CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
None
SEQUENCE LISTING
Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to non-rigid and rigid portable coolers and methods of manufacturing and use therefore, including a cooler for use with beverage cans.
2. Description of the Background of the Disclosure
Coolers can be useful to transport, physically protect, and thermally insulate various items. For example, beverage containers, including aluminum cans or glass bottles for beer, seltzers, non-alcoholic beverages and the like, are often stored within a rigid or non-rigid portable cooler in large quantities and transported to a particular location for consumption. As a result, coolers that can receive large quantities of beverage containers and prevent damage of the beverage containers during transport are desired. Further, beverages are often enjoyed at cold temperatures and, thus, it is desired for coolers to thermally insulate the beverage containers during transport and/or during storage on-site. In addition, coolers with multiple compartments may be desired to transport items or accessories, some of which may be used during enjoyment of cold beverages.
SUMMARY
Various aspects are described in connection with illustrative implementations of a cooler disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an enclosure includes a shell including a movable cover, a cavity defined by a plurality of walls extending from a base, and a closure that removably attaches the movable cover to one or more walls of the plurality of walls. The enclosure further includes a pocket assembly that includes a pocket having a folding region disposed at least partially between opposing side edges and a backing panel. The folding region can further include a closure mechanism for retaining the pocket against itself in a collapsed configuration. Further, the backing panel is coupled to the shell and the pocket is configured to receive a beverage container when placed in the open configuration. In some aspects, the pocket is a unitary panel that is attached to the backing panel along the opposing side edges. In some embodiments, a first limb of the pocket extends between a first side edge and a first crease, a second limb extends from the first crease to a second crease, and a third limb of the pocket extends between the second crease and a second side edge. Further, the first limb can be configured to be rotated about the first side edge, the second limb can be configured to be rotated about the first crease, and the third limb can be configured to be rotated about the second side edge.
In some embodiments, the closure mechanism retains the pocket against the backing panel in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism is a zipper. In some embodiments, the pocket defines a length between a first side edge and a second side edge, the length being approximately equal to a pocket height in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the length of the pocket is greater than the height of the pocket in the open configuration.
In some embodiments, the enclosure may include a shell having a cavity and a liner received within the cavity and coupled to the shell. Further, the liner includes a movable lid and defines a storage volume. The liner can include a retainer that extends along two or more adjacent walls of the liner within the storage volume. The retainer may define an upper edge and a lower edge, and the upper edge of the retainer can be configured to be received through the channel to secure an ice pack within the storage volume.
In some embodiments, the lower edge of the retainer and the upper edge of the retainer can be received within the channel of the ice pack to secure the ice pack within the storage volume. In some embodiments, the retainer is located approximately halfway between an upper edge and a bottom surface of the liner. The retainer can be an elastic ribbon. Further, the ice pack can include a cross-shaped recessed surface and a first channel disposed substantially orthogonally relative to a second channel. In addition, the ice pack may include a first set of raised corners and a second set of raised corners. The retainer can be configured to be disposed between first and second sets of raised corners to secure the ice pack within the storage volume. The ice pack may define a plurality of raised corners that define a cross-shaped channel therebetween.
In some embodiments, an enclosure includes a shell having a cavity and a movable cover, a liner having a storage volume, a movable lid, and an elastic ribbon disposed approximately centrally along two or more walls of the liner, and an ice pack having a channel defined between a plurality of raised corners. Further, the ice pack can be configured to be retained within the storage volume of the liner by the retainer. The liner can be configured to be received within the cavity and coupled to the shell and the movable lid of the liner can be configured to nest within the movable cover of the shell throughout articulation about a hinge axis.
In some embodiments, the movable lid and the movable cover may share a common hinge axis. Further, the storage volume of the liner can be configured to receive sixteen beverage containers or thirty-two beverage containers. Additionally or alternative, a plurality of ice packs may be configured to be retained within the storage volume.
Various alternative implementations of the foregoing aspects are disclosed. The foregoing various aspects may be combined in any manner without limitation. The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the disclosure will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration a preferred configuration of the disclosure. Such configuration does not necessarily represent the full scope of the disclosure, however, and reference is made therefore to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present disclosure will be better understood and features, aspects, and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such detailed description makes reference to the following drawings.
FIG. 1 is a top, right, and front isometric view of a first embodiment of an enclosure in an closed state;
FIG. 2 is a top, right, and front isometric view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 in an open state;
FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the enclosure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is top view of a shoulder lap for the enclosure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the enclosure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a pocket assembly for the enclosure of FIG. 1, the pocket being depicted in a collapsed configuration;
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the pocket assembly of FIG. 6, the pocket being depicted in a partially collapsed configuration;
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the pocket assembly of FIG. 6, the pocket being depicted in an open configuration;
FIG. 9 is a bottom, left, and front isometric view of an ice pack for the enclosure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the liner of FIG. 2 without a lid; and
FIG. 11 is a partial view of the ice pack of FIG. 10 being retained against the liner of FIG. 10.
Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Aspects of the disclosure are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features, aspects and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the present disclosure. Multiple embodiments are provided within the disclosure. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the drawings. Also, while the terms “front side,” “back side,” “top,” “base,” “bottom,” “side,” “forward,” and “rearward” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Unless otherwise stated, nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of the claims.
In the description that follows, reference is made to one or more container structures. It is contemplated that any of the disclosed structures may be constructed from any polymer, composite, and/or metal/alloy material, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, it is contemplated that any manufacturing methodology may be utilized, without departing from the scope of these disclosure. For example, one or more of welding (e.g., high frequency, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding of fabric, or metal/alloy welding), gluing, stitching, molding, injection molding, blow molding, stamping, deep-drawing, casting, die-casting, drilling, deburring, grinding, polishing, sanding, or etching processes, among many others, may be utilized to construct the various container structures described throughout the disclosure.
Additionally, where reference is made to a magnetic element or structure throughout the disclosure, it may be assumed that the element or structure includes one or more magnets (e.g., permanent magnets), or one or more metals or alloys (e.g., ferromagnetic materials, among others), which may be attracted to magnets. Further, a magnetic strip, as described herein, may include a continuous magnetic element, a series of two or more discrete magnetic elements, or a two- or three-dimensional array of magnetic elements. Additionally, these magnetic elements may be constructed from any magnetic metal or alloy, and may be combined with one or more non-magnetic materials, such as polymers, ceramics, or non-magnetic metals or alloys. It is also contemplated that the various embodiments described in this document may be combined in any manner, such that various permutations of combined elements may be possible.
FIG. 1 illustrates various aspects of an implementation of a cooler or enclosure 100, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. In some applications, the cooler 100 is configured for transport, protection, and thermal insulation of one or more beverage containers (not shown). It should be understood, however, that the teachings herein are not limited to any particular beverage container, and are applicable to enclosures for containers of other products, whether solid or liquid. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the enclosure 100 comprises an outer portion or shell 104 and an inner portion or liner 106 that is configured to fit within a cavity 108 (see FIG. 2) defined by the shell 104. The shell 104 includes a base 110 and four sidewalls 112, 114, 116, 118 extending upwardly from a front, rear, left, and right perimeter, respectively, of the base 110.
Still referring to FIG. 1, a movable cover 120 is coupled to each of the sidewalls 112, 114, 116, 118 at an upper end thereof opposite a bottom end thereof to which the base 110 is coupled. The movable cover 120 may be attached to the rear sidewall 114 by a hinge 122 (see FIG. 3) and a closure mechanism 124. The movable cover 120 may be rotated about an axis extending through the hinge 122. Further, the movable cover 120 can be removably attached to the front sidewall 112, left sidewall 116, and right sidewall 118 by the closure mechanism 124. In some examples, the shell 104 may define exterior dimensions measured across an exterior surface 126 thereof in a front-to-rear direction, i.e., a length, a left-to-right direction, i.e., a width, and a top-to-bottom direction, i.e., a height, that are each different from each other. For example, the shell 104 may have an exterior length dimension of between about 260 mm and about 320 mm, an exterior width dimension of between about 320 and 390 mm, and an exterior height dimension of about 330 mm.
In the illustrated embodiment, the closure mechanism 124 may extend along the movable cover 120, one or more of the sidewalls 112, 114, 116, 118, or both. For example, the closure mechanism 124 may be a zipper, rail-type closure mechanisms, hook and loop fasteners, tabs, interference fitting closure mechanisms, interlocking closure mechanisms, magnetic closure mechanisms, or any other suitable type of fastener, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, enclosure 100 further includes a side pocket 130 on the right sidewall 118 and a front pocket 134 on the front sidewall 112. As will be further discussed herein, the side pocket 130 may be configured to hold a beverage container, or a beverage enclosure that contains a beverage container, or other objects sized and shaped accordingly. The front pocket 134 includes a closure mechanism 136 therealong, and the closure mechanism 136 may be similar to the closure mechanism 124 of the movable cover 120. For example, the closure mechanism 136 may be a zipper, rail-type closure mechanisms, hook and loop fasteners, tabs, interference fitting closure mechanisms, interlocking closure mechanisms, magnetic closure mechanisms, or any other suitable type of fastener, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
Further, the enclosure 100 may include a front strap 148 that is coupled to the front sidewall 112 and adjacent the front pocket 134, while a rear strap 150 may be coupled to the rear sidewall 114. Each of the front strap 148 and the rear strap 150 may be similarly sized and configured to be coupled at midpoints thereof by a handle flap 152, as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the front strap 148 and the rear strap 150 may be formed of webbing, such as, e.g., nylon webbing, or other materials that may include, among other, polypropylene, neoprene, polyester, Dyneema, Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastics, rubber, or rope. The handle flap 152 may be carried by the front strap 148 or the rear strap 150 and may further comprise a fastener for coupling opposing ends of the handle flap 152 to each other. For example, the handle flap 152 may be carried by the rear strap 150 and configured to have a pair of fasteners comprising a male portions located on a first end of a first surface and female portions located on a second end of the first surface, with the first end being opposite the second end. As such, when the midpoints of the front strap 148 and the rear strap 150 are proximate each other, as shown in FIG. 3, the second end of the hand flap 152 may be wrapped around a portion of the front strap 148 so that the male and female portions of the pair of fasteners may be coupled together, thereby securing the front and rear straps 148, 150 together.
Turning to FIG. 5, the base 110 of the shell 104 is illustrated as displaying a symbol, marker, or indicia thereon. In some examples, the base 110 may include rugged features, such as a durable covering or coating thereon or a rigid component spanning across the entire base 110 and extending about a bottom end of the walls 112, 114, 116, 118. In addition, it is contemplated that the base 110 of the shell 104 may comprise a storage compartment (not shown) that is separated from the cavity 108 of the shell 104. For example, the storage compartment of the base 110 may be substantially sleeve-like and configured to retain generally flat items, such as, e.g., sandals, bottle openers, playing cards, cables, ropes, clothing, or a variety of other items. The storage compartment of the base 110 may include a closure mechanism similar to the closure mechanism 124, and the storage compartment of the base 110 be water resistant or water proof.
Referring to FIG. 2, attachment rings 156 (e.g., a component having an aperture extending therethrough) may be coupled to the right sidewall 118 and the left sidewall 116 of the shell 104. In particular, each attachment ring 156 may be located approximately centrally between the front sidewall 112 and the rear sidewall 114 and closer to the movable cover 120 than to the base 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the attachment rings 156 of the right sidewall 118 is positioned above the side pocket 130. The attachment rings 156 are configured to receive opposing ends of a shoulder strap 160, which is illustrated standalone in FIG. 4. The shoulder strap 160 includes a clasp 164 at each opposing end, a shoulder pad 168 that is slidable along the shoulder strap 160, and an adjustment buckle 170 for increasing or decreasing a length (i.e., a distance between the opposing ends) of the shoulder strap 160. Each clasp 164 is configured to be removably hooked to each attachment ring 156, and the shoulder pad 168 is configured to be adjustable by sliding along the shoulder strap 160 for placement on a user's shoulder when carried by a user. The attachment rings 156 may be constructed from one or more polymers, metals, ceramics, glasses, alloys, or combinations thereof. In certain examples, the attachment rings 156 may be constructed from polypropylene, neoprene, polyester, Dyneema, Kevalar, cotton fabric, leather, plastics, rubber, or rope. Further, the attachment rings 156 are formed in a substantially D-shape but may include other shapes such as, for example, round, square, rectangular, triangular, or multiple rings with multiple attachment points.
With reference to FIG. 2, the cavity 108 of the shell 104 is at least partially filled by the liner 106, which is illustrated in an open configuration. The liner 106 includes a movable lid 180 having an underside 182 and a lower edge 184 defined about a perimeter of the underside 182. A hinge 186 is located along the lower edge 184 of the lid 180 and extends from an exterior surface 188 of the liner 106, thereby permitting the lid 180 to rotate about an axis extending axially through the hinge 186. Further, the hinge 186 couples the lid 180 to the remainder of the liner 106, which includes a front wall 192, a rear wall 194, a left wall 196, and a right wall 198. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 186 couples the lid 180 to the rear wall 194, although other configurations are possible. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the lid 180 is configured to be nested or received within the movable cover 120 of the shell 104. For example, the lid 180 may be coupled to the movable cover 120 by, for example, fasteners, an interference fit, glue, stitching, or welding (ultrasonic welding, RF welding, laser welding, among others), among others. In some aspects, the lid 180 is configured to be rotated with the movable cover 120 simultaneously, which in some examples is caused by the lid 180 sharing a common hinge axis with the movable cover 120. In other examples, the lid 180 may be configured to rotate separately from the movable cover 120, and may further have an independent hinge axis.
Still referring to FIG. 2, a storage volume, chamber, or receptacle 202 is defined by the liner 106 within the walls 192, 194, 196, 198 and below the underside 182 of the lid 180. In some examples, the storage volume 202 includes a width dimension between the opposing left and right walls 196, 198 and a length dimension between the opposing front and rear walls 192, 194 such that a particular quantity of beverage containers of a standard size are configured to be received in a vertical position and arranged in a grid-like fashion, i.e., m×n. For example, the storage volume 202 may be configured to receive sixteen beverage containers arranged in a four-by-four grid, or thirty-two beverage containers in an eight-by-four grid. However, different quantities of beverage containers may be received within the storage volume 202 and may be arranged differently, such as, e.g., stacked vertically atop one another and/or disposed in horizontal positions below the upper edge 204 of each of the walls 192, 194, 196, 198, such that the lid 180 can be rotated about the hinge axis of the hinge 186 to a closed configuration.
Turning to FIGS. 6-8, a pocket assembly includes the side pocket 130 and a backing panel 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the side pocket 130 is a unitary panel of fabric that is generally rectangular-shaped and attaches to the backing panel 210 on which a pair of side edges 212, 214 extend vertically between a top edge 216 and a bottom edge 218. Further, a bottom panel (not shown) extends from the backing panel 210 to the bottom edge 218. A part or all of the side pocket 130 may be constructed of a non-rigid, deformable material that may be the same as the material of the shell 104 or, in some examples, may be a different material than the shell 104. For example, the side pocket 130 may be constructed from neoprene, polyester, cotton fabric, mesh fabric, leather, plastics, rubber, nylon, a molded EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), and may have a fabric coating. Further, the backing plate 210 may be coupled to the right sidewall 118 of the shell 104 to locate the side pocket 130 thereon. For example, the backing panel 210 may be glued, stitched, welded (ultrasonic welding, RF welding, laser welding, among others) together, among others. Similarly, the pair of side edges 212, 214 and the bottom panel (not shown) can be coupled to the backing panel 210 using similar methods. However, the top edge 216 is removably fastened to the backing panel 210 on right sidewall 118 of the shell 104.
In the illustrated embodiment, the side pocket 130 defines an overall length L between the side edges 212, 214, such that the top edge 216 and the bottom edge 218 each extend the length L. An upper band 220 and a lower band 222 are formed by respective parallel rows of stitching, adhesive, and/or welded portions extending between the pair of side edges 212, 214. The upper and lower bands 220, 222 are each provided with magnets 224, 226 and 228, 230, which may be provided as one or more of the magnetic elements described above. The magnets may be embedded within the upper and lower bands 220, 222 and affixed by stitching, adhesive, welding, or any other suitable fixation means. Further, it is contemplated that a tightening mechanism, such as a cinch (not shown), e.g., a drawstring or adjustable cord, may be provided along or within the upper band 220 near the top edge 216, such that the cinch (not shown) can be adjusted while the side pocket 130 is in the open configuration. To that end, the side pocket 130 may be configured to be tightened or loosened while remaining in the open configuration. Alternatively, the cinch (not shown) may be provided along the lower band 222 near the bottom edge 218, or multiple cinches (not shown) may be provided on the side pocket 130.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the magnets may be configured to be coupled to each other so as to open or close an opening 232. In a closed state, as shown in FIG. 6, the top edge 218 is disposed proximate the right sidewall 118 and/or the backing panel 210, while in an open state the top edge 218 may be positioned apart from the right sidewall 118 and/or backing panel 210 by overcoming the magnetic attraction forces between the corresponding magnets to unfold the side pocket 130 and form a generally curved or arcuate shape, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In the open state, the side pocket 130 forms the opening 232 therein, which is collapsed when the side pocket 130 is folded and moved to the closed state of FIG. 6. Further, the bottom panel (not shown) of the side pocket 130 is configured to support an object inserted within the opening 232. The bottom panel (not shown) may be constructed to include a plurality of openings or holes therethrough, such as, e.g., a mesh fabric. As such, the side pocket 130 may be configured for receiving a beverage container, such as those stored within the storage volume 202. Further, because the beverage containers are often formed of a metal material, some or all of the magnets 224, 226, 228, 230 may retain the beverage container within the opening 232 by the magnetic attraction forces therebetween.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the magnets 224, 226, 228, 230 are disposed within a folding region 234 of the side pocket 130 that is configured to fold upon itself and be retained tightly against the backing panel 210 and/or the right sidewall 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 224 and 228 are disposed along a first limb 236a that is adjacent the side edge 212 and a second limb 236b spans between the first limb 236a and a third limb 236c along which the magnets 226 and 230 are disposed apart from the side edge 212 approximately ⅓ of the length L of the side pocket 130. To facilitate a folding operation of the side pocket 130, multiple creases may be formed about which the limbs 236a-c can be rotated. In particular, a first crease 238a is formed between the first limb 236a and the second limb 236b, and the first limb 236a spans between the side edge 212 and the first crease 238a. Further, a second crease 238b is formed between the second limb 236b and the third limb 236c, the second limb 236b spanning between the first and second creases 238a and 238b, and the third limb 236c spanning between the side edge 214 and the second crease 238b. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a fold distance F is defined between the side edge 212 and the location of the magnets 226 and 230. As such, the fold distance F may approximately ¼ to ½ of the length L of the side pocket 130. In some embodiments, the fold distance F may be different when measured along the upper band 220 than along the lower band 222.
With continued reference to FIG. 7, which depicts an intermediate stage between an open state and a closed state, the first limb 236a of the side pocket 130 between the side edge 212 and the first crease 238a rotates inwardly into the opening 232 about the side edge 212238a, the second limb 236b rotates outwardly from the opening 232 about both the first crease 238a and the second crease 238b, and the third limb 236c rotates inwardly toward the backing panel 210 about the side edge 214 to collapse the opening 232. Due in part to the magnitude of the magnetic attraction forces between magnets 224 and 226, and between magnets 228 and 230, the side pocket 130 can be retained in the closed state even with the second limb 236b of the side pocket 130 disposed therebetween. Accordingly, the side pocket 130 lies flat against itself in the closed state and, in particular, the second limb 236b is sandwiched between the first limb 236a and the third limb 236c, and the first limb 236a is sandwiched between the backing panel 210 and the second limb 236b.
Further, due to the folding rotation of the first limb 236a, the first crease 238a is moved inwardly into the opening 232 and disposed adjacent the backing panel 210 in the closed state. At the same time, the folding rotation of the second limb 236b and the third limb 236c causes movement of the second crease 238b away from the opening 232 and toward the side edge 212 in the closed state. The magnets 224 and 228 are rotated with the first limb 236a to lie flat against the backing panel 210, and the magnets 226 and 230 are rotated with the third limb 236c toward the first limb 236 and, thus, toward the magnets 224 and 228. Upon reaching a particular attraction distance, which may be less than the fold distance F, the magnets 224 and 228 of the first limb 236a attract and couple to the magnets 226 and 230 of the third limb 236c, respectively. The attraction distance may be influenced by a variety of factors of the side pocket 130, such as, e.g., the material of the side pocket 130, thickness and dimensions of the side pocket 130, the material and type of magnets, the quantity of magnets, among others.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the top edge 216 of the side pocket 130 forms an arc or curved path in the open state and the opening 232 is formed between the backing panel and the first, second, and third limbs 236a, 236b, 236c between the side edges 212 and 214. Moving from the closed state to the open state includes a reversal of the folding motion and/or rotation described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the first limb 236a of the side pocket 130 between the side edge 212 and the first crease 238a rotates outwardly from the opening 232 about the side edge 212238a, the second limb 236b rotates inwardly toward the opening 232 about both the first crease 238a and the second crease 238b, and the third limb 236c rotates outwardly toward the backing panel 210 about the side edge 214 to collapse the opening 232. Accordingly, the side pocket 130 is fully extended in the open state and, in particular, the second limb 236b extends between the first limb 236a and the third limb 236c to form a curved path between the side edges 212 and 214. Further, due to the folding rotation of the first limb 236a, the first crease 238a is moved outwardly from the opening 232 and spaced apart the backing panel 210 in the open state.
At the same time, the folding rotation of the second limb 236b and the third limb 236c causes movement of the second crease 238b toward the opening 232 and away from the side edge 212 in the open state. The magnets 224 and 228 are rotated with the first limb 236a to be spaced from the backing panel 210, and the magnets 226 and 230 are rotated with the third limb 236c away from the first limb 236 and, thus, away from the magnets 224 and 228. Upon initial movement from the closed state to the open state, the magnets 224 and 228 become decoupled from the magnets 226 and 230, although an attraction force between them remains until the attraction distance is surpassed, after which the side pocket 130 can remain in the extended, open state shown in FIG. 8 without the magnets 224, 228 and 226, 230 unintentionally or accidentally collapsing the side pocket 130 back into the closed state of FIG. 6. In this way, a side pocket 130 is provided that remains open to receive a container, such as, e.g., a beverage container, or any accessories or items associated with the use of the enclosure 100.
In some embodiments, the side pocket 130 may include greater or fewer limbs, creases, and magnets than shown. Further, the use of differently shaped and sized limbs, creases, and magnets, and a combination thereof, may provide a side pocket 130 that folds or collapses differently than shown. In another aspect, the side pocket 130 may include magnets disposed within the backing panel 210 or even in the right sidewall 118. In some aspects, the side pocket 130 may be further provided with a cinch to collapse other areas or portions of the pocket 130 separately from the folding region 234. In still other aspects, the folding region 234 may extend an entire length L of the side pocket 130, or the folding region 234 may be minimized compared to the folding region 234 shown. In some examples, when the side pocket is in the open state, the length L is between about 200 mm and about 400 mm. Preferably, the length L is between about 250 mm and about 350 mm. In some embodiments, the length L of the side pocket 130 is about 295 mm. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a pocket radius R is measured between the top edge 216 and the backing panel 210. In some embodiments, the pocket radius R is greater than 50 mm and less than 100 mm and, preferably the pocket radius R is between about 60 mm and about 90 mm. In some embodiments, the pocket radius R is about 75 mm. It is contemplated that the length L may be substantially greater or less than 295 mm and the pocket radius R may be substantially greater or less than 75 mm.
Further, a pocket height H is measured between the top edge 216 and the bottom edge 218 and, preferably the pocket height is greater than 125 mm and less than 250 mm. In some embodiments, the pocket height H is about 175 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket height H is approximately equal to the length L when the side pocket is in the closed or folded state of FIG. 6. For example, the length L when measured between the side edges 212, 214 in a closed or folded state is about 175 mm and the pocket height H is about 175 mm. As such, the side pocket 130 folds into a substantially square shape when in the closed state. Further, the side pocket 130 may be oversized or proportionally larger than shown, or the side pocket 130 may be located elsewhere on the enclosure 100, such as, e.g., on the liner 106, the movable cover 120, or another of the walls 112, 114, 116. Any number of side pockets 130 may be provided on the enclosure 100 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, it is contemplated that the side pocket 130 may use a different closure or fastening method than the magnets 224, 226, 228, 230. For example, the side pocket 130 may include a zipper, rail-type closure mechanisms, hook and loop fasteners, tabs, interference fitting closure mechanisms, interlocking closure mechanisms, or any other suitable type of fastener, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 10, the liner 106 is a cuboid or box-shaped container that is provided to nest within the cavity 108 of the shell 104 of the enclosure 100 for storage, protection, and thermal insulation of contents, e.g., beverage containers, received in the storage volume 202. The liner 106 may be provided with insulation materials, e.g., open-cell or closed-cell foam, within the walls 192, 194, 196, 198. In some embodiments, the liner 106 is a rigid container that is self-supporting and imparts structural integrity and form to the shell 104. However, the liner 106 may be provided as soft and malleable. In the illustrated embodiment, a snug or tight fit is provided between the shell 104 and the liner 106, which may be an airtight or water proof/resistant fit. For example, a sealant or compound may be applied between the liner 106 and the shell 104 near the upper edge 204 to prevent ingress or egress of air, water, gases, fluids, and the like.
In some embodiments, the liner 106 is coupled to the shell 104 by, for example, fasteners, an interference fit, glue, stitching, or welding (ultrasonic welding, RF welding, laser welding), among others. In particular, the exterior surface 188 is coupled to an inner surface (not shown) of the shell 104 according to one of the aforementioned methods. In some embodiments, the liner 106 is removably, permanently, or semi-permanently coupled to the shell 104. For example, the liner 106 can be removably coupled to the shell 104 by fasteners that can be unfastened. In some embodiments, an adhesive may be applied to the exterior surface 188 of the liner 106 and the inner surface (not shown) of the shell 104 for permanent or semi-permanent attachment. In some embodiments, the exterior surface 188 of the liner 106 is coupled to the shell 104, such as, e.g., by stitching provided on the walls 192, 194, 196, 198 near the upper edge 204 and near the bottom surface 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 180 is coupled to the movable cover 120 for movement therewith. Further, the hinge 186 is configured to nest with the hinge 122 of the shell 104 to promote alignment of the cover 120 with the lid 180 during rotation or articulation. Alternatively, the hinge 186 may be positioned below the hinge 122 of the shell 104.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 10, the exterior surface 188 of the liner 106 is constructed to be generally smooth, e.g., free of sharp corners or edges. In this way, the liner 106 is configured to be coupled tightly to the shell 104 and to avoid tearing or ripping of the shell 104. In some embodiments, the exterior surface 188 includes rigid portions or supports thereon, or a material that is substantially more rigid than the material of the shell 104, or a material that is substantially thicker than the material of the shell 104. In some embodiments, the lid 180 of the liner 106 is constructed of a different material than the rest of the liner 106. It is further contemplated that insulation materials may be inserted in the cavity 108 and disposed between the liner 106 and the shell 104, such as, e.g., open-cell foam or closed-cell foam. Further, it is contemplated that a pull tab (not shown) may be coupled to the exterior surface 188 of the liner 106 to facilitate removal of the liner 106 from the shell 104.
The liner 106 of FIGS. 2 and 10 defines exterior dimensions measured across the exterior surface 188 in a front-to-rear direction, i.e., a length, a left-to-right direction, i.e., a width, and a top-to-bottom direction, i.e., a height, that are each different from each other. For example, the liner 106 may have an exterior length dimension of between about 220 mm and about 280 mm, an exterior width dimension of between about 280 and 350 mm, and an exterior height dimension of about 255 mm.
The lid 180 is articulated or rotated about the hinge 186 from the open configuration of FIG. 2 toward the upper edge 204 of the liner 106 to the closed configuration of FIG. 1 to close access to the storage volume 202 and, further, to ingress of unwanted materials and egress of the contents, e.g., beverage containers, stored therein. In addition, the liner 106 acts to thermally insulate the contents, e.g., beverage containers, stored therein and, thus, the lid 180 is configured to prevent the ingress and egress of heat, moisture, air, fluids, among others. As such, a fit between the lid 180 and the walls 192, 194, 196, 198 at the upper end 204 may be sized and shaped to form an interference fit, or configured to include at least one gasket or seal (not shown), or may further comprise a closure mechanism similar to the closure mechanism 124, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some examples, the liner 106 is configured to provide an air-tight seal between the ambient environment and the storage volume 202. Further, it is contemplated that the liner 106 is configured to be water-resistant and/or water proof. Additionally or alternatively, the liner 106 and the shell 104 may be configured to float when immersed in a body of water, thereby allowing the enclosure 100 to buoyantly travel with or remain near a user engaged in a water activity and also preventing the enclosure 100 from sinking. To accomplish such buoyancy, buoyant gases or materials may be provided between the liner 106 and the shell 104, or within the liner 106 and/or the shell 104, or coupled to the liner 106 and/or the shell 104.
Referring now to FIG. 9, an embodiment of an ice pack 300 is shown as including a substantially cross-shaped recessed surface 302 and a plurality of raised corners 304, 306, 308, 310 protruding from the recessed surface 302. The raised corners 304, 306, 308, 310 are spaced apart from each other and each include a trim 312 that extends in an L-shape and forms a curved area, which may be chamfered, coved, or beveled, among others. In some examples, the raised corners 304, 306, 308, 310 are spaced apart from each other and spaced radially symmetrically about the ice pack 300. A first channel portion 316 extends centrally along the recessed surface 302 and is disposed between the raised corners 304, 310 and the raised corners 368, 308. Said another way, the first channel portion 316 is partially defined between the raised corners 304 and 306 and between the raised corners 310 and 308, while spanning along the recessed surface 302 from an end at which a port 320 extends to an opposing end.
Additionally, a second channel portion 318 extends centrally along the recessed surface 302 and is disposed between the raised corners 304, 306 and the raised corners 308, 310. Said another way, the second channel portion 318 is partially defined between the raised corners 304 and 310 and the raised corners 306 and 308, while spanning along the recessed surface between opposing ends in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction in which the first channel portion 316 spans along the recessed surface 302. As such, the first and second channel portions 316, 318 from a cross-shaped void on the ice pack 300 between and among the raised corners 304, 306, 308, 310. For reference, a dimension D1 is depicted in FIG. 9 and represents a width of the second channel portion 318 as measured between the raised corners 306 and 308. It will be appreciated the dimension D1 is exemplary and can be measured elsewhere on the ice pack 300 to represent the width of the second channel portion 318. Further, it will be appreciated that the first channel 316 also defines a dimension D1 that can be represented similarly to the width of the second channel portion 318. In some embodiments, the first channel portion 316 and the second channel portion 318 define different distances from one another. Additionally or alternatively, the dimension D1 may vary along the first channel portion 316 and/or the second channel portion 318.
It will be appreciated that any two raised corners 304, 306, 308, 310 may be considered a set, such that the first channel portion 316 is disposed between two sets of raised corners and the second channel portion 318 is disposed between two different sets of raised corners. In the illustrated embodiment, the first channel portion 316 is disposed between a first set of raised corners 304, 310 and a second set of raised corners 306, 308, while the second channel portion 318 is disposed between a third set of raised corners 304, 306 and a fourth set of raised corners 308, 310. In this way, each of the raised corners 304, 306, 308, 310 may belong to at least one set and, preferably, more than one set. In addition, the raised corners 304, 308 are diagonally disposed across the ice pack 300 relative to each other, while the raised corners 306, 310 are diagonally disposed across the ice pack relative to each other.
In the illustrated embodiment, the raised corners 304, 306, 308, 310 are illustrated as being substantially identical and symmetrical relative to each other. In other examples, raised corners may be provided as being differently sized and shaped from each other, and differently than shown. In addition, a front of the ice pack 300 is depicted in FIG. 9 and a rear of the ice pack is depicted in FIG. 11, the front and rear being substantially identical to each other. However, it is contemplated that the front and rear of the ice pack 300 may be differently sized and shaped. Further, the ice pack 300 may be provided of an opaque material, a translucent material, a transparent material, or the like. The ice pack 300 may be filled with a cooling medium suitable for sustaining itself at cold temperatures for extended periods of time. Additionally, an inwardly extending indent 322 is depicted centrally on the recessed surface 302 of the ice pack 300, and the indent 322 includes a marking, symbol, or indicia thereon. Further, greater or fewer symbols, markings, and indicia may be provided on the ice pack 300 than shown.
Turning to FIG. 10, the top view of the liner 106 is illustrated with the lid 180 removed, i.e., not shown. The walls 192, 194, 196, 198 of the liner 106 extend from the bottom surface 206 to the upper edge 204 in a substantially rectangular shape and each have an interior surface 328 that includes an upper portion 330 and a lower portion 332 that is coplanar with the upper portion 330. Further, a retainer 340 extends along each of the walls 192, 194, 196, 198 between the upper and lower portions 330, 332 thereof, and the retainer 340 is attached to the liner 106 by a fastener 342 at several fastening points 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d. In some embodiments, the retainer 340 is permanently attached to the liner 106 using any of a variety of methods, such as, e.g., adhesive, stitching, sewing, stapling, thermal bonding techniques, and the like. In some embodiments, the retainer 340 is removably attached to the liner 106 using any of a variety of methods, such as, e.g., hook and loop fasteners. Accordingly, the retainer 340 is positioned or disposed along adjacent front and side walls 192, 196, adjacent front and side walls 192, 198, adjacent rear and side walls 194, 196, and adjacent side walls 194, 198. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 340 is disposed centrally on the walls 192, 194, 196, 198 of the liner 106. In other words, the retainer 340 at least extends 360 degrees about the storage volume 202 of the liner 106.
In some aspects, the retainer 340 may comprise an elastic material, such as, e.g., an elastic strap or ribbon, that may be formed of multiple, discrete portions or a single, continuous portion. Although the retainer 340 is depicted as being a substantially flat, rectangular structure held tightly against the interior of the liner 106 within the storage volume 202, it is contemplated that the retainer 340 may be sized and shaped differently to extend or protrude into the storage volume 202. In some embodiments, the retainer 340 includes a padding or a thickened portion. In some embodiments, a gap or a plurality of gaps are formed between the retainer 340 and the liner 106.
In some embodiments, the interior surfaces 328 of the walls 192, 194, 196, 198 have a uniform height between the upper edge 204 and the bottom surface 206, and the height is less than 300 mm and greater than 200 mm. Preferably, the height is between about 250 mm and about 275 mm. In some embodiments, the height is about 255 mm. In other examples, some or each of the walls 192, 194, 196, 198 of the liner 106 may define different heights relative to each other. In another aspect, the interior surfaces 328 of the walls 192, 194, 196, 198 may have a width in a range of about 280 mm to about 350 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear walls 192, 194 extend a greater distance, i.e., width, between the left wall 196 and the right wall 198 than a distance, i.e., width, that the left and right walls 196, 198 extend between the front wall 192 and the rear wall 198. However, it is within the scope of this disclosure for each of the walls 192, 194, 196, 198 to extend a substantially similar distance, i.e., width, between each other, forming a generally square-shape.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the retainer 340 may include an upper edge 344 and a lower edge 346 opposite the upper edge 344. In the illustrated embodiment, the ice pack 300 is configured to be retained by the retainer 340 against the interior surface 328 of the liner 106 within the storage volume 202. In particular, the retainer 340 is configured to fit within and through the first channel portion 316 or the second channel portion 318, depending on the orientation in which the ice pack 300 is positioned. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 11, the ice pack 300 is positioned with the port 320 spaced apart from the retainer 340, which may be considered a vertical position of the ice pack 300. The retainer 340 fits against the recessed surface 302 within and/or through the second channel portion 318 and between the third set of raised corners 304, 306 and the fourth set of raised corners 308, 310. Accordingly, the width D1 of the ice pack 300, particularly of the second channel portion 318 and between the third set of raised corners 304, 306 and fourth set of raised corners 308, 310, corresponds to a distance D2 between the upper edge 344 and the lower edge 346 of the retainer 340, as illustrated in FIG. 11. In this way, the retainer 340 and the ice pack 300 are configured to be removably fit together in a locking relationship where the retainer 340 is the lock and the ice pack 300 is the key. Said another way, the retainer 340 is configured to secure the ice pack 300 by engagement with a corresponding combination, i.e., the first channel 316 or the second channel 318.
In the illustrated embodiment, the distance D2 between the upper edge 344 and the lower edge 346 of the retainer 340 is approximately uniform along an entirety of the retainer 340 and is between about 25 mm and about 50 mm. Preferably, the distance D2 is between about 30 mm and about 40 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D2 is 35 mm. However, in other examples the retainer 340 may define a varying distance between the upper and lower edges 344, 346 therealong. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the dimension D1 of the second channel portion 318 of the ice pack 300 corresponds to the distance D2 of the retainer 340, such that the retainer 340 fits within the second channel 318. Accordingly, the dimension D1 of the ice pack 300 may be slightly greater than the distance D2 of the retainer 340 to allow for relative movement therebetween. In some embodiments, the dimension D1 and the distance D2 are equal, e.g., allowing the upper edge 344 and the lower edge 346 to abut each of the raised corners 304, 306, 308, 310. Further, in some embodiments, the dimension D1 is slightly smaller than the distance D2, e.g., allowing the upper edge 344 or the lower edge 346, or both, to overlap the raised corners 304, 306, 308, 310. However, it is within the scope of this disclosure for the dimension D1 of the first and second channel portions 316, 316 to be substantially greater than the distance D2, e.g., to allow multiple retainers 340 may fit with the first channel 316 or the second channel 318.
In some embodiments, the retainer 340 extends at different angles or on different surfaces of the interior of the liner 106. In some embodiments, the retainer 340 is coupled to opposing walls, e.g., the front wall 192 and the rear wall 194, and extends through the storage volume 202 to act as a divider adapted to retain contents within the storage volume 202 within a particular area or areas. In some embodiments, a lattice of interwoven and/or overlapping retainers 340 are arranged within the storage volume 202 of the liner 106 and coupled to adjacent and/or opposing walls 192, 194, 196, 198, thereby allowing for greater organization and retention of contents or the ice pack(s) 300 within the storage volume 202.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the retainer 340 may be fastened to the lid 180 along the underside 182 by opposing fasteners 342, such that one or more ice packs 300 may be retained against the underside 182 of the lid 180 to provide improved cooling within the storage volume 202 of the liner 106. By placing the ice pack 300, or several ice packs 300, along the underside 182, cooled air within the storage volume 202 may cycle or flow continuously from the underside 182 to the bottom surface 206, passing over the contents, i.e., beverage containers, to allow for faster and more even distribution of cooling within the storage volume 202. In this way, faster and more even distribution of cooling can occur within the storage volume 202 as a result of elevated placement of ice pack(s) 300 within the liner 106 at locations enabled by the retainer 340. This can be particularly helpful when the lid 180 is repeatedly opened and closed during use where higher temperature ambient air enters the storage volume 202 and then becomes trapped within the storage volume 202 when the lid 180 is closed. Because the higher temperature ambient air will reside near the underside 182, due to gravity, it is immediately exposed to the ice pack(s) 300 located on the underside 182 of the lid 180 and, thus, becomes cooled more quickly.
It is further contemplated that as the lid 180 is rotated about the hinge 186, such as when the enclosure 100 is opened for retrieval or insertion of the contents, e.g., beverage containers, the ice pack(s) 300 may be moved with the lid 180 about the hinge axis of hinge 186 and, therefore, may become rotated from a horizontal position, i.e., when the lid 180 is closed, to a vertical position, i.e., when the lid 180 is open. As a result of the fit between the retainer 340 and the ice pack(s) 300, due in part to the raised corners 304, 306, 308, 310 and the recessed surface 302, the ice pack 300 is configured to remain retained by the retainer 340 against the lid 180 throughout such movement. In addition, the retainer 340 and the ice pack(s) 300 are further configured withstand foreseeable, external forces experienced during transport and use of the enclosure 100. In some embodiments, regardless of where the retainer 340 is positioned within the liner 106, the retainer 340 carries an adjustment buckle (not shown), similar to the adjustment buckle 170, for tightening or loosening tension of the retainer 340 and, thus, increasing or decreasing compression applied by the retainer 340 upon any contents, e.g., beverage containers, or upon the ice pack(s) 300.
In some embodiments, the retainer 340 is located on each of the walls 192, 194, 196, 198 at a height approximately halfway between the upper edge 204 and the bottom surface 206, which is about 50% of the height of the interior surface 328. Alternatively, the retainer 340 can be positioned closer to the upper edge 204, such as, e.g., between about 60% and about 90% of the height of the interior surface 328. It is contemplated that locating the retainer 340 closer to the upper edge 204 to secure ice pack(s) 300 near the underside 182 may also provide the improved cooling benefits described above. Additionally or alternatively, locating the retainer 340 to retain the ice pack(s) 300 halfway between the upper edge 204 and the bottom surface 206 may expose the contents of the storage volume 202 directly to the ice pack(s) 300 and, thus, conductive cooling is provided. Further, the retainer 340 may comprise sections or portions that are located at varying heights that are offset from one another along the interior surfaces 328 of the liner 106. In some embodiments, the retainer 340 is suspended between adjacent and/or opposing walls of the liner 106 and adapted to be stretched partially across or around contents stored within the storage volume 202. Further, the retainer 340 may be fastened to the liner 106 at a single end, allowing for a free end of the container to be removably or fastened to another portion of the liner 106, such as, e.g., with hook and loop fasteners, magnetic elements, zippers, or the like.
Although various aspects are herein disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments, implementations, and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventive aspects and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the aspects have been noted, other modifications, which are within their scope, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It should be also understood that the scope of this disclosure includes the various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, such that the various features, modes of implementation and operation, and aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be combined with or substituted for one another. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments or implementations described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.
Similarly, this method of disclosure, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.
Patent Application
20230085050
