FOOD STORAGE SYSTEM INCLUDING A FREEZER AND A TEMPORARY TENT ACCESSORY

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a food storage system including a freezer, a temporary storage unit removably coupled with the freezer, and a freezer management application. The freezer includes two or more independently controllable climate zones which can be automatically adjust based on data received from sensors and cameras in each of the climate zones or manually adjust using the freezer management application. The freezer is also configured to receive one or more modular inserts for increased customization and functionality. The temporary storage unit includes a climate zone that is configured to be controlled and regulated by the freezer when the temporary storage unit is coupled with the freezer. Based on the data received from the sensors and cameras, the freezer management application generates alerts regarding deviations in the conditions of the climate zones or conditions of food items stored in the system.

Claims

1. A food storage system, comprising: a customizable freezer for storing food items, comprising: a first drawer associated with a first climate zone; a second drawer associated with a second climate zone; a plurality of sensors positioned in each of the first climate zone and the second climate zone, the plurality of sensors being configured to generate climate data associated with each of the first and second climate zones; and a controller configured to receive the climate data associated with each of the first and second climate zones from the plurality of sensors; and a freezer management application in communication with the controller; wherein the freezer management application is configured to receive user inputs; wherein the user inputs comprise a target climate setpoint; and wherein the controller is configured to regulate each of the first and second climate zones independently based on the respective climate data received from the plurality of sensors and the target climate setpoint.

2. The food storage system of claim 1, wherein a climate of the first climate zone is different from a climate of the second climate zone.

3. The food storage system of claim 1, further comprising: a modular insert configured to be removably attached to the freezer.

4. The food storage system of claim 3, wherein the freezer further comprises a slot configured to receive at least a portion of the modular insert to facilitate the removable attachment of the modular insert to the freezer.

5. The food storage system of claim 4, wherein the slot is positioned on an external side surface of the freezer.

6. The food storage system of claim 4, wherein the modular insert includes a table-top surface; and wherein the modular insert is removably attached to the freezer via the slot such that the table-top surface of the modular insert extends across and forms a top surface of the freezer.

7. The food storage system of claim 4, wherein the modular insert includes a table-top surface; and wherein the modular insert is removably attached to the freezer via the slot such that the table-top surface of the modular insert extends away from the freezer and coplanar with a top surface of the freezer such that the table-top surface of the modular insert effectively extends the top surface of the freezer.

8. The food storage system of claim 7, further comprising: a trash receptacle removably attached to and suspended from the modular insert.

9. The food storage system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more accessories including one or more of a printer, a scanner, and a scale; wherein the freezer further comprises a power supply configured to supply power to the one or more accessories.

10. The food storage system of claim 1, further comprising: a temporary storage unit removably attached to the freezer, the temporary storage unit comprising: an interior associated with a third climate zone; a frame configured to support suspension of food items therefrom; and a cover surrounding the frame and enclosing the interior.

11. The food storage system of claim 10, further comprising: a conduit removably attached to the temporary storage unit and to the freezer to facilitate the removable attachment of the temporary storage unit to the freezer; wherein the freezer further comprises a valve in fluid communication with the conduit and configured to control a flow of air between the freezer and the temporary storage unit.

12. The food storage system of claim 11, wherein the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit is in fluid communication with the second climate zone of the freezer; and wherein the controller of the freezer is configured to regulate the third climate zone in series with the second climate zone such that a climate of the third climate zone is substantially the same as the climate of the second climate zone.

13. The food storage system of claim 10, further comprising: a mobile device in wireless communication with the controller of the freezer; wherein the mobile device is configured to transmit a command signal to the controller of the freezer to adjust a climate of one or more of the climate zones of the freezer or the temporary storage unit.

14. A method of operating a food storage system, comprising: receiving, via a controller of a freezer of the food storage system, climate data from a plurality of sensors associated with first and second climate zones of the freezer and with a third climate zone of a temporary storage unit removably attached to the freezer; wherein the second climate zone associated with the freezer is in fluid communication with the third climate zone associated with the temporary storage unit; adjusting, using the controller of the freezer and based on the climate data associated with the first climate zone of the freezer, the first climate zone of the freezer independently of the second climate zone of the freezer; and adjusting, using the controller of the freezer and based on the climate data associated with the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit, the second climate zone of the freezer independently of the first climate zone of the freezer in order to adjust the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit that is in fluid communication with the second climate zone of the freezer.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving, via the controller of the freezer and from a mobile device in wireless communication with the controller, a first request to adjust the first climate zone of the freezer; wherein the controller adjusts the first climate zone based on the first request; and receiving, via the controller of the freezer and from the mobile device, a second request to adjust the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit; wherein the controller adjusts the second climate zone of the freezer based on the second request.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving, via the controller of the freezer, a request associated with a future adjustment of one or more of the climate zones; and scheduling, using the controller, the future adjustment of the one or more of the climate zones.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: storing a food item in the first climate zone of the freezer; wherein the first climate zone of the freezer is adjusted to facilitate thawing of the food item in the first climate zone.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: storing a food item in the first climate zone; monitoring, using the plurality of sensors, a condition of the food item stored in the first climate zone; and determining, using the controller and based on the condition of the food item, that the first climate zone should be adjusted; wherein adjusting the first climate zone is further based on the determination that the first climate zone should be adjusted based on the monitored condition of the food item stored in the first climate zone.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the controller utilizes a machine learning model to determine that the first climate zone should be adjusted based on the condition of the food item.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: attaching a modular insert to the freezer; and connecting one or more accessories to a power supply of the freezer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a food storage system including a freezer, a temporary storage unit, and a freezer management application, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0006] FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of the freezer of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment of the freezer of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 3A illustrates a modular insert including a table-top accessory for attachment to the freezer of FIG. 1, shown in a disassembled configuration, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 3B illustrates the modular insert of FIG. 3A in an assembled configuration with the freezer of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3C illustrates additional modular inserts including additional accessories, such as a scale, a printer, a knife block, and a trash receptacle, shown in an assembled configuration with the freezer of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 4A illustrates the temporary storage unit of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4B illustrates the temporary storage unit of FIG. 4A with a cover of the temporary storage unit removed to illustrate a frame of the temporary storage unit supporting suspended food items, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates the freezer and the temporary storage unit of FIG. 1 removably attached together via a conduit and a valve, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a method of operating the food storage system of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a node for implementing one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The systems and methods disclosed herein provide improvements to the systems and methods used for food storage and management. It is to be understood that that the present disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a food storage system 100, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the food storage system 100 includes a computer 102, a user device 103, a freezer management application 104, a food storage cabinet 105, a temporary storage unit 110 (illustrated without a cover in FIG. 1 but illustrated with a cover in FIG. 4A), all of which may be in communication with each other via a network 125. Generally, the food storage system 100 is smart food storage system that is capable of receiving user inputs via the freezer management application 104 and then regulating the temperatures within the food storage cabinet 105 or a customizable freezer and a temporary storage unit 110 that is in fluid (e.g., air) communication with the food storage cabinet 105. The food storage system 100 is also configured to allow users, such as hunters, homesteaders, food enthusiasts, and other such users, to efficiently store, organize, and track an inventory of food items 112 stored in the food storage cabinet 105, the temporary storage unit 110, or across multiple food storage cabinets or multiple temporary storage units. In one or more embodiments, the freezer management application 104 facilitates organizing, storing, tracking, and monitoring such an inventory of food items 112.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the computer 102 includes a computer processor 130 and a computer readable medium 135 operably coupled thereto. Instructions accessible to, and executable by, the computer processor 130 are stored on the computer readable medium 135. A database 140 is also stored in the computer readable medium 135. In one or more embodiments, the database 140 may store data including, for example, climate data 140A and inventory data 140B. In one or more embodiments, the computer 102 further includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 145, an input device 150, and an output device 155. In some embodiments, the GUI 145 is in the form of, or includes, a touch screen display, one or more digital displays, one or more liquid crystal displays, and/or any combination thereof, and is configured to display a plurality of windows or screens to a user. In some embodiments, the GUI 145 is the input device 150 and the output device 155. In one or more embodiments, the input device 150 may include a keyboard, mouse, or microphone and the output device 155 may include a speaker, a vibrating motor or actuator configured to provide haptic feedback, light(s), or the GUI 145. In some embodiments, computer 102 also includes or is operably coupled to a camera, which may be a digital camera configured to capture still photographs and/or video. In one or more embodiments, the computer 102 may also include a machine learning model 160 stored thereon, which may be used to evaluate and make predictions based on the data stored in the database 140. In other embodiments, the computer 102 is connected to a machine learning model 160 via the network 125.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the user device 103 may be, or include, a telephone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a mobile device, other types of telecommunications devices, other types of computing devices, and/or any combination thereof. Generally, the user device 103 is a computer 165 that is identical to the computer 102 in that it also may include a processor, computer readable medium, database, GUI, input device, output device, a machine learning model as described with respect to the computer 102.

[0020] Additionally, the food storage cabinet 105 may include a computer 167 that is identical to the computer 102 in that it also may include a processor, computer readable medium, database, GUI, input device, output device, and/or a machine learning model as described with respect to the computer 102.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the freezer management application 104 may be stored on or accessible from the computers 102, 165, and/or 167. In one or more embodiments, a portion of the freezer management application 104 is stored in the computer readable medium of the computers 102, 165, and/or 167. In one or more embodiments, another portion of the freezer management application 104 may be stored in a cloud storage platform or on a server that is remote from the computers 102, 165, and/or 167.

[0022] In some embodiments, the freezer management application 104 includes and/or executes one or more web-based programs, Intranet-based programs, and/or any combination thereof. In an example embodiment, the freezer management application 104 includes a computer program including a plurality of instructions, data, and/or any combination thereof. In an example embodiment, the application is written in, for example, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript, Extensible Markup Language (XML), asynchronous Javascript and XML (Ajax), iOS, XCode, Swift, Android for mobile, and/or any combination thereof. In an example embodiment, the freezer management application 104 is a web-based application written in, for example, Java or Adobe Flex, which pulls real-time information from the controller 170. In some embodiments, the freezer management application 104 is or includes a mobile front-end application downloaded on the computers 102, 165, and/or 167, and a backend application stored or downloaded on another computer, server, or cloud that is remote from the computers 102, 165, and/or 167. In one or more embodiments, the mobile front-end application communicates with the backend application to display data created and pushed by the backend application. In one or more embodiments, the freezer management application 104 is or includes the food inventory management application, or one or more elements or features of the food inventory management application, described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19/057,326, filed Feb. 19, 2025.

[0023] FIG. 2A illustrates the food storage cabinet 105 of the food storage system 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 is a freezer and/or refrigerator for storing food items 112.

[0024] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, with continued reference to FIG. 1, the food storage cabinet 105 is substantially rectangular in shape with a plurality of pull-out drawers 180, or shelves, that extend from and retract into a side of the food storage cabinet 105. The food storage cabinet 105 further includes hardware, such as handles 185, attached to the drawers 180 to facilitate opening and closing of the drawers 180, and attached to one or more sides or ends of the food storage cabinet 105 to facilitate moving and positioning of the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the drawers 180 include interior glides or slide bearings (not shown) to facilitate the opening and closing of the drawers 180. In one or more embodiments, the interior glides may be soft-close glides that promote soft closing and smooth motion of the drawers 180 and prevent slamming of the drawers 180. In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 may include other hardware such as wheels 190, or casters, attached to the bottom of the food storage cabinet 105 to facilitate moving and positioning of the food storage cabinet 105.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 includes a top surface 195, or table-top surface, that is removable and interchangeable with other top surfaces to allow a user of the food storage cabinet 105 to configure and customize the top surface 195 of the food storage cabinet 105 as desired for a particular application. In one or more embodiments, the top surfaces may include a variety of different materials and coatings suitable for different applications. In one or more embodiments, the top surface 195 may include a cutting surface, a cleaning and prepping surface, a cooking surface, a packaging surface, or other desirable surfaces. For example, the cutting surface may include a wood or plastic material that is durable yet gentle on knife edges, the cleaning and prepping surface may include stainless steel or a material or coating with anti-microbial properties to facilitate cleaning and reduce the incidence of contamination, the cooking surface may include a heating element, the packaging surface may include fixtures for holding packaging supplies or electrical connections to supply power to packaging equipment.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the top surface 195 may be removably attached to the food storage cabinet 105 via magnetic connection, fasteners, latches, or other quick-disconnect methods known in the art for providing a secure yet removable attachment. In such embodiments, the top surface 195 may include magnets configured to cooperate with magnets in the food storage cabinet 105, holes configured to cooperate with and received fasteners to attach the top surface 195 to the food storage cabinet 105, or at least of portion of a latch assembly configured to cooperate with another portion of the latch assembly associated with the food storage cabinet 105 to attach the top surface 195 to the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more other embodiments, the top surface 195 may be attached to a modular insert that facilitates attachment of the top surface 195 to the food storage cabinet 105, as will be described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the top surfaces 195 or the drawers 180 may include organizational components and accessories configured to facilitate organization of the food items 112 on the top surfaces 195 or in the drawers 180. In one or more embodiments, the organizational components and accessories may include dividers or partitions configured to divide a drawer 180 or top surface 195 into multiple separate compartments as desired by a user or as required by a particular application. For example, a user may prefer to organize multiple different types of food items 112 within the same drawer 180. Depending on the size and quantities of the different food items 112, a user may use the dividers or partitions to create different sized compartments within the drawer 180. In one or more embodiments, the dividers or partitions may be used with respect to the top surfaces 195 in order to contain food items 112, utensils, or accessories on the top surfaces 195 and prevent them from rolling, falling, or being knocked off the top surfaces 195.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the organizational components and accessories may include contoured fixtures configured to receive, hold, and store food items 112 that are packaged in specific shapes. For example, the contoured fixture may include a concave portion configured to receive rolls or tubes of sausage or hamburger meat so that such food items 112 do not roll or move on the top surfaces 195 or within the drawers 180. In one or more embodiments, the organizational components and accessories may include removable baskets configured to be placed in the drawers 180, or placed or hung on the top surfaces 195, and configured to receive, hold, and store food items 112, utensils, or accessories. In some embodiments, the organizational components and accessories includes an identifier that is configured to be identified by the freezer management application 104 in response to the identifier being located a field of view for one or more of a plurality of cameras 215. That is, and in some embodiments, the user can configure and customize the food storage cabinet 105 by placing one or more organizational components and accessories and the freezer management application 104 identifies the configuration and customization automatically using the plurality of cameras and the identifiers positioned on the components and accessories.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, a wrap or coating may be applied to exterior surfaces 200 of the food storage cabinet 105 for aesthetic or durability purposes. In one or more embodiments, the exterior surfaces 200 of the food storage cabinet 105 may be wrapped or coated in a material or pattern that is configured to aesthetically mimic a piece of furniture or to aesthetically match an environment in which the food storage cabinet 105 is positioned, such as a home, a garage, a workshop, a business, or other locations where it would be desirable to have a food storage cabinet 105. For example, in one or more embodiments, the wrap or coating may include a woodgrain appearance or texture. In one or more embodiments, the wrap or coating may include durability benefits and may be configured to protect the food storage cabinet 105 from scratches, stains, and oxidation. For example, in one or more embodiments, the wrap or coating may include a ceramic coating, such as CERAKOTE. Aesthetics and durability are, of course, not mutually exclusive and may be achieved together with a single wrap or coating.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 includes a freezer unit include conventional freezer components, including a compressor, condenser coils, a capillary tube, and an evaporator (not shown).

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 includes a single climate zone 205A. As used herein, climate zone means a climate-controlled or climate regulated area in which climate conditions, including temperature and humidity, for example, are controlled or regulated. In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 includes two or more climate zones 205A, 205B. In one or more embodiments, the two or more climate zones 205A, 205B may be independently regulable or controllable such that the two or more climate zones 205A, 205B may have different climate conditions simultaneously. In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 includes two climate zones 205A, 205B, or dual climate zones, such that one side of the food storage cabinet 105 is independently controlled or regulated relative to the other side. In one or more embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the food storage cabinet 105 includes two columns of drawers 180. In such embodiments, one column of drawers 180 may be independently controlled or regulated relative to the other column of drawers 180. In one or more embodiments, each individual drawer 180 may be independently controlled or regulated such that each drawer may have a customized climate, which may be customized based on the food item 175, such as the type, weight, cut, or age of the food item 175, to be stored in each respective drawer 180.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the two or more climate zones 205A, 205B of the food storage cabinet 105 may be adjusted, controlled, or regulated based on the type of food item 175 stored in each climate zone. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the climate zones may be adjusted to create a refrigerator zone to thaw a food item 175 in preparation for consumption. In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 may include one climate zone 205A that is a freezer zone and another climate zone 205B that is a refrigerator zone, simultaneously.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the climates of the climate zones 205A, 205B may be set or specified by a user via the freezer management application 104 of the computers 102, 165, and/or 167. The input may be received via a GUI or otherwise. In some embodiments, the user input includes a target climate setpoint for example a temperature setpoint, a humidity setpoint, or another setpoint associated with a climate condition to establish the desired climate for each climate zone 205A, 205B. However, in other embodiments, the setpoints associated with the climate conditions of the climate zones 205A, 205B may be input directly to the food storage cabinet 105 via the controller 170 of the food storage cabinet 105.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 further includes a plurality of sensors 210 configured to monitor climate conditions associated with the climate zones 205A, 205B of the drawers 180. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of sensors 210 include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of sensors 210 include other sensors configured to monitor or measure one or more other conditions associated with the climate of the climate zones 205A, 205B. In one or more embodiments, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are positioned in each climate zone of the food storage cabinet 105 to facilitate regulation of the climate of each climate zone. In operation, the plurality of sensors 210 collect and transmit climate data 140A associated with each climate zone of the food storage cabinet 105 to the computer 102, 165, and/or 167 for processing. In one or more embodiments, the climate data 140A is stored locally on the computer 102 associated with the controller 170 of the food storage cabinet 105. In other embodiments, the controller 170 transmits the climate data 140A to a computer 102 that is remote from the food storage cabinet 105.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the freezer management application 104 is configured to determine that a climate condition of a particular climate zone has deviated from a setpoint climate condition associated with that climate zone. Generally, the controller 170 uses the plurality of sensors 210 and the setpoint climate condition to form a feedback control loop such that the controller 170 controls the food storage cabinet 105 to cool and/or stop cooling based on a comparison of the setpoint climate condition and the measured climate condition, as measured by the plurality of sensors 210. For example and in some embodiments, the controller 170 sends a command to the freezer unit of the food storage cabinet 105 to adjust a temperature, humidity, or other climate condition associated with the particular climate zone that has deviated from a desired setpoint. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of sensors 210 are in direct communication with the controller 170, which controller 170 can automatically regulate the climate conditions of the climate zones based on the climate data 140A received from the plurality of sensors 210.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of sensors 210 may also include door sensors or drawer sensors positioned relative to the drawers 180 and door of the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the door sensors and drawer sensors are configured to detect whether a door or drawer 180 is open or closed and to trigger an alert or notification if a door or drawer 180 is left open.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 further includes the plurality of cameras 215 configured to monitor one or more conditions or factors associated with the food items 112 stored in each of the drawers 180 of the food storage cabinet 105 and generate inventory data 140B associated with such monitored conditions or factors. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of cameras 215 may include visible light cameras, digital cameras that can capture still photographs and/or video, thermal cameras, infrared cameras, or other types of cameras as desired for a particular application. In one or more embodiments, one or more cameras of the plurality of cameras 215 may be positioned in each drawer 180 of the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of cameras 215 are configured to measure or monitor, and generate inventory data 140B associated with, a quantity of food items 112 stored in each drawer 180, a quality of each food item 175 stored in the drawers 180, or a temperature of each food item 175 stored in the drawers 180. In one or more embodiments, the cameras 215 may be able to identify the different types of food items 112 and, together with the computer 102, and in some embodiments using the machine learning model 160, assign a grade associated with or indicating a quality of each food item 175 or identify if a food item 175 has spoiled or been contaminated. In some embodiments, the machine learning model 160 is trained on training data comprising training images of training items and training labels describing the condition of each training item. In some embodiments, the training item comprises a food item and the training label comprises a grade associated with or indicating a quality of each food item.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the computer 102, 165, and/or 167 may transmit a notification or alert to a user using the freezer management application 104. In some embodiments, the alert may include or be a push notification generated by the application 104 and displayed on the GUI of the user device 103 and/or the food storage cabinet 105, a haptic alert generated by the user device 103, and/or an audible alert generated by the user device and/or the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the notification or alert may be associated with a climate condition of one or more of the climate zones, such as a climate condition that has deviated from a desired setpoint. In one or more embodiments, the notification or alert may be associated with a food item 175 that has spoiled or that is not being stored at appropriate climate conditions. In one or more embodiments, the notification or alert may be associated with a drawer 180 or door of the food storage cabinet 105 that has been left open.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the machine learning model 160 may use the climate data 140A and the inventory data 140B to automatically adjust climate setpoints associated with a climate zone of the food storage cabinet 105 to create a more ideal climate specific to the food items 112 in the identified climate zone. In one or more embodiments, the machine learning model 160 may use the climate data 140A and the inventory data 140B to recognize consumption patterns of users of the food storage cabinet 105 or the freezer management application 104 and, based on such recognized consumption patterns, instruct the controller 170 to automatically begin thawing a food item 175 in a particular climate zone or drawer 180 by automatically adjusting climate setpoints associated with the particular climate zone or drawer 180 to increase the temperature.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, a user of the freezer management application 104 may input via the input device, and the freezer management application 104 may receive, a scheduled consumption event associated with an intent of the user to consume a food item 175 stored in the food storage cabinet 105 at a future point in time. Based on the scheduled consumption event, and based on the climate data 140A and the inventory data 140B associated with the food item 175, which inventory data 140B may include a type and weight of the food item 175, the machine learning model 160 may determine or calculate an amount of time the food item 175 will require to thaw at a certain temperature or under certain climate conditions. Using such a determination or calculation, the freezer management application 104 can automatically instruct the controller 170 of the food storage cabinet 105 to adjust the setpoints associated with the climate zone in which the food item 175 to be thawed is stored to permit the food item 175 to thaw in time for the scheduled consumption event. In one or more embodiments, the user of the freezer management application 104 can manually adjust a setpoint associated with a climate zone using the freezer management application 104 to manually control the climate of a climate zone in real-time even if the user is located remotely relative to the food storage cabinet 105.

[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment of the food storage cabinet 105, according to one or more embodiments. The embodiment of the food storage cabinet 105 shown in FIG. 2B may have any one or more elements or features as described above with respect to the embodiment of the food storage cabinet 105 shown in FIG. 2A.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the food storage cabinet 105 includes one or more doors 220 covering an opening to the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the doors 220 are swing doors attached to the food storage cabinet 105 by hinges. The hinges are attached to the doors 220 along one side of the doors 220 such that the doors 220 are configured to swing or pivot about the hinges between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the doors 220 include compartments or shelves 225 extending into the doors 220 from an interior surface of the doors 220. In one or more other embodiments, the doors 220 do not include the compartments or shelves. In one or more embodiments, the doors 220 are solid.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 shown in FIG. 2B includes drawers, such as drawers 180, behind the doors 220.

[0045] FIG. 3A illustrates a modular insert 230 configured to be installed on and attached to the food storage cabinet 105. In FIG. 3A, the modular insert 230 is shown in a disassembled configuration with the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the modular insert 230 includes a frame 235 and a top surface 240. In one or more embodiments, the top surface 240 of the modular insert 230 may be one of the various removable and interchangeable top surfaces 195 described above with respect to FIG. 2A. In such embodiments, the top surface 195 being attached to the frame 235 of the modular insert 230 is what allows the top surface 195 to be removable and interchangeable relative to the food storage cabinet 105.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the frame 235 of the modular insert 230 is substantially L-shaped with a horizontal portion supporting the top surface 240 and a vertical portion configured to be received by the food storage cabinet 105 to facilitate secure attachment of the modular insert 230 to the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the frame 235 of the modular insert 230 is received by a slot 245 of the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the slot 245 of the food storage cabinet 105 is formed or defined by the handle 185 of the food storage cabinet 105. In such embodiments, a cross-section of the slot 245 defined by the handle 185 is substantially the same dimensionally as a cross-section of the at least a portion of the frame 235 that is received through the handle 185 and into the slot 245. In one or more other embodiments, the slot 245 may be a recess formed in a permanent top surface 195 of the food storage cabinet 105 and extending downward into the food storage cabinet 105. In such embodiments, the at least a portion of the frame 235 of the modular insert 230 is received by the slot 245 and extends downward into the food storage cabinet 105.

[0047] FIG. 3B illustrates the modular insert 230 in an assembled configuration with the food storage cabinet 105, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the modular insert 230 is installed into the slot 245 and onto the food storage cabinet 105 such that the top surface 240 of the modular insert 230 extends across the food storage cabinet 105, and in one or more embodiments, across the top surface 195 of the food storage cabinet 105. In such embodiments, the top surface 240 effectively becomes the top surface 195 of the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more other embodiments, the modular insert 230 may be installed on the food storage cabinet 105 such that the top surface 240 of the modular insert 230 extends away from the food storage cabinet 105 and coplanar with the top surface 195 of the food storage cabinet 105 such that the top surface 240 of the modular insert 230 effectively extends the top surface 195 of the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 may include a plurality of slots 245 positioned about the food storage cabinet 105 such that a plurality of modular inserts 230 may be installed onto the food storage cabinet 105 to create additional or extended worktop surfaces.

[0048] FIG. 3C illustrates two modular inserts 230 installed onto and attached to the food storage cabinet 105, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, a first modular insert 230A includes a trash receptacle 250 removably attached to and suspended from the first modular insert 230A. In one or more embodiments, the trash receptacle 250 maybe be slid under the first modular insert 230A from a side and suspended by brackets or rails. In one or more embodiments, the first modular insert 230A may include a trash opening 255 through which trash may pass through to reach the trash receptacle 250. In one or more embodiments, the trash receptacle 250 may include a body capable of passing through the trash opening 255 and a lip slightly larger than the trash opening 255 such that the trash receptable 250 does not pass entirely though the trash opening 255 and is thus suspended via the lip.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, a second modular insert 230B includes additional accessories positioned thereon. In the embodiment shown, the accessories include a scale 260, a printer 265, and a knife block 270. In one or more embodiments, any other accessories required or desired by a user of the food storage cabinet 105 may be positioned on the second modular insert 230B, or any other modular insert 230 installed on the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the accessories may also include label makers, vacuum sealers, and other packaging equipment. In one or more embodiments, the second modular insert 230B includes electrical connections or a power strip that can connect to and receive power from the food storage cabinet 105 or a surrounding electrical outlet to provide power to one or more of the accessories positioned thereon.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, the first modular insert 230A and the second modular insert 230B are installed onto the food storage cabinet 105 as described with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. In one or more embodiments, the first modular insert 230A and the second modular insert 230B are installed onto the food storage cabinet 105 by any other means as described herein.

[0051] FIG. 4A illustrates the temporary storage unit 110 of the food storage system 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the temporary storage unit 110 is a tent or tent-like structure; however, the structure of the temporary storage unit 110 is not limited to a tent or tent-like structure and may include a variety of structures. In one or more embodiments, the temporary storage unit 110 is configured to be lightweight and simple to assembly to facilitate portability and rapid deployment. In one or more embodiments, the temporary storage unit 110 is configured to be operably coupled to the food storage cabinet 105, as will be described in more detail below, to increase the volume of the climate-controlled and conditioned environment associated with the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the temporary storage unit 110 is configured to be operably coupled to the food storage cabinet 105 when additional climate-controlled volume is required and configured to be decoupled when the additional climate-controlled volume is no longer required.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4A, the temporary storage unit 110 includes a frame 275 and a cover 280 or shell support by and enclosing the frame 275. In the embodiment shown, the temporary storage unit 110 has a substantially rectangular structure. In one or more other embodiments, the temporary storage unit 110 may have a cubic or cylindrical structure, or any other custom size or shape as desired or required for a particular application. In one or more embodiments, the frame 275 of the temporary storage unit 110 may be made of a metal, such as aluminum, a plastic or resin, a wood or other organic material, or any other suitable material for a given application. In one or more embodiments, the cover 280 of the temporary storage unit 110 includes a thermally insulating material configured to insulate and maintain the internal temperature of the climate-controlled volume defined by the frame 275 when the cover 280 is assembled onto and surrounding the frame 275. In one or more embodiments, the cover 280 extends around all surfaces of the temporary storage unit 110, including a bottom surface, in order to fully enclose the climate-controlled volume defined within the temporary storage unit 110. In one or more embodiments, the cover 280 includes an opening 282 positioned on one side of the temporary storage unit 110 configured to permit user ingress and egress to and from the temporary storage unit 110. In one or more embodiments, the opening 282 may be sealed using any one or more of a zipper, hook and loop, snaps, clasps, magnets, draw strings, or any other type of closure desired for a particular application and known in the art.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the temporary storage unit 110 is configured to age and cure food items 112, such as meats, prior to being packaged and stored in the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the food items 112 may be hung or suspended from crossmembers 284 (shown in FIG. 4B) or crossbeams of the frame 275 and extending at a top portion of the temporary storage unit 110. In one or more embodiments, the temporary storage unit 110 includes hanging hardware 285 such as hooks, rings, and cables that are secured to the frame 275, such as the crossmembers 284 and crossbeams of the frame 275. The food items 112 to be aged and cured are secured to the hanging hardware 285 and suspended form the frame 275 in the climate-controlled volume defined within the temporary storage unit 110. In one or more embodiments, the frame 275 may be configured to support a minimum of 200 pounds.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the temporary storage unit 110 may include a removable or interchangeable drip tray (not shown) positioned at the bottom of the interior of the tent below the suspended food items 112. The drip tray is positioned such that it catches and collects any fluids or pieces of the food items 112 that may drip or fall from the suspended food items 112. The drip tray may be removed from the temporary storage unit 110 for cleaning as often as necessary to ensure that the food items 112 are being aged and cured in a sanitary environment.

[0055] FIG. 4B illustrates the temporary storage unit 110 of FIG. 4A with the cover 280 removed to further illustrate the frame 275, according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 4B illustrates the crossmembers 284 of the frame 275 from which the food items 112 may be hung or suspended for aging and curing.

[0056] FIG. 4B further illustrates a cooling attachment 290 attached to the temporary storage unit 110. The cooling attachment 290 facilitates the operable coupling of the food storage cabinet 105 and the temporary storage unit 110 and further facilitates the communication of conditioned cooling air from the food storage cabinet 105 to the temporary storage unit 110. In one or more embodiments, the cooling attachment 290 is attached to the frame 275 or the cover 280.

[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates the food storage cabinet 105 operably coupled with the temporary storage unit 110 via the cooling attachment 290. In one or more embodiments, the cooling attachment 290 is a conduit, hose, tube, or similar element that allows a fluid to be communicated from the food storage cabinet 105 to the temporary storage unit 110. The cooling attachment may have a different size or length depending on the application, the size of the temporary storage unit 110, or the cooling requirements associated with the food items 112 in the temporary storage unit 110.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the food storage cabinet 105 further includes a fitting 295 integrated into a side of the food storage cabinet 105 and configured to facilitate connection with the cooling attachment 290. In one or more embodiment, the fitting 295 includes a value or other flow control mechanism configured to regulate the flow of cooling air from the food storage cabinet 105 to the temporary storage unit 110. In one or more embodiments, the fitting 295 is an electronic fitting or solenoid valve that is capable of being controlled by the controller 170 of the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the flow control mechanism of the fitting 295 may have open, closed, and partially open configurations.

[0059] Being operably coupled together, the food storage cabinet 105 is configured to regulate the climate inside the temporary storage unit 110. In one or more embodiments, the climate-controlled area inside the temporary storage unit 110 can be considered another climate zone, such as a third climate zone 205C. In one or more embodiments, the third climate zone 205C may be connected in parallel with the first climate zone 205A, the second climate zone 205B, and any other climate zones of the food storage cabinet 105 such that the third climate zone 205C of the temporary storage unit 110 is regulated independently of the climate zones of the food storage cabinet 105.

[0060] In one or more other embodiments, the third climate zone 205C of the temporary storage unit 110 may be connected in series with one or more of the climate zones of the food storage cabinet 105 such that the third climate zone 205C of the temporary storage unit 110 is directly related and associated with one or more of the climate zones of the food storage cabinet 105. For example, the fitting 295 and the cooling attachment 290 may be connected to and receive a supply of cooling air from the first climate zone 205A of the food storage cabinet 105 and may supply such cooling air to the third climate zone 205C of the temporary storage unit 110. In such embodiments, the regulation of the third climate zone 205C of the temporary storage unit 110 is directly related to the regulation of the first climate zone 205A of the food storage cabinet 105.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the third climate zone 205C the temporary storage unit 110 may be adjusted, controlled, or regulated based on the type of food item 175 stored therein.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the climate of the third climate zone 205C may be set or specified by a user via the computer 102. In one or more embodiments, a user may input, using the input device 150 of the GUI 145 of the computer 102, a temperature setpoint, a humidity setpoint, or another setpoint associated with a climate condition to establish the desired climate for the third climate zone 205C. In one or more embodiments, the setpoints associated with the climate conditions of the third climate zone 205C may be input via the freezer management application 104. In one or more embodiments, the setpoints associated with the climate conditions of the third climate zone 205C may be input using the user device 120 by accessing the freezer management application 104 via the user device 120. In one or more embodiments, the setpoints associated with the climate conditions of the third climate zone 205C may be input directly to the food storage cabinet 105 via the controller 170 of the food storage cabinet 105.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the temporary storage unit 110 includes a plurality of sensors configured to monitor climate conditions associated with the third climate zone 205C. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of sensors are the plurality of sensors 210 and include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of sensors 210 include other sensors configured to monitor or measure one or more other conditions associated with the climate of the third climate zone 205C. In operation, the plurality of sensors 210 collect and transmit climate data 140A associated with the third climate zone 205C to the computer 102 and/or 167 for processing. In one or more embodiments, the climate data 140A is stored locally on the computer 167. In other embodiments, the controller 170 transmits the climate data 140A to a computer 102 that is remote from the food storage cabinet 105 and the temporary storage unit 110.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the temporary storage unit 110 further includes a plurality of cameras configured to monitor one or more conditions or factors associated with the food items 112 stored in the temporary storage unit 110 and generate inventory data 140B associated with such monitored conditions or factors. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of cameras are the plurality of cameras 215 and may include visible light cameras, digital cameras that can capture still photographs and/or video, thermal cameras, infrared cameras, or other types of cameras as desired for a particular application. In one or more embodiments, one or more cameras of the plurality of cameras 215 may be positioned in the temporary storage unit 110. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of cameras 215 are configured to measure or monitor, and generate inventory data 140B associated with, a quantity of food items 112 stored in the temporary storage unit 110, a quality of each food item 175 stored in the temporary storage unit 110, or a temperature of each food item 175 stored in temporary storage unit 110. In one or more embodiments, the cameras 215 may be able to identify the different types of food items 112 and, together with the computer 102, and in some embodiments using the machine learning model 160, assign a grade associated with or indicating a quality of each food item 175 or identify if a food item 175 has spoiled or been contaminated.

[0065] Generally, the ability of a user to select a setpoint for the third climate zone 205C, the monitoring of the climate and contents within the third climate zone 205C, the creation and use of alerts, the use of the machine learning model 160, and the creation and use of a feedback control loop based on the third climate zone 205C is identical or substantially similar to the first and second climate zones. The comparison of the measured climate data and the target climate data can occur at any of the computers 102, 165, and 167 and/or the controller 170.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, when the controller 170 of the food storage cabinet 105 receives instructions to adjust the climate conditions within the temporary storage unit 110, the controller 170 may adjust the climate setpoints of the associated climate zone of the food storage cabinet 105 or the controller 170 may adjust the fitting 295, or a valve associated with the fitting 295, in order to increase or decrease a flow of colling air from the food storage cabinet 105 to the temporary storage unit 110.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, where the third climate zone 205C of the temporary storage unit 110 is in series with one of the climate zones of the food storage cabinet 105, the controller 170 may take into account, when determining whether to adjust the climate setpoints associated with the third climate zone 205C and the associate climate zone of the food storage cabinet 105, the climate data 140A received from the sensors 210 and cameras 215 in: both the third climate zone 205C and the associated climate zone of the food storage cabinet 105; solely the third climate zone 205C; or solely the climate zone of the food storage cabinet 105 that is associated with the third climate zone 205C. In general, the temperature in the temporary storage unit 110 will be higher than the temperature in the associated climate zone of the food storage cabinet 105 due to losses of cool air to the atmosphere, or the entrance of heat into the temporary storage unit 110. Thus, in some embodiments, where the climate conditions of the temporary storage unit 110 are dependent on the climate of at least one climate zone of the food storage cabinet 105, the climate zone of the food storage cabinet 105 may be required to be slightly colder than desired in order to maintain the climate conditions of the temporary storage unit 110 at the desired climate conditions.

[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 of operating the food storage system 100, according to one or more embodiments.

[0069] At step 605, the method 600 includes receiving, via a controller of a freezer of the food storage system 100, climate data form a plurality of sensors associated with first and second climate zones of the freezer and with a third climate zone of a temporary storage unit removably attached to the freezer. In one or more embodiments, the second climate zone associated with the freezer is in fluid communication with the third climate zone associated with the temporary storage unit. In one or more embodiments, the controller may be the controller 170. In one or more embodiments, the freezer may be the food storage cabinet 105. In one or more embodiments, the climate data may be the climate data 140A. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of sensors may be the plurality of sensors 210. In one or more embodiments, the first and second climate zones may be the first and second climate zones 205A, 205B. In one or more embodiments, the third climate zone may be the third climate zone 205C.

[0070] At step 610, the method 600 includes adjusting, using the controller of the freezer and based on the climate data associated with the first climate zone of the freezer, the first climate zone of the freezer independently of the second climate zone of the freezer. In one or more embodiments, prior to adjusting the first climate zone, the method 600 may further include receiving, via the controller of the freezer and from a mobile device in wireless communication with the controller, a first request to adjust the first climate zone of the freezer. In one or more embodiments, the mobile device may be the user device 120.

[0071] At step 615, the method 600 includes adjusting, using the controller of the freezer and based on the climate data associated with the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit, the second climate zone of the freezer independently of the first climate zone of the freezer in order to adjust the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit that is in fluid communication with the second climate zone of the freezer. In one or more embodiments, prior to adjusting the second climate zone in order to adjust the third climate zone, the method 600 may further include receiving, via the controller of the freezer and from the mobile device, a second request to adjust the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the method 600 may further include receiving, via the controller of the freezer, a request associated with a future adjustment of one or more of the climate zones and scheduling, using the controller, the future adjustment of the one or more of the climate zones.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the method 600 may further include storing a food item in the first climate zone of the freezer. In one or more embodiments, the first climate zone of the freezer is adjusted to facilitate thawing of the food item in the first climate zone. In one or more embodiments, the food item may be the food item 175.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the method 600 may further include storing a food item in the first climate zone, monitoring, using the plurality of sensors, a condition of the food item stored in the first climate zone, and determining, using the controller and based on the condition of the food item, that the first climate zone should be adjusted. In one or more embodiments, adjusting the first climate zone is further based on the determination that the first climate zone should be adjusted based on the monitored condition of the food item stored in the first climate zone. In one or more embodiments, the controller utilizes a machine learning model to determine that the first climate zone should be adjusted based on the condition of the food item. In one or more embodiments, the machine learning model may be the machine learning model 160.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the method 600 may further include attaching a modular insert to the freezer and connecting one or more accessories to a power supply of the freezer. In one or more embodiments, the modular insert may be the modular insert 230.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the network 125 may include the Internet, one or more local area networks, one or more wide area networks, one or more cellular networks, one or more wireless networks, one or more voice networks, one or more data networks, one or more communication systems, and/or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the network may also include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or other wireless broadband communication technology.

[0077] FIG. 7 illustrates a node 1000 for implementing one or more of the example embodiments described above, and/or any combination thereof.

[0078] The node 1000 includes a microprocessor 1000a, an input device 1000b, a storage device 1000c, a video controller 1000d, a system memory 1000e, a display 1000f, and a communication device 1000g all interconnected by one or more buses 1000h. In several example embodiments, the storage device 1000c may include a hard drive, CD-ROM, optical drive, any other form of storage device and/or any combination thereof. In several example embodiments, the storage device 1000c may include, and/or be capable of receiving, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable medium that may contain executable instructions. In several example embodiments, the communication device 1000g may include a modem, network card, or any other device to enable the node to communicate with other nodes. In several example embodiments, any node represents a plurality of interconnected (whether by intranet or Internet) computer systems, including without limitation, personal computers, mainframes, PDAS, smartphones, and cell phones.

[0079] In several example embodiments, one or more of the components of the systems described above, and/or any combination thereof, include at least the node 1000 and/or components thereof, and/or one or more nodes that are substantially similar to the node 1000 and/or components thereof. In several example embodiments, one or more of the above-described components of the node 1000 and/or the system 100 include respective pluralities of same components.

[0080] In several example embodiments, one or more of the applications, systems, and application programs described above, and/or any combination thereof, include a computer program that includes a plurality of instructions, data, and/or any combination thereof; an application written in, for example, Arena, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript, Extensible Markup Language (XML), asynchronous Javascript and XML (Ajax), and/or any combination thereof; a web-based application written in, for example, Java or Adobe Flex, which in several example embodiments pulls real-time information from one or more servers, automatically refreshing with latest information at a predetermined time increment; or any combination thereof.

[0081] In several example embodiments, a computer system typically includes at least hardware capable of executing machine readable instructions, as well as the software for executing acts (typically machine-readable instructions) that produce a desired result. In several example embodiments, a computer system may include hybrids of hardware and software, as well as computer sub-systems.

[0082] In several example embodiments, hardware generally includes at least processor-capable platforms, such as client-machines (also known as personal computers or servers), and hand-held processing devices (such as smart phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or personal computing devices (PCDs), for example). In several example embodiments, hardware may include any physical device that can store machine-readable instructions, such as memory or other data storage devices. In several example embodiments, other forms of hardware include hardware sub-systems, including transfer devices such as modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, for example.

[0083] In several example embodiments, software includes any machine code stored in any memory medium, such as RAM or ROM, and machine code stored on other devices (such as flash memory, or a CD ROM, for example). In several example embodiments, software may include source or object code. In several example embodiments, software encompasses any set of instructions capable of being executed on a node such as, for example, on a client machine or server.

[0084] In several example embodiments, combinations of software and hardware could also be used for providing enhanced functionality and performance for certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In an example embodiment, software functions may be directly manufactured into a silicon chip. Accordingly, it should be understood that combinations of hardware and software are also included within the definition of a computer system and are thus envisioned by the present disclosure as possible equivalent structures and equivalent methods.

[0085] In several example embodiments, computer readable mediums include, for example, passive data storage, such as a random-access memory (RAM) as well as semi-permanent data storage such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). One or more example embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in the RAM of a computer to transform a standard computer into a new specific computing machine. In several example embodiments, data structures are defined organizations of data that may enable an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example embodiment, a data structure may provide an organization of data, or an organization of executable code.

[0086] In several example embodiments, any networks and/or one or more portions thereof may be designed to work on any specific architecture. In an example embodiment, one or more portions of any networks may be executed on a single computer, local area networks, client-server networks, wide area networks, internets, hand-held and other portable and wireless devices, and networks.

[0087] In several example embodiments, a database may be any standard or proprietary database software. In several example embodiments, the database may have fields, records, data, and other database elements that may be associated through database specific software. In several example embodiments, data may be mapped. In several example embodiments, mapping is the process of associating one data entry with another data entry. In an example embodiment, the data contained in the location of a character file can be mapped to a field in a second table. In several example embodiments, the physical location of the database is not limiting, and the database may be distributed. In an example embodiment, the database may exist remotely from the server, and run on a separate platform. In an example embodiment, the database may be accessible across the Internet. In several example embodiments, more than one database may be implemented.

[0088] In several example embodiments, a plurality of instructions stored on a computer readable medium may be executed by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to carry out or implement in whole or in part the above-described operation of each of the above-described example embodiments of the system, the method, and/or any combination thereof. In several example embodiments, such a processor may include one or more of the microprocessor 1000a, any processor(s) that are part of the components of the system, and/or any combination thereof, and such a computer readable medium may be distributed among one or more components of the system. In several example embodiments, such a processor may execute the plurality of instructions in connection with a virtual computer system. In several example embodiments, such a plurality of instructions may communicate directly with the one or more processors, and/or may interact with one or more operating systems, middleware, firmware, other applications, and/or any combination thereof, to cause the one or more processors to execute the instructions.

[0089] The present disclosure provides a food storage system, including a freezer for storing food items, including: a first drawer associated with a first climate zone; a second drawer associated with a second climate zone; a plurality of sensors positioned in each of the first climate zone and the second climate zone, the plurality of sensors being configured to generate climate data associated with each of the first and second climate zones; a controller configured to receive the climate data associated with each of the first and second climate zones from the plurality of sensors; wherein the controller is configured to regulate each of the first and second climate zones independently based on the respective climate data received from the plurality of sensors. In one or more embodiments, a climate of the first climate zone is different from a climate of the second climate zone. In one or more embodiments, the food storage system further includes a modular insert configured to be removably attached to the freezer. In one or more embodiments, the freezer further comprises a slot configured to receive at least a portion of the modular insert to facilitate the removable attachment of the modular insert to the freezer. In one or more embodiments, the slot is positioned on an external side surface of the freezer. In one or more embodiments, the modular insert includes a table-top surface and the modular insert is removably attached to the freezer via the slot such that the table-top surface of the modular insert extends across and forms a top surface of the freezer. In one or more embodiments, the modular insert includes a table-top surface and the modular insert is removably attached to the freezer via the slot such that the table-top surface of the modular insert extends away from the freezer and coplanar with a top surface of the freezer such that the table-top surface of the modular insert effectively extends the top surface of the freezer. In one or more embodiments, the food storage system further includes a trash receptacle removably attached to and suspended from the modular insert. In one or more embodiments, the food storage system further includes one or more accessories including one or more of a printer, a scanner, and a scale; wherein the freezer further includes a power supply configured to supply power to the one or more accessories. In one or more embodiments, the food storage system further includes a temporary storage unit removably attached to the freezer, the temporary storage unit including an interior associated with a third climate zone; a frame configured to support suspension of food items therefrom; and a cover surrounding the frame and enclosing the interior. In one or more embodiments, the food storage system further including a conduit removably attached to the temporary storage unit and to the freezer to facilitate the removable attachment of the temporary storage unit to the freezer; wherein the freezer further comprises a valve in fluid communication with the conduit and configured to control a flow of air between the freezer and the temporary storage unit. In one or more embodiments, the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit is in fluid communication with the second climate zone of the freezer, and the controller of the freezer is configured to regulate the third climate zone in series with the second climate zone such that a climate of the third climate zone is substantially the same as the climate of the second climate zone. In one or more embodiments, the food storage system further includes a mobile device in wireless communication with the controller of the freezer; wherein the mobile device is configured to transmit a command signal to the controller of the freezer to adjust a climate of one or more of the climate zones of the freezer or the temporary storage unit.

[0090] The present disclosure further provides a method of operating a food storage system, including receiving, via a controller of a freezer of the food storage system, climate data from a plurality of sensors associated with first and second climate zones of the freezer and with a third climate zone of a temporary storage unit removably attached to the freezer; wherein the second climate zone associated with the freezer is in fluid communication with the third climate zone associated with the temporary storage unit; adjusting, using the controller of the freezer and based on the climate data associated with the first climate zone of the freezer, the first climate zone of the freezer independently of the second climate zone of the freezer; and adjusting, using the controller of the freezer and based on the climate data associated with the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit, the second climate zone of the freezer independently of the first climate zone of the freezer in order to adjust the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit that is in fluid communication with the second climate zone of the freezer. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes receiving, via the controller of the freezer and from a mobile device in wireless communication with the controller, a first request to adjust the first climate zone of the freezer; wherein the controller adjusts the first climate zone based on the first request; and receiving, via the controller of the freezer and from the mobile device, a second request to adjust the third climate zone of the temporary storage unit; wherein the controller adjusts the second climate zone of the freezer based on the second request. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes receiving, via the controller of the freezer, a request associated with a future adjustment of one or more of the climate zones; and scheduling, using the controller, the future adjustment of the one or more of the climate zones. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes storing a food item in the first climate zone of the freezer; wherein the first climate zone of the freezer is adjusted to facilitate thawing of the food item in the first climate zone. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes storing a food item in the first climate zone; monitoring, using the plurality of sensors, a condition of the food item stored in the first climate zone; and determining, using the controller and based on the condition of the food item, that the first climate zone should be adjusted; wherein adjusting the first climate zone is further based on the determination that the first climate zone should be adjusted based on the monitored condition of the food item stored in the first climate zone. In one or more embodiments, the controller utilizes a machine learning model to determine that the first climate zone should be adjusted based on the condition of the food item. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes attaching a modular insert to the freezer; and connecting one or more accessories to a power supply of the freezer.

[0091] In several example embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative example embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative example embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative example embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

[0092] Any spatial references such as, for example, upper, lower, above, below, between, bottom, vertical, horizontal, angular, upwards, downwards, side-to-side, left-to-right, right-to-left, top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, top, bottom, bottom-up, top-down, etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.

[0093] In several example embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In several example embodiments, the steps, processes and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures.

[0094] In several example embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations.

[0095] Although several example embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are example only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112 (f) for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word means together with an associated function.