U.S. patent application number 12/022048 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for insulated container utilizing non-contact cooling.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Stuart L. Meether.
Application Number | 20080178629 12/022048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39666411 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080178629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meether; Stuart L. |
July 31, 2008 |
INSULATED CONTAINER UTILIZING NON-CONTACT COOLING
Abstract
An insulated container that provides non-contact cooling. A
cooling medium is maintained in a reservoir or pocket that is
separate from a food compartment. In an embodiment, the insulated
container includes a tube or manifold for moving cold water around
the food compartment. A battery powered, solar powered, or hand
operated pump may be provided for moving the fluids around the food
compartment. A liner for the food compartment may be formed of a
highly thermally conducted material, such as aluminum, to maximize
heat transfer between reservoir, and/or the tube or manifold system
and the liner.
Inventors: |
Meether; Stuart L.;
(Wichita, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kelly S.K. Elsea;Intellectual Property Counsel for
The Coleman Company, Inc., 3600 N. Hydraulic
Wichita
KS
67219
US
|
Assignee: |
THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.
Wichita
KS
|
Family ID: |
39666411 |
Appl. No.: |
12/022048 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60887183 |
Jan 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/451 ; 220/500;
220/592.2; 62/457.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2331/804 20130101;
F25D 3/08 20130101; F25D 2303/081 20130101; F25D 23/061 20130101;
F25D 2303/0845 20130101; F25D 2303/0843 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/451 ;
62/457.7; 220/500; 220/592.2 |
International
Class: |
F25D 3/06 20060101
F25D003/06; F25D 31/00 20060101 F25D031/00; F25D 3/08 20060101
F25D003/08 |
Claims
1. An insulated container, comprising: an insulated housing
configured and designed to be transported by a user; a dry
compartment in the housing; and a cold medium reservoir in the
housing, separated from the dry compartment, and for receiving a
cold medium.
2. The insulated container of claim 1, further comprising a
thermally conductive liner material extending between the cold
medium reservoir and the dry compartment.
3. The insulated container of claim 2, wherein the thermally
conductive liner extends around a substantial portion of the dry
compartment.
4. The insulated container of claim 1, further comprising a conduit
extending from the cold medium reservoir against at least a portion
of the dry compartment.
5. The insulated container of claim 1, further comprising a
thermally conductive liner material extending between the conduit
and the dry compartment.
6. The insulated container of claim 5, wherein the conduit and the
liner extend substantially around the dry compartment.
7. The insulated container of claim 6, further comprising a pump
for circulating fluid between the cold medium reservoir and the
conduit.
8. The insulated container of claim 5, further comprising a pump
for circulating fluid between the cold medium reservoir and the
conduit.
9. The insulated container of claim 4, further comprising a pump
for circulating fluid between the cold medium reservoir and the
conduit.
10. The insulated container of claim 9, wherein the pump comprises
a hand pump that is pumped from an outside of the housing.
11. The insulated container of claim 9, further comprising a drain
for the conduit.
12. The insulated container of claim 4, further comprising a drain
for the conduit.
13. The insulated container of claim 1, further comprising a drain
for the reservoir.
14. The insulated container of claim 1, further comprising a lid
for fitting over the housing, and wherein the lid comprises a seal
for closing the reservoir when the lid is closed over the
housing.
15. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the reservoir
extends under the dry compartment.
16. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the reservoir
extends along two sides of the dry compartment.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/887,183 filed Jan. 30, 2007, and
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Insulated containers, sometimes called "coolers," are
prevalent in contemporary life. Insulated containers are often used
for picnics or for outdoor activities such as camping or tailgating
at sporting events. In addition, insulated containers are becoming
more prevalent in the medical industry, where they are used to move
transplant organs and other articles that need to remain cold
during transport. Also, the need to transport commercial goods such
as perishable foods, live foodstuffs, drinks, medicines, and
environmental samples is becoming more important.
[0003] Often, a user desires to store items in an insulated
container and keep those items cool, but does not want those items
to come into contact with ice. For example, a user may have a
number of sandwiches, baked goods, or other items that the user
wishes to keep dry, but cold. Many conventional insulated
containers include a compartment at a top of the insulated
container for the items that are to be kept cold, and ice is placed
at the bottom of the container to keep the inside of the container
cold. However, humidity levels within the compartment may still be
high because of the presence of ice within the insulated
container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of some
embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of
the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of
the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description of some embodiments that are presented
later.
[0005] In accordance with an embodiment, an insulated container
provides non-contact cooling. That is, the insulated cooler
provides cooling without ice, water, or another cooling medium
contacting items that are to be cooled. In an embodiment, the
cooling medium is maintained in a reservoir or pocket that is
separate from a food compartment. In an embodiment, ice or another
cooling medium is not included within a food compartment at
all.
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment, a reservoir is provided
for cubed ice, block ice, blue ice, frozen gel packs, or some other
cold medium. The reservoir is positioned to remove heat from (e.g.,
in thermal contact with) a food compartment for the insulated
container.
[0007] In an embodiment, the insulated container includes a tube or
manifold for moving cold water around the food compartment. A
battery powered, solar powered, or hand operated pump may be
provided for moving the fluids around the food compartment. A liner
for the food compartment may be formed of a highly thermally
conductive material, such as aluminum, to maximize heat transfer
between the tube or manifold system and the liner.
[0008] In an embodiment, the insulated container includes a plug or
drain for removing water from the reservoir and/or tube/manifold
system. The drain may work by gravity, or a pump may be utilized to
remove water from the system.
[0009] In an alternate embodiment, a siphon-type system may be used
for circulating water around the manifold. Other structures may be
used for removing heat from the food compartment, including a
thermosiphon or a heat pipe.
[0010] In other alternate embodiments, a cooling source other than
ice may be used, such as a blue ice pack.
[0011] Other features of the invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with
the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an insulated container
in accordance with an embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a section view of the insulated container of FIG.
1 taken along the section lines 2-2;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway, side perspective view of an
insulated container in accordance with another embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded side perspective view of an insulated
container in accordance with an embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the insulated container
of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway, side perspective view of the
insulated container of FIGS. 4 and 5;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an alternate embodiment of an insulated container
including a hand pump;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an insulated container
including an ice reservoir at a front portion of the insulated
container in accordance with an alternate embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a front view of
an insulated container in accordance with an alternate embodiment;
and
[0021] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a side
perspective view of the insulated container of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In the following description, various embodiments of the
present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation,
specific configurations and details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without the specific details.
Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in
order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
shows an insulated container 20 in accordance with an embodiment.
The insulated container 20 includes sidewalls 22 and a lid 24. In
the embodiment shown in the drawings, handles 26 (only one of which
is shown in FIG. 1) are provided on opposite sides of the insulated
container 20 for transport.
[0024] Briefly described, insulated containers in accordance with
an embodiment include a reservoir for a cooling medium, such as
water and ice, that is separate from a food compartment for the
insulated container. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, a dry food
compartment 28 is segregated from an ice reservoir 30.
[0025] In practice, a user places ice, ice and water, or another
cooing medium, such as blue ice or frozen gel packs, into the
reservoir 30. The cooling medium absorbs heat from the dry
compartment 28 via a thermally conducted liner 32. The liner 32 may
be formed, for example, of aluminum or another thermally conductive
material. The liner 32 is preferably in contact with an interior of
the reservoir 30 and the interior of the dry compartment 28, so
that maximum thermal conduction may be provided. The liner 32 may
extend partially or completely around the dry compartment 28. In an
embodiment, the liner 32 extends around the inside of all of the
sidewalls 22 of the insulated container 20, but the liner may
additionally or alternatively extend underneath a portion or all of
the dry compartment 28 or around selected portions of the dry
compartment.
[0026] The reservoir 30 may be a pocket formed in one or more of
the sidewalls 22 of the insulated container 20. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2, the reservoir 30 is a pocket positioned along a
front side of the insulated container. However, the reservoir may
be positioned at other locations within the insulated container,
including within the lid 24, at other positions in the sidewalls
22, or in the bottom of the insulated container.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of an insulated
container 33. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the insulated
container 33 includes a bladder 34 positioned on the inside of the
insulated container. The bladder 34 is a flexible membrane designed
to hold a fluid, and serves as the reservoir in this embodiment.
The bladder 34 includes an inner wall 35 that provides separation
between an internal compartment of the bladder 34 and a dry
compartment 36. Insulation 37 is positioned on an opposite side of
the bladder 34. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the
bladder 34 includes buttons 38 that attach to the insulation 37 to
keep the bladder in place. Reinforcement ribs 31, such as I-beams,
may be used to connect the rear and inner walls 35 of the bladder
34 from separating when filled, in much as the same manner as an
airbed utilizes such ribs or coils, as described in U.S.
Publication Number 2007/0044243. A drain 39, such as a conventional
cooler spigot, is provided for draining the bladder 34.
[0028] In use, the bladder 34 is filled with ice or another cold
medium, such as cold water, and the bladder 34 provides cooling, or
heat removal, for items within the dry compartment 36. In an
embodiment, ice water is placed in the bladder 34. However, in an
alternate embodiment, the bladder 34 may include only water, and
ice may be maintained in a separate compartment, or in a separate
part of the bladder 34. After use, a user drains the bladder 34
using the drain 39.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows an insulated container 40 in accordance with
another embodiment. The insulated container 40 includes sidewalls
42 and a lid 44 hinged to one of the back sidewalls. Handles 46 are
provided on opposite sides of the insulated container 40 for
transport.
[0030] The insulated container 40 includes a dry compartment 48 and
an ice reservoir 50. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a liner 52
extends around and under the dry compartment 48 and the ice
reservoir 50. A wall 53 separates the ice reservoir 50 and the dry
compartment 48.
[0031] The ice reservoir 50 is in fluid communication with cooling
tubes 54 that extend around the liner 52. In the embodiment shown
in the drawings, the cooling tubes 54 are formed by a single tube
that wraps in a coil around the liner 52. The upper and lower
portions (i.e., the ends) of the single tube are in fluid
communication with the ice reservoir 50. As can be seen in FIGS. 5
and 6, the liner 52 fits within the sidewalls 42 of the insulated
container 40. When in place, as is shown in FIG. 6, insulation may
be blown around the cooling tubes 54 and the liner 52 to position
the liner in place and to provide an insulation function.
[0032] In the embodiments shown in the drawings, a drain plug 58
(FIGS. 4 and 5) is provided for draining the reservoir 50. The
drain plug 58 may additionally or alternatively be in fluid
communication with the cooling tubes 54.
[0033] A pump 60 (shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5) is provided for
pumping water from the ice reservoir 50 through the cooling tubes
54. The pump may be, for example, battery operated, solar powered,
or AC powered. In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, a hand
pump 62 may be provided for an insulated container 140.
[0034] In operation, a user places water and ice or another cold,
preferably at least part fluid, medium within the ice reservoir 50.
The dry compartment 48 may be used for receiving food stuffs or
other items. The wall 53 and the liner 52 are preferably made of a
thermally conductive material, such as aluminum. The pump 60 is
used to drive water from the ice reservoir 30 around the cooling
tubes 54 and back into the reservoir 50. Thus, heat transfer is
maximized between the ice reservoir 50 and the liner 52. In this
manner, heat may be efficiently removed from the dry compartment
48. After a user has either melted all the ice or is finished with
the insulated container 40, the drain plug 58 may be opened,
allowing water and/or ice to flow out of the ice reservoir 50 and
the cooling tubes 54. If needed, the pump 60 may be operated to
remove any additional water from the cooling tubes 54.
[0035] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, an indentation 64 may
be provided in the lid 44 for matching the top of the ice reservoir
50. This indentation may be used to close and seal the top of the
ice reservoir 50, minimizing heat absorption by the ice reservoir.
Other structures may be used, including a gasket or another type of
seal.
[0036] FIG. 8 shows an insulated container 70 in accordance with
another embodiment. The insulated container 70 in FIG. 8 is similar
to the insulated container 40 in FIG. 5, but instead of having a
reservoir 50 that is within a liner 52, a reservoir 74 for the
insulated container 70 is included in a pocket of sidewalls 72 of
the insulated container 70. A dry compartment 73 is positioned on
the inside of the insulated container 70. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 8, a drain plug 76 is provided on the front of the
insulated container 70, and a pump 78 is positioned adjacent to the
ice reservoir 74.
[0037] Other mechanisms or structures may be used to increase
thermal transfer between the ice reservoir and the liner and/or
food compartment. For example, instead of the pump, a siphon-type
system may be used for circulating water around a liner. Other
structures may be used for removing heat from the food compartment,
including a thermosiphon or a heat pipe. Heat pipes and
thermosiphons are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,505.
[0038] An alternate embodiment of an insulated container 80 is
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,
the insulated container 80 includes an ice channel 82 that extends
around the front, bottom, and rear sides of a dry compartment 84
for the insulated container. The dry compartment 84 may be lined
with a sufficient thermally conductive liner material, such as
aluminum. Insulation may be included on the outside of the ice
channel 82. In addition, insulation 86 (FIG. 9) may be provided at
the ends of the ice channel 82. A lid 88 may fit over the top of
the insulated container 80, and may close the dry compartment 84
and both ends of the ice channel 82. The ice channel 82 may be
opened at one or both ends, and provides an extended pocket through
which ice water or another cold medium may be put in contact with
the dry compartment 84. When the ice melts, a user may turn the
insulated container 80 upside down, or a drain plug may be provided
for draining the ice channel.
[0039] The insulated containers described herein provide a manner
in which to store foodstuffs or other items in a dry, cold
container. Separate reservoirs are provided for a cooling medium
and food stuffs. In this manner, food or other items may remain
cold within the insulated container, without having contact with
ice or the humidity levels associated with being in an ice
compartment.
[0040] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated
embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described
above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the
appended claims.
[0041] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0042] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as
partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together,
even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless
otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be
construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the
practice of the invention.
[0043] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *