The air flows up the inlet line <NUM> and exits via the distal end <NUM> into the channel <NUM> on one side of dividing wall <NUM> (see <FIG> that extends between the inner wall 126A and the second wall (e.g., inner liner wall) <NUM>. The air then travels within the channel <NUM> around the circumference of the inner wall 126A until it reaches the dividing wall <NUM>, where it exits the channel via the proximal end <NUM> of the outlet line <NUM>. The air exits the outlet line <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> and into the opposite end 215B of the cool air fluid chamber <NUM>, where the air is again driven by the fans 216A, 216B over the first heat sink <NUM> (e.g., cold side heat sink <NUM> to cool the air) and again circulated via the inlet line <NUM> into the channel <NUM>. Though not shown, valves can be used to regulate the flow of cooled fluid (e.g., air, another gas, liquid) during active cooling mode as well as control convection thermal ingress when the cooler <NUM> is operating in passive cooling mode (e.g., when the fans 216A, 216B are not operating, when the PCM <NUM> is providing the cooling function, etc.). The dividing wall <NUM> advantageously forces the cooled air to circulate along substantially the entire surface (e.g., substantially entire circumference) of the chamber <NUM> (e.g., along path C in <FIG>), thereby providing (e.g., substantially even) cooling to the chamber <NUM> (e.g., to substantially all portions of the inner wall 126A, thereby cooling substantially all of the chamber <NUM>), and inhibits inefficient, uneven and/or spotty cooling of the chamber <NUM>. In one example, one or more fins can extend from the second wall <NUM> into the channel <NUM> (e.g., along the direction of air flow in the channel <NUM>), for example to enhance heat transfer to the inner wall 126A and/or chamber <NUM>.

The cool air fluid chamber <NUM> is separated from the hot air fluid chamber <NUM> (see <FIG>). In one implementation, thermally insulative material can be interposed between the cool air fluid chamber <NUM> and the hot air fluid chamber <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> includes electronics (e.g., at least partially in a cavity below the base wall 126B, between the base wall 126B and the bottom B of the assembly <NUM>) operable to control the operation of the fans <NUM>, 216A, 216B, thermoelectric module(s) (TECs) <NUM> , and display <NUM>. The electronics include circuitry (e.g., control circuitry, one or more processors on a printed circuit board, a CPU or central processing unit, sensors) that controls the operation of the cooling system <NUM>, and optionally one or more batteries to provide power to one or more of the circuitry, fans <NUM>, 216A, 216B, regulating valves and thermoelectric module(s) (TECs) <NUM>. In one implementation, the assembly <NUM> can optionally have a power button or switch actuatable by a user to turn on or turn off the cooling system.

Optionally, the bottom B of the assembly <NUM> defines at least a portion of an end cap that is removable to access the electronics (e.g., to replace the one or more batteries, perform maintenance on the electronics, such as the PCBA, etc.). The power button or switch is accessible by a user (e.g., can be pressed to turn on the cooling system <NUM>, pressed to turn off the cooling system <NUM>, optionally pressed to pair the cooling system <NUM> with a mobile electronic device, etc.). Optionally, the power switch can be located generally at the center of the end cap (e.g., so that it aligns/extends along the symmetrical axis of the container vessel <NUM>).

<FIG> shows an example bottom view of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, showing the proximal vent openings 205B that communicate with the channels 206A, 206B of the air vent assemblies 202A, 202B. <FIG> also shows the electrical contacts <NUM> on the bottom surface <NUM> of the cooler container assembly <NUM>. In one example, the proximal vent openings 205B protrude from the bottom surface <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>, allowing them to extend into the corresponding proximal openings 205A on the top surface <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>. In one example, the electrical contacts <NUM> protrude from the bottom surface <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>, allowing them to extend into corresponding openings for the electrical contacts <NUM> on the top surface <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows multiple cooler container assemblies <NUM> stacked on top of each other. In one example, the bottom of the assemblies <NUM> can be placed on a power base or charging base <NUM>. The electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the assemblies <NUM> allows power to be transferred from one assembly <NUM> to the assembly <NUM> above it, allowing each of the assemblies <NUM> in the stack to receive power from the single charging base <NUM>, advantageously allowing the assemblies <NUM> to be powered (e.g., their batteries charged) at the same time.

The charging base <NUM> can have a platform or base <NUM> optionally coupled to an electrical cord <NUM> (e.g., which can be connected to wall power or a portable power source, such as a power source in a trailer, truck, boat , airplane or other transportation unit). The base <NUM> can have one or more charging units <NUM> (e.g., two charging units 520A, 520B). The charging units <NUM> can optionally have one or more connectors <NUM> sized and/or shaped to interface with the proximal vent openings 205B. The charging units <NUM> can optionally have one or more electrical contacts <NUM> sized and/or shaped to interface with the electrical contacts <NUM> on the bottom of the cooler container assembly <NUM>. In one example, the connectors <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> can have a curved shape. In one example, the connectors <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> together generally define a circular shape (e.g., generally corresponding to a generally circular shape defined by the electrical contacts <NUM> and proximal vent openings 205B on the bottom surface <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>).

Optionally, the display <NUM> of each of the assemblies <NUM> in the stack can display the charging status (e.g., % charge, charge level, time remaining during which cooling system <NUM> can operate, etc.) of one or more batteries in the corresponding assembly <NUM>. Optionally, the display <NUM> of each of the assemblies <NUM> can indicate (e.g., via a visual and/or audio signal) when its corresponding batteries are fully charged.

<FIG> shows a top surface <NUM> of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, which can optionally include an indicator light <NUM> to indicate one or more of: the assembly <NUM> is on, the lid <NUM> is closed correctly (e.g., via a signal from one or more sensors, such as proximity sensors, capacitance sensors, etc. send to the control circuitry of the assembly <NUM>), and the cooling system <NUM> is in operation (e.g., to cool the chamber <NUM>).

<FIG> shows a button <NUM> on a front of the assembly <NUM> (e.g., located below the display <NUM>). The button <NUM> can be actuated (e.g., by a user) to display the battery level of the assembly <NUM> (e.g., % charge, charge level, time remaining during which cooling system <NUM> can operate, etc.). The button <NUM> can be located elsewhere on the assembly <NUM>. The button <NUM> can be a depressible button or a touch switch (e.g., capacitance) sensor.

<FIG> shows a block diagram of a control system for (e.g., incorporated into) the devices described herein (e.g., the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴). In the illustrated embodiment, circuitry EM (e.g., control circuitry, microcontroller unit MCU, computer processor(s), etc.) can receive sensed information from one or more sensors S1-Sn (e.g., level sensors, volume sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, orientation sensors such as gyroscopes, accelerometers, battery charge sensors, biometric sensors, load sensors, Global Positioning System or GPS sensors, radiofrequency identification or RFID reader, etc.).

In one implementation, at least one temperature sensor Sn (e.g., Sn1, Sn2 and/or Sn3) is in the vessel <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>‴ or lid <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>‴ and exposed to the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>‴ to sense a temperature in the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>‴. In another implementation, additionally or alternatively, at least one temperature sensor Sn, Ta (see <FIG>) is on the vessel <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>‴ or lid <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>‴ and exposed to the outside of the container <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ to measure ambient temperature. In one implementation, the RFID reader in the vessel <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>‴ or lid <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>‴ can read RFID tags of components (e.g., medication, vials, liquid containers, food packages) placed in the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>‴. The RFID reader can optionally log when the payload contents are inserted into the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>‴, and additionally or alternatively the RFID reader can optionally log when each of the one or more of the payload contents is removed from the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>‴ to track their position relative to the vessel <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>‴ and communicate this information to the circuitry EM (e.g., to a memory of the circuitry EM).

In one implementation, one or more of the sensors S1-Sn can include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can optionally sense ambient pressure, which can be indicative of an altitude of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴. Optionally, the pressure sensor communicates sensed pressure information to the circuitry EM, which can optionally log or record the data from the pressure sensor and/or can operate one or more components of the cooling system <NUM>, <NUM>", such as the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" and fan(s) <NUM>, <NUM>" based at least in part on the sensed pressure information from the pressure sensor (e.g., to maintain the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" at a desired temperature or temperature range). Such pressure sensor(s) can advantageously allow the cooling system <NUM>, <NUM>" to operate such that the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" is at a desired temperature or temperature range while the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ in in transit (e.g., in high altitude locations), such as on an airplane or truck.

In one implementation, one or more of the sensors S1-Sn can include an accelerometer. The accelerometer can optionally sense motion (e.g., sudden movement) of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴. Optionally, the accelerometer communicates with the circuitry EM, which can optionally log or record the data from the accelerometer and/or can operate one or more components of the cooling system <NUM>, <NUM>", such as the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" and fan(s) <NUM>, <NUM>" based at least in part on the sensed information from the accelerometer. Such accelerometer(s) can advantageously sense, for example, when the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ has been dropped (e.g., from an unsafe height) or experienced a shock, for example while in transit, such as on an airplane or truck. In one implementation, the accelerometer can also provide the circuitry EM with sensed orientation information of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>"'. In another implementation, a separate orientation sensor (e.g., a gyroscope), can sense an orientation of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ and communicate the sensed orientation information to the circuitry EM, which can optionally log or record the data from the orientation sensor and/or can operate one or more components of the cooling system <NUM>, <NUM>", such as the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" and fan(s) <NUM>, <NUM>" based at least in part on the sensed orientation information.

The circuitry EM can be housed in the container vessel <NUM>. The circuitry EM can receive information from and/or transmit information (e.g., instructions) to one or more heating or cooling elements HC, such as the TEC <NUM> (e.g., to operate each of the heating or cooling elements in a heating mode and/or in a cooling mode, turn off, turn on, vary power output of, etc.) and optionally to one or more power storage devices PS (e.g., batteries, such as to charge the batteries or manage the power provided by the batteries to the one or more heating or cooling elements).

Optionally, the circuitry EM can include a wireless transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver to communicate with (e.g., transmit information, such as sensed temperature and/or position data, to and receive information, such as user instructions, from one or more of: a) a user interface UI1 on the unit (e.g., on the body of the container vessel <NUM> or frame <NUM>), b) an electronic device ED (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, electronic watch, a desktop computer, remote server, cloud server), c) via the cloud CL, or d) via a wireless communication system such as WiFi, broadband network and/or Bluetooth BT. For example, the circuitry EM can have a cell radio antenna or cell radio via which it can communicate information (e.g., GPS location, sensed temperature in the chamber, ambient temperature, etc.) wirelessly (e.g., to the cloud CL, to a remote electronic device, such as a smartphone, etc.). A user can then track a location of the container <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ (e.g., via a website or app on a smartphone). When the containers <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ are stacked, they can set up a MESH network (e.g., a meshnet via BLE <NUM>), which would allow the containers <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ at the top of the stack to communicate (via the cell radio or cell radio antenna) GPS location and/or sensed temperature data for each of the stacked containers <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴. For example, the MESH network can optionally identify the container <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ with the most available power to communicate the GPS location and/or sensed temperature data. The electronic device ED can have a user interface UI2, that can display information associated with the operation of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴, and that can receive information (e.g., instructions) from a user and communicate said information to the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ (e.g., to adjust an operation of the cooling system <NUM>).

In operation, the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" can operate to maintain the chamber <NUM> of the container vessel <NUM> at a preselected temperature or a user selected temperature. The cooling system can operate the one or more TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" to cool the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>" (e.g., if the temperature of the chamber is above the preselected temperature, such as when the ambient temperature is above the preselected temperature or temperature range, for example when transporting of medication in summer or to very hot climate location) or to heat the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>" (e.g., if the temperature of the chamber <NUM> is below the preselected temperature, such as when the ambient temperature is below the preselected temperature or temperature range, for example when transporting of medication in winter or to very cold climate location).

In one implementation, the circuitry EM can reverse the polarity of the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" and operate the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" to heat the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>" (e.g., by heating a fluid circulating via a conduit in thermal communication with a phase change material or thermal mass to heat it, which in turn heats the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>"). Advantageously, such reversing of the polarity of the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" to heat the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>" (e.g., by heating of a phase changer material or thermal mass via thermal communication with a fluid heated by the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>") inhibits (e.g., prevents) one or more of the payload components (e.g., medicine, vaccines, perishable liquids or solids) from freezing. For example, as ambient temperature approaches a predetermined temperature (e.g., <NUM> degrees C), for example as measured by a temperature sensor (e.g., Ta in <FIG>) of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", the circuitry EM can reverse the polarity of the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" and operate them to heat the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>" as discussed above. Once ambient temperature rises above a predetermined temperature (e.g., <NUM> degrees C), the circuitry EM can stop operation of the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" to heat the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>" and/or reverse the polarity of the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" to their original state (e.g., a state in which the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" can operate to cool the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>").

In one implementation, shown in <FIG>, the cooler container <NUM>" can have one or more removable batteries PS", which can be installed in the cooler container <NUM>" (e.g., via opening <NUM>") to power the TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" in the reversed polarity state to heat the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>". The circuitry EM and TECs <NUM>, <NUM>" can be operated with power from the one or more removable batteries PS", instead of other batteries (PS, PS'), which power other components of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" when the circuitry EM needs to operate the TECs <NUM> to heat the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>" (e.g., when sensed ambient and/or chamber temperature falls below a predetermined temperature). Advantageously, to reduce the shipping weight of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴, the one or more batteries PS" can optionally only be installed in the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ when they are to be shipped to a climate where ambient temperature is likely to drop below a first predetermined temperature (e.g. <NUM> degrees C) and/or when they are to be shipped to a climate where ambient temperature is likely to increase above a second predetermined temperature (e.g., <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, etc.). In another implementation, the one or more batteries PS" can be installed in the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ for all shipments, irrespective of expected ambient temperature.

In some implementations, the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴, <NUM>‴ can have a separate heater unit (e.g., resistive heater) in thermal communication with the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>‴ (e.g., wound at least partially about the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>‴), which can be operated when the ambient temperature is above the preselected temperature in the chamber <NUM>, <NUM>‴ (e.g., after a predetermined period of time), such as when transporting medication in winter or to a very cold climate location). Optionally, the separate heater unit (e.g., resistive heater) and/or circuitry EM can be powered by the one or more batteries PS". The preselected temperature may be tailored to the contents of the container (e.g., a specific medication, a specific vaccine, food, beverages, human tissue, animal tissue, living organisms), and can be stored in a memory of the assembly <NUM>, and the cooling system or heating system, depending on how the temperature control system is operated, can operate the TEC <NUM> to approach the preselected or set point temperature.

Optionally, the circuitry EM of the cooler container <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ can communicate (e.g., wirelessly) information to a remote location (e.g., cloud based data storage system, remote computer, remote server, mobile electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer or laptop or desktop computer) and/or to the individual carrying the container (e.g., via their mobile phone, via a visual interface on the container, etc.), such as a temperature history of the chamber <NUM> to provide a record that can be used (e.g., to evaluate the efficacy of the medication in the container, to evaluate if contents in the chamber <NUM> have spoiled, etc.) and/or alerts on the status of the chamber <NUM> and/or contents in the chamber <NUM>. Optionally, the temperature control system (e.g., cooling system, heating system) of the cooler container <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" automatically operates the TEC <NUM> to heat or cool the chamber <NUM> of the container vessel <NUM> to approach the preselected temperature. In one implementation, the cooling system <NUM> can cool and maintain one or both of the chamber <NUM> and the contents therein at or below <NUM> degrees Celsius, such as at or below <NUM> degrees Celsius (e.g., in the range of <NUM> degrees Celsius to <NUM> degrees Celsius), in some examples at approximately <NUM> degrees Celsius.

In one implementation, the one or more sensors S1-Sn can include one more air flow sensors that can monitor airflow through one or both of the intake vent <NUM> and exhaust vent <NUM>, through the cold side fluid chamber <NUM>, inlet line <NUM> and/or outlet line <NUM>. If said one or more flow sensors senses that the intake vent <NUM> is becoming clogged (e.g., with dust) due to a decrease in air flow, the circuitry EM (e.g., on the PCBA) can optionally reverse the operation of the fan <NUM> for one or more predetermined periods of time to draw air through the exhaust vent <NUM> and exhaust air through the intake vent <NUM> to clear (e.g., unclog, remove the dust from) the intake vent <NUM>. In another implementation, the circuitry EM can additionally or alternatively send an alert to the user (e.g., via a user interface on the assembly <NUM>, wirelessly to a remote electronic device such as the user's mobile phone) to inform the user of the potential clogging of the intake vent <NUM>, so that the user can inspect the assembly <NUM> and can instruct the circuitry EM (e.g., via an app on the user's mobile phone) to run an "cleaning" operation, for example, by running the fan <NUM> in reverse to exhaust air through the intake vent <NUM>. In one example, an air filter can optionally be placed underneath the intake grill/vent <NUM>.

In one implementation, the one or more sensors S1-Sn of the cooler container <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ can include one more Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors for tracking the location of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴. The location information can be communicated, as discussed above, by a transmitter (e.g., cell radio antenna or cell radio) and/or transceiver associated with the circuitry EM to a remote location (e.g., a mobile electronic device, a cloud-based data storage system, etc.). In one implementations, the GPS location is communicated (e.g., automatically, not in response to a query or request) by the circuitry EM at regular intervals (e.g., every <NUM> minutes, every <NUM> minutes, etc.). In another implementation, the GPS location is communicated by the circuitry EM upon receipt of a request or query, such as from the user (e.g., via an app or website via which the user can track the location of the cooler container1000, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴).

<FIG> shows a block diagram of electronics <NUM> of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴. The electronics <NUM> include circuitry EM' (e.g., including one or more processors on a printed circuit board). The circuitry EM' communicate with one or more batteries PS', with the display screen <NUM>, <NUM>‴, and with the user interface <NUM>, <NUM>‴. Optionally, a memory module <NUM> is in communication with the circuitry EM'. In one implementation, the memory module <NUM> can optionally be disposed on the same printed circuit board as other components of the circuitry EM'. The circuitry EM' optionally controls the information displayed on the display screen <NUM>, <NUM>‴. Information (e.g., sender address, recipient address, etc.) can be communicated to the circuitry EM' via an input module <NUM>. The input module <NUM> can receive such information wirelessly (e.g., via radiofrequency or RF communication, via infrared or IR communication, via WiFi <NUM>, via BLUETOOTH®, etc.), such as using a wand (e.g., a radiofrequency or RF wand that is waved over the container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴, such as over the display screen <NUM>, <NUM>‴, where the wand is connected to a computer system where the shipping information is contained). Once received by the input module <NUM>, the information (e.g., shipping information for a shipping label to be displayed on the display screen <NUM> can be electronically saved in the memory module <NUM>). Advantageously, the one or more batteries PS' can power the electronics <NUM>, and therefore the display screen <NUM> for a plurality of uses of the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ (e.g., during shipping of the container assembly <NUM> up to one-thousand times). As discussed above, the electronics <NUM> can wirelessly communicate a signal to a shipping carrier (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL) informing the shipping carrier that a shipping label (e.g., new shipping label) has been assigned to the portable cooler and that the cooler is ready for pick-up and shipping (e.g., when the user interface <NUM> is actuated by the user).

<FIG> shows a block diagram of one method <NUM> for shipping the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴. At step <NUM>, one or more components (e.g., food(s), beverage(s), medicine, living tissue or organisms) are placed in the container vessel <NUM> of the container assembly <NUM>, such as at a distribution facility for the components or products. At step <NUM>, the lid <NUM> is closed over the container vessel <NUM> once the contents have been placed therein. Optionally, the lid <NUM> is locked to the container vessel <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>‴ (e.g., via a magnetically actuated lock, including an electromagnet actuated when the lid <NUM> is closed that can be turned off with a code, such as a digital code, a code provided to a user's phone, etc.). At step <NUM>, information (e.g., shipping label information) is communicated (e.g., loaded onto) to the container assembly <NUM>. For example, as discussed above, a radiofrequency (RF) wand can be waved over the container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ to transfer the shipping information to the input module <NUM> of the electronics <NUM> of the container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴. At step <NUM>, the container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ is shipped to the recipient (e.g., displayed on the shipping label <NUM> on the display screen <NUM>).

Optionally, the assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ can be stacked, for example on a pallet P, as shown in <FIG>, allowing hot air to be exhausted from the stacked assemblies <NUM> (using a chimney effect) as discussed above, allowing heated air to exit the stacked assemblies and, for example, be vented out of the shipping container via one or more vents in the shipping container. Further, as discussed above, the stacked assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ can be electrically connected, allowing power transfer between a lower assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ to a higher assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ (e.g., when all the assemblies are stacked on a power base or a charging base, such as prior to shipping in a warehouse or distribution center or during shipping if the shipping container has a power or charging base on which the assemblies <NUM> are stacked). The assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ within the stack (see <FIG>, <FIG>) can establish two-way communication link to transmit data, for example temperature history and battery consumption data. In one example, where one of the cooler container assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ is low on power, it can optionally draw power from one or more of the assemblies <NUM> around it (e.g., above it, below it) when stacked. Cooling system <NUM> in individual cooler container assemblies <NUM> can optionally remain active when assemblies <NUM> are stacked on a power base or charging base (such as charging base <NUM> in <FIG>) to charge PCM <NUM> simultaneously, for example, at the warehouse or shipping facility, on a truck, ship, airplane, etc..

<FIG> shows a block diagram of a method <NUM>' for returning the container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴. At step <NUM>, after receiving the container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴, the lid <NUM>, <NUM>" can be opened relative to the container vessel <NUM>. Optionally, prior to opening the lid <NUM>, <NUM>", the lid <NUM>, <NUM>" is unlocked relative to the container vessel <NUM> (e.g., using a code, such as a digital code or RFID code on user's mobile phone, provided to the recipient from the shipper, via a keypad on the vessel <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" or lid <NUM>, <NUM>", <NUM>‴ and/or biometric identification). The user's smartphone or other electronic device with the unlock code can be communicated to the container <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴, for example, via Bluetooth or RFID, to unlock the lid <NUM>, <NUM>", <NUM>‴ from the vessel <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>‴ (e.g., by positioning or waiving the smartphone or electronic device near the vessel and/or lid). At step <NUM>, the contents (e.g., medicine, foodstuff, beverages, living organisms or tissue) are removed from the container vessel <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the lid <NUM> is closed over the container vessel <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the user interface <NUM> (e.g., button) is actuated to switch the information of the sender and recipient in the display screen <NUM> with each other, advantageously allowing the return of the container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ to the original sender to be used again without having to reenter shipping information on the display screen <NUM>, <NUM>‴. Optionally, actuation of the user interface <NUM>, <NUM>‴ in step <NUM> causes a signal to be wirelessly communicated (e.g., by the electronics <NUM>) to a shipping carrier (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL) informing the shipping carrier that a shipping label (e.g., new shipping label) has been assigned to the portable cooler and that the cooler is ready for pick-up and shipping. In one example, the cooler container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ or stack of assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ can also send notifications to both end-user as well as origin facility during certain events, for example, payload has been delivered or alerts as needed.

The display screen <NUM>, <NUM>‴ and label <NUM> advantageously facilitate the shipping of the container assembly <NUM> without having to print any separate labels for the container assembly <NUM>. Further, the display screen <NUM>, <NUM>‴ and user interface <NUM>, <NUM>‴ advantageously facilitate return of the container system <NUM> to the sender (e.g. without having to reenter shipping information, without having to print any labels), where the container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ can be reused to ship contents again, such as to the same or a different recipient. The reuse of the container assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ for delivery of perishable material (e.g., medicine, food, beverages, living tissue or organisms) advantageously reduces the cost of shipping by allowing the reuse of the container vessel <NUM> (e.g., as compared to commonly used cardboard containers, which are disposed of after one use).

<FIG> shows a partially exploded view of a cooler container <NUM>'. Some of the features of the cooler container <NUM>' are similar to features of the cooler container <NUM> in <FIG>. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the cooler container <NUM>' are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the cooler container <NUM> in <FIG>, except that a " ' " has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the cooler container <NUM> and how it's operated and controlled in <FIG> are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the cooler container <NUM>' in <FIG>, except as described below. Though the features below are described in connection with the cooler container assembly <NUM>', the features also apply to all cooler containers, such as cooler containers <NUM>, <NUM>", <NUM>‴ disclosed herein.

The cooler container <NUM>' differs from the cooler container <NUM> in that the one or more power storage devices (e.g., batteries) PS, PS' are in a module <NUM>' that can be removably coupled to the cooler container <NUM>'. In one implementation, the power storage devices PS, PS' can optionally be arranged in one or more stacks on a platform <NUM>', and electrically connected to the electrical contacts <NUM>' underneath the platform <NUM>'. The module <NUM>' can optionally couple to the cooler container <NUM>' (e.g., to the frame <NUM>' of the cooler container <NUM>') so that the power storage devices PS, PS' extend into compartments in the cooler container <NUM>' (e.g., compartments in the frame <NUM>'), and so that the platform <NUM>' is adjacent to or generally co-planar with the bottom surface <NUM>' of the frame <NUM>'.

The module <NUM>' locks into place on the cooler container <NUM>' (e.g., via a latch mechanism, such as a spring-loaded latch mechanism, threaded coupling, magnetic coupling, etc.). Once the module <NUM>' is coupled to the cooler container <NUM>' (e.g., locked into place on the cooler container <NUM>', the display <NUM>' can optionally register (e.g., display) that the module <NUM>' is coupled and optionally show the charge level of the power storage devices PS, PS' of the module <NUM>'. Power can be provided from the power storage devices PS, PS' to the electronics (e.g., Peltier element <NUM>, fan <NUM>, circuitry EM) in the cooler container <NUM>', for example, via electrical contacts between the module <NUM>' and the cooler container <NUM>' (e.g., electrical contacts on the frame <NUM>' that contact electrical contacts of the module <NUM>'). In another implementation, power is transmitted from the power storage devices PS, PS' in the module <NUM>' to the electronics (e.g., Peltier element <NUM>, fan <NUM>, circuitry EM) in the cooler container <NUM>' via inductive coupling.

Advantageously, the module <NUM>' can be decoupled and removed from the cooler container <NUM>' to replace the power storage devices PS, PS', or to replace the module <NUM>'. Therefore, the module <NUM>' can be interchangeable and/or replaceable. The power storage devices (e.g., batteries) PS, PS' in the module <NUM>' can optionally be charged (or recharged) while coupled to the cooler container <NUM>'. In another implementation, the module <NUM>' can be detached from the cooler container <NUM>' and charged (or recharged) separately on the charging station or base <NUM> before being coupled to the cooler container <NUM>' as discussed above.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of a cooler container <NUM>". Some of the features of the cooler container <NUM>" are similar to features of the cooler container <NUM> in <FIG> and cooling container <NUM>' in <FIG>. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the cooler container <NUM>" are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the cooler container <NUM> in <FIG> and cooler container <NUM>' in <FIG>, except that a " " " has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the cooler container <NUM>" and how it's operated and controlled in <FIG> are understood to apply to the corresponding features of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>, except as described below. Though the features below are described in connection with the cooler container assembly <NUM>", the features also apply to all cooler containers, such as cooler containers <NUM>', <NUM>, disclosed herein.

The cooler container <NUM>" has one or more sleeve portions <NUM>" disposed about the chamber <NUM>" of the container <NUM>" that can be filled with temperature sensitive contents (e.g., medicine, vaccines, tissue). The sleeve portion(s) <NUM>" can optionally be discrete volumes disposed about the chamber <NUM>". The sleeve portion(s) <NUM>" house a phase change material (PCM) or thermal mass <NUM>" therein. In one implementation, the phase change material <NUM>" can be a solid-liquid PCM. In another implementation, the phase change material <NUM>" can be a solid-solid PCM. The PCM <NUM>" advantageously can passively absorb and release energy. Examples of possible PCM materials are water (which can transition to ice when cooled below the freezing temperature), organic PCMs (e.g., bio based or Paraffin, or carbohydrate and lipid derived), inorganic PCMs (e.g., salt hydrates), and inorganic eutectics materials. However, the PCM <NUM>" can be any thermal mass that can store and release energy.

The cooler container <NUM>" includes a cooling system <NUM>". In other examples, described below, at least a portion of the cooling system <NUM>" can be external to the container <NUM>". The cooling system <NUM>" is optionally a closed loop system. The cooling system <NUM>" optionally includes a conduit <NUM>" via which a cooling fluid (e.g., a cooling liquid, such as water) flows. In some implementations, the cooling fluid can be water. In some implementations, the cooling fluid can be a water mixture (e.g., a water-alcohol mixture, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, etc.). The cooling system <NUM>" includes a first heat sink <NUM>" (e.g., a solid to liquid heat exchanger), thermoelectric module(s) or TEC(s) <NUM>", a second heat sink <NUM>", fan(s) <NUM>", a pump <NUM>" and optionally a reservoir <NUM>". The conduit <NUM>" can include a first conduit 140A" that extends between the first heat sink <NUM>" and the sleeve portion(s) <NUM>". The conduit <NUM>" also includes a second conduit 140B" that extends through the sleeve portion(s) <NUM>" and is in fluid communication with the first conduit 140A". The reservoir <NUM>" is in fluid communication with an opposite end of the second conduit 140B". The conduit <NUM>" also includes a third conduit 140C" that extends between the reservoir <NUM>" and the pump <NUM>". The conduit <NUM>" also includes a fourth conduit 140D" that extends between the pump <NUM>" and the first heat sink <NUM>".

In operation, the TEC(s) <NUM>" are operated (as described above in connection with the cooling container <NUM>, <NUM>') to remove heat from the first heat sink <NUM>" and transfer said heat to the second heat sink <NUM>". The fan(s) <NUM>" are optionally operated to dissipate the heat from the second heat sink <NUM>", thereby allowing the TEC(s) <NUM>" to remove additional heat from the first heat sink <NUM>" (e.g., to cool the first heat sink <NUM>"). Optionally, the first heat sink <NUM>" (e.g., solid to liquid heat exchanger) can at least partially define one or more flow paths (e.g., in the body of the heat sink <NUM>") in fluid communication with the first conduit 140A" and fourth conduit 140D". The pump <NUM>" can be selectively operated (e.g., by a controller of the cooling system <NUM>" or container <NUM>") to flow the cooling fluid (e.g., liquid) through the conduit <NUM>" and past or through the first heat sink <NUM>" where the cooling fluid is cooled. The cooled cooling fluid is then directed through the first conduit 140A" and into the sleeve(s) <NUM>" via the second conduit 140B" where the cooling fluid removes heat from the PCM <NUM>" to thereby charge the PCM <NUM>" (e.g., to place the PCM <NUM>" in a state where it can absorb energy). The fluid then exits the sleeve(s) <NUM>" and flows into the reservoir <NUM>". From the reservoir <NUM>", the fluid flows via the third conduit 140C" to the pump <NUM>", where the pump <NUM>" again pumps the liquid via the fourth conduit 140D" past or through the first heat sink <NUM>".

Advantageously, the cooling fluid (e.g., liquid) rapidly cools the PCM <NUM>" in the sleeve(s) <NUM>" to charge the PCM <NUM>". Optionally, the second conduit 140B" in the sleeve(s) <NUM>" extends in a coil like manner (e.g., in a spiral manner) through the sleeve(s) <NUM>" to thereby increase the surface area of the second conduit 140B" that contacts the PCM <NUM>", thereby increasing the amount of heat transfer between the cooling fluid and the PCM <NUM>". This configuration of the second conduit 140B" advantageously results in more rapid cooling/charging of the PCM <NUM>". In one example, the chamber <NUM>" of the cooler container <NUM>" can be cooled to between about <NUM> and about <NUM> degrees Celsius (e.g., <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degree C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, etc.). Optionally, the reservoir <NUM>" can have a valve (e.g., bleed valve) via which cooling fluid can be bled from the cooling system <NUM>" or via which cooling fluid can be introduced into the cooling system <NUM>".

The cooler container <NUM>" can optionally exclude batteries and electronics, such that the cooling system <NUM>" does not operate while the cooler container <NUM>" is in transit (e.g., on a trailer, truck, airplane, boat, car, etc.). Rather, while in transit, the chamber <NUM>" of the cooler container <NUM>" is cooled by the charged PCM <NUM>" (e.g., the PCM <NUM>" is the primary cooling mechanism for the chamber <NUM>"). The cooling system <NUM>' can be optionally be operated when the cooler container <NUM>" is placed on a power base (e.g., at a home shipping location, at a hospital, etc.). For example, the cooler container <NUM>" can have electrical contacts that selectively contact electrical contacts on a power base when the cooler container <NUM>" is placed on the power base. The power base provides power to one or more of the TEC(s) <NUM>", pump <NUM>", and fan(s) <NUM>", which operate (e.g., by circuitry in the container <NUM>") as described above to charge the PCM <NUM>". Once the PCM <NUM>" is charged, the cooler container <NUM>" can be removed from the power base and the chamber <NUM>" filled with temperature sensitive contents (e.g., medicine, vaccines, tissue, etc.), and the cooler container <NUM>" can be shipped to its destination, as described above. The charged PCM <NUM>" can operate to maintain the contents in the chamber <NUM>" in a cooled state during transit of the cooler container <NUM>" to its destination.

As discussed above, the cooler containers <NUM>" can optionally be stacked on top of each other, with the bottom cooler container <NUM>" disposed on the power base, so that power is transferred from the power base up through the stack of cooler containers <NUM>" (e.g., the PCM <NUM>" in all stacked containers <NUM>" are charged substantially simultaneously). In one example, each cooler container <NUM>" has an amount of cooling fluid in its closed loop cooling system <NUM>" and power is transferred from each container <NUM>" to the one above it to operate its cooling system <NUM>" to charge its PCM <NUM>". However, this requires that each container <NUM>" have an amount of cooling fluid in it at all times.

In another example, the cooler container(s) <NUM>" can optionally have quick disconnect connections that allow for the conduit <NUM>" of each stacked container <NUM>" to be in fluid communication with each other when the containers <NUM>" are stacked (e.g., each container <NUM>" has an open loop cooling system). In this example, the cooling system <NUM>" (including the first heat sink <NUM>", TEC(s) <NUM>", second heat sink <NUM>", fan(s) <NUM>", pump <NUM>" and optionally reservoir <NUM>") can be located in communication or housed in the power base, not in a vessel <NUM>" of the cooler container(s) <NUM>". The power base can have quick disconnect connectors that removably couple with quick disconnect connectors on the container <NUM>" that is connected to the power base (e.g., quick disconnect connectors between different sections of the conduit <NUM>", where some sections, such as 140A", 140C", 140B" are outside the container <NUM>‴ and only conduit section 140B" is in the container <NUM>"), and each container <NUM>" can have quick disconnect connectors or valves that allow it to fluidly connect with a container <NUM>" placed on top of it (e.g., allow the conduit <NUM>" of a container to fluidly connect with the conduit <NUM>" of the container <NUM>" placed on top of it). Advantageously, this allows the PCM <NUM>" in each of the stacked containers <NUM>" to be charged at the same time, and allows the reduction in weight and/or size of the cooler container <NUM>" (e.g., because the cooling system <NUM>" and the cooling fluid is not housed in the container <NUM>" during transit of the container <NUM>"), thereby reducing freight cost of shipping the cooling container <NUM>".

<FIG> show a schematic view of a variation of the cooling container <NUM>". <FIG> add fins <NUM>" to the second conduit 140B" in the sleeve(s) <NUM>" (e.g., the fins <NUM>" would extends between walls of the sleeve(s) <NUM>"), thereby increasing the surface area that is in contact with the PCM <NUM>" and via which heat can be transferred between the PCM <NUM>" and the second conduit 140B" to allow the cooling fluid to charge the PCM <NUM>". Though the features below are described in connection with the cooler container assembly <NUM>", the features also apply to all cooler containers, such as cooler containers <NUM>', <NUM>", disclosed herein.

The container <NUM>" can have one or more temperature sensors Sn1 in communication with the conduit <NUM>" (e.g., with the conduit section 140B"), one or more temperature sensors Sn2 in communication with the chamber <NUM>", and/or one or more temperature sensors Sn3 in the sleeve(s) <NUM>" (e.g., in thermal communication with the PCM <NUM>"). The one or more temperature sensors Sn1, Sn2, Sn3 can communicate with the circuitry EM, and the circuitry EM can operate one or both of the TEC(s) <NUM>" and fan(s) <NUM>" based at least in part on the sensed temperature from the sensors Sn1, Sn2, and/or Sn3. The container <NUM>" can optionally have one or more sensors Ta that sense ambient temperature and communicate with the circuitry EM. The sensed temperature from the sensor Ta can provide an indication of humidity level to the circuitry EM, and the circuitry EM can operate one or both of the TEC(s) <NUM>" and fan(s) <NUM>" based at least in part on the sensed temperature from the sensor(s) Ta. The cooler container <NUM>" can optionally have a shutoff valve <NUM>", which can be selectively actuated by the circuitry EM to inhibit (e.g., prevent) flow of liquid through the conduit <NUM>" (e.g., when there is a malfunction in a component of the cooler container <NUM>", such as the pump <NUM>" or TEC(s) <NUM>").

With reference to <FIG>, air can enter the vessel <NUM>" via one or more air intake openings <NUM>", and be driven by one or more fans <NUM>" though a channel or path <NUM>" and past a first heat sink <NUM>", where heat is transferred from the first heat sink <NUM>" to the air. The air is then exhausted from the vessel <NUM>" via one or more exhaust openings <NUM>". Though <FIG> shows the intake openings <NUM>" and exhaust openings <NUM>" in the same plane or surface, in other implementations, the intake openings <NUM>" and exhaust openings <NUM>" can be on separate planes (e.g., separate planes oriented <NUM> degrees apart, separate planes oriented <NUM> degrees apart). For example, the exhaust openings <NUM>" can be on a front surface of the container <NUM>" (e.g., a surface that has the display of the container <NUM>") and the intake openings <NUM>" can be on a rear surface of the container <NUM>‴ orientated <NUM> degrees apart. In another implementation, the exhaust openings <NUM>" can be on a rear surface of the container <NUM>" and the intake openings <NUM>" can be on a front surface of the container <NUM>‴ (e.g., a surface that has the display of the container <NUM>") orientated <NUM> degrees apart.

Optionally, the cooling system can be located in one corner (e.g., along one edge) of the cooler container <NUM>", as shown in <FIG>. In another implementation, the cooling system can be distributed about at least a portion of the chamber <NUM>" (e.g., distributed completely about the chamber <NUM>"). The first heat sink <NUM>" is in thermal communication with one or more TEC(s) <NUM>", which are in turn in thermal communication with a second heat sink <NUM>" (e.g., a solid to liquid heat exchanger). The second heat sink <NUM>" is in thermal communication with the conduit <NUM>", which flow a fluid (e.g., a liquid, such as water) therethrough. The second heat sink <NUM>" cools the fluid in the conduit <NUM>" as it flows past the second heat sink <NUM>", and transfers the heat to the TECs <NUM>", which in turn transfers the heat to the first heat sink <NUM>" that in turn transfers the heat to the air that is exhausted via the exhaust opening(s) <NUM>". The cooled liquid in the conduit <NUM>" charges the PCM <NUM>" in the sleeve portion(s) <NUM>" via the fins <NUM>" (e.g., so that the phase change material or PCM <NUM>" is in a state where it can absorb energy, such as to cool at least a portion of the chamber <NUM>"). <FIG> show another implementation of the cooler container <NUM>" with the one or more removable batteries PS" that can be optionally installed to power one or both of the circuitry EM and TEC's <NUM>, <NUM>" or separate heater, as discussed above, to inhibit (e.g., prevent) one or more of the payload contents from freezing in cold weather or from exposure to high temperatures in hot weather.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a variation of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>. The structure and description for the various features of the cooler container <NUM>" and how it's operated and controlled in <FIG> are understood to apply to the corresponding features of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>, except as described below. Whereas <FIG> shows the second conduit 140B" oscillating horizontally, <FIG> shows the second conduit 140B‴ oscillating vertically within the sleeve(s) <NUM>". Though the features below are described in connection with the cooler container assembly <NUM>", the features also apply to all cooler containers, such as cooler containers <NUM>', <NUM>", disclosed herein.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a variation of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>. The structure and description for the various features of the cooler container <NUM>" and how it's operated and controlled in <FIG> are understood to apply to the corresponding features of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>, except as described below. Whereas <FIG> shows the second conduit 140B" with fins <NUM>" disposed about the conduit 140B" oscillating horizontally, <FIG> shows the second conduit 140B‴ with fins <NUM>‴ disposed about the conduit 140B‴ oscillating vertically within the sleeve(s) <NUM>". Though the features below are described in connection with the cooler container assembly <NUM>", the features also apply to all cooler containers, such as cooler containers <NUM>', <NUM>", disclosed herein.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a variation of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>. The structure and description for the various features of the cooler container <NUM>" and how it's operated and controlled in <FIG> are understood to apply to the corresponding features of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>, except as described below. Unlike the second conduit 104B" in <FIG>, the second conduit 140Bʺʺ extends in a spiral manner within the sleeve(s) <NUM>" (where the sleeve <NUM>" is excluded to more clearly show the shape of the conduit 140B"). Though the features below are described in connection with the cooler container assembly <NUM>", the features also apply to all cooler containers, such as cooler containers <NUM>', <NUM>", disclosed herein.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a variation of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>. The structure and description for the various features of the cooler container <NUM>" and how it's operated and controlled in <FIG> are understood to apply to the corresponding features of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>, except as described below. Unlike the second conduit 140B" in <FIG>, The second conduit 140B‴ʺ extends in a horizontal oscillating manner within the sleeve(s) <NUM>" (where the sleeve <NUM>" is excluded to more clearly show the shape of the conduit 140B"). Fins 149ʺʺ are disposed about the conduit 140B‴ʺ to aid in heat dissipation as discussed above. The second conduit 140B‴ʺ extends between an inlet IN and an outlet OUT. Though the features below are described in connection with the cooler container assembly <NUM>", the features also apply to all cooler containers, such as cooler containers <NUM>', <NUM>", disclosed herein.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a variation of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>. The structure and description for the various features of the cooler container <NUM>" and how it's operated and controlled in <FIG> are understood to apply to the corresponding features of the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>, except as described below. Unlike the cooler container <NUM>" in <FIG>, <FIG> adds fins <NUM> that extend from an outer surface of the sleeve(s) <NUM>" to an outer wall (e.g., fourth wall) <NUM>'. Though the features below are described in connection with the cooler container assembly <NUM>", the features also apply to all cooler containers, such as cooler containers <NUM>', <NUM>", disclosed herein.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooler container <NUM>‴. Some of the features of the cooler container <NUM>‴ are similar to features of the cooler container <NUM> in <FIG>. Thus, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the cooling container <NUM>‴ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the cooling container <NUM> in <FIG>, except that a " ‴ " has been added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the cooling container <NUM> and how it's operated and controlled in <FIG> are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the cooling container <NUM>‴ in <FIG>, except as described below. Though the features below are described in connection with the cooler container assembly <NUM>‴, the features also apply to all cooler containers, such as cooler containers <NUM>, <NUM>", disclosed herein.

The cooler container <NUM>‴ differs from the cooler container <NUM> in various ways. For example, the cooler container <NUM>‴ does not include any fans (such as the fan <NUM>), nor any air intake openings (such as the intake openings <NUM>). Though <FIG> shows a cross-section of the container <NUM>"', one of skill in the art will recognize that the container <NUM>‴ in one implementation is symmetrical about the cross-sectional plane (e.g. the container has a generally box-like or cube outer shape, such as with a square cross-section along a transverse plane to the cross-sectional plane in <FIG>), which can advantageously maximize the number of containers <NUM>‴ that can be stored in a given volume (e.g., a delivery truck). The container <NUM>‴ can have other suitable shapes (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, etc.).

The cooler container <NUM>‴ has a vessel <NUM>‴ an outer housing <NUM>‴. Optionally, the outer housing <NUM>‴ has one or more portions. In the illustrated implementation, the outer housing <NUM>‴ optionally has two portions, including a first (e.g., outer) portion 102A‴ and a second (e.g., inner) portion 102B"'. In other implementations, the outer housing <NUM>‴ can have fewer (e.g., one) or more (e.g., three, four, etc.) portions.

The first portion 102A‴ optionally provides an outer shell. As shown in <FIG>, the first portion 102A‴ optionally covers at least some (e.g., but not all) of the outer surface of the container <NUM>"'. For example, in one implementation, the first portion 102A‴ covers at least the edges of the container <NUM>‴. In one implementation, the first portion 102A‴ only covers the edges of the container <NUM>‴. In one implementation, the first portion 102A‴ is made of an impact resistant material, such as plastic. Other suitable materials can be used. In another implementation, the first portion 102A‴ can additionally or alternatively be made of a thermally insulative material.

The second portion 102B‴ is optionally made of a thermally insulative material, such as a foam material. Other suitable materials can be used. In another implementation, the second portion 102B‴ can additionally or alternatively be made of an impact resistant (e.g., compressible) material.

In some implementations, the outer housing <NUM>‴ includes only the first portion 102A‴ (e.g., the housing <NUM>‴ is defined only by the first portion 102A‴) and excludes the second portion 102B‴. In some implementations, the outer housing <NUM>‴ includes only the second portion 102B‴ (e.g., the housing <NUM>‴ is defined only by the second portion 102B‴) and excludes the first portion 102A"'.

The container <NUM>‴ also includes a vacuum insulated chamber <NUM>‴ defined between an outer wall 106A‴ and an inner wall 106B‴ (e.g., a double-walled insulated chamber), where the walls 106A"', 106B‴ extend along the circumference and base of the chamber <NUM>‴ of the container <NUM>‴. Therefore, the chamber <NUM>‴ that receives the perishable contents (e.g., medicine, food, other perishables, etc.) is surrounded about its circumference and base by the vacuum insulated chamber <NUM>‴, which inhibits (e.g., prevents) heat transfer (e.g., loss of cooling) from the chamber <NUM>‴ via its circumference or base.

The cooler container <NUM>‴ includes a phase change material <NUM>‴ that can be disposed in the container <NUM>‴. The phase change material (PCM) <NUM>‴ or thermal mass is provided (e.g., contained) in a sleeve <NUM>‴ that is surrounded by the inner wall 106B‴ and that defines an inner wall 126A‴ of the chamber <NUM>‴. Optionally, the phase change material or thermal mass can additionally be disposed in one or more packs (e.g., one or more ice packs) in the chamber <NUM>‴, where the chamber <NUM>‴ is defined by the inner wall 106B‴, such that the phase change material <NUM>‴ or thermal is provided in a sleeve <NUM>‴ as well as in separate pack(s) (e.g., one or more ice packs) inserted into the chamber <NUM>‴ (e.g., about the perishable contents).

The chamber <NUM>‴ can be sealed with a lid <NUM>‴. Optionally, the lid <NUM>‴ includes at least a portion <NUM>‴ made of a thermally insulative material (e.g., a foam material) to inhibit (e.g., prevent) heat transfer (e.g., loss of cooling) from the chamber <NUM>‴ via the opening in the top of the container <NUM>‴ that is sealed with the lid <NUM>‴. The lid <NUM>‴ optionally includes a double-walled vacuum insulated structure <NUM>‴ that at least partially surrounds (e.g., surrounds an entirety of) a sidewall and a top wall of the portion <NUM>‴ of thermally insulative material, which can further inhibit (e.g., prevent) loss of cooling from the chamber <NUM>‴. In another implementation, the lid <NUM>‴ can optionally be hollow and have a space into which a phase change material can be inserted to further reduce the heat transfer out of the chamber <NUM>‴.

The container <NUM>‴ includes an electronic display screen <NUM>‴ (e.g., on a side surface, on a top surface, of the container <NUM>‴). The display screen <NUM>‴ can optionally be an electronic ink or E-ink display (e.g., electrophoretic ink display). In another implementation, the display screen <NUM>‴ can be a digital display (e.g., liquid crystal display or LCD, light emitting diode or LED, etc.). Optionally, the display screen <NUM>‴ can display a label , as shown in <FIG>, (e.g., a shipping label with one or more of an address of sender, an address of recipient, a Maxi Code machine readable symbol, a QR code, a routing code, a barcode, and a tracking number), but can optionally additionally or alternatively display other information (e.g., temperature history information, information on the contents of the container <NUM>‴. According to the present invention, the display screen <NUM> is configured to selectively display shipping information for the portable cooler container <NUM>‴.

The cooler container assembly <NUM>‴ also includes a user interface <NUM>‴. In <FIG>, the user interface <NUM>‴ is on the side of the container <NUM>‴. In another implementation, the user interface <NUM>‴ is disposed on a top surface (e.g., a corner) of the housing <NUM>‴ of the container <NUM>‴ and/or a surface of the lid <NUM>‴. The user interface <NUM>‴ can optionally be a button (e.g., a "return home" button). In one implementation, the user interface <NUM>‴ is a depressible button. In still another implementation, the user interface <NUM>‴ can be a touch screen portion (e.g., separate from or incorporated as part of the display screen <NUM>‴). Advantageously, actuation of the user interface <NUM>‴ is configured to alter the information shown on the display <NUM>‴, such as the form of a shipping label shown on an E-ink display <NUM>‴. For example, actuation of the user interface <NUM>‴, is configured to switch the text associated with the sender and receiver, allowing the cooler container assembly <NUM>‴ to be shipped back to the sender once the receiving party is done with it. Optionally, actuation of the user interface <NUM>‴ additionally causes (e.g., automatically causes) a signal to be sent by circuitry in the assembly <NUM>"', as discussed above, to a shipping carrier (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL) informing the shipping carrier that a shipping label (e.g., new shipping label) has been assigned to the portable cooler <NUM>‴ and that the cooler is ready for pick-up and shipping.

Advantageously, the cooler container <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ can be reused multiple times (e.g., <NUM> times, <NUM> times, <NUM> times, <NUM> times), providing a sustainable cooler container for the delivery of perishable material (e.g., medicine, food, other perishables). Additionally, the container <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ is easy to use and streamlines the shipping process. For example, the user interface <NUM>‴ (e.g., button) makes it easy to return the container without having to print a new shipping label and without having to separately contact the shipping carrier for pickup, thereby improving the productivity of personnel handling the packages. The cooler containers <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ can be stacked, for example in columns of <NUM> containers <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴, allowing a user to stack and unstack them without the need for a ladder.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the present inventions is defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A portable cooler container system (<NUM>), comprising:
a container body (<NUM>) having a chamber (<NUM>) configured to receive one or more temperature sensitive products;
a sleeve (<NUM>) disposed about the chamber (<NUM>) and housing a phase change material (<NUM>) or thermal mass;
a conduit (<NUM>) extending through the sleeve (<NUM>), an outer surface of the conduit (<NUM>) in thermal communication with the phase change material (<NUM>) or thermal mass;
a lid (<NUM>) hingedly coupleable or removably coupleable to the container body (<NUM>) to access the chamber (<NUM>);
a temperature control system (<NUM>) comprising
a cold side heat sink (<NUM>) in thermal communication with at least a portion of the conduit (<NUM>),
a hot side heat sink (<NUM>),
a thermoelectric module (<NUM>) interposed between and in thermal communication with the cold side heat sink (<NUM>) and hot side heat sink (<NUM>),
a pump (<NUM>) operable to flow a fluid relative to the cold side heat sink (<NUM>) to cool the fluid and to flow the cooled fluid through the conduit (<NUM>) in the sleeve (<NUM>) to cool the phase change material (<NUM>) or thermal mass so that the phase change material (<NUM>) or thermal mass is configured to cool at least a portion of the chamber (<NUM>), and
circuitry configured to control an operation of one or both of the thermoelectric module (<NUM>) and the pump (<NUM>);
characterised in that the portable cooler container system (<NUM>) comprises:
a display screen (<NUM>) configured to selectively display shipping information for the portable cooler container (<NUM>); and
a button or touch screen (<NUM>) manually actuatable by a user to automatically switch sender and recipient information on the display screen (<NUM>) to facilitate return of the portable cooler container (<NUM>) to a sender.