Methods, systems, and apparatus for portable environmental control containers

Abstract

A portable container for delivering food from a central location to a remote location, and a portable container for delivering food that is operable to maintain an environment for the food during the delivery process. [Solution] A portable container comprising: an enclosure having an opening / closing section movable between an open position and a closed position for receiving articles; an environmental control module interface surface provided on the enclosure; and an environmental control module detachably engaged with the environmental control module interface surface, wherein the environmental control module comprises an intake fan and an exhaust fan; one or more environmental sensors configured to detect one or more environmental conditions within the enclosure; and one or more environmental controllers configured to control at least the intake fan or the exhaust fan to adjust the environment within the enclosure based on the detected one or more environmental conditions.

Description

Cross-reference

[0001]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 062,525, filed August 7, 2020, entitled "Methods, Systems and Devices for Portable Environment Controlled Container", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background

[0002]

[0002] Field. The present disclosure relates to a portable container for delivering food from a central location to a remote location. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a portable container for delivering food that is operable to maintain an environment for the food during the delivery process.

[0003]

[0003] Background. In the United States, nearly $50 billion (USD) is spent annually on the delivery of restaurant food. This figure is expected to exceed $90 billion annually in the United States and over $160 billion annually worldwide by 2023. In response to the global pandemic COVID-19 in 2019, even more rapid growth in the food delivery space is expected.

[0004]

[0004] As the percentage of food delivery increases, so do consumers' expectations for quality and taste. Efforts are being made to improve the quality of food delivered to the destination to match or substantially match the quality of the food at the place of preparation. Current solutions focus on maintaining the heat of the delivered food. However, heat alone does not overcome the degradation of food quality during the delivery process.

[0005]

[0005] What is needed are methods, systems and devices for a portable environment-controlled container suitable for food delivery that enable the delivered food to maintain the quality and experience of the in-restaurant experience. Summary

[0006]

[0006] Disclosed are methods, systems, and apparatus for portable environmentally controlled containers suitable for food delivery, enabling delivered food to maintain the quality and experience of the restaurant experience. The systems and apparatus can be configured to control multiple environmental factors to facilitate the maintenance of temperature and humidity of the food. Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions and reporting changes in conditions without requiring the container to be opened are also needed. Tools for customizing environmental conditions based on the type of food being transported are also needed.

[0007]

[0007] A portable container is disclosed. A suitable portable container comprises an enclosure having an opening and closing mechanism operable to move from an open position for receiving a container and a closed position; an environmental control module interface surface incorporated into the surface of the portable container; an environmental control module operable to engage with the environmental control module interface surface; one or more environmental controllers; one or more environmental sensors; and a power supply, wherein the environmental control module is operable to transmit one or more detected environmental conditions and to adjust one or more environmental controllers. The container and / or enclosure has a three-dimensional shape selected from a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, a pyramidal pyramid, a cone, a triangular prism, and a cylinder. One or more environmental sensors are selected from a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, an oxygen sensor, an air quality sensor, and a smoke sensor. Furthermore, two or more of any of the environmental sensors may be provided. In some configurations, one or more environmental sensors are located within the environmental controller. Furthermore, one or more environmental sensors are positioned in a portable container at a location away from the environmental controller. In some embodiments, GPS sensors may also be provided. A communication device may also be provided for transmitting information from one or more sensors and receiving environmental control commands in response to the transmitted sensor information. One or more of the GPS sensor and G-force sensor may also be provided.

[0008]

[0008] Another embodiment relates to a transport method comprising: providing a portable container having an enclosure having an opening and closing mechanism operable to move from an open position for receiving food containers and a closed position; an environmental control module interface surface incorporated into the surface of the portable container; an environmental control module operable to engage with the environmental control module interface surface; one or more environmental controllers; one or more environmental sensors; and a power supply, wherein the environmental control module is operable to transmit one or more detected environmental conditions and to adjust one or more environmental controllers; opening the portable container; placing food containers inside the portable container for transport; closing the portable container; configuring the environmental control module to maintain the environment inside the container based on the identification of food in the food containers; and transporting the portable container. The method may also include one or more of the following steps: determining the GPS position of the portable container; determining the G-force of the portable container; determining whether the portable container maintained one or more environmental conditions during transport; delivering the food container if the portable container maintained one or more environmental conditions; determining whether the portable container was subjected to any G-force during transport; delivering the food container if the portable container was not subjected to any G-force; determining whether the portable container was subjected to any G-force during transport; determining whether the G-force was within a predetermined range of the allowable G-force if the portable container was subjected to any G-force; and delivering the food container if the G-force was within a predetermined range of the allowable G-force.

[0009]

[0009] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system comprising memory, one or more processors, and one or more computer-executable instructions, which are stored in memory and, via a mobile application associated with a service provider on the device, receive the current geographic location of the device, receive one or more environmental conditions via a mobile application associated with a service provider on the device, determine whether a portable container has maintained one or more environmental conditions within a range of environmental conditions during transport, deliver food containers located within the portable container if the portable container has maintained one or more environmental conditions, and, via a mobile application, display instructions for delivering food containers if the environmental conditions have been maintained. Furthermore, the system may be capable of determining whether the portable container has been subjected to any G-force during transport, and if not, delivering the food container; and / or determining whether the portable container has been subjected to any G-force during transport, and if it has been subjected to any G-force, determining whether the G-force is within a predetermined allowable G-force range, and if the G-force is within a predetermined allowable G-force range, delivering the food container.

[0010]

[0010] All publications, patents, and patent applications referenced herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent that each individual publication, patent, or patent application is specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference.

[0011]

[0011] U.S. Patent No. 6,281,477 by Forrester et al. was published on August 28, 2001.

[0012]

[0012] U.S. Patent No. 6,297,481 by Gordon was published on October 2, 2001.

[0013]

[0013] U.S. Patent No. 6,353,208 by Bostic et al. was published on March 5, 2002.

[0014]

[0014] U.S. Patent No. 8,168,923 by Wong et al. was published on May 1, 2012.

[0015]

[0015] U.S. Patent No. 9,492,035 by Pavel et al. was published on November 15, 2016.

[0016]

[0016] U.S. Patent No. 10,049,236 by Alkarmi et al. was published on August 14, 2018.

[0017]

[0017] Gentry's U.S. Patent No. 10,207,804 was published on February 19, 2019.

[0018]

[0018] U.S. Patent No. 10,321,263 by Alkarmi et al. was published on June 11, 2019.

[0019]

[0019] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0374177 by Pavel et al. was published on December 31, 2015.

[0020]

[0020] The U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0265687 by Veltrop et al. was published on September 21, 2017.

[0021]

[0021] The U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0112119 by Alexander et al. was published on April 18, 2019.

[0022]

[0022] The U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0337706 by Vain et al. was published on November 7, 2019.

[0023]

[0023] CN203723974 was released on July 23, 2014.

[0024]

[0024] EP1580145 by Martini was published on September 28, 2005.

[0025]

[0025] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-285130 by Ito et al. was published on December 10, 2009.

[0026]

[0026] KR20110011575 was published on February 8, 2011.

[0027]

[0027] International Publication No. 1995 / 020535 by Ghirardi was published on August 3, 1995.

[0028]

[0028] International Publication No. 2020 / 037370 by Valance was published on February 27, 2020.

[0029]

[0029] International Publication No. 2020 / 046385 by Pointer et al. was published on March 5, 2020.

[0030]

[0030] Labuza et al., Moisture Migration and Control in Multi-Domain Foods, Trends in Food Science & Tech, 9(2):47~55(1998).

[0031]

[0031] The novel features of the present invention are described in detail in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description which illustrates exemplary embodiments in which the principles of the present invention are utilized, and to the accompanying drawings.)

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1A] It is a diagram showing a mobile environment control device. <( [Figure 1B] It is a diagram showing a mobile environment control device. [Figure 1C]This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control device. [Figure 1D] This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control device. [Figure 1E] This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control device. [Figure 1F] This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control device. [Figure 2A] This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control device. [Figure 2B] This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control device. [Figure 2C] This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control device. [Figure 2D] This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control device. [Figure 2E] This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control device. [Figure 2F] This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing a mobile environmental control system. Detailed explanation

[0033]

[0035] I. Equipment

[0034]

[0036] Figures 1A to 1F show a mobile environmental control device 100 according to this disclosure. The environmental control device 100 is operable to house a container having environmentally vulnerable contents such as food. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, humidity is a parameter that, for example, an oven cannot control. Humidity contains water molecules, and water molecules conduct heat much faster than air. Therefore, humid air transfers heat to food more efficiently. During the cooking process, humidity allows food to be cooked more quickly while preventing water in the food from evaporating. A further influence on temperature is air pressure. Temperature is affected by air pressure at different altitudes due to differences in air density. Therefore, the overall optimal environment may be influenced by a variety of different environmental conditions.

[0035]

[0037] Figure 1A shows a perspective view from the end of an exemplary mobile environmental control device 100 having a removable environmental controller 120. The container has a three-dimensional shape that defines an internal space in which articles to be environmentally controlled can be placed. As shown in Figure 1, the environmental control device 100 has a top, bottom, right side, left side, back, and front. The environmental control device 100 is made of an insulating material. Furthermore, the environmental control device 100 may have a plurality of flexible or semi-flexible sides and interface surfaces for engaging with the environmental controller 120. One of the sides may be an opening that allows access to the interior of the environmental control device 100.

[0036]

[0038] The environmental control device 100 may be made of a material that allows moisture to escape from inside the enclosure to outside. Furthermore, the device may consist of one or more panels made of a substantially flexible material. In other configurations, the device may be made of one or more panels having a rigid or partially rigid shape (e.g., a skeleton) to allow multiple devices to be stacked.

[0037]

[0039] The container may have a first-dimensional square or rectangular shape along the top surface, for example, having a handle 130, and a second-dimensional square or rectangular shape along the side surface 150. To facilitate the optimal orientation of the environmental control device 100, for example, the two straps 132, 134, a movable handle 130 may be provided to facilitate carrying the environmental control device 100. As shown, each strap has two connection points, such as connection points 133, 133'. The connection points 133, 133' are located at or near each end of the side surface of the environmental control device 100. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the straps 132, 134 may be connected on the side surface 150, as shown, or along the opening surface 140 and the opposing removable rear surface 120, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As shown, the rear surface 120 engages with the environmental controller 200. Furthermore, a holder 136 may be provided to secure the two straps 132, 134 together. The holder 136 can be a separate holder element, or it can be incorporated into one of the straps to facilitate securing the straps together.

[0038]

[0040] Because one side or location of the device may be heavier than another side, such as where the environmental controller is located, the handle can be offset to maintain the device's height despite the uneven weight distribution.

[0039]

[0041] The environmental controller 120 can be positioned on any surface of the control device 100 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0040]

[0042] The internal space or chamber may be sized to accommodate and remove multiple containers, such as pizza boxes. As those skilled in the art will understand, the exemplary shape provided in the figures is suitable, for example, for pizza boxes. However, other shapes may be adopted without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the three-dimensional shape may be selected from a cube, a cuboid, a pyramid, a cone, a triangular prism, and a cylinder. Furthermore, in some configurations, the opening may be located along the top surface (where the handle is located in the figures), and the removable controller may be located in a different position without departing from the scope of the disclosure. One or more of the surfaces may be soft surfaces. At least one surface or a portion thereof is configured to engage with the removable environmental controller 200.

[0041]

[0043] Figure 1B shows the mobile environmental control device 100 in a bottom perspective view. Figure 1C shows the mobile environmental control device 100 in a side view. Figure 1D shows the mobile environmental control device 100 from the receiving surface, for example, when food is inserted into the device from a side opening rather than a top opening. Figure 1E shows the mobile environmental control device 100 in a top view with two handles 130 fixed together for easy carrying. Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, other positions for the handles may be adopted, for example, along the side for a backpack-type mounting. Figure 1F is a top perspective view of the mobile environmental control device 100.

[0042]

[0044] Figures 2A to 2F show the mobile environmental control device 100. Figure 2A is an end view of the removable environmental controller 200 of the mobile environmental control device 100. As shown, the removable environmental controller 200 encompasses the entire side of the mobile environmental control device 100. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the dimensions of the removable environmental controller 200 may be smaller than the overall dimensions of the surface of the mobile environmental control device 100 with which the removable environmental controller 200 engages. Figure 2B is a perspective view of the mobile environmental control device 100 with the receiving end open. The receiving end may be configured to have a foldable flap that allows the side to be folded and securely engaged with the top surface using a suitable fastening device, for example, Velcro®. Other fastening mechanisms, including, for example, straps, snaps, and zipper closures, may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In another configuration in which food is received via the top surface, the top surface may be configured to close like a lunch bag, with the opening folded to achieve closure. The two fans within the environmental controller can be operated to circulate air throughout the entire interior of the device.

[0043]

[0045] Figure 2C is a perspective view of the mobile environmental control device 100 with the environmental controller removed. The engagement surface 122 is provided on or incorporated into the mobile environmental control device 100. The engagement surface 122 allows the functional components of the environmental controller 120 to engage with the interior of the mobile environmental control device 100. The engagement surface 122 may have holes that allow heat and / or moisture to enter the interior of the mobile environmental control device 100 from the environmental controller 200. The engagement surface 122 may also include an environmental sensor 162, one or more heater inlets 164, 164', and one or more air outlets 168, 168'. The environmental controller 120 may include one or more fan inlets 166, 166' corresponding to fans located within the environmental controller 120 and aligning with the positions of the heater inlets 164, 164' on the engagement surface 122.

[0044]

[0046] Figure 2D shows a perspective view of the mobile environmental control device 100 with the receiving surface open. The receiving surface may be along the side of the environmental control device 100 when it is placed on a flat surface, or when it is placed on another surface as described above.

[0045]

[0047] The contents received inside the internal space or chamber are placed on one or more spacers 210, or risers. For example, 0.5-inch spacers can be attached to the bottom of the four corners inside the device. The spacers are operable to form a small distance between the bottom of the contents placed inside the device and, for example, a bottom radiant heater. The space formed by the spacers 210 provides air circulation around the container, which helps to regulate the overall environment inside the device and prevents the bottom of the food contained inside the device from being heated or overheated on the bottom surface if it were in direct contact with the heater.

[0046]

[0048] Figure 2E shows a perspective view of the mobile environmental control device 100 with the food receiving surface open and the controller 120 removed. Figure 2E shows an internal view of the mobile environmental control device 100 with the food receiving surface open. The inner surface of the interface 122 of the controller is shown. The engaging surface 122 can be a rigid or semi-rigid interface (e.g., a surface that is more rigid than other surfaces of the environmental control device 100). Horizontal or vertical flaps 220 or louvers can be provided positioned above the intake fan and / or exhaust fan. The flaps are operable to prevent heat from escaping from the device when the fan is not on. When the fan is on, the flaps are slightly opened by the force of the fan to allow air to pass through. When the fan is off, the flaps close to seal the opening. The flaps can be made from any suitable material, including silicone.

[0047]

[0049] Figure 2F shows the position of the sensor 240 located inside the device 100.

[0048]

[0050] In one embodiment, a first heater is located inside the device on the upper / top wall within a sleeve formed in the upper / top wall. A second heater is located on the bottom / lower wall of the device within the second sleeve. The heaters are operable to heat the device during transport and maintain the internal temperature of the device within a preset range.

[0049]

[0051] The disclosed environmental control device 100 and system have multiple features selected from heating methods, airflow control methods, moisture control methods, atmospheric pressure, and software control features. Target parameters for temperature, airflow, pressure, and moisture can be set or adjusted based on the contents of the container. Parameter adjustments can be made in real time or near real time.

[0050]

[0052] Various heating methods can be employed. In one configuration, forced air is supplied. Forced air can be achieved, for example, by blowing air into the container from the outside of the container, across one or more heating elements or coils. In another configuration, heating elements or liners can be used. Heating elements, such as a heating pad containing a heating coil, are inserted and / or incorporated into the container. When activated, the pad can heat the inside of the container. Yet another embodiment involves the use of induction. Induction transfers electrical energy by induction from, for example, a coil of wire to a metallic material, such as a ferromagnetic material. A high-frequency alternating current is passed through the coil, and the ferromagnetic material is then heated. A suitable induction method provides one or more metal plates inside the container. In another embodiment, heating coils can be provided through the lining of the container. Heating coils can be attached, for example, to one or more sides of a container such as a bag.

[0051]

[0053] A forced air heater and intake fan system may be provided. The forced air and intake fan system may be located at the rear of the device as part of a hard case enclosure that snaps to the rear of the device. The forced air heater may be a radiant heater attached to a fan that draws air into the device. The air passes over the heater, thereby delivering heated air into the device, which in turn heats the interior of the device. This heater is operable to heat the device and also to provide auxiliary support to the radiant heater during transport. If the internal temperature of the device falls below a set bottom temperature threshold, the intake fan and heater can be activated to help return the internal temperature to a preset range more quickly than can be achieved by the radiant heater alone.

[0052]

[0054] Control of air movement within the environmental control device 100 can be achieved in various ways. One or more exhaust fans can be provided, communicating with one or more sensors, such as temperature or humidity sensors. The exhaust fans may also be linked to the sensors and a small internal fan and configured to control air movement. This configuration can operate continuously, but if a humidity sensor is used, it may be configured to operate intermittently depending on the humidity. Continuous air movement can be used to prevent moisture from settling into dry or crispy parts of the food. Power savings are possible because less power is required to control the fans than a heater. A pump-based system may also be employed. A pump-based system can be configured to move air out of the container in bursts. When the moisture content reaches an upper limit, for example, the pump can draw in air from the exhaust port and blow it out to remove air from inside the container.

[0053]

[0055] The exhaust fan can be located at the rear of the device, on the side of the hard case enclosure, away from the intake fan / heater. The exhaust fan can be operated to regulate the moisture content of the air inside the device during transport. If the humidity level inside the device rises above a preset limit, the exhaust fan turns on to expel moist air from inside the device. When the humidity level returns to within the set range, the exhaust fan turns off.

[0054]

[0056] Moisture control functions can be achieved using various technologies. A fan can be linked to one or more sensors that turn on or off based on the moisture content in the container detected by the sensors. The fan can then push air out of or draw air into the container based on the detected moisture content and the target moisture content, i.e., based on whether the detected moisture content is higher or lower than the target moisture content.

[0055]

[0057] Here, as seen in Figure 3, a mobile environmental control system is shown. The system has a temperature-controlled container 300 which may include a liner or pad 302. The liner or pad 302 may be removable. The temperature-controlled container 300 can communicate with an app 320, such as a software application installed on a mobile device such as a mobile phone. Either or both of the temperature-controlled container 300 and the app 320 can communicate with a controller 330. The controller 330 may be removable, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The temperature may be a target temperature or temperature range selected based on the contents being transported. For example, if pizza is being transported, it is desirable to maintain the ambient temperature between 175 and 200°F. In some cases, it may be desirable to include a time component in the environmental control, such as maintaining the temperature between 175 and 200°F for one hour. It may also be desirable to preheat the container before inserting the contents to be delivered. In such cases, either the app or the environmental controller may be configured to indicate a ready state that reflects the target environmental parameters, including initial moisture content and moisture transfer, which are important components of food quality.

[0056]

[0058] The environmental controller 330 may be configured to include one or more of the following: a fan 332, a heater 334, a GPS monitor 336, a printed circuit board ("PCB") 338, one or more sensors 340, a WiFi transceiver 342, a power supply 344, and / or memory 346. The PCB is operable to control the operation of the sensors, fan, heater, and / or communication hardware. In an alternative configuration, data can be exchanged using short-range wireless technology. A suitable short-range wireless technology is Bluetooth®. A Bluetooth transmitter may be provided to transmit commands to the environmental controller via a mobile device in short-range proximity between the environmental controller and a mobile device in response to one or more sensor readings. The Bluetooth transmitter may also transmit data including, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, GPS location, time, G-force shock, and battery status. The Bluetooth transmitter may connect to the central location, for example, via an app on a mobile device.

[0057]

[0059] A GPS tracker or transponder may be provided. The GPS tracker or transponder can be enclosed within the device and / or environmental controller and is operable to transmit device location data via Bluetooth or a cellular transmitter. The GPS information enables real-time tracking of the location of each device within the network.

[0058]

[0060] A cellular transmitter can also be installed. The cellular transmitter can operate for the same purpose as a Bluetooth transmitter and can function when a Bluetooth device is unavailable.

[0059]

[0061] The sensors may include temperature sensors, moisture sensors, humidity sensors, oxygen sensors, air quality sensors, smoke sensors, etc. Furthermore, in some configurations, the sensor environment controller 330 can communicate with the sensors, and the sensors are not part of the environment controller.

[0060]

[0062] Sensor placement may vary depending on the mounting configuration. A suitable placement includes mounting the sensor as part of a hard case enclosure at the rear of the device. The sensor can be configured to acquire readings at a constant time interval or at specified time intervals, transmitting the readings to a PCB, which then engages and disengages heaters and fans as instructed by humidity and temperature settings.

[0061]

[0063] For example, other components, including a moisture controller and a timer, may be provided without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Components such as the power supply 344 and memory 346 may be detachable from the environment controller 330. The power supply 344 can be any suitable power source or combination of power sources, including, for example, a solar cell, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a USB connector, an AC power cord connector, a cigarette lighter socket, etc. Sensors may include, for example, weight, moisture, humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure, G force, position, rotation, low battery, etc.

[0062]

[0064] II. Method

[0063]

[0065] One or more fans can be attached to one or more heating elements to force heated air over the contents of the environmental control device 100. The PCB 338 can be configured to control one or more heating elements 334 and one or more fans 332 based, for example, on feedback from moisture sensors and / or heat sensors. The sensor 340 may be part of the environmental controller 120, or it may be incorporated into another surface of the container, for example, away from one or more fans and one or more heaters, to ensure that the furthest point in the container has the desired heat and / or humidity. If a thermal pad or line is used, the thermal pad or liner can supply heat to the inside of the bag. The heat delivered by the thermal pad or line may still be controllable by the environmental controller 120.

[0064]

[0066] The app 320 can be used to monitor the state inside the environmental control device 100 and / or control the environment inside the container without opening the container. The app can also be used to warn of malfunctions or environmental changes. Therefore, the app 320 can be used, for example, to control and / or monitor temperature and moisture settings, and to monitor power levels and / or battery usage, etc. Furthermore, it may be desirable to monitor G-force. Monitoring G-force can be used, for example, to prevent damaged items from being delivered to the buyer. The app can be used on any suitable electronic device, including mobile phones and tablets.

[0065]

[0067] In some configurations, the app 320 that controls the conditions inside the container may be part of a secondary device such as a mobile phone, or it may be part of an integrated interface that can be accessed by the user outside the container.

[0066]

[0068] Furthermore, one or more displays may be provided to allow the user to determine the container's on / off status and / or power status (e.g., battery level, power plug-in, charging status, etc.). The app or software product may also transmit its location and internal settings, as well as external conditions, to a cloud controller configured to monitor one or more mobile devices via a mobile connection.

[0067]

[0069] TEAS.system

[0068]

[0070] Software apps that interface with, monitor, and / or control the system can be configured to achieve a variety of functions. For example, the software app can track and record delivery time and distance, and track and lock the internal temperature at various points throughout the delivery process (e.g., at the start, during delivery, and / or during the delivery process). A dashboard can be provided that allows the operator / owner to view the location, settings, and / or status of the container. Settings can also be changed remotely via the app. Settings that can be changed or monitored may include, for example, on / off, temperature, moisture content, accelerometer readings, and battery life. Furthermore, the app can be configured to "sleep" (or hibernate) after a period of inactivity, or to "wake up" when motion is detected.

[0069]

[0071] When engaging with a system or method in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a user may engage in one or more use sessions. A use session may include a training session for the user.

[0070]

[0072] Any of the disclosed methods can be implemented or partially implemented as computer-executable instructions stored in one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., one or more optical media disks, volatile memory components (such as DRAM or SRAM), or non-volatile memory components (such as flash memory or hard drives)) and executed on a computer (e.g., any device capable of computing functions, including computing hardware). As those skilled in the art will understand, the computer-readable storage media do not include communication connections such as modulated data signals. Any computer-executable instructions for implementing the disclosed technology, and any data created and used during the implementation of the disclosed embodiments, can be stored in one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-temporary computer-readable media that excludes propagating signals). Furthermore, computer-executable instructions can be part of a dedicated software application or a software application that is accessed or downloaded, for example, via a web browser or other software application (such as a remote computing application). Such software can run, for example, on a single local computer (e.g., any suitable commercially available computer) or on a network environment using one or more network computers (e.g., via the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, a client-server network (such as a cloud computing network), or other such network).

[0071]

[0073] Only selected forms of software-based implementations are described. Other details well known in the art are omitted. For example, it should be understood that the disclosed technology is not limited to any particular computer language or program. Similarly, the disclosed technology is not limited to any particular type of computer or hardware. Specific details of suitable computers and hardware are well known and do not need to be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0072]

[0074] It should be fully understood that any function described herein may be performed, at least partially, by one or more hardware logic components instead of software. For example, but not limited to, exemplary types of hardware logic components that may be used include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standards (ASSPs), system-on-chip systems (SOCs), and composite programmable logic devices (CPLDs).

[0073]

[0075] Furthermore, any software-based embodiment (including, for example, computer executable instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the disclosed methods) may be uploaded, downloaded, or remotely accessed via appropriate means of communication. Such appropriate means of communication include, for example, the Internet, the World Wide Web, intranets, software applications, cables (including fiber optic cables), magnetic communications, electromagnetic communications (including RF, microwave, and infrared communications), electronic communications, or other such means of communication.

[0074]

[0076] The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed as limiting in any way. Rather, this disclosure covers all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, both individually and in various combinations and partial combinations of each other. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems are not limited to any particular aspect or feature or combination thereof, and the disclosed embodiments do not require the existence of any one or more particular advantages or the resolution of any problem.

[0075]

[0077] Instructions may be stored on a suitable “machine-readable medium” located within a computing device, or accessible to the computing device by communicating with it or otherwise. As used in this application, the machine-readable medium is a tangible storage device, and the instructions are stored in a non-temporary manner. At the same time, during operation, instructions may be temporary at times, for example, when being transferred from a remote storage device to the computing device via a communication link. However, if the machine-readable medium is tangible and non-temporary, the instructions are stored for at least a certain period of time in a memory storage device such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic or optical disk storage devices, for example, local cache memory located on a processor integrated circuit, for example, local main memory, local electronic drive or local disk hard drive housed in an enclosure for the processor of a computing device, or remote storage locations connected to a local server or a remote server accessed via a network. When stored in this manner, the software constitutes a “machine-readable medium” that is tangible and stores instructions in a non-temporary form. Therefore, at the very least, a machine-readable medium that stores instructions for execution on the associated computing device is "tangible" and "non-transient" when the instructions are being executed by the computing device's processor and when the instructions are stored for subsequent access by the computing device.

[0076]

[0078] As those skilled in the art will understand, the disclosed system and method can be configured to send various messages when an alert is generated. These messages include, for example, SMS and email.

[0077]

[0079] This instruction may also extend to one or more of the following numbered provisions.

[0078]

[0080] Item 1. A portable container comprising an enclosure having an open / closed section operable to move from an open position for receiving a container and a closed position; an environmental control module interface surface incorporated into the surface of the portable container; an environmental control module operable to engage with the environmental control module interface surface; one or more environmental controllers; one or more environmental sensors; and a power supply, wherein the environmental control module is operable to transmit one or more detected environmental conditions and to adjust one or more environmental controllers.

[0079]

[0081] Item 2. The enclosure relates to the portable container described in Item 1, having a three-dimensional shape selected from a cube, a rectangular prism, a pyramidal pyramid, a cone, a triangular prism, and a cylinder.

[0080]

[0082] Item 3. One or more environmental sensors, selected from temperature sensors, moisture sensors, humidity sensors, atmospheric pressure sensors, oxygen sensors, air quality sensors, and smoke sensors, pertain to the portable container described in Item 1.

[0081]

[0083] Item 4. Relating to the portable container described in Item 3, which may be equipped with two or more of the following environmental sensors.

[0082]

[0084] Item 5. Relating to a portable container as described in Item 3, in which one or more environmental sensors are located within the environmental controller.

[0083]

[0085] Item 6. Relating to the portable container described in Item 3, wherein one or more environmental sensors are located inside the portable container at a location separate from the environmental controller.

[0084]

[0086] Item 7. Relating to the portable container described in Item 1, further equipped with a GPS sensor.

[0085]

[0087] Item 8. Relating to the portable container described in Item 1, further comprising a communication device for transmitting information from one or more sensors and receiving environmental control commands in response to transmitted sensor information.

[0086]

[0088] Item 9. Relating to the portable container described in Item 1, further comprising one or more of a GPS sensor and a G-force sensor.

[0087]

[0089] Item 10. A transport method comprising: providing a portable container having an enclosure having an opening and closing mechanism operable to move from an open position for receiving food containers and a closed position; an environmental control module interface surface incorporated into the surface of the portable container; an environmental control module operable to engage with the environmental control module interface surface; one or more environmental controllers; one or more environmental sensors; and a power supply, wherein the environmental control module is operable to transmit one or more detected environmental conditions and to adjust one or more environmental controllers; opening the portable container; placing food containers inside the portable container for transport; closing the portable container; configuring the environmental control module to maintain the environment inside the container based on the identification of food in the food containers; and transporting the portable container.

[0088]

[0090] Item 11. The method of transport described in Item 10, further comprising the step of determining the GPS location of a portable container.

[0089]

[0091] Item 12. The method of transport described in Item 10, further comprising the step of determining the G force of a portable container.

[0090]

[0092] Item 13. The transport method described in Item 10, further comprising the steps of determining whether the portable container maintained one or more environmental conditions during transport, and, if the portable container maintained one or more environmental conditions, delivering the food container.

[0091]

[0093] Item 14. The method of transport described in Item 10, further comprising the steps of determining whether the portable container has been subjected to any G-force during transport, and, if the portable container has not been subjected to any G-force, delivering the food container.

[0092]

[0094] Item 15. The transport method described in Item 10, further comprising the steps of: determining whether a portable container has been subjected to any G force during transport; determining whether, if the portable container has been subjected to any G force, the G force is within a predetermined range of allowable G forces; and, if the G force is within a predetermined range of allowable G forces, delivering the food container.

[0093]

[0095] Item 16. A system comprising memory, one or more processors, and one or more computer-executable instructions executable by one or more processors to perform operations including: receiving the current geographical location of the device via a mobile application stored in memory and associated with a service provider on the device; receiving one or more environmental conditions via a mobile application associated with a service provider on the device; determining whether a portable container maintained one or more environmental conditions within a range of environmental conditions during transport; delivering food containers located within the portable container if the portable container maintained one or more environmental conditions; and displaying instructions via the mobile application for delivering food containers if the environmental conditions were maintained.

[0094]

[0096] Item 17. The system described in Item 16, further comprising determining whether a portable container has been subjected to any G-force during transport, and, if the portable container has not been subjected to any G-force, delivering the food container.

[0095]

[0097] Item 18. The system described in Item 16 further includes determining whether a portable container has been subjected to any G force during transport, determining whether the G force is within a predetermined range of permissible G forces if the portable container has been subjected to any G force, and delivering the food container if the G force is within a predetermined range of permissible G forces.

[0096]

[0098] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided only as examples. Numerous variations, modifications, and substitutions will be conceivable to those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. It should be understood that various alternative forms to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be adopted in practicing the present invention. The claims define the scope of the present invention, and the methods and structures within these claims, as well as their equivalents, are intended to be encompassed thereby. [Item of the invention] [Item 1] A portable container, An enclosure having an opening / closing mechanism that can move from an open position for receiving a container to a closed position, An environmental control module interface surface incorporated into the surface of the aforementioned portable container, An environmental control module that is operable to engage with the environmental control module interface surface, One or more environment controllers, One or more environmental sensors, Equipped with a power supply, A portable container in which the environmental control module is operable to transmit one or more detected environmental conditions and to coordinate one or more environmental controllers. [Item 2] The portable container according to item 1, wherein the enclosure has a three-dimensional shape selected from a cube, a rectangular prism, a pyramidal pyramid, a cone, a triangular prism, and a cylinder. [Item 3] The portable container according to item 1, wherein one or more environmental sensors are selected from a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, an oxygen sensor, an air quality sensor, and a smoke sensor. [Item 4] A portable container according to item 3, which may be equipped with two or more of the aforementioned environmental sensors. [Item 5] The portable container according to item 3, wherein one or more of the aforementioned environmental sensors are located within the environmental controller. [Item 6] The portable container according to item 3, wherein one or more environmental sensors are positioned inside the portable container at a location away from the environmental controller. [Item 7] A portable container as described in item 1, further equipped with a GPS sensor. [Item 8] The portable container according to item 1, further comprising a communication device for transmitting information from one or more sensors and receiving environmental control commands in response to the transmitted sensor information. [Item 9] A portable container as described in item 1, further comprising one or more of a GPS sensor and a G-force sensor. [Item 10] A step of providing a portable container comprising: an enclosure having an opening / closing mechanism operable to move from an open position for receiving a food container to a closed position; an environmental control module interface surface incorporated into the surface of the portable container; an environmental control module operable to engage with the environmental control module interface surface; one or more environmental controllers; one or more environmental sensors; and a power supply, wherein the environmental control module is operable to transmit one or more detected environmental conditions and to adjust one or more environmental controllers; The steps include opening the portable container, The steps include: placing the food container inside the portable container for transport; The steps include closing the portable container, The steps include configuring the environment control module to maintain the environment inside the container based on the identification of the food inside the food container, The steps include transporting the aforementioned portable container, Transportation methods, including those mentioned above. [Item 11] The transport method according to item 10, further comprising the step of determining the GPS location of the portable container. [Item 12] The transport method according to item 10, further comprising the step of determining the G force of the portable container. [Item 13] The transport method according to item 10, further comprising the steps of: determining whether the portable container maintained one or more environmental conditions during transport; and, if the portable container maintained the one or more environmental conditions, delivering the food container. [Item 14] The transport method according to item 10, further comprising the steps of: determining whether the portable container was subjected to any G force during transport; and, if the portable container was not subjected to any G force, delivering the food container. [Item 15] The transport method according to item 10, further comprising the steps of: determining whether the portable container has been subjected to any G force during transport; determining whether, if the portable container has been subjected to any G force, the G force is within a predetermined range of allowable G forces; and delivering the food container if the G force is within the predetermined range of allowable G forces. [Item 16] Memory and One or more processors, Stored in the aforementioned memory, The current geographical location of the device is received via a mobile application associated with the service provider on the device, Receiving one or more environmental conditions via the mobile application associated with the service provider on the device, The system determines whether the portable container maintained one or more environmental conditions within the specified range during transport, and if the portable container maintained one or more environmental conditions, it delivers the food container located inside the portable container. One or more computer executable instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors to perform an action including displaying an instruction to deliver the food container if the environmental conditions are maintained via the mobile application, A system that includes this. [Item 17] The system according to item 16, further comprising determining whether the portable container was subjected to any G force during transport, and, if the portable container was not subjected to any G force, delivering the food container. [Item 18] The system according to item 16, further comprising: determining whether the portable container has been subjected to any G force during transport; determining whether, if the portable container has been subjected to any G force, the G force is within a predetermined range of allowable G forces; and, if the G force is within the predetermined range of allowable G forces, delivering the food container.

Claims

1. An enclosure having an opening / closing mechanism that can move between an open position for receiving articles and a closed position, The enclosure has an environmental control module interface surface, The environmental control module interface surface and the environmental control module which can be detachably engaged, Equipped with, The aforementioned environmental control module Intake fan and exhaust fan, One or more environmental sensors configured to detect one or more environmental conditions within the enclosure, One or more environmental controllers configured to control at least the intake fan or the exhaust fan to adjust the environment inside the enclosure based on one or more detected environmental conditions, A portable container having [a certain feature].

2. The portable container according to claim 1, wherein the one or more environmental conditions include the moisture content of the air inside the enclosure, and the exhaust fan is configured to adjust the moisture content toward a target moisture content.

3. A portable container including an enclosure having an environmental control module interface surface, An environmental control module configured to be detachably attached to the environmental control module interface surface, Equipped with, When mounted on the interface surface of the environmental control module, the environmental control module is The portable container receives power from a power source associated with it. One or more environmental sensors are used to detect one or more environmental conditions within the enclosure. To adjust one or more environmental conditions within the enclosure, the intake and exhaust fans of the environmental control module are controlled. A kit that is configured in this way.

4. The kit according to claim 3, wherein the environmental control module is configured to adjust the moisture content of the air inside the enclosure toward a target moisture content when installed.

5. Enclosure and, An environmental control module configured to adjust the environment inside the enclosure, A GPS sensor configured to detect the position of the portable container, A G-force sensor configured to detect impact or acceleration applied to the aforementioned portable container, Equipped with, A portable container wherein the environmental control module is configured to adjust the control of at least one environmental controller based on the output of the GPS sensor and the output of the G-force sensor.

6. The enclosure further comprises one or more environmental sensors configured to detect the moisture content of the air inside the enclosure. The portable container according to claim 5, wherein the environmental control module is configured to control an exhaust fan to adjust the moisture content in response to the detected moisture content and the output of the G-force sensor.

7. A portable container including an enclosure and an environmental control module configured to adjust the environment inside the enclosure, The portable container is provided with one or more environmental sensors configured to detect one or more environmental conditions within the enclosure, A communication device provided in the portable container and configured to transmit information representing one or more environmental conditions and to receive remote environmental control commands, Equipped with, A portable container system in which the environmental control module is configured to adjust the operation of at least one of an intake fan or an exhaust fan based on the remote environmental control command received by the communication device.

8. The portable container system according to claim 7, wherein the remote environmental control command is generated in response to the transmitted information representing one or more environmental conditions.

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