Containment System Including a Soft Container

BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a containment system comprising hard and soft containers, or coolers. More specifically, but without limitation, present disclosure relates to a containment system which provides soft containers sized to fit within the hard container and provide an organized arrangement of soft containers within the hard container, as well of differing levels of insulation to provide at least some level of food safe storage.

2. Description of the Related Art

There has been an explosion in the growth of deliverable from various companies including, but not limited to, online marketplaces, grocers, retail sellers, food delivery, pharmacies—both brick and mortar as well as e-commerce, among others for delivery of groceries, meals or meal services, frozen or fresh food, household goods, small electronics, pet products, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare items. Some of the deliveries require cooling or heating, or at least insulation to maintain a desired temperature for at least a period of time.

For years, it has been problematic for delivery service providers to fulfill many types of direct to consumer orders. Online marketplaces and merchants exist that allow consumers to purchase goods or services that can be delivered by a delivery service provider directly to a location specified by the consumer. Typical deliveries are made to a postal box, or otherwise left on a porch. There may be a need with certain valuable deliveries to also provide the security of a hard container that can prevent unintended access of the delivered goods. In some instances, storage of the goods can be challenging if the consumer is not at the location when the delivery service provider arrives. This can lead to the items being left by the delivery service provider in unsuitable locations. Leaving frozen or fresh food in front of a consumer's door, for example, can result in spoilage.

Still further though, once goods are delivered to a container, it desirable to be able to organize the goods and bring them inside a home or business is the same fashion. Moreover, placing the goods in a delivery container, if not insulated could result in melted or spoiled foods. Further, typical bags use for groceries for example not only failed to maintain any temperature requirements, but also offered no protection from crushing forces of other goods which are delivered.

It would be desirable to address these and other limitations of delivered goods in some organized manner. Additionally, the use of various bags would be desirable if they fit within the hard container or cooler and allowed for some organized arrangement of good therein.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound.

SUMMARY

The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

Present embodiments are directed to various aspects of a containment system that comprises a hard container which may be used to store materials some or all of which may need to be temperature controlled, for example a food safe area. More particularly present embodiments relate to a hard container which is sized to receive a plurality of soft containers, wherein one type of the plurality of soft containers may include a lid and be insulated to provide a space in which hot, cooled or frozen foods may be stored.

According to some embodiments, a containment system comprises a hard container having a base having a bottom, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom and defining an upper edge of the base, a storage compartment defined within the plurality of sidewalls, a lid pivotally connected to the base, the base pivotable between an open and closed position to access the storage compartment, a plurality of soft containers which are sized to be stored in the hard container. One soft container of the plurality of soft containers having a base and a lid, the one soft container having a plurality of sidewalls each defined by an insulation layer and having a face covering with a coating on an inner side and an outer side of the insulation layer, as well as side surface straps disposed on opposed sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls of the one soft containers. A second soft container of the plurality of soft containers having a bottom and one or more sides, the one or more sides having a second insulation layer of a thickness less than a thickness of the one soft container, the second insulation layer having an inner face covering having a coating and an outer face covering and a corresponding coating, as well as second side surface straps disposed on the second soft container. The one soft container and the second soft container each having a common width dimension which is sized to fit a first direction within the hard container, and each having a length dimension that is related to one another and is related to a length dimension, in whole or in part, of the storage compartment of the hard container.

According to some aspects, the one soft container may have a first insulation layer of a first thickness, which is greater than the thickness of the insulation layer of the second soft container.

According to some aspects, the length dimension of the storage compartment may be sized to fit one or more of the one soft container, or one or more of the second soft container, or both.

According to some aspects, the second internal dimension may be sized to fit multiple combinations of numbers of the one soft container and the second soft container.

According to some aspects, the hard container may have first and second end walls and a plurality of partition grooves between the first and second end walls and within the storage compartment.

According to some aspects, the hard container may have an outer shell, an inner shell, and an insulation therebetween.

According to some aspects, the storage compartment may have a height that is larger than a height of each of the plurality of soft containers.

According to some aspects, the insulation layers of the one soft container or the second soft container being formed of a high-density polyethylene, a polyurethane, a polypropylene, an expanded polystyrene, or an EVA.

According to some aspects, the face covering being formed of polyester.

According to some aspects, the coating being formed of one of polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or thermoplastic rubber (TPR).

According to some embodiments, a soft container comprises a base having a bottom and one or more walls extending upwardly from the bottom to an upper peripheral edge, a lid which is compression molded and hingedly connected to the base, the base having an inner liner, a foam insulation layer, and an exterior face covering, the compression molded lid having an opening with a pull extending from within an exterior face covering of the lid and through the opening.

According to some aspects, the inner liner and the exterior face coverings may be formed of polyester.

According to some aspects, the polyester may further comprising a coating.

According to some aspects, the coating may be formed of polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or thermoplastic rubber (TPR).

According to some aspects, the soft container may further comprise an eyelet disposed in the opening.

According to some aspects, the soft container may further comprise an insulation on an inner surface of the lid, the pull disposed between the insulation and the lid.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the various embodiments may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and drawings, included herewith. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate only various embodiments of a smart box containment system and method and therefore are not to be considered limiting of the scope of this disclosure. The principles illustrated in the various embodiments of the drawings can be applied to alternate methods and apparatus. Additionally, the elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the various embodiments. Certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, the same reference numerals used in different embodiments designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example insulated container in accordance with some embodiments depicted in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an example insulated container in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example insulated container in accordance with some embodiments depicted in an open configuration;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an example insulated container in the closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second example insulated container depicted in a closed configuration and having a locking module;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example insulated soft container in accordance with some embodiments depicted in a closed configuration;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the insulated soft container in accordance with some embodiments depicted in an open configuration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example insulated soft container in accordance with some embodiments in the form of a tote;

FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of a further insulated soft container with the lid shown in an open configuration;

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the soft container of FIG. 9 shown in a closed configuration; and,

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an arrangement of soft containers which may be arranged within a hard container to depict a dimensional relationship.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that a cooler is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The described embodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, various components a containment system comprising hard and soft containers or bags. These items may also be referred to as hard and soft coolers. The terms soft cooler or soft container may be used and indicate a cooler or container that is softer than the hard, rigid container or cooler previously described, and may or may not be firm enough to be self-supporting in an upright condition. The arrangement of soft and hard containers defines a storage or containment system which is capable of receiving deliveries that may be stored in an organized fashion and which may provide, in some examples, for food safe temperature storage for a period of time. Additionally, the use of insulation foam within the soft containers may also provide some level of damage protection for other goods places in the hard container. Finally, the use of the soft containers also provides a means of transporting the goods from the delivery at the hard container into a home or office. The soft containers, alone or in combinations, comprise a size relationship to the storage compartment of the hard container, or a portion of the storage compartment of the hard container.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a container 10 is shown, also sometimes referred to as a cooler. In some embodiments, the container 10 may be a delivery box, for depositing of delivered goods of various types. The container 10 may be insulated or non-insulated. As discussed primarily herein, the container 10 is mostly described as an insulated container however such description is not limiting. The container 10 may have a lock module 20 to limit access to the container interior and may be used with various types of containers including coolers as shown in some embodiments.

The perspective view of the device comprises an insulated hard container 10 having a base 12 and a lid 14. The base 12 defines a storage compartment wherein products may be deposited. The base is shown with a three-dimensional rectangular shape having two parallel long sides 13, 15 (front and rear) and two parallel shorts sides 17, 19. The insulated hard container 10 may be of various other shapes as well.

The lid 14 is shown in a closed position in the depicted embodiment. The lid 14 of the depicted embodiment may be pivotally or hingedly connected to the rear upper edge of the base 12. The lid 14 can pivot between the position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position shown in FIG. 3. While the lid 14 is pivotally connected in some embodiments, but may be connected in other movable manners, such as slidably, or removably, so that the contents of the base 12 may be retrieved. Further, in the depicted embodiment, the lid 14 is pivoted along the rear side 15, one of the longer sides. However, in some other embodiments, the lid 14 may be pivoted along one of the short sides 17, 19 or alternatively in other locations.

The instant embodiment may further comprise the locking module 20 which allows access or secures the lid 14 in a closed position precluded unintended opening or access to the container 10. The locking module 20 is generally represented by a plurality of buttons 31 which may be used in designated combination to lock or unlock the insulated container 10. The locking module 20 may further comprise a key lock or other mechanical entry alternatively, or additionally. The locking module 20 may be powered by battery power, or a plug-in electrical system, solar power, or any combination. The locking module 20 may in some embodiments comprise an electrically operated actuator to control access to interior of the insulated hard container 10. In some examples the actuator may be a solenoid, a linear actuator, a rotational actuator, a motor, or other embodiments. Activating the electrically operated actuator, can, in some examples, include causing the electrically operated actuator to be energized or deenergized which causes a movement. Some aspects of the disclosure provide that activating the electrically operated actuator prevents the locking module 20 of the container 10 from being unlocked. In some embodiments, the locking module 20 may further provide input devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad, a touch screen, a scanner, or a microphone. Additionally, the locking module 20 may also provide at least one output device 117 for example a display, a siren, a speaker, a status indicator, camera module or other suitable output device. The locking module 20 may, for example, be located in the base 12 as shown or alternatively may be located in the lid 14.

The insulated hard container 10 is also shown with end walls 16, 18 which may be formed integrally with the base 12 or may be formed separately and attached, for example by fastener or adhesive. The end walls 16, 18 may include support feet 22 for leveling adjustment and/or permanent connection of the container 10 to a substrate, such as a front porch or other area of delivery. The end walls 16, 18 may also include handholds 23 in which the insulated container 10 may be grasped and lifted or moved if needed. The end walls 16, 18 and the container as whole may, in some non-limiting embodiments, have the appearance of furniture piece as may be desirable for outdoor, porch positioning.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a front view of the insulated container is shown. The view is depicted to show feet 22 depending from the insulated container 10. The feet 22, according to some nonlimiting embodiments, may be adjustable for leveling for example. In the instant embodiment, the adjustable feet 22 are disposed on the end walls 16, 18, but in other embodiments, may be disposed on the base 12 of the insulated container 10. Thus the end walls 16, 18 provide a location for lifting and moving via the handholds 23, and also provide a location for positioning of the adjustable feet 22 for adjustment. In some examples, the feet 22 may comprise a threaded rod which is threaded into a threaded anchor in the end walls 16, 18. The threaded rod may also include a nut which may be tightened against the end wall 16, 18 so that the feet 22 are locked in position.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the insulated container 10 is shown in with the lid 14 in an open position. An interior storage compartment 26 is shown within the base 12. The interior storage compartment 26 may be used to store various items or goods, including but not limited to, grocery delivery, prepared meal delivery, takeout home delivery, frozen/fresh food shipments, non-grocery product deliveries such as household goods, small electronics, pet products, pharmaceuticals, healthcare items, and more.

Within the interior storage compartment 26 there may be a single volume or a divided volume to separate goods. For example, at least one thermal storage divider (not shown) can be positioned in the plurality of divider or partition grooves 29 in the inner liner 28 of the storage compartment 26. The interior divider(s) may provide for compartmentalization of hot/cold/frozen foods and maintaining a food safe temperature or alternatively can provide division of wet/dry goods delivered. Additionally, a support ledge 53 may be provided within the base 12 to support a wire basket or other accessory that suspend at least one gel pack, ice block, or other thermal storage member.

Further, with the lid 14 shown in the open position, the lid 14 is shown having a depth wherein an accessory storage grid 40 may be positioned and wherein accessories may be located. The inside of the lid 14 and the accessory grid 40 may define a lid storage compartment wherein one or more accessories may be positioned and retained. Depending on the size and weight of the lid 14, the container 10 may comprise lift assisting actuators 32 disposed between the base 12 and lid 14. The actuators 32 may be pneumatic, hydraulic, spring biased, or other mechanical or electrical forms. The accessory grid 40 may be formed of various metals or plastics and in some embodiments may be formed of polyethylene, although various other materials may be used.

Also visible from this view is an inner shell or liner 28. The base 12 may be formed of an outer shell 27, and the inner shell 28. In some embodiments, where the container 10 may be insulated, an insulating material (not shown) may be disposed between the outer shell 27 and the inner shell 28. In such configuration, and according to some embodiments, a cavity (not shown) may be disposed between the outer shell 27 and the inner shell 28. Within the cavity between the outer shell 27 and the inner shell 28, an additional insulating material may be disposed, for example. In some embodiments, the outer shell 27 may be formed of polyethylene, for non-limiting example. In some embodiments, the inner shell 28 may be formed of polypropylene for non-limiting example. Further, the insulating material within the cavity may be for example a polyurethane foam in some non-limiting examples.

Likewise, the lid 14 may have a similar construction. The lid 14 may be formed of a lid outer shell, a lid inner shell, and an optional insulation between the inner and outer shells. The construction of the container 10 may be dependent on whether or not insulating features are necessary or the level of importance of such insulating features.

Further shown in this configuration with the lid open, the inner area of the lid 14 is shown with the accessory storage grid 40 therein. The storage grid 40 may be connected by attachment elements for either a permanent or releasable connection. The accessory storage grid 40 is disposed for within the insulated container 10 in various manners. For example, the accessory grid 40 may be fixed within the lid 14, for example by forming integrally when the lid 14 or a lid inner shell is formed. Alternately, the holes 46 in the accessory grid 40 may allow for connection to the lid 14 by a plurality of fasteners 45.

Also shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the lid 14 may include a wall or drape 49 which is extending from the lid 14 interior surface and around the accessory grid 40. The wall or drape 49 provides a depth wherein the accessories may be located on the lid 14. The wall or drape 49 may extend into the base 12 when the lid 14 is closed. The lid inner surface and the drape 49 may define a lid storage area or compartment. The drape 49 may or may not include an internal insulation.

The lid 14 may also have an insulation layer (not shown) for thermal efficiency and a lid gasket for thermal efficiency and weatherproofing. Alternatively, the base 12 may include a gasket and engage with a rib or other structure, such as the drape 49, within the base 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the storage compartment 26 may comprise an internal dimension L₁. Additionally, the plurality of partition grooves 29 are shown in the view which allow for insertion of dividers in each groove 29. The spacing of the partition grooves 29 may be related to the length of a soft container or the sum of two or more soft containers 200, 300, 400 as described further herein. This would allow for partitioning of goods within the soft containers 200, 300, 400

Referring now to FIG. 4, a rear view of the insulated container 10 is shown. The rear view depicts an area where the lid and the base connect by hinge or hinged connection 21. The hinged connection 21 comprises a hinge axis which is horizontal in the depicted orientation. The hinged connection 21 is disposed along the rear upper edge of the base, so that the lid opens, as shown in FIG. 3, relative to the rear edge of the insulated container 10.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a further embodiment of a hard container 110 is depicted. In this embodiment, the container 110 may also be insulated or non-insulated, as with the previous. The container 110 comprises a base 112 and a lid 114. The base 112 may comprise a bottom 13 and one or more sides or walls 115. In this embodiment, the end walls of the plurality of walls 115 may also comprise handles 119 which aid in carrying the hard container 110. Still further, the hard container may comprise a drain 150 and a cap or plug 154 so that if ice is used to cool the container 110, the remaining water may be drained. Each of the base 112 and the lid 114 may comprise an outer shell 127, an inner shell (not shown) and a cavity between which may, or may not, be filled with an insulation, adhesive, insulative foam, or some combination. The embodiment of FIG. 5 has an appearance which is more similar to a cooler type of container with a hinged lid arrangement. It should be understood that the containers 10, 110 or other containers may all comprise the embodiments depicted, or combinations of various of the embodiments described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a first soft container 200 is depicted in a closed position. The soft container 200 is sized to be positioned within the hard containers 10, 110. The soft container 200 may comprise a base 210 and a lid 220. The base 210 comprises a bottom 212 and one or more sides 214 extending from the bottom 212. The sides, walls, or sidewalls 214 of the soft container 200 comprise an upper peripheral edge 215. Further, the one or more sides 214 and the bottom 212 may define a storage compartment 230 (FIG. 7) wherein goods may be stored. The upper peripheral edge 215 of the sides or walls 214 define an opening allowing access into the storage compartment 230.

The soft container 200 also comprises the lid 220 which may be pivotally connected to the base 210. The lid 220 may include a hinge disposed along adjacent edges of the lid 220 and the base 210. The hinge may be formed by welding or sewing fabric of the exterior materials to one another so to define a connected location where the fabric defines a pivot. The lid 220 covers the opening of compartment 230 and may include a downwardly extending lip or plug 222 (FIG. 7) that may engage the upper peripheral edge 215 of the base 210 or extends into the opening of compartment 230, or both, when the lid 220 is closed.

The base 210 bottom 212 and one or more sides 214 may be formed of an outer material or face covering, an inner liner or material, and a foam insulation layer therebetween. For example, in some embodiments, the outer material may be a polyester with a coating such as polyurethane and in other embodiments, the polyester may be coated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Further, additional materials other than polyester may be utilized. Likewise, the inner liner may comprise a polyester material and may also be coated with polyurethane or TPU. The insulation layer may, according to some embodiments, be formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or other materials. The TPU and the PU coatings provides two functions. First, the coatings provide a weldability which therefore limits the need for puncture with stitching. Second, the coatings provide an additional waterproof and wipeable protection functionality.

In some embodiments, the lid 14 may include a fastener such as a zipper which allows for opening and closing of the lid 14 or alternately may not include any fastener, such as shown, so that the lid 14 may be opened and closed by merely pulling the lid 14 open.

Additionally, the soft container 200 may include straps 250 extending from the side walls 214 of the soft container 200. The straps 250 may be nylon, polyester, or other materials for example and may depend from opposite sides of the soft cooler. The straps 250 may include a Velcro wrap to retain the two straps together, if desired.

In some examples, the lid 220 may include a handle 240 to grasp the lid 220 and open the lid 220. The handle 240 may be separated formed and molded into the lid 220 when the lid is formed, or in other embodiments may be welded into position once the lid is formed. In still other embodiments, the handle 240 may be adhesively retained in the lid 220 once the lid is formed. These or other options may all be used to retain the handle 240.

Additionally, with reference to FIG. 7, the soft container 200 is shown in the open position. The storage compartment 230 is shown in the base 210.

The soft container 200 of FIGS. 6 and 7, may be formed in various ways. For example, the soft container 200 may comprise a foam insulation layer, for example a foam high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyurethane, polypropylene, EVA, expanded polystyrene. In some embodiments, the foam insulation layer may be, for example, a 3-30 mm HDPE. However, this is one example and thicker or thinner walls may be utilized. The insulation foam layer may also be polyurethane or polypropylene materials, among other non-limiting materials.

The outer surface of the container 200 may be defined by a face covering or face material 260. For example, the external side of the foam insulation layer may be covered with a softer material to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish. In some embodiments, the insulation layer may be coated with a face material 260 comprising, for non-limiting example, a polyester with a coating. The coating may comprise, for example, a polyurethane (PU), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or a thermoplastic rubber (TPR). The face material or face coating 260 may be, in some embodiments, 420-800 D polyester with TPU coating. The coatings may allow for welding on the exterior of the container 200, for example for attachment of straps or welding of seams without stitches that would puncture the fabric and therefore improve waterproof construction. The TPU coating for example may allow for weldable type constructions that are stitchless to ensure the soft container 200, 300, 400 is completely submergible at least to the top of the bases.

Additionally, an internal material or inner liner 270 may be disposed on an inside of the foam layer. The inner liner 270 may be also formed of a fabric, for non-limiting example polyester, with a coating. As previously described, the coatings may comprise, but are not limited to polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or thermoplastic rubber (TPR) among others. Likewise, the polyurethane and TPU coatings may also allow for welding, if desired, of seams or pieces of liner material, while maintaining a waterproof construction. Due to the coating, the inner liner 270 may be welded to define a single material that is waterproof and free of any stiches that might otherwise allow for leakage over a period of time.

The first container 200 may comprise a cube, or cube-like shape, in some embodiments. The instant soft container 200 may comprise two dimensions which are close in length. For example, the width, measured from front to rear of the container, may be about fifteen inches (15″). Additionally, the height of the container may be about fifteen and a half inches (15.5″). The length of the container may be about thirteen and three-quarter inches (13.75″). These measurements are generally close enough to give the soft container a cube-like shape. The length of the soft container 200 may have a relationship to the interior length of the hard container 10, 110, either alone or in summation with other soft containers described herein. Additionally, if the hard container 10, 110 utilizes the partition grooves 29, the length of the soft container 200 may be nearly equal to that or the length of two or more soft containers may be about equal to a distance between two or more partition grooves 29.

With reference FIG. 8, a second soft container 300 is shown. The second soft container 300 provides a different form than the first. The second soft container 300 is in the form of a tote 310. The tote 310 has a bottom 312 and at least one wall or side 314 extending upwardly from the bottom 312. The tote 310 may comprise straps 350 that extend from opposing side walls of the at least one wall. The sides 314 may extend upwardly to an upper edge 315 wherein there is an opening that extends into a storage compartment 330.

Like the first container, the second container 300 may comprise an insulation layer, for example a foam HDPE, polypropylene, polyurethane, EVA, or any of the foams . In the instant embodiment, the insulation layer may be a foam insulation and may have a smaller thickness than the first soft container 200. The tote 310 form does not have a top and therefore it is less likely to be used for a heated, cooled or frozen good. However, the use of insulation does provide some structural strength and protection from breakage while adding slight insulation properties.

Also like the first container, an insulation layer, for example foam insulation, may be covered by a face material or face cover 360. The insulation layer may comprise, but is not limited to, high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyurethane, polypropylene, EVA, expanded polystyrene. As shown in the figures, the insulation layer may be thinner than in the container 200 and therefore the sides or walls 314 have a thinner appearance. Additionally, the insulation lay may comprise the face covering 360 formed of various materials including, but not limited to, polyester with a coating polyurethane coating or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating over the face covering 360. Other coatings previously described may be used, as well as still others. Still further, the second container 300 may also have an inner liner or material 370 on the inside of the foam insulation layer. The exterior and the inner liner may both include these coatings to aid in welding and reduce the need for puncture by stitching materials.

The second soft container 300 may also have one or more related dimensions relative to the first soft container 200. As noted previously, the first soft container 200 may, for non-limiting example, have a cube-like shape with a square or about-square cross-section defined by planar horizontal cut. Alternatively, the second container 300 has a different shape. Instead, the second container 300 may have a rectangular, for example, cross-section when cut through a horizontal plane. The length dimension L of the second container 300, measured across the front and rear surfaces, is in some examples about one-half that of the length dimension of the first soft container 200. Therefore, the length of the soft container 300 may be about 6-7/8″ for example, in some embodiments although this dimension is not limiting.

Additionally, the width dimension W of the first soft container 200 has a relationship to the second soft container 300. In the instant embodiments, the width dimension (front to rear direction of the inside compartment of the hard container 10. 110) are equal. Thus when placed in the hard container 10, 110, the dimensions of the first and second soft containers 200, 300, 400 will fit within the hard container 10, 110 and the hard container storage compartment 26 may be sized to receive the common width dimension for the soft containers 200, 300, 400.

Still further, the height dimensions H may also have a relationship. In the instant embodiment, the height of the first soft container 200 and the second soft container 300 are the same or about the same. This allows for design of a height dimension of the compartment 26 of the hard containers 10, 110 to be designed to receive both of the soft containers 200, 300.

The one or more sidewalls 214, 314 of the first and second soft containers 200, 300, 400 may comprise connections for the straps 250, 350, 450. For example, in some embodiments, an attachment patch 252, 352 is disposed on the sidewall 214, 314. In some examples, the attachment patch 252, 352 may be disposed on the sidewall and may be stitched to the ends of each strap 250, 350. The patch 252, 352 may then be welded to the sidewalls 214, 314 removing the need to puncture the sidewalls with stitching. In this arrangement, the straps 250, 350, 450 may be positioned under the patches 252, 352 or may be positioned over the patches 252, 352. The straps 250, 350, 450 may each comprise first and second ends which are sewn, welded, or otherwise adhered to the sidewalls via the patches 252, 352. Accordingly, the straps 250, 350, 450 are attached by layering the patch 252, 352 , the strap 250, 350, 450 and the sidewalls 214, 314, or in alternate arrangement the strap 250, 350, 450 the patch 252, 352, and the sidewall 214, 314. In the arrangement, wherein the strap 250, 350 ends are under or behind the patches 252, 352, each attachment patch 252, 352 may comprise a strap aperture 250, 350 so that the strap 250, 350, 450 extends therefrom.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a further embodiment of the soft container is depicted. In this embodiment, the soft container 400 is similar to the soft container 200. The instant soft container 400 is a container or cooler with a base 412 and a lid 414 that is hingedly connected to the base 412. FIG. 9 depicts a front perspective view of the container 400 with the lid 414 in an open position to depict the interior compartment 426 of the soft container 400. In some embodiments, the lid 414 may comprise a compression molded construction which provides for the variation in thickness and shape of the lid 414 exterior, as better seen in FIG. 10. For example, in some embodiments the lid 414 may comprise a compression molded polyurethane or polyethylene board with a face covering or fabric bonded to the polyurethane board. Further, the lid 414 may comprise an insulation layer 428 along the interior surface of the lid 414. The insulation layer 428 may be formed of various non-limiting structures such as HDPE, Polyurethane foam, or polypropylene, EVA or others previously described or not described. This list is not exhaustive. The insulation layer 428 may depend farther downwardly than the lower edge of the lid 414. The interior of the base 412 may comprise a landing 430 upon which the peripheral edge of the insulation layer 428 foam rests when closed. Alternately, the bottom edge of the insulation layer 428 may extend into the opening defined by the inner perimeter of the landing 430 to plug the opening of the base 412.

As with the previous embodiment, the container 400 comprises the lid 414 which closes without the need for a fastener, for example zipper. Thus, the interior of the containers 200, 400 are easily accessible.

The base 412 and the lid 414 may each comprise an exterior material, an interior liner, and an insulation disposed between the exterior material and interior liner, as described with the previous embodiment. Since the container 400 may be used for food safe temps, hot or cold, the insulation layers within the walls and bottom may be thicker than the insulation used in the container 300. The exterior face material may comprise a polyester that is coated with any of the various coatings previously described, for example polyurethane or TPU. The inner liner may be a coating as previously described, for example polyester with a TPU coating, among others.. In the base 412 for example, the upper ends of the interior liner and the exterior material may be welded together and over the upper perimeter of the insulation layers so that the insulation layer 428 of the lid 414 may rest on the upper perimeter of the inner liner and the landing 430 defined by the liner overlaying the upper perimeter of the insulation of the base 412.

Also by comparison of FIG. 9 with FIGS. 6, 7, one skilled in the art can also see that lids may close in differing manners. With reference first to FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper edge of the base 212 is shown and is generally flat and the lid 414 rests on that upper edge. Alternately, the base 412 has the landing 415 which is slightly recessed relative to an upper edge of the base 412. The recessed landing 415 allows a position to receive the insulation 428 which depends lower than the peripheral edge of the lid 414. When closed, therefore, the lower edge of the lid 414 can engage the upper edge of the base 412.

Referring to FIG. 10, the soft container 400 is shown with the lid 414 in a closed position. The container 400 may comprise straps 450 that extend over top of the container lid 414 and may further comprise Velcro wraps that hold the straps 450 in position on top the lid 414, thus inhibiting unintended opening of the lid 414.

Additionally, when the straps 450 are disconnected and the spread apart, the lid 414 may be opened. The lid 414 may comprise a pull 460 that extends from the bottom of the compression molded lid and extends through an opening 470. The pull 460 may provide an easily identifiable location for a user to grasp and pull to open the lid 414. More specifically, the lid 414 may comprise a ramp or angled surface 472 recessed within the lid 414. The pull 460 extends from an aperture 470 in the lid 414, wherein the aperture 470 may comprise an eyelet 474 structure through which the pull 460 passes from under the lid 414 to the upper exterior side of the lid 414. The pull 460 may be a nylon, polyester, or other fabric structure that extends from the lid 414 for grasping by a user, but is attached at the opposite end to the lid 414. As shown in the detail view, the pull 460 may for example be tacked to the upper inner surface of the lid 414, or in some embodiments may be welded for example. The lid 414 may include a ramp 472 with the eyelet 474 at the bottom of the ramp 472. The pull 460 may extend up the ramp 472 and may be grasped by the user. The pull 460 for example may be looped at the area where the user is intended to grasp. Further, at the opposite end, the pull 460 may be tacked, welded, sewn, or otherwise adhered to the undersurface of the lid 414. The location of the attachment of the pull 460 may be hidden by the insulation layer 428, as depicted in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first and second soft containers 200, 300, 400 may be arranged in a length direction, in one or more patterns, so that they may have a sum total length L₂that may be disposed within the internal compartment of the hard container, for example container 10, 110. For purpose of this example, soft container 400 although not shown is assumed to have the same dimensions as soft container 200 and therefore the number 400 is included. The length L₂is represented by three containers 200, 300, 400 in the example, but alternately may include embodiments where one container, 200, 300, 400, two containers 200, 300, 400 are utilized, or four or more containers 200, 300 are used. Additionally, although only one of the containers 200, 400 is shown, it should be understood that the dimensions may also be formed so that one or more of the soft containers 200, 400 are utilized alone, together, or in combination with other soft container 300, for non-limiting example. The length L₂has a relationship to length L₁(FIG. 3) of the storage compartment 26 wherein L₁may be the entire length of the internal storage 26 or may be a partial length from one end to one of the partition grooves, or alternatively between two partition grooves. The length L₂may be generally equal to the length L₁so that the containers 200, 300 fit within in the interior of the container 10, 110 with limit remaining space to overturn for example. The sum total of the, for example three, soft containers 200, 300, 400 in a length direction L₂may be sized to fit within the corresponding internal length L₁direction of the hard container 110 wherein L₁relates to the entire cooler storage compartment length, or some partial length between one end and one or more partition grooves 29. Alternately stated, the internal length direction L₁of the hard container 10, 110 may be sized to receive a preselected number of soft containers 200, 300, 400 in a preselected orientation. Alternatively, the length L₂may be generally equal to a length of a portion of the internal storage compartment 26. For example, the partition grooves 29 (FIG. 3) may have a relationship to one, two, or more soft containers 200, 300, 400 or combinations thereof.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invent of embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.

Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently-disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term “about,” when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration or percentage is meant to encompass variations of in some embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed method.

As used herein, ranges can be expressed as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.

The foregoing description of methods and embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Containment System Including a Soft Container

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