Apparatus and method for containing edible items

Abstract

An apparatus for containing one or more edible items includes a container having a base and a wall, a first thermal element, and a securing mechanism for removably securing the first thermal element relative to the container, wherein the first thermal element comprises a housing that contains a phase-change material. An apparatus for containing one or more edible items includes a container having a base and a wall, a thermal element having a housing that contains a phase-change material, wherein the thermal element is selectively placeable at a first position and a second position, a first securing mechanism for removably securing the thermal element relative to the container when the thermal element is at the first position, and a second securing mechanism for removably securing the thermal element relative to the container when the thermal element is at the second position.

1 . An apparatus for containing one or more edible items, comprising:
 a container having a base and a wall;   a first thermal element; and   a securing mechanism for removably securing the first thermal element relative to the container;   wherein the first thermal element comprises a housing that contains a phase-change material.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the securing mechanism comprises a pocket for housing the first thermal element. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the securing mechanism comprises a Velcro™. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the securing mechanism comprises a button. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first thermal element is removably attachable to the base of the container. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the first thermal element is removably attachable to a bottom side of the base that is external to the container. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first thermal element is removably attachable to the wall of the container. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover for covering the container. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the first thermal element is removably attachable to the cover. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the first thermal element is removably attachable to a top side of the cover. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a second thermal element configured to be removably secured relative to the container. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the first thermal element is configured to be removably attached to the base, and the second thermal element is configured to be removably attached to the cover. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising an indicator coupled to the container for instructing a user to selectively attach the first thermal element to the base or the cover. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first thermal element with the phase-change material is configured to be heated or cooled before it is removably secured relative to the container. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first thermal element is reusable. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the phase-change material is selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, Lauric acid, Trimethylolethane, Sodium silicate, salt hydrates, fatty acids, esters, paraffins, waxes, organic compounds, crystalline alkyl hydrocarbon, density polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, silica, and glycerine. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing of the thermal element is flexible. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing of the thermal element is rigid. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises silicone. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for containing one or more edible items, comprising:
 a container having a base and a wall;   a thermal element having a housing that contains a phase-change material, wherein the thermal element is selectively placeable at a first position and a second position;   a first securing mechanism for removably securing the thermal element relative to the container when the thermal element is at the first position; and   a second securing mechanism for removably securing the thermal element relative to the container when the thermal element is at the second position.   
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the phase-change material is selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, Lauric acid, Trimethylolethane, Sodium silicate, salt hydrates, fatty acids, esters, paraffins, waxes, organic compounds, crystalline alkyl hydrocarbon, density polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, silica, and glycerine.