System and method for packaging and delivering a temperature-sensitive item

Abstract

A system and method for packaging and delivering a temperature-sensitive item includes an insulated package having a substantially rigid container for containing the item, and a vacuum-sealed outer shell surrounding said container, and an insulated drop box having a first transceiver, for storing the insulated package.

1 . An insulated package, comprising: 
 a substantially rigid container for containing a temperature-sensitive item; and    a vacuum-sealed outer shell surrounding said container.    
   
   
       2 . The insulated package according to  claim 1 , wherein a vacuum is formed between said container and said outer shell.  
   
   
       3 . The insulated package according to  claim 1 , wherein said container comprises a polystyrene box, and wherein said outer shell comprises a polyethylene bag.  
   
   
       4 . The insulated package according to  claim 1 , wherein said insulated package more than doubles a time it takes to increase a surface temperature of said item from −25° C. to −1° C.  
   
   
       5 . The insulated package according to  claim 1 , wherein said insulated package prevents an increase in a surface temperature of said item from −25° C. to −1° C. for about 20 hours.  
   
   
       6 . The insulated package according to  claim 1 , wherein said outer shell comprises a reflective coating formed on one of an inside surface and outside surface of the outer shell.  
   
   
       7 . A system for packaging and delivering a temperature-sensitive item comprising: 
 an insulated package, comprising: 
 a substantially rigid container for containing said item; and  
 a vacuum-sealed outer shell surrounding said container; and  
   an insulated drop box comprising a first transceiver, for storing said insulated package.    
   
   
       8 . The system according to  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 an electronic tag associated with said insulated package, said tag comprising a second transceiver for wirelessly communicating with said first transceiver.    
   
   
       9 . The system according to  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 an access card, comprising a third transceiver, for wirelessly communicating with said first transceiver to access said drop box.    
   
   
       10 . The system according to  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 a dock to serve as a base for said drop box.    
   
   
       11 . The system according to  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 a transport container for transporting said package, wherein said electronic tag is affixed on said transport container.    
   
   
       12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said transport container comprises an insulated transport container.  
   
   
       13 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein said electronic tag is affixed on said insulated package.  
   
   
       14 . The system according to  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 a lock mechanism for securing said drop box to said dock.    
   
   
       15 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein said insulated transport container and said insulated drop box are interchangeable.  
   
   
       16 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said drop box further comprises a signaling device and wherein said second transceiver wirelessly communicates with said first transceiver causing said signaling device to be activated when said package is within a predetermined distance of said drop box.  
   
   
       17 . The system according to  claim 4 , further comprising: 
 a transport vehicle comprising: 
 a computer system comprising a fourth transceiver for wirelessly communicating with said electronic tag; and  
 a loop antenna connected to said fourth transceiver.  
   
   
   
       18 . The system according to  claim 17 , further comprising: 
 a global positioning system for navigating said transport vehicle to a destination.    
   
   
       19 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein said dock comprises a temperature control unit for controlling a temperature inside said drop box, and 
 wherein said drop box comprises a port for connecting to said temperature control unit.    
   
   
       20 . A method for packaging and delivering a temperature-sensitive item comprising: 
 packaging said item in an insulative vacuum-sealed package;    associating said package with an electronic tag;    transporting said package to a destination having a temperature-controlled drop box; and    depositing said package in said drop box.    
   
   
       21 . The insulated package according to  claim 1 , wherein said substantially rigid container comprises one of polystyrene, polyethene and polypropylene.  
   
   
       22 . The insulated package according to  claim 1 , wherein a thickness of a wall of said substantially rigid container is in a range of ½ and ¾ inches.  
   
   
       23 . The insulated package according to  claim 1 , wherein a pressure inside said package is substantially less than 760 torr.  
   
   
       24 . A programmable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus to perform a method for packaging and delivering a temperature-sensitive item, said method comprising: 
 packaging said item in an insulative vacuum-sealed package;    associating said package with an electronic tag;    transporting said package to a destination having a temperature-controlled drop box; and    depositing said package in said drop box.