PATENT APPLICATION

'atent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Filing

for

PORTABLE COOLING UNIT

Inventor: Mendel Minkowitz, Brooklyn, NY

Prepared by:

Catalyst Law Group, APC 9710 Scranton Road, Suite 170

San Diego, CA 92121 Telephone (858) 450-0099 Facsimile (858) 450-9834 www.catalystlaw.com

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PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001 ] This patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of the priority date of

United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No, 60/869,765, filed on December 13, 2006, accordingly, the entire contents of this provisional patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention pertains generally to portable kits having refrigeration ability.

More specifically, the invention pertains to devices and methods for portable cooling of medicaments for health applications. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a diabetic travel kit having a cooling device and temperature controlled storage for insulin with additional interior areas for holding supplies.

Description of the Prior Art

[0003] Medicaments for health patients and other relatively small items, such as baby formula, are sometimes required to be maintained at cool temperatures while traveling. Insulin, for example, is a peptide hormone used frequently by patients to medically treat some forms of diabetes.

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Its presence helps the body's cells regulate the intake of glucose. Some diabetic patients are continually dependent on insulin to control blood glucose levels.

[0004] Storage of insulin for the diabetic patient is of particular importance due to a requirement that be stowed away from extreme heat or freezing temperatures. The insulin may be stored for approximately as long as one month at room temperature, however, it is preferably stored in a refrigerator where it would last much longer and up to its expiration date. All three current U.S. insulin manufactures recommend that it be refrigerated at a temperature of 35 to 46 degrees for the insulin to maintain its potency for a maximum duration. Therefore, a diabetic patient that travels or is away from home frequently will desire some kind of refrigeration ability while traveling.

[0005] Portable insulin traveling kits having refrigeration ability in some form or another have been known for years. One such device was granted patent protection back in 1981, to Taylor, U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,998, entitled Diabetic Travel Kit. Taylor's device is cylindrical in shape having an annular cooling medium chamber and a lid to close a cavity. The diabetic kit achieves its cooling capacity by initially freezing a cooling medium, such as water, for insertion to the device. Under normal conditions, Taylor's device boasts providing adequate cooling to insulin for a period of about 70 hours.

[0006] A further device was granted patent protection in 1984, to Ehmann, U.S. Pat. No.

4,329,793, entitled Diabetic Traveling Case. One of Ehmann's asserted utilities is his compact design and that the traveling case was pocket sized. Still, similar to Taylor, the device uses a freezer pack to provide cooling capacity which has limitations in the amount of time adequate cooling will

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be available. Therefore, there remains a need for a diabetic kit suitable for extended periods absent the availability of a conventional refrigerator. A need additionally exists to store other relatively small items while maintaining cool temperatures while traveling.

[0007] In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a Portable

Cooling Unit that is ideal for those that travel often or remain away from home for extended periods. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a diabetic storage kit that does not require a freezer pack to provide cooling capacity, therefore provides greater control and reliability of temperature ranges. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a diabetic travel kit that has storage compartments for insulin and other supplies typically needed by the diabetic patient, e.g. lancet, alcohol pads, syringes, test strips, glucose monitor, syringes, emergency sugar pack, and any prescription medication. It is yet still a further object of the present invention to provide a diabetic travel case that has interior zipper pouches for insulin and separate supplies not required to be kept cool.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention comprises a portable cooling unit comprising: a cold compartment for storing items; a thermo-electric module thermally coupled to the cold compartment; a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermo-electric module; and a power supply electrically connected to and supplying electrical current to the thermo-

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electric module whereby the electrical current causes heat transfer from the cold compartment to the heat sink providing cooling to the cold compartment.

[0009] The portable cooling unit of the present invention additionally comprises a fan thermally coupled to the heat sink providing forced convection heat removal from the heat sink and thereby assisting in heat transfer of the portable cooling unit; and insulating material surrounding the cold compartment to assist in maintaining a relatively cold temperature in the cold compartment. The portable cooling unit also comprises an external body defining the outside surface of the cooling unit, the external body comprising air vents for assisting forced convection heat transfer.

[0010] The portable cooling unit of the present invention also optionally comprises a lid for enclosing the cold compartment, the lid comprising: a control panel having an ON/OFF switch; a thermostat for controlling temperature of the cold compartment; and a printed circuit board PCB having control circuitry for electrical components of the portable cooling unit.

[0011] Further the portable cooling unit includes a medical supply compartment for storing supplies that are not required to be refrigerated, the medical supply compartment further comprising straps, loops and pockets specifically configured to secure a blood glucose monitor, a lancet, prescription medication, a plurality of test strips, syringes, and alcohol pads. The invention is further characterized wherein the power supply is a vehicle power source, the invention further including a power adapter to connect the vehicle power source to supply power to electrical components of the cooling unit. As an example, the heat sink of the present invention is comprised of extruded

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aluminum. It is additionally contemplated that power to the device could come from a solar cell or a photovoltaic cell.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention can be described as a diabetic kit comprising: a cold compartment for storing insulin; a thermo-electric module thermally coupled to the cold compartment; a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermo-electric module; and a power supply electrically connected to and supplying electrical current to the thermo-electric module whereby the electrical current causes heat transfer from the cold compartment to the heat sink providing cooling to the cold compartment.

[0013] The diabetic kit in a particular embodiment farther includes: a fan thermally coupled to the heat sink providing forced convection heat removal from the heat sink and thereby assisting in heat transfer of the diabetic kit; and insulating material surrounding the cold compartment to assist in maintaining a cold temperature in the cold compartment. The diabetic kit of the present invention additionally comprises an external body defining the outside surface of the diabetic kit, the external body comprising air vents for assisting forced convection heat transfer.

[0014] The diabetic kit embodiment also comprises: a control panel having an ON/OFF switch; a thermostat for controlling temperature of the cold compartment; and a printed circuit board PCB having control circuitry for electrical components of the diabetic kit. To stow supplies that are not required to be refrigerated, the diabetic kit also includes an accessory supply compartment comprising straps, loops and pockets specifically configured to secure supplies comprising a lancet, blood glucose monitor, a plurality of test strips, syringes, emergency sugar pack, prescription medication and alcohol pads.

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[0015] The diabetic kit is further characterized wherein the power supply is a vehicle power source, the kit further comprising a power adapter to connect the vehicle power source to supply power to electrical components of the diabetic kit. As in the portable cooling unit embodiment, the heat sink may be comprised of extruded aluminum material.

[0016] hi yet another aspect, the invention is characterized as a method of providing cooling to a cold compartment of a diabetic kit, the method comprising: thermally connecting a thermoelectric module to the cold compartment; thermally connecting a heat sink to the thermo-electric module, wherein the thermo-electric module induces heat transfer from the cold compartment to the heat sink; removing heat from the heat sink using a fan; and venting air flow from the fan using air vents.

[0017] The method of the invention additionally comprises insulating the cold compartment using foam material and the step of controlling temperature of the cold compartment using a thermistor. Further the method of providing cooling to a cold compartment of a diabetic kit includes providing power to electrical components of the diabetic kit from a vehicle power supply using a power adapter. Lastly, the method includes the step of lining the cold compartment with aluminum.

[0018] These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

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[0019] While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of "means" or "steps" limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112.

[0020] The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are expressed using like reference characters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

[0022] Fig. IA is a perspective illustration showing an exemplary cooling unit of the present invention, and more particularly, a diabetic kit embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Fig. IB illustrates a profile of the illustrated embodiment of Fig. IA;

[0024] Fig, 2 is a perspective view of the diabetic kit embodiment illustrating cooling components of the present invention;

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[0025] Fig. 3 is a perspective illustration of the diabetic kit embodiment showing the cold storage of medicaments and also a compartment for other supplies;

[0026] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a cooling unit embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 5 is a perspective illustration of a diabetic kit embodiment with alternative structure to secure interior compartments; and

[0028] Fig. 6 is yet another perspective view of embodiments shown in Fig. 3and Fig. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Initially referring to Fig. IA, a diabetic kit embodiment 10 of a portable cooling unit of the present invention is shown herein. The outside of kit is defined by exterior body 11. As a matter of preference, external body 11 may be comprised of leather, pleather, naugahyde or similar material. Additionally, kit 10 is hinged together to open like a book and is secured by zipper 12 along zipper track 13 when closed, as shown. External body 11 is further defined by a length L, width W, and thickness T . By way of example and not by limitation, length L, width W and thickness T are 8" X 4" X 3".

[0030] Fig. IB shows a profile of the diabetic kit embodiment. The cooling unit portion of the diabetic kit is controlled by ON/OFF by switch 15. Control panel 14 controls thermostat settings and displays temperature in a preferred embodiment.

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[0031 ] Now turning to Fig. 2, a perspective illustration is shown with two halves generally divided by cold compartment 20 and accessory storage compartment 21. Cold compartment 20 achieves its cooling capacity from a thermo-electric module 22, also referred to as a Peltier device. Thermo-electric module 22 is a solid state device comprised of N-type and P-type semiconductor material, for example, Bismuth Telluride (Bi ₂ Te ₃ ) pellets, where when a DC voltage is applied across the module 22, it causes either electrons flow (N-type) or hole flow (P-type), depending on how the semiconductor material is doped. The electron and hole flow will have the additional affect of transferring heat across the device. This heat flux induced provides cooling capacity to the cold compartment 20. If the voltage is reversed then the flow of heat would be reversed and the module 22 could theoretically be used as a heat pump.

[0032] As an example of temperature control 14, a thermostat can be used to vary the DC voltage applied to the Peltier module also using a temperature feedback loop from, for example a thermistor. Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 26 is provided for control and drive circuitry for particular electrical components such as temperature control 14, motor driven fan 24 and thermistor, if employed. Temperature control monitor 14 optionally includes additional functionality such as, for example, a clock comprising medication time alarms and meal time alerts.

[0033] Thermo-electric module 22 may alternatively be sandwiched between ceramic plates having properties of a heat conductor and an electric insulator. As heat flows from the cold compartment 20 through the thermo-electric module 22, the heat is removed by thermally conductive heat sink 23. In a preferred embodiment, heat sink 23 comprises extruded aluminum material. To

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further aid in efficient heat transfer, motor driven fan 24 is provided to assist heat removal from the device 10. Air vents 16 are employed to assist the flow of air and heat removal.

[0034] Electrical power for the device is typically provided externally via power cord 17, that could either take the form of an AC adaptor to fit a 120V AC wall outlet, or optionally an adaptor suitable for a 12V DC vehicle power supply. Rechargeable battery 27 is also provided for an internal power source to the device for a limited time if an external power is not available. Battery 27 is encased by insulating foam material 28 however, access for battery removal and replacement is provided by simply removing the section of insulating foam material. Extra batteries 27 could additionally enable users to rely in the device 10 for cooling for extended periods of time. In the figures, insulating material 28 is illustrated with stippling markings. It is further contemplated that electrical power could come from a solar cell or a photovoltaic device, or some combination of any available sources of power.

[0035] Fig. 3 illustrates how cold compartment 20 and accessory storage compartment 21 are used and secured. In a preferred embodiment, cold storage compartment 20 comprises aluminum tray 29 and is secured by a cover 34 comprised of insulating material, 28. Hook and loop type fasteners could be employed to hold cover 34 in place, for example. Medicaments 31, such as insulin are illustrated as the item to be kept cool. By way of example, accessory storage compartment 21 could be used to store glucose monitor 32, syringes 33 for administration of insulin, and prescription medication 35. Test strips and alcohol pad and other necessities needed by a patient could additionally be stowed in this area.

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[0036] Yet further by way of example, the cold storage compartment 20 could be used to store medicaments 31, baby formula, or sensitive electronics.

[0037] Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary portable cooling unit 40 of the present invention. In this illustration, cold compartment 20a comprises aluminum tray 29a. Heat is drawn from the cold compartment 20a with thermo-electric module 22a assisted by heat sink 23a and motor driven fan 24a through air vents 16a. Lid 42 provides access to the cold compartment 20a. Furthermore, the device 40 is insulated by foam material 28a and its housing is defined by external body 11a. Further, operation of the device is ultimately controlled by ON/OFF switch 15a, with control panel 14a and PCB 26a, Power to the device, in this embodiment, is provided by power cord 41.

[0038] A further diabetic kit embodiment 50 is shown in Fig. 5. Illustrated are alternative embodiments for securing internal compartments 20 and 21 with inner compartment covers 51, 52. In a preferred embodiment, zippers 54, 55 could be used to secure the inner compartment covers 51, 52, or other suitable means. Yet further, an alternate embodiment for securing syringes 53 with loop fasteners to inner compartment cover 52 is also shown. Pouch 56, is configured to secure alcohol wipes and/or emergency sugar packs, for example. Also stowed within accessory storage compartment 21 are lancet 57, glucose monitor 58 and test strips 59.

[0039] Now referring to Fig. 6, the diabetic kit provides additional means for kit identification. In this embodiment, the outside of interior compartment 51 includes a transparent

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insert 61 that is able to receive an identification card. Preferably the identification card is a medical identification card having necessary medical information needed in an emergency situation,

[0040] While the particular as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

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