A merchandiser for storing a product for purchase by a customer is disclosed. The merchandiser includes a housing that defines a cavity for storing the product and a controller for facilitating a transaction for the product at the merchandiser. The controller is configured to: receive an input to initiate a transaction for the product, the input including a type and an amount of product to be purchased; unlock a door of the merchandiser to enable a removal of the product based on receiving the input; determine a completion of the transaction based on the door being in a close position for more than a preset amount of time; and charge the customer for the type and amount of product based on the completion of the transaction.

An insulating device including an outer shell, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, an insulating layer positioned in between the outer shell and the inner liner, wherein the insulating layer provides insulation for the storage compartment, and an opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment.

An insulating device backpack may include an outer shell comprising a first sidewall defining a front portion of the insulating device backpack, a second sidewall and a third sidewall defining side portions of the insulating device backpack, and a fourth sidewall defining a back portion of the insulating device backpack, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, an insulating layer positioned in between the outer shell and the inner liner, a back panel support structure coupled to a reinforcement patch and the fourth sidewall of the outer shell, a pair of shoulder straps coupled to the back panel, an opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment, and a closure adapted to seal the opening.

Thermal protection for sensitive items stored for extended periods of time in a passenger vehicle is a requirement that has not been adequately addressed by the industry. A primary object of this invention therefore, will be to provide a convenient and versatile means for forming and integrating a storage container employing appropriate phase change materials to create a controlled temperature environment for heat-sensitive articles inside an automobile, truck, or other enclosed road vehicle. As such, the invention will afford protection where summer temperatures build up to levels inside the stationary vehicle which could exceed safe limits for heat sensitive items that might be stored in the vehicle for an extended period of time; ie an hour or more. An additional optional objective will be to further include a phase change material with a substantially lower melting point to protect sensitive items from freezing during the winter months.

A system for holding multiple beverage containers may include a cooler or carrier with toting handles, closing tabs, and base. The base may be formed from a molded plastic, rubber or synthetic rubber material. The base may also include feet that hold the base a sufficient height from the ground. The base may have a generally conic tapering drain floor that makes up its top surface. The tapering drain floor may make draining the carrier easier by directing water toward a drain hole located in the base. Extending up from the base may be a multi-layer soft-sided wall where different layers perform different desired functions. For example, an inside layer closest to the internal cavity may be a waterproof layer, a middle layer may be an insulating layer, and an external layer may be a decorative layer.

A system for holding multiple beverage containers may include a cooler or carrier with toting handles, closing tabs, and base. The base may be formed from a molded plastic, rubber, nylon, or synthetic rubber material. The base may also include feet that hold the base a sufficient height from the ground. The base may have a drain hole located in the base. Extending up from the base may be a multi-layer soft-sided wall where different layers perform different desired functions. For example, an inside layer closest to the internal cavity may be a waterproof layer, a middle layer may be an insulating layer, and an external layer may be a decorative layer. Within the cooler or carrier may be one or more silos with a mating plug within the silo. The silo may be generally cylindrical in shape and configured to accept a beverage container in a manner that allow a beverage within the container to be accessed from outside the cooler.

An insulating device can include an aperture having a waterproof closure which allows access to the chamber within the insulating device. The closure can help prevent any fluid leakage into and out of the insulating device if the insulating device is overturned or in any configuration other than upright. The closure may also prevent any fluid from permeating into the chamber if the insulating device is exposed to precipitation, other fluid, or submersed under water. This construction results in an insulating chamber that is substantially impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.

An ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice for purchase by a customer is provided. The ice merchandiser includes a payment system for facilitating a bagged ice product transaction at the ice merchandiser. The payment system includes a mass determination module structured to determine a mass of bagged ice product removed during the bagged ice product transaction and a transaction module structured to determine an amount of currency required for the bagged ice product transaction based on the determined mass of bagged ice product removed.

An insulating device can include an aperture having a waterproof closure which allows access to the chamber within the insulating device. The closure can help prevent any fluid leakage into and out of the insulating device if the insulating device is overturned or in any configuration other than upright. The closure also prevents any fluid from permeating into the chamber if the insulating device is exposed to precipitation, other fluid, or submersed under water. This construction results in an insulating chamber impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.

A wine dispenser that includes a wine refrigerator unit having at least two independent temperature-controlled compartments, each one of the two compartments having a plurality of supports to support a wine container, and a wine dispenser unit residing atop the wine refrigeration unit, the wine dispenser unit including a plurality of fountain heads, each one of the plurality of fountain heads being connected to a respective fluid-tight wine supply line that extends from the fountain head to an interior of a respective one of the two independent temperature-controlled compartments.