MODULAR CONTAINERS FOR FOOD OR OTHER PRODUCTS

Abstract

Refrigerator (12), comprising: an interior compartment having a first fastening feature (34); and a module container (10) comprising: a second attachment feature (36) configured to be selectively attached to and detached from the first attachment feature (34) such that the module container (10) can be selectively attached to and detached from the interior compartment, a door (26) adapted to selectively enclose an interior of the module container (10), a dedicated cooling system (50) mounted thereon, and an expandable interior volume.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a modular container for transporting food. In certain embodiments, a modular container is specifically configured to be attached to a larger structure, such as a refrigerator, so that a consumer can load the modular container with products, such as food, and mount the loaded modular container to the larger structure without removing the products from the modular container. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the prior art, refrigerators are known to have storage bins. These bins allow a consumer to separate different types of food or products. For example, a first bin may be provided for vegetables, another for fruit, and so on. The storage bins can be pushed in and out of the refrigerator, allowing the consumer to pull the bin out, add or remove products, and then push the bin back into the refrigerator.For example, EP 1 253 387 A1 describes a storage box comprising a housing defining a first storage compartment associated with a main thermoelectric element operable to cool the first storage compartment, characterized by a second housing defining a second storage compartment disposed within the first storage compartment and having a second thermoelectric element associated therewith and serving to cool the second storage compartment to a temperature lower than the temperature of the first storage compartment. JP 2006-145 153 A describes an article storage device detachably equipped with a plurality of storage containers, each of which is mounted in a storage space provided in the main body of the article storage device and which are compatible with one another. SUMMARY

[0003] In one embodiment, a refrigerator comprises an interior compartment with a first attachment feature. A modular container has a second attachment feature configured to be selectively attached to and detached from the first attachment feature, such that the modular container can be selectively attached to and detached from the interior compartment. A door of the modular container is configured to selectively enclose an interior space of the modular container. The modular container has its own cooling system mounted thereon. The modular container further has an expandable interior volume.

[0004] In another embodiment, a mobile refrigerator is configured to be mounted to a larger refrigerator. The mobile refrigerator includes a rear wall, a pair of side walls, and a front door wall defining an interior compartment, the front door wall pivoting to selectively access or close the interior compartment, the interior compartment defining an expandable interior volume. A guide or track on at least one of the walls is configured to engage a corresponding guide or track in the larger refrigerator to allow the mobile refrigerator to be slid into and out of the larger refrigerator. A cooling system is configured to cool the interior compartment. A battery is coupled to the cooling system to selectively power the cooling system.

[0005] In a further embodiment, a system having the features of claim 16 is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular container housed within a larger refrigerator according to one embodiment. The Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the module container removed from a larger refrigerator according to one embodiment. The Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the module container grasped by a consumer according to one embodiment. The Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the module container illustrating a dedicated cooling system according to one embodiment. The Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the modular container according to an embodiment in which the interior has separate compartments. The Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the module container according to one embodiment. The Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic view of the underside of the modular container showing retractable wheels that may extend from the underside according to one embodiment. The Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the module container according to an embodiment in which the module container is expandable, this view showing the module container in a contracted position. The Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the module container according to an embodiment in which the module container is expandable, this view showing the module container in an expanded position with a larger internal volume. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and that other embodiments may take different and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are therefore not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various features illustrated and described with reference to one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The illustrated feature combinations provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and variations of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations.

[0007] Grocery shopping can be inconvenient. A typical grocery shopping experience might include entering a grocery store, filling a shopping cart with food and beverages, waiting in line at a checkout counter, emptying the food and beverages onto a conveyor belt for the cashier to scan, placing the food and beverages into paper or plastic shopping bags, placing the bags in the shopping cart, moving the shopping cart to a vehicle, unloading the filled shopping bags into the vehicle, driving home, unloading the shopping bags from the vehicle, moving the shopping bags into the house, and unloading each food and beverage item from the shopping bags into a refrigerator, freezer, pantry, etc.This process is inefficient and requires a lot of effort to move the food and beverages multiple times, while the temperature of the food and beverages could rise / fall to undesirable levels. The grocery shopping experience is ripe for greater efficiency.

[0008] According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a modular container for food (e.g., food, beverages, produce) is provided. The modular container can be easily attached to and removed from a home refrigerator and / or pantry. The modular container can have its own cooling / heating unit so that the modular container can actively cool / heat the food contained therein. A consumer can detach the modular container from the home refrigerator, take the modular container to the grocery store, fill the modular container with food, bring the filled modular container home, and slide the modular container into place in the home refrigerator. A consumer can also have an additional folded modular container that is stored when not in use and that can be used for grocery shopping.At home, consumers can replace the existing container from their refrigerator or attach it to another fixture within the refrigerator. One or more modular containers can fit into the larger refrigerator. The modular container eliminates multiple steps of loading and unloading food by allowing the entire modular container, containing multiple food items, to be installed in the refrigerator or pantry without having to unload each item individually.

[0009] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a modular container 10 in relation to a larger refrigerator 12 in the home. The larger refrigerator 12 can be any similar appliance, such as a chest freezer or a combined refrigerator and freezer in a single unit. The larger refrigerator 12 can also be of any design, such as with a French door, with a freezer compartment located at the top, with a refrigerator and freezer compartment arranged side by side, with a freezer compartment located at the bottom, etc. As indicated by arrow 14, the modular container 10 can be removed from the larger refrigerator 12. The Fig. 2 shows the module container 10 completely removed from the larger refrigerator 10 and separated from it. The module container 10 can then be grasped and moved by a consumer, as shown in the Fig. 3 shown.

[0010] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 7, the modular container 10, in one embodiment, includes a rear wall 20, a first side wall 22, a second side wall 24, a front wall or door 26, a top wall 28, and a bottom wall 30. The walls and door define an enclosed container or interior space that may be ventilated, sealed, and self-cooled / self-heated, as described below. The door 26 is pivotable or rotatable relative to the other walls to provide access to the interior of the modular container 10.

[0011] The larger refrigerator 12 defines an interior space in which products are stored. For picking up and receiving the modular container 10, the larger refrigerator 12 includes first mounting features 34. Similarly, the modular container 10 includes second mounting features 36 configured to engage the first mounting features to secure the modular container 10 within the larger refrigerator 12. In one embodiment, the first mounting features 34 are guides or rails extending into the depth of the larger refrigerator 12, and the second mounting features 36 are corresponding guides or rails. The second mounting feature 36 may be a projecting rim or shoulder extending outwardly away from the plane of the side walls 22, 24.To attach the modular container 10 to the larger refrigerator, a consumer may support the second mounting feature on or within the first mounting feature and slide the modular container 10 into the refrigerator 12. Therefore, the combination of the first mounting feature 34 and the second mounting feature 36 may be said to allow the modular container 10 to be slid into and out of the larger refrigerator 12.

[0012] The second fastening features 36 can also, as in the Fig. 3, serve as handles for the consumer. By extending laterally from the side walls of the modular container 10, the second attachment features provide a gripping portion for the consumer to grasp, facilitating the removal and insertion of the modular container 10 from and into the larger refrigerator 12.

[0013] The modular container 10 may also include one or more windows 40. The windows 40 can be slid closed when the modular container 10 is removed from the refrigerator 12, thus providing a sealed unit. The window 40 can, for example, be a split-pane window in which one pane is slidable relative to the other. A knob or handle 42 can extend outwardly therefrom to allow the consumer to open and close one of the panes of the window. In one embodiment, the larger refrigerator 12 includes a structure that engages the handle 42 to automatically open the window 40 when the modular container is slid into engagement with the larger refrigerator 12.This opens the interior of the modular container 10 to the surrounding interior of the larger refrigerator 12, allowing the larger refrigerator 12 to cool the interior of the modular container 10. When the modular container 10 is pulled out and removed from the larger refrigerator 12, the structure in the larger refrigerator can similarly engage the handle 42 to automatically close the window 40. This seals the modular container 10 upon removal from the larger refrigerator 12, allowing the modular container to maintain a desired temperature, for example, with a dedicated cooling / heating system.

[0014] In one embodiment, the module container 10 has a dedicated cooling system generally located at 50 in the Fig. 4. The refrigeration system may include components typical of a small refrigerator—liquid refrigerant, a compressor for controlling the flow of refrigerant, condenser coils 52 on the outside of the modular container 10, evaporator coils on the inside of the modular container 10, and an expansion device. One or more components of the refrigeration system 50 may be mounted on the rear wall 20. Once removed from the larger refrigerator 12, the modular container may function as a smaller refrigerator, with the refrigeration system 50 keeping the contents of the interior compartment chilled to a desired temperature. Environmental sensors, such as temperature sensors, may be integrated into the container so that the refrigeration system is only activated when the temperature rises above a certain range.The following can also be described for the heating system and the heating system will only be activated when the temperature falls below a certain range.

[0015] The cooling system 50 is powered by a rechargeable battery 60. The battery 60 can be any suitable rechargeable battery sufficient to power a small cooling system for one or two hours, such as a 20-volt lithium-ion battery. The battery 60 can be coupled to the compressor to operate the cooling system 50.

[0016] A sensor, also referred to as a switch 70, may be provided on the module container 10. The switch 70 may be a contact sensor, light sensor, proximity sensor, etc. The switch 70 is configured to deactivate and activate the battery 60 to either supply power to the cooling system 50 or to charge the battery. For example, when the module container 10 is properly positioned and mounted within the larger refrigerator 12, the switch 70 deactivates the power supply of the cooling system 50 from the battery 60 and instead allows power from the larger refrigerator 12 to flow into the battery 60 to charge the battery 60. This can be accomplished by closing some electrical paths and opening others. Inverters and amplifiers can be provided between the power supply of the larger refrigerator and the module container as needed.The larger refrigerator 12 may also include a receptacle that receives a portion of the battery 60 to connect the larger refrigerator's power supply to the battery 60 to initiate charging. Wireless charging between the larger refrigerator 12 and the modular container 10 may also be provided. However, when the modular container 10 is removed from the larger refrigerator 12, the battery 60 is removed from the larger refrigerator's power supply and is capable of powering the dedicated cooling system 50 integrated into the modular container 10. The switch 70 may allow power transfer from the battery 60 to the cooling system 50 upon removal of the modular container 10 from the larger refrigerator 12.In other words, when the switch 70 no longer detects that the modular container 10 is mounted either on the larger refrigerator 12 or on the pantry, the switch 70 can allow the battery 60 to power the cooling system 50 when needed.

[0017] In the Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the interior of the modular container 10 is provided with a shelving unit 80 having a plurality of shelves, e.g., shelf compartment 82, shelf compartment 84, shelf compartment 86, and shelf compartment 88. Each shelf compartment can be pushed into and pulled out of the modular container 10 with the assistance of a respective guide or rail in the interior of the modular container 10. The shelves provide a separation within the modular container, e.g., to separate refrigerated food from unrefrigerated food. Each shelf compartment 82 to 88 can also be configured for attachment within the larger refrigerator 12. For example, the shelf compartment 82 can be identically dimensioned to a "freshness tray" (e.g., a tray for vegetables, etc.) in the larger refrigerator 12.The consumer can remove the shelf compartment 82 from the modular container 10 and attach the shelf compartment 82 to the larger refrigerator 12 in the same manner as they would attach the "fresh food tray." In one embodiment, the cooling system 50 is operated to cool only a portion of the interior of the modular container 10, e.g., the air within the shelf compartment 80.

[0018] In the Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the modular container 10 includes attachment features 90 configured for attachment to a movable frame, such as a wheeled cart. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment features 90 are hooks or latches that engage corresponding hooks, latches, or bars of the movable frame. This allows the consumer to move the modular container 10 onto the cart, secure the modular container 10 to the cart by engaging the attachment features 90, and then move the modular container 10 by rolling the cart.

[0019] In the Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the modular container 10 is provided with retractable wheels. For example, the modular container 10 may include one or more recesses 100 (e.g., grooves, rails, etc.) in the bottom wall 30. The recesses 100 are sized to receive one or more wheels 102 when the wheels are retracted into the recesses 100. The wheels 102 are rotatable relative to the modular container 10 such that they can rotate between a retracted position (shown in dashed lines) and an extended position (shown in solid lines). The wheels 102 may be biased in one direction. For example, the wheels 102 may be spring-loaded for rolling along an underlying surface 104 to the extended position.For example, when the consumer picks up the modular container 10 and assembles the modular container 10 with the larger refrigerator 12, the surrounding structure within the larger refrigerator 12 may cause the wheels 102 to positively rotate to their retracted position within the recesses 100. When the consumer subsequently removes the modular container 10 from the larger refrigerator 12, the wheels 102 may automatically extend to their extended position, allowing the modular container to roll on the underlying surface 104. In another embodiment, the modular container 10 is equipped with an extendable handle (similar to a luggage bag) to facilitate transport.

[0020] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the modular container 10 has an expandable interior volume. For example, the modular container 10 may include a first wall 110 (e.g., a first side wall) and a second wall 120 (e.g., a second side wall). The first wall 110 is connected to a pair of opposing walls, such as a top wall 112 and a bottom wall 114. The second wall 120 is also connected to a pair of opposing walls, such as a top wall 122 and a bottom wall 124. The first wall 110, the top wall 112, and the bottom wall 114 together may define a first interior volume 116 of the modular container 10. The second wall 120, the top wall 122, and the bottom wall 124 together may define a second interior volume 126 of the modular container 10. The first and second internal volumes 116, 126 can be combined to form the entire internal volume of the module container 10 in the Fig. 8 when the modular container is compressed or collapsed. The consumer can then move the first wall 110 relative to the second wall 120 in the direction indicated by arrow 130. This creates a total internal volume of the modular container 10, which combines the internal volume 116 and the internal volume 126.

[0021] The walls of the expandable volume modular container can be held together with fastening features. The top wall 112 and the bottom wall 114 can, for example, be provided with projections or knobs 132. The top wall 122 and the bottom wall 124 can be provided with corresponding recesses or receptacles 134, which are designed to be held together both in the compressed position ( Fig. 8) as well as in the extended position ( Fig. 9), to accommodate at least one of the studs 132.

[0022] In various embodiments, the modular container 10 can be equipped with "smart refrigerator" technology. For example, the modular container 10 can be equipped with weight sensors, contact sensors, cameras, or other sensors that allow consumers to learn when food is running low. Consumers can also be notified when certain food items are about to expire. Furthermore, grocery stores can know the amount remaining in certain compartments of the modular container 10, allowing stores to better understand their own needs and tailor their orders to the consumer's needs. Additional components can also be added to enable location tracking and notification, such as GPS or sensor systems for geofencing.In one example, one or more sensors integrated into the modular container can communicate with location-based services and detect that the modular container has left the home; in response, the consumer can be sent a notification about the location of the nearest grocery store and suggestions for what groceries to purchase when leaving home with the modular container, as well as notifications about special offers. In another example, if the container is used for food delivery, these additional sensor systems can also provide the consumer with real-time monitoring of the container and the environmental conditions to which the products inside the container have been exposed (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.).

[0023] The teachings regarding the modular container explained above allow for the following usage scenarios. In one example, a consumer can remove the modular container from the larger refrigerator and take the modular container to a grocery store. At the grocery store, the consumer can fill the modular container with groceries and take the modular container home. During transport, the groceries stay cool thanks to the dedicated cooling system integrated into the modular container. At home, the consumer can then insert the modular container into the larger refrigerator. Once attached, a switch or sensor on the modular container deactivates the dedicated cooling system of the modular container. The window on the side of the modular container can also be automatically opened when inserted into the larger refrigerator. The modular container is now itself part of the larger refrigerator and receives cool air from the larger refrigerator.

[0024] In another example, the consumer can slide the modular container into a pantry that has mounting features similar to those of the larger refrigerator. This allows the consumer to slide the modular container into the pantry to store unrefrigerated foods such as canned goods, bread, etc. Once inserted into the pantry, the switch or sensor on the modular container can deactivate the modular container's dedicated cooling system.

[0025] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the description are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As described above, the features of various embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated.While various embodiments could be characterized as advantageous over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired features, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve the desired overall system characteristics, depending on the specific application and implementation. These characteristics may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, functionality, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc.Thus, to the extent that embodiments are described as less desirable with respect to one or more features than other embodiments or prior art implementations, these embodiments are not outside the scope of the disclosure and may be desirable for certain applications.

Claims

[1] Refrigerator (12), comprising: an interior compartment having a first fastening feature (34); and a module container (10) comprising: a second attachment feature (36) configured to be selectively attached to and detached from the first attachment feature (34) such that the module container (10) can be selectively attached to and detached from the interior compartment, a door (26) adapted to selectively enclose an interior of the module container (10), a dedicated cooling system (50) mounted thereon, and an expandable interior volume. [2] The refrigerator (12) of claim 1, wherein the first attachment feature (34) is a guide or a rail, and the second attachment feature (36) is a guide or a rail that allows the module container (10) to be slid into and out of the refrigerator (12). [3] The refrigerator (12) of claim 2, wherein the modular container (10) comprises a pair of opposing outer side walls (22, 24), and the second attachment feature (36) comprises a pair of rails, each rail extending front to rear along a respective one of the outer side walls (22, 24). [4] The refrigerator (12) of claim 1, wherein the modular container (10) includes a third attachment feature (90) configured to enable the modular container (10) to be attached to a movable frame. [5] The refrigerator (12) of claim 4, wherein the third attachment feature (90) comprises a latch or a hook. [6] Refrigerator (12) according to claim 4, wherein the modular container (10) comprises wheels (102) coupled thereto, the wheels (102) being arranged to be rotatable along an underlying surface when the modular container (10) is attached to the movable frame. [7] The refrigerator (12) of claim 1, wherein the modular container (10) comprises a plurality of outer walls, the modular container (10) further comprising a first interior compartment partially defined by one of the outer walls and a second interior compartment partially defined by another of the outer walls, the first outer wall being slidable relative to the second outer wall. [8] The refrigerator (12) of claim 1, further comprising a battery (60) mounted on the module container (10) and configured to power the dedicated cooling system (50), and a battery charger in the refrigerator (12) configured to automatically charge the battery (60) when the module container (10) is attached to the interior compartment. [9] The refrigerator (12) of claim 8, further comprising a switch (70) configured to: enabling the battery (60) to power the dedicated cooling system (50) in response to the module container (10) being detached from the internal compartment, and in response to the module container (10) being attached to the internal compartment, to stop supplying the dedicated cooling system (50) with power from the battery (60). [10] A mobile refrigerator adapted to be mounted on a larger refrigerator (12), the mobile refrigerator comprising: a rear wall (20), a pair of side walls (22, 24) and a front door wall defining an interior compartment, the front door wall being pivotable to selectively provide access to or close the interior compartment, the interior compartment defining an expandable interior volume; a guide or rail on at least one of the walls adapted to engage with a corresponding guide or rail in the larger refrigerator (12) to enable the mobile refrigerator to be moved into and out of the larger refrigerator (12); a cooling system (50) configured to cool the interior compartment; and a battery (60) coupled to the cooling system (50) to selectively supply the cooling system (50). [11] A mobile refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the guide or rail extends from the side wall (22; 24) to provide a handle configured as a grip that a consumer can grasp when removing the mobile refrigerator from the larger refrigerator (12). [12] A mobile refrigerator according to claim 10, further comprising wheels (102) extending outwardly therefrom when the mobile refrigerator is removed from the larger refrigerator (12). [13] A mobile refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the interior compartment comprises a first interior compartment partially defined by a first of the side walls (22, 24) and a second interior compartment partially defined by a second of the outer walls, the first side wall (22) being slidable relative to the second side wall (24) to expand the interior volume. [14] A mobile refrigerator according to claim 10, further comprising a switch (70) configured to: enabling the battery (60) to supply power to the cooling system (50) in response to the mobile refrigerator being detached from the larger refrigerator (12), and in response to the mobile refrigerator being attached to the larger refrigerator (12), to stop supplying the dedicated cooling system (50) with power from the battery (60). [15] A mobile refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the walls has a window (40) adapted to open when the mobile refrigerator is mounted to the larger refrigerator (12). [16] A system for storing food in a modular container (10) which can be connected to both a refrigerator (12) and a pantry, the system comprising: a refrigerator (12) having an interior compartment including a first rail or guide; a modular container (10) with a second rail or guide which is designed to: to engage the first guide or rail in the refrigerator (12) so that the module container (10) can be selectively secured in the interior compartment to store refrigerated food, and to engage a third guide or rail in a pantry to enable the modular container (10) to be selectively secured within the pantry to store unrefrigerated food; wherein the module container (10) has an expandable internal volume; wherein the module container (10) comprises a cooling system (50) mounted thereon; and wherein the cooling system (50) is configured to operate in response to the module container (10) being disengaged from the refrigerator (12) to actively cool the interior compartment, and wherein the cooling system (50) is configured to deactivate in response to the module container (10) being engaged with the refrigerator (12) or the pantry.

Images