The present invention provides a thermally insulated shipping container comprising a thermally insulating layer defining a first void, a main layer containing phase change material (main PCM layer) within the first void and defining a second void within the first void, a barrier layer containing phase change material (barrier PCM layer) within the second void and distinct from the main PCM layer, the barrier PCM layer defining a third void within the second void, the container being arranged to receive a product for transportation inside of the third void, wherein the main PCM layer has an average thickness greater than the average thickness of the barrier PCM layer, the barrier PCM layer comprises of an envelope in which the phase change material of the barrier PCM layer is contained and the barrier PCM layer is configured to maintain the phase change material with a relatively even distribution within the envelope.

The present application is related to a portable refrigeration apparatus for vaccines, food items, beverage containers, or any other item. The apparatus includes a refrigerated container comprised of a plurality of substantially identical chilling panels interconnected to form a sealed container that defines an internal volume, each of the chilling panels containing a cooling element. The refrigerated container encloses an internal storage space and has a generally modular design to facilitate packaging and transportation. The apparatus permits the internal storage space to maintain a temperature in the range of 4 C.8 C. for a long period of time following a loss of electrical power.

A thermally insulating packaging to hold an item includes a solid compostable or recyclable shell that is formed primarily of starch, and a bottom cover. The shell includes a floor, a plurality of inner side walls that are coupled to the floor, a rim coupled to the plurality of inner side walls, and a plurality of outer side walls that are couple to the rim. The floor and the plurality of inner side walls define an interior space of the shell to receive the item and an opening to the interior space. The plurality of inner side walls and plurality of outer side walls have a space therebetween that defines a gap. The gap can be an air-filled cavity, or be filled with a compostable or recyclable core material.

The present application is related to a portable refrigeration apparatus for vaccines, food items, beverage containers, or any other item. The apparatus includes a refrigerated container comprised of a plurality of substantially identical chilling panels interconnected to form a sealed container that defines an internal volume, each of the chilling panels containing a cooling element. The refrigerated container encloses an internal storage space and has a generally modular design to facilitate packaging and transportation. The apparatus permits the internal storage space to maintain a temperature in the range of 4 C.8 C. for a long period of time following a loss of electrical power.

A thermally insulating packaging to hold an item includes a solid compostable or recyclable shell that is formed primarily of starch, and a bottom cover. The shell includes a floor, a plurality of inner side walls that are coupled to the floor, a rim coupled to the plurality of inner side walls, and a plurality of outer side walls that are couple to the rim. The floor and the plurality of inner side walls define an interior space of the shell to receive the item and an opening to the interior space. The plurality of inner side walls and plurality of outer side walls have a space therebetween that defines a gap. The gap can be an air-filled cavity, or be filled with a compostable or recyclable core material.

A shipping container for shipping thermally active materials includes a plurality of structural panels that define a container interior, and are configured for receiving the thermally active materials. The container also includes an exterior disposed adjacent to an environment in which the shipping container is disposed. A thermal barrier member is placeable between the thermally active materials and the environment in which the container is placed. The thermal barrier includes a thermal barrier interior panel and a thermal barrier external panel defining a heat absorbing material receiving cavity. A flowable polymer based heat absorbing material is disposed within the heat absorbing material receiving cavity. The thermal barrier is configured to substantially surround the thermally active materials to reduce the passage of thermal energy between the thermally active materials and the environment in which the shipping container is disposed.

A cooler has a body and a lid that co-operate. The lid is movable between closed and open positions. The lid is a freezable reservoir. A filler port is located inside the lid. The entrance of the filler port into the lid is located at a height part way between the inside and outside walls of the lid. The lid has a downwardly extending hollow peripheral formation. The filler port is spanwise inset from the peripheral formation. The lid has spanwise extending internal formations that stiffen the lid and divide the internal chamber into sub-volumes connected by necks through which liquid can flow. The inside and outside walls of the lid may be connected. The lid is provided with a fill to line visible from the filling port to discourage over-filling. The lid may have an insulated cap, and the cooler may have an insulated jacket.

A thermal pack comprises a first and second plastic sheets that form a sack. The sack contains a flowable thermal material and further includes a plurality of joint lines within the sack that are in contact with the thermal material.