Travel container with passive thermal control and a flexibile outer shell

Abstract

An apparatus for shipping articles under controlled temperature conditions, having a metallic article enclosure surrounded by a set of insulating panels, with a predetermined volume separation between the enclosure and the insulating panels, and the predetermined volume being filled with phase change material.

1 . An apparatus for maintaining an article under controlled temperature conditions during extended periods of travel, comprising: 
 (a) a first volume sized for containment of said article, and a first enclosure surrounding said first volume; said first enclosure having a heat-conductive walled construction with a removable cover;    (b) a plurality of insulating walls about said first enclosure in spaced apart relationship, at least one of said plurality of insulating walls being removable to provide access to the interior of said first enclosure;    (c) a package filled with phase change material placed in the space between said insulating walls and said first enclosure, and    (d) a flexible shipping carton surrounding said plurality of insulating walls.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of insulating walls are arranged to form a cubic second enclosure about said first enclosure.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said phase change material comprises a mixture of water and ice.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first enclosure is made from metal.