Self cooling container

Abstract

A container that comprises first and second sidewalls and first and second end walls connected to a base. At least one of the base, respective sidewalls, or respective end wall is formed of a material that has a high thermal conductivity. At least each of the sidewalls or each of the end walls may be provided with venting to promote air flow. The first and second end walls and the first and second sidewalls are pivotally connected to the base.

1 . A self cooling container comprises a:
 horizontal floor portion, and four adjoining vertical wall portions,   wherein at least one of the floor portion and four adjoining vertical wall portions are formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity.   
     
     
         2 . The self cooling container of  claim 1 , wherein the thermal conductivity of the material is substantially greater than that of polypropylene. 
     
     
         3 . The self cooling container of  claim 1 , wherein at least a respective pair of adjoining vertical walls are opposed from each other, each vertical wall of said respective pair being formed with vent openings therein. 
     
     
         4 . The self cooling container of  claim 1 , wherein a first and second wall of the four adjoining vertical walls are pivotally connected to the floor portion and a third and fourth wall of the four adjoining vertical walls are each pivotally connected to said floor portion. 
     
     
         5 . The self cooling container of  claim 1 , wherein the material having a high thermal conductivity has a thermal conductivity of about 0.30 W·K −1 ·m −1  to 1.2 W·K −1 ·m −1 . 
     
     
         6 . The self cooling container of  claim 1 , wherein the material is a polypropylene resin mixed with exfoliated graphite. 
     
     
         7 . The self cooling container of  claim 1 , wherein the material having a high thermal conductivity has a thermal conductivity of between 0.39 W·K −1 ·m −1  and 0.8 W·K −1 ·m −1 . 
     
     
         8 . The self cooling container of  claim 1 , wherein the material having a high thermal conductivity is a high density polyethylene resin mixed with exfoliated graphite. 
     
     
         9 . The self cooling container of  claim 7 , wherein the material is between five percent to thirty percent exfoliated graphite by weight. 
     
     
         10 . The self cooling container of  claim 8 , wherein the material is between five percent to thirty percent exfoliated graphite by weight. 
     
     
         11 . The self cooling container of  claim 1 , wherein the material having a high thermal conductivity is polypropylene mixed with exfoliated graphite, the exfoliated graphite being present at between about five percent to thirty percent by weight, and the thermal conductivity of the material being between about 0.30 W·K −1 ·m −1  to 1.2 W·K −1 ·m −1 . 
     
     
         12 . The self cooling container of  claim 1 , wherein the material having a high thermal conductivity is a high density polyethylene resin mixed with exfoliated graphite, containing mixed exfoliated graphite by weight of between five percent and thirty percent, and the material having a thermal conductivity between 0.39 W·K −1 ·m −1  and 0.8 W·K −1 ·m −1 .