US20100019640A1

US20100019640A1 - Portable apparatus for cooling and carrying articles

Info

Publication number: US20100019640A1
Application number: US12/177,198
Authority: US
Inventors: Barbara Foster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-22
Filing date: 2008-07-22
Publication date: 2010-01-28
Also published as: USD776486S1

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable apparatus for cooling and carrying articles. The portable apparatus comprises a first enclosure, a second enclosure, a refrigeration system and a power source. The first enclosure includes a first inner space and the second enclosure includes a second inner space. The second enclosure is detachably attached to the first enclosure to configure a closed inner space by joining the first inner space and the second inner space. The closed inner space is capable of accommodating the articles therein. Further, the refrigeration system is disposed within at least one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure for cooling the closed inner space. Furthermore, the power source is detachably attached to at least one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure. The power source is capable of supplying power to the refrigeration system for cooling the closed inner space, thereby cooling the articles accommodated therein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable appliance, and more particularly, to a portable appliance for cooling and carrying articles, such as medicaments and edibles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Articles, such as medicaments and edibles that are prone to deterioration and spoilage at an atmospheric temperature are required to be kept at a temperature below the atmospheric temperature. Refrigerators are generally available to keep such articles at the temperature below the atmospheric temperature in order to prevent such articles from deterioration and spoilage. When at home, the refrigerators may keep the articles below the atmospheric temperature and prevent the articles from deterioration and spoilage. A problem arises while traveling, as the refrigerators available are heavy and bulky in shape and size. Such refrigerators may not be easily carried while traveling to keep the articles below the atmospheric temperature. To overcome the problem of deterioration and spoilage of the articles while traveling, a temporary arrangement that is widely used is a container having ice cubes therein. The container having the ice cubes may receive the articles therein in order to keep the articles below the atmospheric temperature while traveling.
The temporary arrangement of the container having the ice cubes may not be effective while traveling for long hours, as the ice cubes may eventually melt. The container with the melted ice cubes may not be effective in maintaining the temperature below the atmospheric temperature, resulting in deterioration and spoilage of the articles. Further, another major problem with such container having ice cubes is of carrying while traveling, as the container may be heavy and bulky, which may add extra burden.
Accordingly, there exists a need of an apparatus that may be portable, and capable of cooling articles while traveling for long hours. Further, there exists a need of an apparatus that may be smaller in size to avoid extra burden while traveling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the forgoing disadvantages inherent in the prior-art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a portable apparatus for carrying articles that is configured to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a portable apparatus that is capable of cooling and carrying articles, such as medicaments or edibles, while traveling for long hours.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable apparatus that is smaller in size so as to be easily accommodated in a purse or in a pocket of a user to avoid his/her extra burden while traveling.
To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present invention, a portable apparatus for cooling and carrying articles, such as medicaments and edibles, is provided. The portable apparatus comprises a first enclosure, a second enclosure, a refrigeration system and a power source. The first enclosure includes a first inner space. Similarly, the second enclosure includes a second inner space. The second enclosure is detachably attached to the first enclosure to configure a closed inner space. More particularly, the closed inner space is configured on joining the first inner space and the second inner space, when the second enclosure is detachably attached to the first enclosure. The closed inner space configured by the first inner space and the second inner space is capable of accommodating the articles therein. Further, the refrigeration system is disposed within at least one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure for cooling the closed inner space, thereby cooling the articles accommodated therein. Furthermore, the power source is detachably attached to at least one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure. The power source is capable of supplying power to the refrigeration system for cooling the closed inner space, thereby cooling the articles accommodated therein.
This together with the other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterized the present invention, is pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forms a part of the present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable apparatus in an engaged state, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the portable apparatus of FIG. 1 in a disengaged state; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a circuitry of the portable apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although the present invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The term “first”, “second” and the like, herein do not denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are used to distinguish placement of one element over another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
The present invention provides a portable apparatus for cooling and carrying articles, such as medicaments and edibles. The portable apparatus is capable of cooling the articles kept therein, and maintaining a sufficiently low temperature during long hours of a travel. More particularly, the portable apparatus comprises a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The first enclosure is detachably attached to the second enclosure to configure a closed inner space that is capable of accommodating the articles therein. Further, a refrigerating system is provided to cool the closed inner space in order to cool the articles accommodated therein. Further, for continuous and effective working of the refrigeration system for cooling the articles, a power source is provided. The power source continuously supplies power during long hours of the travel for effective working of the refrigerating system for cooling the articles, thereby preventing the articles from deterioration and spoilage during long hours of the travel.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a portable apparatus 100 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The portable apparatus 100 comprises a first enclosure 102, a second enclosure 104, a refrigeration system 106, and a power source 108. The first enclosure 102 and the second enclosure 104, respectively, include a first inner space 110 and a second inner space 112. The second enclosure 104 is detachably attached to the first enclosure 102 to configure a closed inner space 114. More particularly, the closed inner space 114 is configured by joining the first inner space 110 and the second inner space 112. The closed inner space 114 is capable of accommodating articles, such as an article ‘A’ therein. Further, the refrigeration system 106 may be disposed within at least one of the first enclosure 102 and the second enclosure 104. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the refrigerating system 106, according to an exemplary embodiment, is disposed in the first enclosure 102 of the portable apparatus 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Furthermore, the power source 108 may be detachably attached to at least one of the first enclosure 102 and the second enclosure 104. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the power source 108, according to an exemplary embodiment, is detachably attached to the first enclosure 102 of the portable apparatus 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The power source 108 is capable of supplying power to the refrigeration system 106 for cooling the closed inner space 114.
By way of cooling the closed inner space 114, the article ‘A’ accommodated therein may be cooled down to a temperature below an atmospheric temperature by the refrigeration system 106. The article ‘A’ that may be accommodated in the closed inner space 114 may be a medicament or an eatable. Quantity of the medicament or the eatable that may be accommodated in the closed inner space 114 may be one or more. The temperature substantially below the atmospheric temperature prevents the article ‘A’ from deterioration and spoilage, which may cause at the atmospheric temperature.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first enclosure 102 is a tubular-shaped enclosure having the first inner space 110. The first inner space 110 is plated with chrome for preventing the first inner space 110 from corrosion. Similar to the first enclosure 102, the second enclosure 104 is also a tubular-shaped enclosure having the second inner space 112. The second inner space 112, similar to the first inner space 110, is plated with chrome for preventing the second inner space 112 from corrosion. Further, the second enclosure 104 is detachably attached to the first enclosure 102 by a screw mechanism 116 to enclose the article ‘A’ therein.
As shown particularly in FIG. 2, the screw mechanism 116 may include an inner threaded portion 118 configured on the first enclosure 102, and an outer threaded portion 120 configured on the second enclosure 104. The inner threaded portion 118 is matched with the outer threaded portion 120. Thereafter, the inner threaded portion 118 and the outer threaded portion 120 are screwed in opposite directions with respect to each other, to detachably attach the second enclosure 104 to the first enclosure 102. By way of detachably attaching the first enclosure 102 with the second enclosure 104 the closed inner space 114 of the portable apparatus 100 is configured for accommodating the article ‘A’ therein. The portable apparatus 100 is smaller in size so as to be easily accommodated in a purse or in a pocket of a user while traveling. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the portable apparatus 100 may be 8 inches long and 4 inches broad.
Further, the refrigeration system 106, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may be a thermoelectric refrigeration system. The thermoelectric refrigeration system is compact in size, and electrically connected to the power source 108 for receiving power supply therefrom. The thermoelectric refrigeration system on receiving the power supply creates a temperature difference between two ends thereof. The temperature difference created between the two ends may be used for cooling the closed inner space 114. The compact size of the thermoelectric refrigeration system reduces the size of the portable apparatus 100, so that the user may carry the portable apparatus 100 in the purse or in the pocket while traveling.
In working condition, the refrigeration system 106 enables a pattern of air flow, in which hot air from the portable apparatus 100 moves out through slit openings 122, and cold air moves into the portable apparatus 100 through the slit openings 122. This regular transfer of the hot and the cold air, respectively, from and into the portable apparatus 100 maintains a sufficiently low temperature in the closed inner space 114 for cooling the article ‘A’.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the portable apparatus 100 may further include a light indicator 124. The light indicator 124 may be disposed on at least one of the first enclosure 102 and the second enclosure 104 to indicate a status of the power source 108. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment, the light indicator 124 is disposed on the first enclosure 102 of the portable apparatus 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The light indicator 124 is adapted to indicate the status of charge present in the power source 108. In one embodiment of the present invention, the power source 108 may be a rechargeable battery. The user, on seeing at the light indicator 124 may get alert, and accordingly charge the rechargeable battery, if he/she finds that the amount of charge left therein is less. More particularly, the light indicator 124 includes red and green colors. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art to use any other color of light in the light indicator 124. The green colour indicates a sufficient amount of the charge left in the rechargeable battery, whereas the red color indicates that the amount of charge left in the rechargeable battery is less, and the rechargeable battery needs to be charged. On viewing the light indicator 124 indicating red light, the rechargeable battery may be charged to avoid shut-down of the portable apparatus 100 while traveling for long hours. In another embodiment, the light indicator 124 may include only one color indicator for indicating the status of the power source 108.
The rechargeable battery that may be charged immediately if the user sees the light indicator 124 indicating red light. Charging of the rechargeable battery facilitates continuous supply of power to the refrigeration system 106 for continuous working of the refrigeration system 106 during long hours of traveling. The continuous working of the refrigeration system 106 maintains a sufficiently low temperature in the closed inner space 114 for cooling the article ‘A’, thereby preventing the article ‘A’ from deterioration and spoilage while traveling for long hours.
Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the portable apparatus 100 may include a switching mechanism 126 for switching ‘on’ or switching ‘off’ the power source 108. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switching mechanism 126 is disposed on the first enclosure 102 for facilitating the user to switch ‘on’ or switch ‘off’ the portable apparatus 100 by pressing the switching mechanism 126. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art to dispose the switching mechanism 126 on the second enclosure 104. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the portable apparatus 100 may include a holding means 128 disposed on at least one of the first enclosure 102 and the second enclosure 104 for holding and carrying the portable apparatus 100. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the holding means 128 is a handle disposed on the first enclosure 102 for holding and carrying the portable apparatus 100.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an electric circuitry for working of the portable apparatus 100 to cool the article ‘A’ accommodated therein, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The switching mechanism 126 is used for switching on the power source 108. When the switching mechanism 126 is switched ‘on’ the power from the power source 108 is supplied to the refrigeration system 106 for cooling the article ‘A’ due to an electric circuitry therebetween. Further, the light indicator 124 is electrically connected to the power source 108 for indicating the status of the of power source 108.
The portable apparatus, such as the portable apparatus 100 of the present invention provides following advantages. The portable apparatus is capable of carrying and cooling articles, such as medicaments or edibles, while traveling for long hours. Further, the portable apparatus is smaller in size, which is easily accommodated in a purse or in a pocket of a user to avoid extra burden while traveling.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable apparatus for cooling and carrying an article, the portable apparatus comprising:

a first enclosure having a first inner space;

a second enclosure having a second inner space, the second enclosure detachably attached to the first enclosure to configure a closed inner space by joining the first inner space and the second inner space, the closed inner space capable of accommodating the article;

a refrigeration system disposed within at least one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure for cooling the closed inner space to cool the article accommodated in the closed inner space; and

a power source detachably attached to at least one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure, the power source capable of supplying power to the refrigeration system for cooling the closed inner space to cool the article.

2. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first enclosure is a tubular-shaped enclosure.

3. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first inner space is plated with chrome.

4. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second enclosure is a tubular-shaped enclosure.

5. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second inner space is plated with chrome.

6. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second enclosure is detachably attached to the first enclosure by a screw mechanism.

7. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery.

8. The portable apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light indicator disposed on at least one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure to indicate the status of the power source.

9. The portable apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a holding means disposed on at least one of the first enclosure and the second enclosure for holding and carrying the portable apparatus.

10. The portable apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a switching mechanism to switch on the power source for supplying power to the portable apparatus.

11. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article is a medicament.

12. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article is an eatable.