Dry ice delivery method that controls the temperature of cooling compartment(s)

Abstract

A cooler / container with a dry ice sublimation regulating system having an insulated dry ice module that encloses dry ice so that the module's outside surface is not hazardous to touch. Insulation, breathable material, or a combination of insulating and breathable materials, allows dry ice sublimation at a sufficiently slow rate within the attached dry ice module to control the ambient temperature in the cooler / container. Dry ice module attachment is done in a location that maximizes dry ice cooling properties, typically at or near the top of the cooler / container or its lid. Since sublimated dry ice is carbon dioxide and heavier than normal air, it falls to the bottom of the cooler and builds up. The venting placement in the dry ice module is based upon the make up of the dry ice module and the breathable materials inside of it.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] None. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The dry ice delivery method of the current invention gives one an effective alternative when using dry ice as a temperature lowering means in a portable cooler or other cooling compartment and it eliminates problems associated with the use of gel packs or wet ice as the cooling vehicle when trying to maintain a consistently low temperature in a cooling compartment. By arranging various insulating and breathable materials, each separately or in conjunction with the other, and the dry ice or cooler contents, one can effectively regulate the temperature of a cooling compartment by controlling the rate at which dry ice sublimates. Due to the wide range of temperature regulation that can be achieved when using dry ice, one has greater flexibility when preserving the contents stored in a portable cooler or other cooling compartment; from above freezing (greater then 32° F.), dow...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a system of temperature regulation for portable coolers and other portable and non-portable cooling compartments that can maintain lowered temperatures for the contents therein during extended periods of time without the mess associated with wet ice and other liquid media. It is also an objective of the present invention is to provide a system of temperature regulation for cooling compartments that can be used to maintain the temperatures of contents that are frozen or at temperatures just above freezing. A further objective of the present invention to provide a system of temperature regulation for cooling compartments that maintains a narrow range of temperature during the entire time of its use to protect the contents therein from spoilage. It is also an objective of the present invention is to provide a system of temperature regulation for cooling compartments that is user friendly, environmentally friendly, and requires little monitoring or refurbishment during use. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a system of temperature regulation for cooling compartments that is made from durable materials and intended for repeated long term use. A further objective of the present invention to provide a system of temperature regulation for cooling compartments that can be employed with reusable and disposable coolers and containers. It is also an objective of the present invention is to provide a system of temperature regulation for cooling compartments that can be permanently built into new cooling compartments or easily retrofit to existing cooling compartments.

Problems solved by technology

However, when a soft-sided cooler bag is used for item storage, it would not be made from breathable material.

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