CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/346,650 filed Jan. 8, 2002, as well as, the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/432,606 filed Dec. 11, 2002, the entirety of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to containers, and more particularly, to containers which are operatively configured to retain items therein at a low temperature for an extended period of time.

2. Background Art

Containers for various chilled items have been known in the art for several years. Conventional containers for chilled items typically require the use of a surrounding external refrigerant. Regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term â€œrefrigerantâ€ will herein be defined as, among other things, a substance that, by undergoing a change in phase, releases or absorbs a latent heat in relation to its volume, and thus effects a considerable cooling effect, such as, for example, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, ethyl or methyl chloride, or fluorocarbons such as Freon, Ucon, and Genetron. A conventional container must be stored in a refrigerated cooler or freezer, and/or must be transported via a refrigerated mode of transportation, such as, for example, a refrigerated truck or train. Such measures for storing and/or transporting chilled items in conventional containers are expensive and/or inconvenient.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide containers that remedy the aforementioned detriments and/or complications associated with conventional containers that require such expensive and/or inconvenient means to maintain a retained item at a low temperature for an extended period of time.

In accordance with the present invention, the disclosed containers enable one or more items, such as living organs, frozen foods, etcetera, to be controllably retained at a low temperature for an extended period of timeâ€”including, but not limited to, several days wherein the external environment is not refrigerated. Moreover, the disclosed containers may be used as point of purchase displays for items which need to be maintained at a low temperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a top plan view of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell and an internal thermal assembly comprising a frame sub-assembly, and a plurality of insulating members in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of a fully unarticulated outer shell fabricated in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a perspective view of an open, fully articulated outer shell fabricated in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 of the drawings is a perspective view of a frame sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 of the drawings is a perspective view of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell and a frame sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 of the drawings is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell, a frame sub-assembly, and a plurality of insulating members including, among other members, an upper insulating member in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 of the drawings is a top plan view of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a fully articulated outer shell, a frame sub-assembly including a lid frame member, and a plurality of insulating members in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 of the drawings is a perspective view of an enclosed thermally insulating apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 of the drawings is a top plan view of an embodiment of an open thermally insulating apparatus including, among other things, a single insulting member and a single frame sub-assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 10 of the drawings is a front plan view of a single insulating member of the present invention;

FIG. 11 of the drawings is a front plan view of a single frame sub-assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 12 of the drawings is a perspective view of an extruded single insulating member of the present invention;

FIG. 13 of the drawings is a perspective view of a thermally insulating apparatus showing, in particular, an insert member of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 of the drawings is a perspective view of the thermally insulating apparatus shown in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters.

Referring now to the drawings, and to FIG. 1 in particular, an open thermally insulating apparatus 100 is shown as generally comprising fully articulated outer shell 10 and internal thermal assembly 11, comprising frame sub-assembly 40 and a plurality of insulating members 60. It will be understood that FIG. 1 is merely a schematic representation of thermally insulating apparatus 100. As such, some of the components may be distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity.

It will be understood that thermally insulating apparatus 100 may comprise a number of different shapes and sizes in order to retain different items or a different number of a variety of items. Such shapes may include, for example, substantially cubical, substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, substantially arbitrary, substantially polygonalâ€”just to name a few. Preferably, as is shown in FIG. 1, thermally insulating apparatus 100 comprises the shape of a right rectangular prism. Regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term â€œright rectangular prismâ€ will herein be defined as a body bounded by two identical, parallel, similarly oriented polygonal bases and four lateral faces, and wherein at least a cross-section taken perpendicularly to two faces is rectangular, and further wherein the faces are perpendicular to the bases.

Referring now to FIG. 2, outer shell 10 is shown as an unarticulated blank which is preferably unitary. Outer shell 10 generally comprises lid 12; first and second inner layers 14A and 14B, respectively, and outer layer 14C which cooperate to define double-layer bottom wall 14; inner, middle, and outer layers 16A, 16D, and 16C, respectively, which cooperate to define first triple-layer side wall 16; inner, middle, and outer layers 18A, 18B, and 18C, respectively, which cooperate to define triple-layer side wall 18; front wall 20; rear wall 22; inner layer 24A, first and second middle layers 24B and 24C, respectively and outer layer 24D, which cooperate to define triple-layer front flap 24; first and second side flaps 26 and 28, respectively; at least one front flap slot 30; at least one front flap tab 31; at least one bottom wall slot 32; at least one bottom wall tab 33; and a plurality of fold lines. Although unarticulated outer shell 10 is shown as comprising a configuration capable of articulation to substantially resemble the shape shown in FIG. 3, it will be understood that numerous other configurations for unarticulated outer shell 10 are contemplated, as long as each may be articulated into a three-dimensional shape capable of retaining an internal thermal assembly.

As is shown in FIG. 2, middle layer 16B of first triple-layer side wall 16 emanates contiguously from front wall 20, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20.

Middle layer 18B of second triple-layer side wall 18 emanates contiguously from front wall 20, in a substantially opposing direction from middle layer 16B, is separated from front wall 20 by a fold line, and may preferably generally comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20.

Outer layer 14C of double-layer bottom wall 14 also emanates contiguously from front wall 20, in a substantially perpendicular direction to layers 16B and 18B, is separated from front wall 20 by a fold line, and may preferably generally comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20.

Rear wall 22 emanates contiguously from outer layer 14C of double-layer bottom wall 14, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20.

Outer layer 16C of first triple-layer side wall 16 emanates contiguously from rear wall 22, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20.

First inner layer 14A of double-layer bottom wall 14 emanates contiguously from outer layer 16C of first triple-layer side wall 16, and is separated therefrom by a fold line. The fold line separating first inner layer 14A from outer layer 16C preferably comprises at least one bottom wall slot 32 thereon, which is operatively aligned for receipt and retention of at least one bottom wall tab 33 which preferably emanates contiguously from inner layer 16A. However, it is also contemplated that no such bottom wall slot 32, and, in turn, no such bottom wall tab 33, are included. First inner layer 14A preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape wherein a width x of first inner layer 14A is substantially equal to length y of front wall 20 and a length y of first inner layer 14A is substantially equal to half of width x of front wall 20, such length of first inner layer 14A being proximate length y of outer layer 14C.

Outer layer 18C of second triple-layer side wall 18, which emanates contiguously from rear wall 22, in an opposite direction from outer layer 16C, is separated from rear wall 22 by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20.

Second inner layer 14B of double-layer bottom wall 14, which emanates contiguously from outer layer 18C of second triple-layer side wall 18, is separated therefrom by a fold line. The fold line separating second inner layer 14B from outer layer 18C preferably comprises at least one bottom wall slot 32 thereon, which is operatively aligned for receipt and retention of at least one bottom wall tab 33 emanating contiguously from inner layer 18A. However, it is also contemplated that no such bottom wall slot 32, and, in turn, no such bottom wall tab 33, are included. Second inner layer 14B preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape similar width x and length y of first inner layer 14A, such length of second inner layer 14B being proximate length y of outer layer 14C. Upon articulation of outer shell 10, first and second inner layers 14A and 14B are aligned to collectively comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20.

Lid 12 emanates contiguously from rear wall 22, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20.

Outer layer 24D of triple-layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously from lid 12, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and a fraction of length y of front wall 20. The fold line separating outer layer 24D from lid 12 preferably comprises at least one front flap slot 30 thereon, which is operatively aligned for receipt and retention of at least one front flap tab 31 which preferably emanates contiguously from inner layer 24A. However, it is also contemplated that no front flap slot 30, and, in turn, no front flap tab 31, are included. Inner layer 24A of triple-layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously from outer layer 24D, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape similar to outer layer 24D.

First side flap 26 emanates contiguously from lid 12, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and may comprise any shape wherein a substantial width of first side flap 26 is less than width x of front wall 20 and a substantial length of first side flap 26 is less than length y of front wall 20.

First middle layer 24B of triple-layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously from first side flap 26, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape wherein a width x of first middle layer 24B is substantially equal to length y of outer layer 24D and a length y of first middle layer 24B is substantially equal to half of width x of outer layer 24D.

Inner layer 16A of first triple-layer side wall 16 emanates contiguously from outer layer 16C, is separated therefrom by a foldline, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20, minus the shape of first side flap 26, the length y of inner layer 16A being proximate the length y of lid 12. Preferably, inner layer 16A also comprises at least one bottom wall tab 33 which is operatively configured for insertion into at least one bottom wall slot 32.

Second side flap 28 emanates contiguously from lid 12, in a substantially opposing direction from first side flap 26, is separated from lid 12 by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a shape similar to first side flap 26.

Second middle layer 24C of triple-layer front flap 24 emanates contiguously from second side flap 28, is separated therefrom by a fold line, and preferably generally comprises a shape similar to first middle layer 24B. Upon articulation of outer shell 10, first and second middle layers 24B and 24C are aligned to collectively comprise a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of outer layer 24D of triple-layer front flap 24.

Inner layer 18A of second triple-layer side wall 18 emanates contiguously from outer layer 18C, is separated therefrom by a foldline, and preferably generally comprises a polygonal shape of similar width x and similar length y of front wall 20, minus the shape of second side flap 28, the length y of inner layer 18A being proximate the length y of lid 12. Preferably, inner layer 18A also comprises at least one bottom wall tab 33 which is operatively configured for insertion into at least one bottom wall slot 32.

Outer shell 10 may be articulated by folding first inner layer 14A upwards, along the fold line between first inner layer 14A and outer layer 16C, such that first inner layer 14A is substantially perpendicular to outer layer 16C. Similarly, second inner layer 14B is folded upwards, along the fold line between second inner layer 14B and outer layer 18C, such that second inner layer 14B is substantially perpendicular to outer layer 18C. First and second inner layers 14A and 14B are pulled toward each other, and, in turn, outer layers 16C and 18C are folded along the fold lines between such layers and rear wall 22, such that outer layers 16C and 18C are substantially perpendicular to rear wail 22. First and second inner layers 14A and 14B are pulled toward each other such that they are in contact along their respective widths, collectively defining the inner layer of double-layer bottom wall 14. Outer layer 14C is folded along its fold line between outer layer 14C and rear wall 22, such that outer layer 14C is in direct contact with first and second inner layers 14A and 14B, and defines the outer layer of double-layer bottom wall 14.

Middle layer 16B is folded along the fold line between middle layer 16B and front wall 20, such that middle layer 16B is substantially perpendicular to front wall 20. Similarly, middle layer 18B is folded along the fold line between middle layer 18B and front wall 20, such that middle layer 18B is substantially perpendicular to front wall 20. Middle layers 16B and 18B are then tucked inside outer layers 16C and 18C, respectively, such that middle layers 16B and 18B are in direct contact with outer layers 16C and 18C, respectively, collectively defining outer and middle layers of first and second triple-layer side walls 16 and 18, respectively.

Inner layer 16A is then folded along the fold line between inner layer 16A and outer layer 16C such that inner layer 16A is in direct contact with middle layer 16B, collectively defining the inner layer of first triple-layer side wall 16. At least one bottom wall tab 33 on inner layer 16A is inserted into at least one bottom wall slot 32 on the fold line between first inner layer 14A and outer layer 16C. Inner layer 18A is folded along the fold line between inner layer 18A and outer layer 18C such that inner layer 18A is in direct contact with middle layer 18B, collectively defining the inner layer of first triple-layer side wall 18. At least one bottom wall tab 33 on inner layer 18A is then inserted into at least one bottom wall slot 32 on the fold line between second inner layer 14B and outer layer 18C.

First middle layer 24B is folded along the fold line between first middle layer 24B and first side flap 26, such that first middle layer 24B is substantially perpendicular to first side flap 26. Similarly, second middle layer 24C is folded along the fold life between second middle layer 24C and second side flap 28, such that second middle layer 24C is substantially perpendicular to second side flap 28. First and second middle layers 24B and 24C are pulled toward each other, and, in turn, first and second side flaps 26 and 28 are folded perpendicularly along the fold lines between such side flaps and lid 12, such that first and second middle layers 24B and 24C are in direct contact with each other along their respective widths, collectively defining the middle layer of triple-layer front flap 24. Inner layer 24A is then folded over first and second middle layers 24B and 24C, completing the assembly of triple-layer front flap 24, and at least one front flap tab 31 is tucked into at least one front flap slot 30.

Referring now to FIG. 3, fully articulated outer shell 10 is shown. As stated above, although outer shell 10 is shown to comprise a right rectangular prismatic geometry, a number of different sizes and shapes are contemplated for useâ€”as long as such geometry is conducive for retaining an internal thermal assembly and items therein.

Outer shell 10 is preferably fabricated from a substantially insulating and substantially non-conductive material such as, but not limited to, corrugated paper board, which may be single, double, triple, and/or, for example, quadruple-ply, and may be optionally include at least one fluted layer. Most preferably, a six pound fluted paperboard material is desirable for use as the outer shell.

Preferably, this material is cascaded for increased durability and insulation. Among other materials, the cascading material may comprise bee's wax, other waxes, polymer resins, etcetera. Preferably, the cascading process coats the paperboard and extends to coat the separate flutes of material.

Referring now to FIG. 4, frame sub-assembly 40 is shown as generally comprising front frame member 44, rear frame member 45, first side frame member 46, and second side frame member 47. It will be understood, however, that any combination of members which are capable of cooperating with outer shell 10 to define a plurality of outer cavities and at least one internal cavity therein are contemplated for use. Furthermore, while frame sub-assembly 40 is shown to define a substantially uniform internal cavity having a rectangular cross-section therein, such internal cavity may comprise any one of a number of different sizes or shapes such that different items or a different number of a variety of items may be retained therein.

Preferably, front, rear, and first and second side frame members 44, 45, 46, and 47, respectively, comprise polygonal geometries and are capable of interlocking in order to form an integral and substantially solid, substantially rigid sub-assembly. For example, frame members 44, 45, 46, and 47 may each comprise at least one of an upper slot 48, which is open-ended on an upper side of a frame member, and a lower slot 49, which is open-ended on a lower side of a frame member. Upper and lower slots 48 and 49, respectively, must be alternating when frame members of frame sub-assembly 40 are positioned correctly such that, for example, each upper slot 48 may interlock with one of lower slots 49. For example, front and rear frame members 44 and 45, respectively, may each comprise two of lower slots 49. In such a case, first and second side frame members 46 and 47, respectively, each comprise two of upper slots 48. Front frame member 44 is then interlocked to each of first and second side frame members 46 and 47, at substantially opposing ends thereof, by positioning and sliding one of lower slots 49 over one of upper slots 48, and rear frame member 45 is interlocked to each of first and second side frame members 46 and 47, at substantially opposing ends thereof, in the same manner.

As is shown in FIG. 4, frame sub-assembly 40 may further comprise at least one inner frame member 50, which is positionable in internal cavity 82, to, in turn, divide the internal cavity to facilitate the segregation of different items positioned within the internal cavity. At least one inner frame member 50 is capable of interlocking with frame sub-assembly 40. Such interlocking means may comprise a plurality of frame slots 52, at least one frame slot 52 positioned on at least two of front frame member 44, rear frame member 45, first side frame member 46, and second side frame member 47, and a plurality of frame tabs 53 positioned on at least one of inner frame member 50, wherein frame slots 52 are configured for receipt and retention of frame tabs 53 therein.

Preferably, frame sub-assembly 40, and all members thereof, are fabricated from a substantially insulating and substantially non-conductive material such as, but not limited to, corrugated paper board, which may be single, double, triple, and/or, for example, quadruple-ply, and may include at least one fluted layer. Most preferably, a six pound fluted paperboard material is desirable for use as the outer shell.

Preferably, this material is cascaded, for increased durability and insulation. Among other materials, the cascading material may comprise bee's wax, other waxes, polymer resins, etcetera. Preferably, the cascading process coats the paperboard and extends to coat the separate flutes of material.

Once assembled, as is shown in FIG. 4, frame sub-assembly 40 may be inserted into articulated outer shell 10, as is shown in FIG. 5. As such, frame sub-assembly, in cooperation with outer shell 10, defines a plurality of outer cavities 80 at least partially surrounding the perimeter of internal cavity 82. Indeed, in the embodiment shown, eight outer cavities 80 are defined between shell 10 and frame sub-assembly 40, namely, four wall cavities, such as wall cavity 85 and four corner cavities, such as corner cavity 83. Of course, the invention is not limited to any particular number of or shape of the outer cavities.

Referring again to FIG. 1, insulating members 60 may comprise a number of shapes and sizes, as long as at least one of the plurality of insulating members 60 may be configured to fit within each of the plurality of outer cavities 80 which are defined by the cooperation of frame sub-assembly 40 and outer shell 10. While not required, it is generally useful to size the insulating members to dimensionally correspond to the respective outer cavity, to, in turn, facilitate the snug receipt within the respective cavity, and to generally preclude inadvertent removal from within the respective outer cavity. Insulating members 60 may be fabricated from polystyrene, or any one of a number of different insulators known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, insulating members 60 are fabricated from a medium density polystyrene having an approximate â€œRâ€ value of about approximately 7.4. Other materials are likewise contemplated for use. Any such insulating members may be from Â¼â€³ in thickness to about 1Â½â€³ in thickness or greater, depending on the application.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown as further comprising an upper insulating member 62, which may or may not be secured to lid 12 via any one of a number of securing means known to those having ordinary skill in the art, such as, for example, glue or tape. Furthermore, as is shown, it is contemplated that lower insulating member 64 be included which may be positionable within the internal cavity 82 proximate to double-layer bottom wail 14. As is also shown in FIG. 6, upper insulating member 62 and lower insulating member 64 may be of a material substantially similar to those available for insulating members 60.

As is shown in FIG. 7, once assembled, it is also contemplated that internal thermal assembly 11 further include lid frame member 42, which may be positionable above internal cavity 82. Furthermore, although not shown, it is contemplated that a lower frame member may be included which may be positionable beneath internal cavity 82.

Referring to FIG. 8, thermally insulating apparatus 100 is shown as fully enclosed, wherein lid 12 is fitted securely over internal cavity 82, and is secured thereon via triple-layer front flap 24, and first and second side flaps 26 and 28.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9. In such an embodiment, a single insulating member 60â€² may be utilized instead of the plurality of separate insulating members, and a single frame sub-assembly 40â€² may be utilized instead of separate interconnected panels. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the single insulating member 60â€² may comprise four separate panels 60â€²a-60â€²d which are positioned sequentially side by side and which are attached via score lines. Indeed, the single insulating member may comprise a single integrated member or a plurality of joining or abutted members. To assemble such an embodiment, the insulating member is bent about the score lines so that the panels are sequentially at substantially right angles and until the two end edges meet. Once bent, the entire insulating member is inserted into the outer shell 10. Material may be removed from the separate panels 60â€²a-60â€²d proximate the score lines for thicker insulating members to facilitate the bending of the separate panels relative to each other.

Similarly, single frame sub-assembly 40â€² is shown in FIG. 11 as comprising separate panels 40â€²a-40â€²d which are positioned sequentially side by side and which are attached via score lines. Indeed, the single frame sub-assembly may comprise a single integrated member or a plurality of joined or abutted members. To assemble such a single frame sub-assembly, the single frame sub-assembly is bent about the score lines so that the panels are sequentially at substantially right angles and until the two end edges meet. Once bent, the entire single frame sub-assembly is inserted into the cavity such that it is in an abutting relationship with the single insulating member. In such an embodiment, the time necessary to assemble a completed thermally insulating apparatus can be minimized, as can the number of separate components that is required.

In yet another embodiment, the single insulating member may comprise an extrusion as is shown in FIG. 12. In such an embodiment, the extrusion is cut to the desired length and then inserted into the outer shell. Of course, the extrusion is not limited to any particular wall thickness, and any number of different wall thicknesses are contemplated for use.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the thermally insulating apparatus may further include an insert member, such as insert member 107 of FIGS. 13 and 14. The insert member may comprise a translucent or transparent cover of substantially flexible or substantially rigid material which may be positioned so as to cover the opening of the thermally insulating apparatus. In such a configuration, the insert member provides some additional thermal insulating functions, while permitting the viewing of the internal contents. Such an insert member is particularly useful when the thermally insulating apparatus is used as a point of purchase display, for such items as, for example, ice cream or popsicles. Specifically, the purchaser is able to see the contents while the insert member provides some thermal insulating function and precludes the ingress and egress of air. Of course, any number of different materials, having different rigidities, thicknesses and â€œRâ€ values are contemplated for use, such as transparent film, cellophane, Plexiglas, and others.

Depending on the material, different attachment configurations are contemplated for use. In the embodiment shown, insert member 107 includes covering region 109 and attachment region 110. Attachment region 110 is positioned between the outer shell and the insulating member, or between the insulating member and the frame sub-assembly. In other embodiments, the insert member may be adhered or otherwise affixed to any one of the frame sub-assembly, insulating member and outer shell.

Certain tests were run of thermal insulating apparatuses made in accordance with the present invention to determine the performance of same. The prepared thermal insulating apparatuses that were tested comprised several different variations relative to dimensions, as well as relative to insulating member properties and dimensions. Various different foods were positioned in the different prepared thermal insulating apparatuses, including one frozen rib stick, two packages of frozen pork chops and a half gallon container of ice cream.

To complete the tests, the various foods were cooled to approximately âˆ’20Â° F. Next, for the experimental groups, the cooled foods were placed in thermal insulating apparatuses and placed on a wooden pallet in a room at standard room temperature. The temperature of the internal foods were taken at intervals and recorded. For the control group, the cooled foods were similarly positioned in a room at standard room temperature. The temperature of the foods were taken at intervals and recorded. As is readily discernable, the cooled foods positioned within the thermal insulating apparatuses remained in within appropriate ranges of temperature for a substantially extended period of time as compared to the cooled foods not positioned within the thermal insulating apparatuses.

Thermally insulating apparatus 100 may enable one or more items, such as living organs, frozen foods, etcetera, to be controllably retained at a low temperature for an extended period of timeâ€”including, but not limited to, several days wherein the external environment is not refrigerated. Moreover, the disclosed containers may be used as point of purchase displays for items which need to be maintained at a low temperature (i.e., refreshments, ice cream, etcetera).

Use of thermally insulating apparatus 100 provides certain advantages over prior art devices. Among other advantages, outer shell 10, internal thermal assembly 11, and, therefore, thermally insulating apparatus 100 as a whole, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and assemble for use. Furthermore, the assembly of thermally insulating apparatus 100 requires little training and skill. Another beneficial feature of the present invention is its sturdy and durable construction. The user of such an apparatus can be assured that thermally insulating apparatus 100 will retain its shape and its integrity, as well as that of the items within, despite the rigors of shipping, handling, and/or storage.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.