Compact Lightweight Containers for Hot Food Delivery

TIAX LLC proposes to develop a compact, lightweight container for hot food delivery. The goals for light weight, with maximum deployed volume of 2200 cubic inches and maximum stored volume of 1100 cubix inches will be met by an innovative combination ofadvanced thermal insulation, materials, and nestable or foldable geometries. Int he proposed Phase 1 program, we will analytically evaluate a variety of configuration alternatives, accounting for both heat loss through the insulation material and throughedge/corner joints and the corner gasket. We will select the most promising configuration for design, fabrication and testing of a proof-of-concept prototype. Testing will include measurement of steady-state heat loss vs temperature and cool-down tests atspecified conditions. The proposed project will benefit the military and civilian sectors by providing a higher level of insulated container perfirmance and volume efficiency. Piotential new products for the military include hot food containers (per thisproject), larger containers for refrigerated food delivery, and compact insulated containers for shipping both frozen blood and liquid blood. Potential new civilian products include high-performance consumer coolers and hot food transport containers forthe food service industry.