Portable refrigeration units and portable storage units

Abstract

1. A portable cooling unit for cooling and insulating containers, including blood, plasma and pharmaceutical packages, bottles or bags, during transport, comprising: a thermal insulating envelope for housing and thermally insulating the container, and comprising a breathable reflective layer, a breathable waterproof layer, and an opening for accessing the container; a cooling envelope for cooling and housing the thermal insulating envelope and the container, and comprising two water permeable layers, and an opening for accessing the container; and a housing envelope for housing the container, the cooling envelope and the thermal insulating envelope, and comprising an opening for accessing the container and a breathable water permeable layer that allows moisture / water to pass through the envelope; the two water permeable layers of the cooling layers define an enclosure that contains an absorbent / hygroscopic material that cools the container by evaporation of water.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable cooling unit for cooling and insulating containers, including blood, plasma and pharmaceutical packages, bottles or bags, during transport, and a portable storage unit including the portable cooling unit and the containers. [Background technology]

[0002] Many different types of medical products used to treat patients need to be kept at specific temperatures below or above ambient temperature. Therefore, medical products are cooled or refrigerated before being administered. For example, medical products can include medications such as insulin and vaccines, as well as blood products such as blood or plasma for transfusion. Typically, medical products are cooled and insulated from ambient temperature by an electrically powered refrigerator or cooler box containing refrigerated or frozen cold items.

[0003] Powered refrigeration is preferred for storing medical products because it actively cools its interior and the contents stored therein. However, powered refrigeration has a significant drawback in that it requires an adequate and reliable power source to produce the cooling effect. In remote, outlying, or underdeveloped areas, providing sufficient and reliable power may not be achievable or feasible, and this is especially true during transportation. Therefore, powered refrigeration is often unreliable for transporting temperature-sensitive medical products in such areas.

[0004] Refrigerated boxes are often used in transporting temperature-sensitive medical products in remote, border, or underdeveloped areas because they do not require a constant power supply. However, they have the disadvantage of not being actively cooled. Therefore, during the long transports often required to reach such areas, cold items placed within the refrigerated box may warm up so that they no longer adequately cool the refrigerated box and its stored contents. Furthermore, refrigerated boxes are typically cooled by frozen or refrigerated items in an electric freezer or refrigerator. In remote, hard-to-reach, or border areas, it is often difficult to provide the power and equipment needed to freeze or refrigerate such items prior to transport. Furthermore, because refrigerated boxes are not actively cooled, the contents stored within the refrigerated box may warm up if the refrigerated box is opened multiple times to dispense the medical products stored therein.

[0005] Objects and aspects of the present invention seek to alleviate at least these problems associated with the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable cooling unit for cooling and insulating containers including blood, plasma and pharmaceutical packages, bottles or bags during transport, the portable cooling unit comprising: a thermal insulating envelope configured to receive and thermally insulate the container, the thermal insulating envelope comprising a breathable reflective layer, a breathable waterproof layer and an opening for accessing the container; a cooling envelope configured to cool and receive the thermal insulating envelope and the container, the cooling envelope comprising two water permeable layers and an opening for accessing the container; and a storage envelope configured to receive the container, the cooling envelope and the thermal insulating envelope, the storage envelope comprising an opening for accessing the container and a breathable water permeable layer to allow moisture and / or water to pass through the envelope, the two water permeable layers of the cooling envelope being absorbent. water Sex / moisture absorption divergenceThe device is configured to define an enclosure containing an absorbent material, and further includes a water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The conductive material is configured to cool the container by evaporation of water.

[0007] The portable cooling unit achieves suitable cooling and insulation for blood products and medications, even during temperature fluctuations, through the combination and interaction of a thermally insulating envelope, a cooling envelope, and a containment envelope. Typically, medical products must be kept within a temperature range of 18° to 26° when the ambient temperature is within the range of 0° to 42°. The term "envelope" is understood to mean a bag, box, packaging, container, pocket, pouch, cover, receptacle, covering, shell, etc., and the term "contain" is understood to mean to receive, accept, hold, preserve, store, surround, enclose, encase, wrap, etc.

[0008] The containment envelope includes a permeable layer that allows water and / or moisture to pass through its periphery and into the adjacent cooling envelope. The water and / or moisture can also be absorbed by the cooling envelope. water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The cooling envelope is then fitted with two permeable layers containing a water-permeable material. The water and / or moisture is then absorbed by the cooling envelope. water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The absorbed water and / or moisture can then be absorbed over time. water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The active cooling of the cooling envelope and container is essential to the function of the portable refrigeration unit and helps protect the stored medical products from fluctuations in ambient temperature.

[0009] The active cooling action of this portable cooling unit is achieved by water Sex / moisture absorption divergenceThe cooling action is provided solely by the evaporation of water from the refrigerant material; that is, cooling is not provided by a powered refrigeration system. This makes the portable cooling unit truly portable, allowing it to be used in remote, outlying, or hard-to-reach locations, since a power source does not need to be carried with the portable cooling unit. During use, the active cooling action of the portable cooling unit may be augmented by passive cooling, such as providing ice around or within the portable cooling unit. However, this passive cooling is not required to ensure the performance of the portable cooling unit.

[0010] Adjacent to the cooling envelope is a thermally insulating envelope. The thermally insulating envelope is positioned between the cooling envelope and the container in use and is cooled by the cooling envelope. The thermally insulating envelope includes two breathable layers, thus allowing circulation of cooled air from the cooling envelope through the thermally insulating envelope toward the container in use. The thermally insulating envelope includes a breathable reflective layer that allows cool air from the cooling envelope to pass through the envelope and reflects incoming heat and light radiation. The thermally insulating envelope further includes a waterproof, breathable envelope. The waterproof, breathable envelope is configured to prevent water and / or moisture from the environment, or water and / or moisture evaporated from the cooling envelope, from passing through the waterproof, breathable envelope toward the container. Both layers of the thermally insulating envelope act as thermal shields to protect the contained container from temperature fluctuations during use.

[0011] Each of the layers of the thermal insulation envelope, cooling envelope, and containment envelope may be individually described as a membrane, web, web membrane, or web member, i.e., the layers may be described as membranes because they are selectively permeable, e.g., a water-permeable layer is configured to allow water and air to pass through, but not most solid materials.

[0012] Preferably, the cooling envelope comprises a base section configured to cool the base of the container and a side wall section configured to cool the side wall of the container, said base section and said side section each being adapted to cool the suction water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The cooling envelope preferably comprises a base section and a sidewall section, since this provides a separate enclosure for containing the absorbent material. water Sex / moisture absorption divergence This is to prevent the cooling material from sagging under gravity within the enclosure and reducing the cooling efficiency around some portions of the cooling envelope. Additionally, forming the cooling envelope from two sections improves the ease with which the cooling envelope can be manufactured and shaped.

[0013] Preferably, the two permeable layers of the cooling layer are connected to each other. attachment The enclosure is defined by the attachment The term "to adhere" is understood to mean to bond, connect, join, tie, laminate, fasten, secure, affix, connect, clamp, or join together. attachment Other forms of "ru" such as "mutually" Installed The same is true for "being able to be" and "being able to be" Installed When the two layers are Installed or indirectly connected to each other via a spacer member or intermediate layer. Installed It is understood that the two permeable layers can be sewn together. stomach If Match , heat welding, adhesive bonding Installed It is preferable that

[0014] Preferably, the cooling envelope comprises at least two water-permeable layers.

[0015] Preferably, the two permeable layers of the cooling envelope are water Sex / moisture absorption divergenceThe adhesive layer may be attached to one another so as to have a plurality of compartments or several compartments each containing a portion of the adhesive material. Installed can be.

[0016] Preferably, the compartments of the enclosure are arranged in a set of rows, a set of columns or in a checkerboard pattern within the cooling envelope. More preferably, the compartments of the enclosure are arranged in a set of columns with the cooling envelope.

[0017] The arrangement of a plurality of compartments in a set of rows should be interpreted as meaning that the compartments each extend from the top to the bottom of the cooling envelope and in a direction substantially parallel to one another. For example, when the cooling envelope has a substantially cylindrical outer shape, the compartments each extend in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the cylinder and parallel to the curved sidewall of the cylinder. Typically, when the plurality of compartments are arranged in a set of columns, the compartments extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cooling envelope. The arrangement of a plurality of compartments in a set of rows should be interpreted as meaning that the compartments each extend in a circumferential direction of the cooling envelope and in a direction substantially parallel to one another. Typically, when the plurality of compartments are arranged in a set of rows, the compartments extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cooling envelope. For example, when the cooling envelope has a substantially cylindrical outer shape, the compartments each are substantially annular or toroidal and substantially parallel to the plane of the cylinder.

[0018] Preferably, the cooling envelope is shaped or configured to be complementary to the vessel. More preferably, the cooling envelope is shaped or configured to be complementary to the vessel such that, in use, a majority of the inner surface of the cooling envelope abuts a majority of the outer surface of the vessel. More preferably, the cooling envelope is configured to be complementary to the vessel such that a majority of the inner surface of the cooling envelope abuts a majority of the outer surface of the vessel. Installation That is, two permeable layers are formed or configured by attachment Stitching stomach If Match The heat seal or adhesive is configured to shape the cooling envelope to be complementary to the container in use.

[0019] Preferably, the two water-permeable layers of the cooling envelope comprise a woven fabric material.

[0020] Preferably, the cooling envelope water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The absorbent material is preferably in granular form. water Sex / moisture absorption divergence More preferably, the absorbent material of the cooling envelope is a gel. water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The active material is a granular gel.

[0021] Preferably, the opening in the cooling envelope is resealable, and more preferably, the opening in the cooling envelope comprises a drawstring or fastener for resealing the opening.

[0022] Preferably, the breathable reflective layer of the thermally insulating envelope is configured to reflect heat outward, away from the container.

[0023] Preferably, the breathable reflective layer is laminated to the breathable waterproof layer. Preferably, the breathable reflective layer and the breathable waterproof layer of the thermal insulation envelope are sewn together. stomach If Match , heat welding, adhesive bonding Installed can be.

[0024] Preferably, the thermal insulating envelope is shaped or configured to be complementary to the cooling envelope. More preferably, the thermal insulating envelope is shaped or configured to be complementary to the cooling envelope such that, in use, a majority of the inner surface of the thermal insulating envelope abuts a majority of the outer surface of the cooling envelope. More preferably, the thermal insulating envelope is configured to be complementary to the cooling envelope such that a majority of the inner surface of the thermal insulating envelope abuts a majority of the outer surface of the cooling envelope. More preferably, the thermal insulating envelope is configured to be complementary to the cooling envelope such that a majority of the inner surface of the cooling envelope abuts a majority of the outer surface of the cooling envelope. Installation That is, the breathable reflective layer and the breathable waterproof layer are attachment Stitching stomach If Match The heat welding or bonding is configured to shape the thermal insulating envelope to be complementary to the cooling envelope.

[0025] Preferably, the breathable waterproof layer of the thermal insulation envelope is a breathable waterproof layer table Face flow The airflow path includes channels configured to promote airflow through the airflow path.

[0026] Preferably, the breathable waterproof layer of the thermal insulation envelope comprises a nonwoven material. More preferably, the nonwoven material of the breathable waterproof layer is a polymer. Even more preferably, the nonwoven material of the breathable waterproof layer is polypropylene.

[0027] Preferably, the breathable reflective layer of the thermal insulating envelope is With holes Includes foil.

[0028] Preferably, the thermal insulating envelope comprises two breathable reflective layers. More preferably, a first of the two breathable reflective layers is configured to reflect heat outward, away from the container, and a second of the two breathable reflective layers is configured to reflect heat inward, toward the container. The inward and outward directions are relative to the container when contained within the portable cooling unit.

[0029] Preferably, the layers of the thermal insulating envelope are sewn together. stomach If Match , by heat welding or adhesive bonding. Installed can be.

[0030] Preferably, the thermal insulating envelope comprises a mechanism for reversibly closing the opening thereof. More preferably, the resealable opening of the thermal insulating envelope comprises a drawstring or a zipper.

[0031] Preferably, the containment envelope is provided with a resealable lid for closing the opening therein.

[0032] Preferably, the air-permeable layer of the containment envelope comprises a nonwoven material.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable storage unit for cooling and insulating blood, plasma and drug packages, bottles or bags during transport, said portable storage unit comprising: a container for storing blood, plasma or drug packages, bottles or bags, said container having a resealable opening for accessing contents stored by the container; and a portable cooling unit according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein said container is surrounded by said portable cooling unit and is accessible by openings in a thermal insulating envelope, a cooling envelope and a storage envelope.

[0034] The portable cooling unit included in the second aspect of the invention may include any of the optional or preferred features of the first aspect of the invention.

[0035] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portable storage unit according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage envelope of the portable storage unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cooling envelope of the portable storage unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thermally insulating envelope of the portable storage unit of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] 1 and 2 of the drawings show a portable storage unit 10 in accordance with the present invention. The portable storage unit 10 includes a portable cooling unit 20 configured to cool and insulate a container 30, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show the components of the portable cooling unit 20.

[0038] Container 30 is suitable for storing medical products such as blood, plasma, and medications, as known in the art. The medical products stored in container 30 are typically packaged in plastic or glass bottles, bags, ampoules, and the like.

[0039] In this embodiment, the container 30 is substantially cylindrical and includes a resealable opening for accessing the medical product stored therein. The resealable opening is located at one of the flat ends of the substantially cylindrical container 30.

[0040] Portable cooling unit 20 is configured to cool and insulate container 30 and includes three envelopes to accomplish this function: a thermal insulating envelope 40, a cooling envelope 50, and a containment envelope 60. As can be seen in Figure 1, both thermal insulating envelope 40 and cooling envelope 50 include multiple layers to accomplish their respective functions as described below.

[0041] In the portable storage unit 10, the thermally insulating envelope 40 is adjacent to and surrounds the container 30. That is, the thermally insulating envelope 40 is large enough to accommodate the container 30, and the thermally insulating envelope 40 is configured to insulate the container 30 by limiting heat from the surrounding environment that warms the container 30.

[0042] Typically, the thermal insulating envelope 40 is shaped and configured to be complementary to the container 30. Or, in other words, the thermal insulating envelope 40 is typically designed and manufactured to be complementary to a given container 30. This helps ensure good insulation of the container 30 by the thermal insulating envelope 40 due to the complementary shapes and proximity of the thermal insulating envelope 40 and the container 30.

[0043] In this embodiment, the thermally insulating envelope 40 is substantially cylindrical and complementary to the cylindrical container 30, such that a majority of the inner surface of the thermally insulating envelope 40 engages and abuts a majority of the outer surface of the container 30. The thermally insulating envelope 40 also includes an opening at one of its flat ends that allows access to the container 30. Preferably, the opening can be closed so that the thermally insulating envelope 40 can completely define, surround, or enclose the container 30, as this is effective in insulating the container 30. In this embodiment, the opening in the thermally insulating envelope 40 is open. In other embodiments, the opening in the thermally insulating envelope 40 is resealable, such that the opening can be closed and opened with a drawstring.

[0044] The thermal insulating envelope 40 comprises multiple layers to provide effective insulation and heat shielding for the container 30. In particular, the thermal insulating envelope 40 comprises a first breathable waterproof layer 80. Installed The first breathable reflective layer 70 and the second breathable waterproof layer 100 are Installed and a second breathable reflective layer 90 attached thereto.

[0045] Both the first breathable reflective layer 70 and the second breathable reflective layer 90 are fine With holes The foil features of the breathable reflective layers 70, 90 reflect heat radiation and help to thermally insulate the container 30. In particular, the first breathable reflective layer 70 and the second breathable reflective layer 90 are arranged such that they form a two-way reflective heat shield. In this embodiment, the first breathable reflective layer 70 is configured to reflect heat outward, away from the container 30, and the second breathable reflective layer 90 is configured to reflect heat inward, towards the container 30. The fine hole serves to make the breathable reflective layers 70, 90 breathable so that air cooled by the cooling envelope 50 is allowed to pass through the breathable reflective layers 70, 90, thereby cooling the container 30.

[0046] The breathable reflective layers 70, 90 are each attached to their respective breathable waterproof layers 80, 100. Installed In this embodiment, the breathable reflective layers 70, 90 are laminated to their respective breathable waterproof layers 80, 100. The laminated first breathable reflective layer 70 and first breathable waterproof layer 90 are then sewn to the laminated second breathable reflective layer 80 and second breathable waterproof layer 100. stomach If Match , by welding or gluing Installed Between the four layers of thermal insulation envelope 70, 80, 90, 100 Installation is used to shape and configure the thermally insulating envelope 40 to be complementary to the container 30, as explained above.

[0047] The first breathable waterproof layer 80 and the second breathable waterproof layer 100 are both formed from a nonwoven polypropylene layer. This nonwoven polypropylene layer is typically a web or web membrane, providing the nonwoven polypropylene as a breathable layer, but also as one that can be laminated to the breathable reflective layers 70, 90. The waterproof breathable layers 80, 100 prevent water and / or moisture from the environment, or water and / or moisture evaporated from the cooling envelope 50, from passing through the waterproof breathable layers toward the container 30, while allowing cool air to circulate. Furthermore, the breathable waterproof layers 80, 100 each have a surface that is flow They have raised or etched channels in their surface to promote airflow.

[0048] In the portable cooling unit 20, the cooling envelope 50 is adjacent to and surrounds the thermally insulating envelope 40. That is, the cooling envelope 50 is large enough to contain the thermally insulating envelope 40. The cooling envelope 50 is configured to cool the thermally insulating envelope 40 and the container 30 contained within the thermally insulating envelope 40 by evaporation of water, as described below.

[0049] Typically, the cooling envelope 50 is shaped and configured to be complementary to the thermal insulating envelope 40. Or, in other words, the cooling envelope 50 is typically designed and manufactured to be complementary to a given thermal insulating envelope 40 and container 30. This helps ensure that the cooling action provided by the cooling envelope 50 is in spatial proximity to the thermal insulating envelope 40 and container 30, as a majority of the inner surface of the cooling envelope 50 engages and abuts a majority of the outer surface of the thermal insulating envelope 40. In this way, the air cooled by the cooling envelope 50 is in close proximity to the container 30 and can effectively cool the container 30.

[0050] In this embodiment, the cooling envelope 50 is substantially cylindrical so as to be complementary to the cylindrical container 30 and the cylindrical thermally insulating envelope 40. The cylindrical cooling envelope 50 further comprises an opening at one of its flat ends that allows access to the openings in the thermally insulating envelope 40 and container 30. It is preferred that the opening can be closed so that the cooling envelope 50 can completely define, surround, or enclose the thermally insulating envelope 40 and container 30, as this is effective in cooling the container 30. In this embodiment, the opening in the cooling envelope 50 is resealable and can be closed and opened by a drawstring.

[0051] The cooling envelope 50 comprises multiple layers to provide effective cooling of the vessel 30. In particular, the cooling envelope 50 is formed by a second permeable layer 120 to define an enclosure 130. Installed The enclosure 130 is provided with a first permeable layer 110 water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The first permeable layer 110 includes a porous material 140. Installation The first and second water permeable layers 110, 120 are sewn together to define the shape of the cooling envelope 50. stomach If Match , by welding or gluing Installed It is possible.

[0052] In this embodiment, the cooling envelope 50 is formed in a sidewall section 54 as seen in FIG. Installed The cooling envelope 50 includes a base section 52 that is disposed at an end of the cooling envelope 50 opposite the opening, and a sidewall section 54 that extends between the base section 52 and the opening of the cooling envelope 50. Both the base section 52 and the sidewall section 54 include a first permeable layer 110 and a second permeable layer 120. The two sections 52, 54 are separate, as is the enclosure 130 and the suction tubes contained therein. water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The elastic material 140 is separated into two compartments 150 , one in the base section 52 and one in the sidewall section 54 .

[0053] In this embodiment, the first permeable layer 110 is formed such that the portion of the enclosure 130 disposed in the sidewall section 54 is suction-insulated, as seen in FIG. water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The second permeable layer 120 is provided with a plurality of compartments 150 containing the permeable material 140 at a plurality of locations. Installed In this embodiment, the plurality of compartments 150 in the sidewall section 54 are in a set of columns extending longitudinally between two planes of the substantially cylindrical cooling envelope 50. Other arrangements of the plurality of compartments 150 are envisioned, such as a set of rows or a checkerboard pattern. Each compartment in the plurality of compartments 150 covers the surface of the cooling envelope. flow The air channels are located between the compartments to promote airflow.

[0054] Both the first water-permeable layer 110 and the second water-permeable layer 120 are woven water-permeable materials, such as a blend of polyester and cotton fabric. The water-permeable characteristics of the water-permeable layers 110, 120 allow water and / or moisture to be absorbed through the layers so that the container can cool by evaporation. water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The adhesive allows the adhesive to move toward and away from the adhesive material 140.

[0055] Sucking water Sex / moisture absorption divergence The refrigerant material 140 comprises a granular or gel material, such as a water-soluble polymer, that is capable of absorbing water and / or moisture and then evaporating it, thereby cooling the portable cooling unit 20 and the container 30 by itself.

[0056] In the portable storage unit 10 and the portable cooling unit 20, the cooling envelope 50 is contained within a storage envelope 60.

[0057] The shape of the containment envelope 60 is typically configured to be complementary to the cooling envelope 50. Or, in other words, a majority of the inner surface of the containment envelope 60 engages and abuts a majority of the outer surface of the cooling envelope 50. In this embodiment, the containment envelope 60 is substantially cylindrical and larger than the cooling envelope 50. The containment envelope 60 further includes an opening at one end of the cylinder that provides access to the cooling envelope 50, the thermal insulation envelope 40, and the container 30. The opening in the containment envelope 60 can be closed by a resealable lid 170, as is known in the art.

[0058] The containment envelope 60 includes a breathable, water-permeable layer 160, such as a web of nonwoven polypropylene. The primary purpose of the containment envelope 60 is to provide a protective housing for the cooling envelope 50, the thermal insulation envelope 40, and the container 30, while allowing water and / or moisture to pass through the containment envelope 60 without impairing the function of the cooling envelope 50.

[0059] Each of the container 30, the thermal insulating envelope 40, the cooling envelope 50, and the storage envelope 60 is separate and distinct from the other components. In this manner, the container 30 can be inserted into and removed from the thermal insulating envelope 40 through the openings in the thermal insulating envelope 40, the thermal insulating envelope 40 can be inserted into and removed from the cooling envelope 50 through the openings in the cooling envelope 50, and the cooling envelope 50 can be inserted into and removed from the storage envelope 60 through the openings in the storage envelope 60.

Claims

1. 1. A portable refrigeration unit for cooling and insulating containers, including blood, plasma and drug packages, bottles or bags, during transport, comprising: a thermal insulating envelope configured to contain and thermally insulate the container, the thermal insulating envelope comprising a breathable reflective layer, a breathable waterproof layer, and an opening for accessing the container; a cooling envelope configured to cool and contain the thermally insulating envelope and the container, the cooling envelope comprising two water-permeable layers and an opening for accessing the container; a storage envelope configured to store the container, the cooling envelope, and the thermal insulation envelope, the storage envelope including an opening for accessing the container and an air-permeable layer that allows moisture and / or water to pass through the storage envelope; Equipped with the two permeable layers of the cooling envelope are configured to define an enclosure containing a moisture-absorbent, moisture-wicking material, and the moisture-absorbent, moisture-wicking material is further configured to cool the container by evaporation of water.

2. 2. The portable cooling unit of claim 1, wherein the cooling envelope comprises a base section configured to cool a base of the container and a sidewall section configured to cool a sidewall of the container, the base section and the sidewall section each comprising a separate enclosure for containing the moisture-absorbing and moisture-wicking material.

3. 3. The portable cooling unit of claim 1, wherein the two water-permeable layers of the cooling envelope are attached to one another so that the enclosure comprises a plurality of compartments, each containing a portion of the water-absorbent, moisture-wicking material.

4. The portable cooling unit of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of compartments of the enclosure are arranged within the cooling envelope as a set of rows, a set of columns, or in a checkerboard pattern.

5. The portable cooling unit of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the two water-permeable layers of the cooling envelope defining the enclosure are attached to each other by a method selected from stitching, heat welding, and gluing.

6. The portable cooling unit of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the two water-permeable layers of the cooling envelope comprise a woven fabric material.

7. The portable cooling unit of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the absorbent and wicking material of the cooling envelope is granular.

8. The portable cooling unit of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent and wicking material of the cooling envelope is a gel.

9. The portable cooling unit of any preceding claim, wherein the opening in the cooling envelope is resealable.

10. The portable cooling unit of claim 9 , wherein the resealable opening of the cooling envelope comprises a drawstring or a zipper.

11. The portable cooling unit of any preceding claim, wherein the breathable reflective layer of the thermally insulating envelope is configured to reflect heat outward, away from the container.

12. 12. The portable cooling unit of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the breathable reflective layer and the breathable waterproof layer of the thermal insulating envelope are attached to each other by a method selected from stitching, heat welding, and gluing.

13. 13. The portable cooling unit of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the breathable waterproof layer of the thermal insulating envelope comprises channels configured to promote airflow across a surface of the breathable waterproof layer.

14. The portable cooling unit of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the breathable waterproof layer of the thermally insulating envelope comprises a nonwoven material.

15. 15. The portable cooling unit of claim 14, wherein the nonwoven material of the breathable waterproof layer is polypropylene.

16. The portable cooling unit of any preceding claim, wherein the breathable reflective layer of the thermally insulating envelope comprises a micro-perforated foil.

17. The portable cooling unit of any preceding claim, wherein the thermally insulating envelope comprises two breathable reflective layers.

18. 18. The portable cooling unit of claim 17, wherein a first of the two breathable reflective layers is configured to reflect heat outward, away from the container, and a second of the two breathable reflective layers is configured to reflect heat inward, toward the container.

19. 19. The portable cooling unit of claim 17 or 18, wherein the breathable reflective layers of the thermally insulating envelope are attached to one another by a selection of stitching, heat welding or gluing.

20. A portable cooling unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening in the thermally insulating envelope is resealable.

21. 21. The portable cooling unit of claim 20, wherein the resealable opening of the thermally insulating envelope comprises a drawstring or a zipper.

22. The portable cooling unit of any preceding claim, wherein the storage envelope comprises a resealable lid for closing the opening of the storage envelope.

23. The portable cooling unit of any preceding claim, wherein the air-permeable layer of the containment envelope comprises a nonwoven material.

24. 24. The portable cooling unit of claim 23, wherein the nonwoven material is polypropylene.

25. A portable storage unit for cooling and insulating blood, plasma and drug packages, bottles or bags during transport, comprising: a container for storing blood, plasma or pharmaceutical packages, bottles or bags, the container having a resealable opening for accessing the contents stored by said container; A portable cooling unit according to any one of claims 1 to 24. Equipped with the container is surrounded by the portable cooling unit and is accessible through the openings in the thermal insulation envelope, the cooling envelope, and the containment envelope; Portable storage units.

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