Insulated Container

BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention

Present embodiments relate to an insulated container. More specifically, but without limitation, the present embodiments relate to an insulated container having a removable cap or lid, that may be threadably connected to a base of the container. The removable cap or lid may have a rotatable closure.

2. Description of the Related Art

Some manufacturers desire tumblers made of stainless steel so that the tumbler is better accommodating of both hot and cold liquids.

However, tumbler sizes have grown in such a manner that the diameter is prohibitive for use by those with smaller hands.

It would be desirable to provide a tumbler having an improved manner of handling.

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 claims 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.

The present embodiments provide an insulated container, for example a mug or tumbler, with handle which allows improved control of the body of the tumbler. Additionally, the mug comprises a lid with a transparent wall to allow visual confirmation of the position of the lid on the base. Additionally, a closure is disposed on the lid which may be rotatable to open and close an opening in the lid.

According to some embodiments, an insulated liquid container may comprise a body having a base and a surrounding wall extending from a periphery of the base, a threaded neck at an upper end of the body, a lid which is threadably connectable to the body, the lid having an upper surface, a depending radially inner wall, and a depending radially outer wall, the inner wall having a lid thread which engages the threaded neck of the body on a radially inward surface of the threaded neck, the depending outer wall disposed radially outwardly of the threaded neck such that the threaded neck is disposed between the depending radially inner wall and the depending outer wall.

In some embodiments, the surrounding wall of the base may have an outer body wall and an inner body wall. The surrounding wall may have a first lower diameter and a second upper diameter. The first lower diameter may be smaller than the second upper diameter.

The insulated liquid container may further comprise a handle extending from the surrounding wall. The handle may comprise an inner portion, a middle portion, and an outer portion. The inner portion and the outer portion may be formed of differing materials. The insulated liquid container may further comprise anchors disposed on the surrounding wall of the body. The insulated container may further comprise fasteners disposed through the handle and engaging the anchors.

In some embodiments, the depending outer wall of the lid being transparent for visual indication of the threaded neck therein. The inner wall of the lid disposed radially inwardly of the threaded neck.

The lid may have an opening in the upper surface for liquid. The insulated liquid container may further comprise a rotatable closure to open and close access for the opening. The lid may have a hub in which the rotatable closure rotates. The hub may have one of scallops or protuberances to provide a positive feedback of specific closure position. The lid may have a channel with stops to limit rotation of the rotatable closure at specific positions.

The threaded neck may be tapered from a thicker lower portion to a thinner upper portion.

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 embodiments is provided in the following written description, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments of an insulated container will now be described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as other embodiments of an insulated container will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description. Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an insulated container having a base and a lid;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the insulated container;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the insulated container;

FIG. 4 is a section view of the insulated container:

FIG. 5 is an underside view of the lid including the closure;

FIG. 6 is an underside view of the closure;

FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of the lid with the closure removed; and,

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the example insulated container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that an insulated container 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.

The terms “top.” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” “upward,” “downward,” 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 or the orientation during typical use. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of these disclosures.

Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 is understood to include any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50, as well as all intervening decimal values between the aforementioned integers such as, for example, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9. With respect to sub-ranges, “nested sub-ranges” that extend from either end point of the range are specifically contemplated. For example, a nested sub-range of an exemplary range of 1 to 50 may comprise 1 to 10, 1 to 20, 1 to 30, and 1 to 40 in one direction, or 50 to 40, 50 to 30, 50 to 20, and 50 to 10 in the other direction.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term “about” is understood as within a range of normal tolerance in the art, for example within 2 standard deviations of the mean. “About” may be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from the context, all numerical values provided herein are modified by the term “about.”

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, an insulated container is provided and more specifically an insulated container for liquids, drinks, or the like. The insulated container comprises a tumbler type base with a handle that allows for improved handling of the container. The tumbler additionally comprises a lid or cap that connects to the upper edge of the base and provides visual indication that the neck is disposed in a space within the lid. Likewise, the lid comprises a closure which provides positive feedback during rotation to stop at preselected locations.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an insulated container 10 is shown. The insulated container 10 comprises a body 12 wherein a liquid may be contained. The body 12 may be a drinking vessel, for example a tumbler, and in some embodiments may be formed of various materials. For example, the body 12 may be formed of plastic, metal, ceramic, or combinations thereof. Plastics of the present disclosure may include, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, vinyl, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Additionally, suitable metals of the present disclosure may include aluminum and iron (e.g., steel, stainless steel, and cast iron). For example, in some embodiments the body 12 may be a vacuum insulated double walled structure. The insulated container 10 also comprises a lid or a cap 14. The lid 14 may be attached to the body 12 at an upper end 13 of the body 12. The lid 14 may comprise a closure 16 to provide fluid access to the liquid in the body 12.

The body 12 may be sized variously to hold various amounts of fluid. For example, the body 12 may be from about 16 ounces to about 48 ounces in volume. This range is not limiting as other sizes may be formed and be within the scope of the instant claims. The height and/or the diameter may both vary. Additionally, the body 12 may comprise any of various suitable shapes and designs beyond that which is shown in the example. In some embodiments, the body 12 may have a single continuous diameter. In some embodiments such as the instant example, the body 12 may have two or more diameters, such as the lower, smaller diameter and upper, larger diameter depicted.

In some optional embodiments, the insulated container 10 may further comprise a handle 18 disposed on the body 12. The handle 18 may provide for ease of lifting of the insulated container 10, especially in instances where the body 12 has a diameter in which is large, relative to a user's hand, and difficult to grasp, or alternatively where the user has small hands.

Additionally, the insulated container 10 may optionally comprise a straw 22 which extends through the lid 14 and into the body 12. The straw 22 may be of a diameter which fits through an aperture 24 in the lid 14 and may be formed of various materials including but not limited to paper, metal, or plastics. In some embodiments, the straw may be formed of stainless steel for example, which allows for drinking of hot fluids.

The closure 16 may include a relief 26 that aligns with the aperture 24 in some position. The relief 26 is shown having a shape that matches, at least in part, the shape of the aperture 24. Thus, as shown, the straw 22 can extend through both the aperture 24 of the lid 14 and the relief 26 of the closure 16. Additionally, however, the shape of the closure 16 allows for use of the insulated container 10 without a straw 22, by drinking through the aperture 24 and relief 26. Accordingly, the relief 26 may or may not, at least partially, match the periphery of the aperture 24. Various shapes, matching or not, may be used to allow for drinking from the insulated container 10. The lid 14 may further comprise a vent hole to improve fluid flow when drinking from the insulated container.

Referring additionally to FIG. 2, a lower perspective view of the insulated container 10 is depicted. The insulated container 10 comprises the body 12 and the lid 14, as previously described. The body 12 comprises a circular base or bottom 30 and an upwardly extending surrounding wall 32 extending from the bottom. The surrounding wall 32 may have a first diameter at a lower portion 34 and a second, different diameter at an upper portion 36. In the depicted example, a lower portion 34 of the body 12 comprises a smaller diameter and an upper portion 36 comprises a larger diameter. The smaller diameter allows for positioning the insulated container 10 in a cup holder or may be handled by people with smaller hands. The body 12 further comprises a shoulder 38 between the upper portion 36 and lower portion 34. The shoulder 38 provides a transition between the differing diameters of the lower portion 34 and the upper portion 36 wherein the two portions 34, 36 engage one another.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 36 and the lower portion 34 may both be tapered from top to bottom. In some embodiments, the taper of each portion 34, 36 may be the same angle or may be differing angles. In some embodiments, the upper portion 36 or the lower portion 34 may be tapered so that one or both are tapered. Additionally, in some embodiments, the upper portion 36 and the lower portion 34 may be cylindrical in shape, but of differing diameters with a shoulder structure that tapers between the two diameters of the upper portion 36 and the lower portion 34. Still further, the surrounding wall 32 may be a continuously tapered wall without a shoulder.

The upwardly extending surrounding wall 32 may be a single wall or may be a double walled structure having an inner shell or wall 35 (FIG. 4) and an outer shell or wall 37 (FIG. 4) that together define the upwardly extending surrounding wall 32. In some embodiments, for example, the inner shell 35 and the outer shell 37 may be formed of stainless steel and may be vacuum insulated having a gap 39 between the inner shell 35 and the outer shell 37. The gap 39 (FIG. 4) between the outer shell 37 and inner shell 35 may be vacuumed insulated, may be filled with air, other gases, or may be filled with insulation. Such arrangement may reduce thermal conduction between a fluid contained in the body 12 and the external environment. Alternately, the body 12 may be formed of molded plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, recycled plastics, or others.

On the outside surface of the body 12, the handle 18 is shown located for grasping and handling the insulated container 10. The handle 18 may be integrally formed with the body 12 or formed separately and connected. In some embodiments, the handle 18 may be a single piece structure, or may be a multiple piece structure. For example, the handle 18 may be formed of multiple components each defining a portion of the handle 18, and the components may be formed of the same or differing materials. In the depicted embodiment, the handle 18 may be formed of a U-shaped or C-shaped structure.

With reference to FIG. 3, an exploded perspective view of the insulated container 10 is shown. The lid 14 is shown near the top of the exploded assembly. The lid 14 comprises an upper surface 42 having at least one aperture 24 (FIG. 1) in the lid 14. One aperture 24 may provide fluid access to the contents on the inside of the body 12. For example, the aperture may allow for use of a straw, or alternately may allow for direct sipping of a fluid within the body 12.

The lid 14 may be formed of various suitable materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, ceramic, or combinations thereof. Plastics of the present disclosure may include, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, vinyl, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Additionally, suitable metals of the present disclosure may include aluminum and iron (e.g., steel, stainless steel, and cast iron). Any seal herein disclosed may be made of any suitable sealing material such as, but not limited to rubber, plastic, soft plastic and/or foam.

The lid 14 has a lid sidewall 44 that connects to the upper surface 42 and extends circumferentially about the upper surface 42. The lid sidewall 44 may comprise a sidewall that forms a lip 47 around the upper surface 42 to retain any liquid on the upper surface 42. From above the upper surface 42, the lid sidewall 44 may extend downwardly below the upper surface 42. The lid 14 may also comprise a vent hole in and through the upper surface 42.

An additional aperture 50 is located in the upper surface 42 of the lid 14. The second aperture 50 may be centrally located to define a closure pivot. Disposed on the upper surface 42 of the lid 14, a closure 16 is rotatable relative to the upper surface 42 and relative to the first aperture. The closure 16 may be shaped to fit within the lid sidewall 44 on the upper surface 42 and may have a relief 26 so that in one position, the closure 16 reveals the opening or aperture 24 in the upper surface 42. In various other positions, the first aperture 24 is covered so that liquid cannot pass through the first aperture 24.

The closure 16 may comprise first and second spring legs 52, 54 extending from a bottom surface of the closure 16 and that pass through the second aperture 50 of the lid. The spring legs 52, 54 may be spaced apart a distance that is slightly greater than the diameter of the central aperture 50, so that the legs 52, 54 are squeezed in slightly to pass through the central aperture 50 and expand slightly once the legs are into the aperture 50. The spring legs 52, 54 may also be used to provide positive feedback of specific locations of the closure 16 relative to the lid 14.

Beneath the closure 16 is a gasket 51. The gasket 51, in some embodiments, may be silicone and may prevent leaking between the closure 16 and the lid 14. The gasket 51 is circular with an opening in the center so that the legs 52, 54 can extend through the opening. When assembled, the gasket 51 prevents leakage from between the closure 16 and lid 14. Additionally, the gasket 51 may also provide tension between the closure 16 and lid 14. Any gasket or seal herein disclosed may be made of any suitable sealing material such as, but not limited to rubber, plastic, soft plastic and/or foam.

The closure 16 may further comprise a tab 57 extending upwardly and outwardly beyond the sidewall 44 of the lid 14. The tab 57 allows for finger rotation of the closure 16 relative to the lid in order to move the closure between the open and closed positions. The tab 57 may have a first portion 58 which extends upwardly at an angle to the closure sidewall 44 which provides clearance from the upstanding sidewall, and a second portion 59 that extends radially outward.

Beneath the lid 14, a lid gasket 49 is may be located to provide a seal. The lid gasket 49 seals between the lid and an upper edge of the body 12, to prevent liquid from escaping therebetween. Any gasket or seal herein disclosed may be made of any suitable sealing material such as, but not limited to rubber, plastic, soft plastic and/or foam.

Also shown in FIG. 3, is an exploded view of the handle 18. The handle 18 may be a single grasping structure or a multi-component structure. In the instant depiction, the multi-piece component is provided, for example defining a U-shaped or C-shaped structure. In some embodiments, the handle 18 is defined by an inner portion 82, an outer portion 86, and a middle portion 84. Specifically, the outer portion 86 is placed over the outside of the middle portion 84, further from the body 12. Likewise, the inner portion 82 is placed along the inside (toward the body 12) of the of the middle portion 84. The outer 86, inner 82, and middle 84 portions may be formed of the same or differing materials. For example, in some embodiments, the outer portion 86 and the inner portion 82 may be formed of differing materials so that there is a differing feel, texture, or rigidity between the sides of the handle 18 when gripped. Likewise, the materials may be of the type that improve grip or feel of the handle. In some non-limiting examples, the inner portion 82 may be formed of ABS and the outer portion 86 may be formed of TPS, however this is merely one, non-limiting example. The middle portion 84 may be formed of metal, plastic, or other rigid material.

In some embodiments, the middle portion 84 may be integrally formed on the base outer shell or wall 37. In other embodiments, the handle 18 may be formed separately and connected. For example, the body outer shell 37 may include anchors 88a, 88b to which the handle 18 may be fastened. As shown, in some embodiments, a first upper anchor 88a and a second lower anchor 88b are disposed on the outer shell 37. The example, non-limiting anchors 88a, 88b may be generally U-shaped and be formed capable of each receiving a fastener 87. The middle portion 84 of the handle 18 may be connected to the anchors 88a, 88b by the fasteners 87. The anchors 88a, 88b may be formed of metal, for example stainless steel, and welded or otherwise formed on the body 12. The middle portion 84 may comprise a first end 81 and a second end 83 and be generally U-shaped. The first and second ends 81, 83 may comprise enlarged ends that are capable of receiving the fasteners. Further, the outer portion 86 of the handle 18 then is disposed on the middle portion 84 to cover the fasteners and additionally provide a desired feel and aesthetic appearance. It may be desirable, in some non-limiting embodiments, to have the thermal insulative properties the vacuum insulated metal in the body 12 by providing a more desirable feel of plastic or softer material in the handle 18. Further, while the handle is shown connected at two locations, it is possible that the handle may have a single connection to the body 12.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a section view of the assembled insulated container 10. In this view, additional detail of the lid 14 is shown. The lid 14 comprises the sidewall 44 previously described and an inner sidewall 45 as well. The lid inner sidewall 45 is radially inward of the sidewall 44, and in this arrangement of double walls, the outer sidewall 44 may also be considered a skirt. The inner sidewall 45 may comprise a thread 68 which helically extends about a radially outer surface of the sidewall 45 and which engages thread 66 on the radially inner surface of neck 20.

The lid 14 may be formed of a plastic material which may have an opaque color, or in some embodiments may be formed to be transparent or combination of opaque and transparent. In this latter embodiment, the as a neck 20 of the body 12 may be seen through the outer sidewall or skirt 44, as the lid 14 is placed on the body 12. As the lid 14 is threadably attached to the neck 20 of the body 12, and rotated, the neck 20 may be seen moving upwardly between the outer and inner sidewalls 44, 45 of the lid 14. This provides visual indication of closure and may additionally be aesthetically pleasing.

Also shown between the lid 14 and the body 12 is the gasket 49. The gasket 49 provides a seal between the lid 14 and body 12 and is disposed on an upper edge of the neck 20 or within the lid 14 but engaging the top of the neck 20. The gasket 49 therefore precludes liquid from passing between the lid 14 and the neck 20.

Shown beneath the lid 14, is the body 12 and specifically the neck 20 which extends from the upper end 13 of the body 12. The neck 20 may be a circumferentially extending structure having a lower thicker end and an upper thinner end. In some embodiments, the neck 20 comprises the thread 66 on the radially inner surface. The thread 68 of the lid 14 engages the thread 66 on the neck 20.

Additionally, a space 69 (FIG. 5) between the outer 44 and inner 45 sidewalls of the lid 14 may vary along the axial direction of the lid 14. For example, the space 69 at the lower end of the lid 14 may have a wider dimension than the upper end of the space 69. The variation in the space 69 dimension may provide clearance for the varying thickness of the neck 20. Likewise, the narrowing at the upper end of the lid sidewalls 44, 45 may also provide an improved sealing engagement between the lid 14, neck 20, and gasket 49, as well as frictional engagement therebetween.

The lid 14 and the body 12 may be resealable connected by threaded connection. The threaded connection is meant to include various types of connections or mechanisms including but not limited to traditional threaded connections, twist lock connections, snap-fit connections, among others. This list is not exhaustive.

Also shown in FIG. 4, at the center of the lid 14 is the connection between the closure 16 and the lid 14. As noted previously, there is a central aperture 50 in the closure 16 which receives two spring legs 52, 54 from the closure 16. The legs 52, 54 positioned within the central aperture 50 define the pivot axis about which the closure 16 turns.

With additional reference to FIG. 5, a detail close-up view of the connection between the closure legs 52, 54 and the lid 14 is shown. From an underside 43 of the lid 14, the two spring legs 52, 54 are shown extending through the central aperture 50. On the underside 43 of the lid upper surface 42, a hub 46 is shown depending downwardly. The axial length of the hub 46 is slightly shorter than the spring legs 52, 54, so that heads 55 at ends of the spring legs 52, 54 spring outwardly when they pass the lower axial end of the hub 46. The hub 46 allows pivoting of the closure 16 relative to the hub 46.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the underside of the closure 16 is shown. The spring legs 52, 54 are shown with protuberances 56 on the radially outer surface. The protuberances 56 are locating features relative to the hub 46 (FIG. 5) depending from the closure 16.

With additional reference now to FIG. 7, the upper surface 42 of the lid 14 is shown with the closure 16 removed, and the central aperture 50 may be seen. The central aperture 50 is circular with two or more locating scallops 48 formed in the inner surface of the hub 46. The scallops 48 are engaged by the protuberances 56 in positions that are desirable for the user to feel specific positions. For example, it may be desirable to provide a positive feedback that the closure 16 is in an open position. Therefore, the protuberances 56 may engage the scallops 48 at the closure 16 open position. Likewise, it may be desirable for the user to receive positive feedback at the closed position. Therefore, the protuberances 56 may engage the scallops 48 at the closure closed position. Thus, as the closure 16 rotates between the open and closed positions, the two spring legs 52, 54 squeeze inwardly. And, when the closure 16 reaches the open and closed positions, the spring legs 52, 54 snap outwardly at the scallops 48. This provides positive or affirmative feedback to the user of the position of the closure 16. Additionally, it should be understood that the scallops 48 and the protuberances 56 may be reversed between the spring legs 52, 54 and the hub 46, and still provide the desired positioning feedback for the closure 16 relative to the lid 14.

Also shown in FIG. 7, a channel 60 is formed around the central aperture 50 partially defining the hub 46 in the upper surface 42. The channel 60 may include at least one stop 62 in the channel 60. In the depicted embodiment, the channel 60 comprises two stops 62, 64. The stops 62, 64 provide limits for pivoting movement of the closure 16 relative to the lid 14. The channel 60 may be circular in shape as depicted, it may not be a complete circular shape so that the end walls of the channel 60 function as the stops. The stops 62, 64 may be separated by an angular distance that defines the amount of rotation of the closure 16. Therefore, the stop positions may be varied if a desired amount of rotation is desired. The stops 62, 64 may be engaged by tooth 63 which moves with channel 60.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an elevation view of the insulated container 10 is shown. The view shows an additional relationship between the handle 18 and the outer shell 37. In the depiction, the handle 18 has a portion, represented by broken line, which is substantially parallel to the outer shell 37, when viewed in this side elevation view.

Still further, the view shows the lid 14 on the body 12. As described, the outer wall or skirt 44 of the lid 14 is transparent so that the neck 20 of the body 12 may be seen through the outer wall 44.

Additionally, the tab 57 of the closure 16 is shown extending above the sidewall 44 of the lid 14, so that the tab 57 may be used to rotate the closure 16 between open and closed positions.

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.

Insulated Container

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