Thermally-controlled package

Abstract

A portable thermally-controlled container system includes an outer case providing a first inner chamber and configured to have an open position and a closed position, when in the open position the outer case is configured to receive items into the first inner chamber and when in the closed position the outer case is configured to inhibit heat transfer between the first inner chamber and a region external to the outer case, and an inner case configured to fit in the chamber provided by the outer case, the inner case including a first thermally-reflective layer and a first insulation layer disposed inwardly of the first thermally-reflective layer, the inner case providing a second inner chamber disposed inwardly of the first insulation layer.

1 . A thermally-insulated container system comprising:
 A first outer container configured to have an open end and a panel movable from an open position and a closed position, the said panel when in the open position is configured to receive a second container configured to have an open end and a panel movable from an open position and a closed position, the said panel when in a closed position is substantially sealed from the environment; and   is further configured to receive a cooling element inside the first outer container and when in the closed position the outer container is configured to inhibit heat transfer between the first inner chamber and a region external to the external outer container housing;   an inner container configured to be repeatably removable and fit inside the outer container inner chamber, where the inner container comprises a first thermally-reflective layer of insulation and second layer of moisture absorbing material, the inner container configured to temporarily store temperature sensitive materials; and   a cooling element configured to be disposed in the first inner container and further configured to maintain desirable refrigerated temperature for temporary transport of temperature sensitive materials wherein the inner case and the cooling element substantially fill the first container and can be used a multiple of times.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the outer container includes an insulated case shell and window for viewing the inside of the container chamber. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the window is configured to view a temperature indicator inside the container chamber. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the window is viewable to read temperatures approximately 32 degrees F. to approximately 46 degrees F. within the inner chamber of the said container system. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a temperature indicator configured to provide an indication of a temperature in a second inner container chamber, the indication being detectable outside of the outer container while the outer container is in the closed position. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the temperature indicator comprises a thermo chromatic ink, liquid crystal polymer or thermocouple device. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the temperature indicator is configured to provide a warning of temperature outside a safe transport temperature range. 
   
   
       8 . The indicator of  claim 7  wherein the indication is at least one of visible and audible. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the inner container includes a fastener to securely fasten and selectively locate temperature sensitive materials central to the inside internal chamber of the inner container. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the cooling element includes a plurality of cylindrical tubular shaped cooling elements integrally connected together such that the cooling element is configured to be tightly wrapped around the walls of the inner container. 
   
   
       11 . An insulated package system for transporting temperature-sensitive material while the system is exposed to various environmental conditions, the system comprising:
 an outer case including a resilient outer layer of insulation material, comprising a first front panel connected to a second base panel and third rear panel along their adjacent edges, and a fourth top panel of similar size and shape as the said second base panel pivotally closable to form a lid, and a fifth and a sixth opposing side panel fixedly attached to the said second base panel and preferably attached to the first and third panels to form a closed insulated container;   the said outer case having a resilient inner layer of insulation material, coupled to the said outer case material and provide a thermal efficient barrier for inside the said package system;   a cooling element configured to the inside wall of the package assembly system, comprising of a plurality of cooling element channels somewhat symmetrical in shape and equal in length to the said panel members; and   the cooling element configured to be repeatedly frozen and thawed by absorbing thermal energy;   wherein the container system and cooling element is integrally configured to store and transport temperature sensitive materials.   
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the cooling elements are configured to store phase change materials. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the phase change materials are configured to maintain a temperature above freezing. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the panel lid comprises a disposed channel or flap to inhibit air flow or thermal losses within the package. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the inner container includes a second lid pivotally coupled to the body of the package top panel. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the container is configured with a temperature indicating device. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the temperature indicating device comprises a thermo chromatic ink, temperature sensor or thermo couple. 
   
   
       18 . An insulated package for transporting temperature-sensitive materials in various temperature conditions extended periods of time while they system may be exposed to various temperature profiles within an environment, the package comprising:
 A resilient container body including an external outer shell layer of material, layer or reflective foil material, insulation layer of material, and an inner liner;   the reflective layer of foil material configured with a nonwoven material backing substantially covering the entire surface area of the said container body;   the insulation layer being disposed between the outer shell layer and the first liner layer, the outer case providing a first inner chamber and configured to have an open position and a closed position, when in the open position the outer case is configured to receive items into the first inner chamber and when in the closed position the outer case is configured to inhibit heat transfer between the first inner chamber and a region external to the outer case;   a temperature indicator to visually indicate temperature within the package system; and   the temperature indicator configured to indicate temperature for at least two temperature points, and wherein the temperature points are predetermined to designate a safe temperature environment within the package;   a thermal cooling element configured to be repeatedly frozen and thawed by absorbing and transferring thermal energy;   
     wherein the package system is configured to temporarily transport temperature sensitive materials and provide a temperature indicative means to view the internal temperature of the package system. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18  further comprising a reversible and reusable temperature indicator that is an integral part of the said package system. 
   
   
       20 . The indicator of  claim 19  wherein the temperature indicia is at least one of visible and audible. 
   
   
       21 . The package system of  claim 18  wherein the indicating means includes an image displayed through a transparent ink when a specified temperature is reached and opaque when the said temperature is within a safe limit. 
   
   
       22 . The package system of  claim 18  wherein the temperature indicating means is configured to indicate whether the temperature is between about 36° F. and about 46° F. 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the temperature indicating mean 36 s is configured to indicate that the temperature is between about 32° F. and about 36° F. and about 46° F. degrees.