A container assembly comprises a V-shaped container having a V-shaped cross-section and being formed from freezer-safe material, and a support base having a V-shaped groove sized to received and cooperate with the container thereby to support the container during filling with freezable liquid. Also disclosed is a freezer container support structure comprising two or more plates and at least two spaced support members. The support members are adapted to engage the plates in spaced locations along the support members, to maintain one or more freezer containers between the plates during freezing of a freezable liquid contained in each said freezer container.

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.

An apparatus and method of forming a shell defining a first side and a second side, wherein the shell is formed from a one-piece integral structure, forming an opening configured to provide access to the storage compartment, the opening including a closure device, forming a first carry strap and a second carry strap, forming a plurality of reinforcement patches, and forming a base.

A merchandiser for storing at least one product for purchase by a customer is provided. The merchandiser includes: a housing defining a cavity configured to receive the at least one product; an opening defined by the housing, the opening providing access to the cavity; and a door coupled to the housing and movable between a first position and a second position. The door substantially covers the opening in the first position and the door is positioned away from the opening in the second position such that the cavity is accessible. The merchandiser further includes a control system operable in a plurality of modes including at least a run mode and a setup mode. In the run mode, purchase of the at least one product is permitted. In the setup mode, one or more run mode provisions that control operation of the merchandiser in the run mode are received.

An insulating device backpack may include an outer shell, a first sidewall defining a front portion of the insulating device backpack, and 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, the insulating layer providing insulation for the storage compartment, and an opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment, and a closure adapted to seal the opening.

A container may include a body assembly comprising a shell, an inner liner forming a storage compartment, a foam layer positioned between the shell and the inner liner, and an opening providing access to the storage compartment. The container may also include a lid assembly attached to the body assembly and configured to seal the opening. The lid assembly may include an upper inner liner, an upper insulating portion, and an upper shell portion, and the upper insulating portion may be positioned between the upper inner liner portion and the upper shell portion.

An apparatus including a shell defining a first side and a second side, wherein the shell is formed from a one-piece integral structure, wherein the one-piece integral structure is joined together to form a seam, and wherein the seam is on one of the second side or the first side, a storage compartment, and an opening configured to provide access to the storage compartment.

A method and system for transporting and/or storing temperature-sensitive materials. In one embodiment, the system may be a hybrid system that includes an active temperature-control system and a passive temperature-control system. The active temperature-control system may be, for example, a portable refrigerator that includes an internal chamber for maintaining contents within a desired temperature range. The passive temperature-control system, which includes at least one phase-change material (PCM) member and space for receiving one or more temperature-sensitive materials, may be removably positioned entirely within the internal chamber of the active temperature-control system. When temperature-sensitive materials are loaded into the passive temperature-control system and the passive temperature-control system is loaded into the active temperature-control system, the active temperature-control system keeps the temperature-sensitive materials within a desired temperature range and charges the PCM members for when the passive temperature-control system is thereafter removed from the active temperature-control system.

A merchandiser for storing refrigerated product for purchase by a customer is provided. The merchandiser includes a housing defining a cavity; an opening defined by the housing, the opening providing access to the cavity; a door coupled to the housing and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the door covers the opening in the first position and the door is positioned away from the opening in the second position such that the cavity is accessible; a lock coupled to the door, the lock actuable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the lock is configured to lock the door in the first position in the locked position; and a controller coupled to the lock, the controller configured to actuate the lock to the unlocked position in response to receiving an unlock signal from a remote device.

An ice bagging and dispensing apparatus has at least one ice making machine; an ice hopper for receiving ice from the at least one ice making machine; an ice bagging machine for bagging ice from the ice hopper; an ice bag conveyor for conveying bagged ice from the ice bagging machine to an ice storage chamber, the ice bag conveyor positioned below the ice storage chamber; a carriage for moving and lifting the bag of ice into the ice storage chamber; one or more supports for supporting one or more bags of ice in the ice storage chamber above the ice bag conveyor; and, one or more consumer access doors to the ice storage chamber. This maintains first-in, first out (FIFO) principles.