PORTABLE APPARATUS AND METHODS USING PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS FOR CREATING A TEMPERATURE STABILIZED ENVIRONMENT

A carrying case utilizes a layer of phase change materials and a thermal insulation layer in order to provide a temperature-stabilized environment for enclosed payloads such as musical instruments during transport through an environment in which temperatures differ greatly from those to which they are normally exposed. In one aspect, the portable carrying case (500"') comprises: a first layer containing phase change material (PCM) with a phase change temperature between 10°C and 35°C (50°F and 95°F), a second layer comprising insulation, said first layer and second layer arranged to form an enclosure defining at least one closable opening with said first layer inside said second layer, and a carrying implement, wherein said portable carrying case (500"') comprises a front panel (501a'") and a back panel (501b'") that meet at at least one edge and define said opening to said enclosure, side flaps (505a"', 506b"') extending from at least one of said front panel (501a'") and said back panel (501b'") and having mating fastening elements (508a"', 508b'", 507"') such that in one configuration said side flaps (505a"', 506b'") are folded over one of said front panel (501a'") and said back panel (501ab") and cause said front panel and back panel to form said enclosure, and a closure flap (501c'") coupled to one of said front panel and said back panel and movable from a first position where said enclosure is open to a second position where said flap covers (501c'") said opening, said front panel and said back panel each comprised of said first layer and second layer.