Refrigerated Lunch Box Device

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/679,656, which was filed on Aug. 6, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of lunch boxes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a temperature-controlled, refrigerated lunch box that also provides an area for non-perishable food items. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

The daily transportation of food, particularly in environments lacking access to reliable refrigeration, presents multiple challenges for individuals commuting to work, school, or travel destinations. Traditional lunchboxes typically rely on ice packs to preserve the freshness of perishable items. However, ice packs can add significant weight, increasing user burden during transit. Furthermore, as the ice melts, moisture may permeate the interior of the lunchbox, leading to potential saturation and contamination of the food contents. Many users are also concerned with placing lunchboxes in communal refrigerators, where the risk of theft or tampering remains a prevalent issue. Additionally, without consistent temperature control, users may be forced to consume food that has degraded in quality, impacting both taste and safety. Inconsistent refrigeration during the day can lead to bacterial growth, especially in perishable items such as dairy, meat, and produce. This can result in foodborne illnesses or the unnecessary disposal of food due to spoilage. As lifestyles become more mobile and decentralized, the demand for reliable, portable food storage solutions with integrated cooling capabilities has become increasingly pronounced.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerated lunch box device that actively cools perishable food without relying on traditional ice packs. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerated lunch box device that separates refrigerated and dry food items into distinct compartments. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerated lunch box device that eliminates reliance on communal refrigeration and mitigates risks of food theft or contamination.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a refrigerated lunch box device. The device is comprised of a dual-compartment body configured to separate perishable and non-perishable food items, wherein one compartment includes an active cooling system in the form of a refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit comprises a thermoelectric cooling assembly powered by a battery. The battery may be rechargeable via the charging port and in one embodiment may be a removable battery pack. A user interface control allows adjustment of internal temperatures. The device further includes a non-refrigerated compartment equipped that may be comprised of a modular insert system for customizable food organization.

In this manner, the refrigerated lunch box device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a refrigerated lunch box that eliminates the need for ice packs through the integration of an active battery-powered refrigeration system, thereby reducing weight and preventing moisture accumulation. The dual-compartment design further separates cold and ambient-stable items, preserving the integrity of various food types throughout the day. Additionally, the inclusion of internal temperature controls and self-contained cooling functionality eliminates dependence on shared refrigeration spaces, enhancing food security and user convenience.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a refrigerated lunch box device. The device is designed to maintain the temperature of perishable and non-perishable food items during daily activities such as commuting, work, school, or recreational outings. The device enables users to carry refrigerated food items in environments lacking dedicated refrigeration, reducing the risk of spoilage and exposure to theft or contamination.

The device is comprised of a body preferably constructed from rigid or semi-rigid materials such as HDPE, ABS plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or composite polymer laminates to provide durability and thermal resistance. A lid is connected to the body via at least one pivot point and is secured by a locking mechanism. The lid may include a perimeter gasket to improve thermal insulation and prevent air or contaminant ingress.

A thermally insulated cooling compartment is included within the body to preserve perishable items. A refrigeration unit provides active cooling within the compartment. A power control interface allows user interaction and may include tactile buttons or touch controls, along with a digital display for real-time temperature data and preset temperature modes.

The refrigeration unit is powered by a battery. Charging of the battery may be facilitated by an external port in one embodiment. The battery may further be a removable pack secured via a latch or locking mechanism.

In addition to the cooling compartment, the device includes a non-refrigerated compartment for items that do not require temperature control, which may be fixed or removable from the body. A modular insert system is provided within the non-refrigerated compartment. The insert system is reconfigurable to support various storage needs such as meals, bottles, or utensils.

Accordingly, the refrigerated lunch box device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a refrigerated lunch box that eliminates the need for ice packs through the integration of an active battery-powered refrigeration system, thereby reducing weight and preventing moisture accumulation. The dual-compartment design further separates cold and ambient-stable items, preserving the integrity of various food types throughout the day. Additionally, the inclusion of internal temperature controls and self-contained cooling functionality eliminates dependence on shared refrigeration spaces, enhancing food security and user convenience. In this manner, the refrigerated lunch box device overcomes the limitations of existing lunch boxes and food storage known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a refrigerated lunch box device of the present invention with the lid open and the non-refrigerated compartment outside of the body in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a refrigerated lunch box device of the present invention with the lid open and the non-refrigerated compartment inside of the body in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerated lunch box device that actively cools perishable food without relying on traditional ice packs. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerated lunch box device that separates refrigerated and dry food items into distinct compartments. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerated lunch box device that eliminates reliance on communal refrigeration and mitigates risks of food theft or contamination.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a refrigerated lunch box device. The device functions to preserve the temperature of both perishable and non-perishable food items during routine activities including commuting, working, attending school, or engaging in recreational outings. By enabling the transport of refrigerated food in environments without dedicated refrigeration, the device mitigates spoilage risk and reduces reliance on shared refrigeration, thereby minimizing potential exposure to theft or contamination.

The device is comprised of a body that is preferably formed from rigid or semi-rigid materials such as HDPE, ABS plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or composite polymer laminates to ensure mechanical strength and thermal resistance. A lid is coupled to the body at one or more pivot points and secured through a locking mechanism. A perimeter gasket may be included on the lid to enhance thermal insulation and limit air or contaminant ingress.

Positioned within the body is a thermally insulated cooling compartment designed to preserve perishable contents. Active cooling within the compartment is provided by a refrigeration unit. User interaction with the refrigeration unit is achieved via a power control interface, which may include tactile buttons or touch-sensitive controls, as well as a digital display that communicates real-time temperature data and preset cooling modes.

The refrigeration unit operates using a battery. In one embodiment, battery charging is supported through an external port. The battery may also be configured as a removable pack that attaches via a latch or locking mechanism.

Alongside the cooling compartment, the device includes a non-refrigerated compartment designed to store items that remain stable at ambient temperature. This compartment may be either fixed or detachable. A modular insert system is housed within the non-refrigerated compartment and is reconfigurable to accommodate varying storage configurations, including meals, beverage containers, or utensils.

As a result, the device offers key advantages by integrating a battery-powered refrigeration system that removes the need for ice packs, thereby reducing weight and preventing moisture buildup. The inclusion of dual compartments separates chilled and ambient-stable items, maintaining food quality throughout the day. Additionally, integrated temperature controls and self-contained cooling capability eliminate the need for shared refrigeration, improving food safety and user convenience. These features collectively address limitations of conventional lunch boxes and food storage systems known in the art.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a refrigerated lunch box device 100 of the present invention with the lid 110 open and the non-refrigerated compartment 140 outside of the body 102 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is a personal food transport device designed to maintain the temperature of perishable and non-perishable food items during daily activities such as commuting, attending work or school, or participating in recreational outings. The device 100 further enables users to carry refrigerated food items in environments lacking dedicated refrigeration facilities, thereby reducing the risk of food spoilage and minimizing reliance on public refrigeration systems, which may pose risks of theft or contamination.

The device 100 is comprised of a body 102. The body 102 may be any geometric shape and dimension, although in one embodiment the body 102 is generally square or rectangular in profile to optimize internal volume, stackability, and spatial efficiency in transport compartments. The body 102 may be constructed from rigid or semi-rigid materials such as but not limited to any combination of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), impact-resistant ABS plastic, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or composite polymer laminates to ensure mechanical durability and thermal resistance.

An exterior surface 104 of the body 102 may be comprised of a weather-resistant coating 106 such as but not limited to any combination of a fluoropolymer-based sealant, UV-resistant polyurethane coating, powder-coated enamel, or hydrophobic coating, as seen in FIG. 1. The coating 106 is configured to protect the device 100 from moisture ingress, ultraviolet radiation, and/or physical abrasions encountered during routine use.

The body 102 is further comprised of at least one handle 108. The handle 108 may be any handle type such as but not limited to any combination of integrated grip handles, foldable handles, straps, padded straps, rotatable handles, telescoping handles, etc. The handle 108 may be comprised of a non-slip, sweat-resistant grip area 109 that may form any combination of materials such as but not limited to thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicone, closed-cell foam, etc. to improve grip.

The device 100 is further comprised of a lid 110 coupled to the body 102 via at least one pivot point 112 such as but not limited to any combination of a hinge, hinge pin, torsion spring hinge, flexible hinge membranes, etc. as seen in FIG. 1. The lid 110 may be further secured to the body 102 by at least one locking mechanism 114 such as but not limited to any combination of rotating cam latches, push-button latches, sliding locks, ratchet-based clamps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnetic closures, electronic locks, biometric locks, etc. The lid 110 may be further comprised of a perimeter gasket 111 made from food-grade silicone or closed-cell elastomer to enhance thermal insulation and reduce ingress of ambient air or contaminants.

To ensure operational stability on a variety of surfaces, the body 102 may also be comprised of at least one non-slip grip area 116 that may be comprised of a texture 117 such as but not limited to any combination of ridges, dimples, or lattice patterns to improve friction. The grip area 116 may be made from materials such as rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and may extend partially or fully along the base perimeter to improve traction on substrates such as wood, tile, concrete, metal grating, or uneven terrain.

The body 102 is further comprised of a thermally insulated cooling compartment 118 configured to preserve the freshness of perishable items. The compartment 118 may be thermally shielded by insulation 120 such as but not limited to any combination of expanded polystyrene (EPS), rigid polyurethane foam, vacuum insulation panels (VIP), aerogel composites, or multi-layer reflective thermal barriers. The insulation 120 may be configured as panels, molded inserts, laminated composites, etc. depending on the structural layout. An interior lining 122 of the compartment 118 may be comprised of food-safe materials such as but not limited to any combination of stainless steel, high-impact polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or other high-grade polymers.

A refrigeration unit 124 provides active cooling within the compartment 118, as seen in FIG. 1. The refrigeration unit 124 may be comprised of any combination of but is not limited to a thermoelectric cooling assembly, a vapor compression compressor, a phase change cooling assembly, etc. User interaction with the refrigeration unit 124 may be facilitated by a power control interface 126, which may include but is not limited to any combination of a tactile power button, membrane keypad, or capacitive touch interface. A digital temperature display 138 may be provided to show real-time internal temperature data of the compartment 118 and/or unit 124. In some configurations, the interface 126 may offer user-selectable temperature presets for various food categories (e.g., dairy, meat, produce).

The refrigeration unit 124 may be powered by a battery 128. The battery 128 may be comprised of a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cell. The battery 128 may be electrically coupled to a battery management circuit 130 configured for thermal monitoring, over-voltage protection, current regulation, charge balancing, and fault shutdown. Charging of the battery 128 may be enabled through an external charging port 132 such as but not limited to a standard barrel plug adapter, USB Type-C connector, or a DC input suitable for vehicle accessory outlets.

In one embodiment, the battery 128 may be implemented as a removable battery pack 128, as seen in FIG. 2. The removable battery pack 128 may be secured to/within the body 102 via an engagement feature 129 such as but not limited to any combination of a mechanical latch, rail-lock mechanism, snap-fit enclosure, etc. In some embodiments, the battery 128 may be charged by a solar panel 134, which may be foldable, detachable, or integrated into the device 100 to facilitate solar-based charging. An LED charge indicator 136 may also be integrated to communicate charge level, charging status, fault conditions, and/or battery health metrics.

In addition to the cooling compartment 118, the device 100 may be comprised of a non-refrigerated compartment 140 designed for storage of ambient-stable food items, utensils, medication, or personal accessories. The compartment 140 may be either permanently integrated into the compartment 118 or removably placed within the compartment 118, a seen in FIG. 1.

A modular insert system 142 may be located within the compartment 140, as seen in FIG. 1. The insert system 142 may be comprised of but is not limited to any combination of removable trays, a removable partition, or lidded containers. The insert system 142 may be reconfigured in various layouts to accommodate specific use cases, such as portioned meals, beverage bottles, or utensil kits.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “refrigerated lunch box device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the refrigerated lunch box device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the refrigerated lunch box device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the refrigerated lunch box device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the refrigerated lunch box device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the refrigerated lunch box device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the refrigerated lunch box device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.