Patent Application
20250100774
Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure.
Present embodiments relate to an insulated container. More specifically, but without limitation, the present embodiments relate to a container having a rigid inner liner and a softside exterior which may retain heated or cold food or drink items, but may also, according to some embodiments, function as a bucket to assist in numerous activities.
Various activities ranging from fishing, to work, to kids sports events generally require carrying of necessary materials for the task. For example it may be fishing gear, work tools, food/beverage, and/or a seating device. It is often difficult to carry all of these items from a vehicle to a location where the activity is occurring. A need exists in which a single device that satisfies all of the requirements of these types of activities.
The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound.
The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.
Present embodiments relate to a container which may function as an insulated container, also commonly referred to as a “cooler” or a general container, and which is shaped like a bucket. The container may be insulated and may be used to store food or drinks, hot or cold, and includes an exterior with one or more pockets that may be used to store items. Additionally, the form factor allows for use of the bucket in a variety of ways, including for tools and for outdoor activities, work, or chore activities, in addition to the food/drink storage.
The insulated container, also generally referred to as a cooler, described herein is a bucket cooler that combines advantages of both softside and hardside coolers, and creates one solution to at least some of the disadvantages described above. The softside material provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance with an insulating function, as well as one or more pockets.
In some embodiments, the container may have a single wall or a double wall hard liner. The hard liner may or may not include an insulation. A pliable material may be attached to the outside of the container to form an integral part of the container. The pliable softside material may be nylon, polyester, PVC, or other similar material. In yet another embodiment, separate pliable material may be attachable to the lid and may be nylon, polyester, or other material similar to the materials typically used in a softside cooler. It should be understood that the container could be any shape, e.g. cylindrical, square, rectangular, as long as it contains a cavity, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
According to some embodiments, an insulated container, comprises a lid, a body, the body comprising a rigid inner liner having a bottom, a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom, the sidewall having a first end at the bottom and a second end spaced away from the bottom; an upper opening defined by the second end of the sidewall; a collar disposed near an upper end of the sidewall, the collar forming a space between the sidewall and the collar. A skirt assembly is disposed over the rigid inner liner, the skirt assembly having a skirt ring at an upper end, the skirt ring engaging the collar, and a softside material depending from the skirt ring and covering the rigid inner liner. A handle engages the collar and the skirt ring to retain the skirt assembly in position over the insulated container.
In some embodiments, the lid covers the upper opening.
In some embodiments, the sidewall may have having one or more locating features for the lid.
In some embodiments, the insulated container may further comprise the skirt ring comprising an ear having an aperture.
In some embodiments, the ear may extend into the space formed by the collar.
In some embodiments, the insulated container may further comprise a handle connector engaging the collar and the ear.
In some embodiments, the insulated container may further comprising one or more pockets formed on the skirt assembly.
In some embodiments, the insulated container may further comprise a foam insulation in the skirt assembly.
In some embodiments, the insulated container may further comprise the softside material being a fabric and disposed about an exterior of the foam insulation.
In some embodiments, the insulated container may further comprise one or more accessory retainers.
In some embodiments, the insulated container may further comprise accessories which connect to the one or more accessory retainers.
According to some embodiments, an insulated container comprises a body having a rigid inner liner formed of a sidewall with an upper open end and a lower end connected to the sidewall, a collar disposed at the upper open end of the sidewall, a skirt assembly having an exterior material disposed between a skirt ring and a molded base. A lid is positioned at the upper open end of the rigid inner liner. A handle having L-shaped ends which connects the handle and the body. The handle being pivotable from a first position which the lid is removable, to second and third positions wherein one of the second or third positions is for carrying and locks the lid, and the other of the second or third positions locks the lid.
In some embodiments, the insulated container further comprises a pivot connector extending through the handle and into the collar.
In some embodiments, the pivot connector may extend through the collar and the skirt ring.
In some embodiments, the skirt ring may be disposed adjacent to the collar, and have an ear which aligns with a hole in the collar to receive the pivot connector.
According to some embodiments, an insulated container may comprise a lid, a body, the lid may be pivotally connected to the body, the body comprises a rigid inner shell liner comprising an inner base and one or more sidewalls extending from the inner base. A collar may be disposed at an upper end of the one or more sidewalls and extending outwardly therefrom, the collar forming a space between an outer surface of the one or more sidewalls and the collar. A skirt assembly may comprise a skirt ring and a softshell skirt material depending from the skirt ring, the skirt ring positioned within the space wherein the softshell skirt material covers the rigid inner shell liner. A handle engages the collar and the skirt ring to retain the skirt assembly in position over the insulated container.
In some embodiments, the skirt ring may comprise a retention structure.
In some embodiments, the collar may comprise a hole which aligns with the retention structure when the skirt ring is positioned in the space.
In some embodiments, the handle may have a pivot pin which extends through the retention structure and the hole in the collar to retain the skirt ring and the softshell skirt material in position within the collar.
In some embodiments, the handle may comprise first and second buckles which pivotally connect to the body.
In some embodiments, the handle may further comprise first and second handle arms connected to the first and second buckles, respectively.
In some embodiments, the insulated container may further comprise a handlebar extending between the first and second handle arms.
In some embodiments, the lid may further comprise a softside lid material.
In some embodiments, the lid may further comprise a closure.
In some embodiments, the lid may be rectangular and the body having a corresponding rectangular shape.
In some embodiments, the handle may comprise a rigid structure or a shoulder strap.
In some embodiments, the handle may be interchangeable with a strap.
In some embodiments, the strap may have a pad.
In some embodiments, the pad may further comprise a hook which is movable relative to the pad.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the various embodiments may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and drawings, included herewith. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.
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:
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.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The softside exterior material 150 of the insulated container 100 may comprise one or more pockets 152 which may be used for dry storage of items. The exterior material 150 for example is shown with, for example, a closable pocket 153 which comprises a closure 155 to open and close the pockets 153. Further, the softside exterior material 150 may comprise one or more open pockets 153 on either side of the closable pocket 153. Additional pockets may be located about the insulated container 100, on the softside material 150. The one or more pockets 152 may be a solid fabric material or may be a mesh, stretchable material, or combinations according to some non-limiting embodiments and without limitation.
The insulated container 100 further comprises the removable lid 112. The upwardly extending one or more sidewalls 116 of the body 110 may define an opening at the upper end 120. The lid 112 may be disposed at the upper open end 120 of the insulated container 100 to close the open end of the body 110. The lid 112 closes access to the interior of the insulated container 100, but alternatively may be removed to access the interior, for example to obtain stored food, drinks, or other items in the insulated container 100.
The insulated container 100 may further comprise a bail handle 140 to carry the insulated container 100. The bail handle 140 may be pivotal through a range, for example about 200 degrees. The handle 140 is shown and includes L-shaped ends 146 that are each spaced apart about 180 degrees on the insulated container 100. The handle 140 may comprise one or more positions which lock the lid 112 in place on the insulated container 100 and which unlock to allow for removal of the lid 112.
Referring now to
The interior of the base 160 may comprise shoes 168 which receive feet 138 of a rigid inner liner 130. The shoes 168 may comprise for example four hollow cylindrical structures to receive the feet 138. The feet 138 may thereby engage the base 160 to connect the base and rigid inner liner 130. This connection may provide additional structural integrity between the base and the rigid inner liner 130. The feet 138 are cylindrically shaped and the shoes 168 are cylindrical in shape so that one fits in the other. The base or the rigid inner liner 130 may comprise the male portion of the connection. Other connections may be provided.
Positioned above the base are four wraps 169, which engage feet 138 and shoe 168 connection. For example, the wraps 169 may extend about the feet 138 and the shoes 168 to insulate. The wraps 169 may be separate from a rigid inner liner 130 or may be formed integrally with the rigid inner liner 130. The feet wraps 169 provide insulation for the feet 138 and may be disposed about the feet 138 between the rigid inner liner 130 and the base. The wraps 169 may be formed of various materials including but not limited to polyurethane foam to wrap and insulate the feet 138. In some alternatives, an additional insulation may be disposed between the base and a rigid inner liner 130 within the base 160. In some further alternatives, both insulation and the feet wraps 169 may be utilized. The feet 138 and/or the insulation provides spacing between the base which is in contact with the ground, and the rigid inner liner 130 to limit heat transfer between the two.
Above the base and the feet wraps 169 is the exterior softside material 150, also referred to as a skirt, of the insulated container 100. The exterior material 150 may be a pliable material that covers the exterior to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The exterior material 150 may for example be sewn, welded, glued, adhered, or otherwise connected to the base 160, along or near a lower edge of the exterior material 150. The pliable softside material or skirt 150 may be nylon, polyester, PVC, or other material similar material. Additionally, and optionally, the exterior material 150 may be coated with some waterproof coating, for example EVA. In yet another embodiment, separate pliable material may be attachable to the lid 112 and may be nylon, polyester, or other material similar to the material 150. It should be understood that while the container 100 may have a bucket shape in some embodiments, the container 100 could be any of various shapes, e.g. cylindrical, square, rectangular, as long as it contains a cavity, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Likewise, therefore, the pliable exterior material 150 may be formed of a shape that corresponds to a covering shape of the rigid inner liner 130. The exterior material 150 provides the softside appearance to a rigid inner liner 130 and may be formed of various soft materials in addition or alternative to nylon, polyester, or other fabrics.
The pliable material or skirt 150 may further comprise a foam insulation 158 to provide a softer exterior feel. For example, in some embodiments, the foam insulation 158 may be a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam, or other insulating material, may be a closed cell foam or open cell foam—for example polyurethane open cell, polyethylene closed cell, or EVA may all be utilized, among other insulations. This list is not exhaustive. The foam insulation 158 may be located on the inner surface of the exterior pliable material 150 and along the exterior of a rigid inner liner 130. The insulation may be glued, sewn, or otherwise connected to the exterior material 150 defining an assembly which is positioned over a rigid inner liner 130.
Positioned above the exterior material 150 is a skirt ring 170, which may be formed of rigid material (e.g. plastic, or metal) attached to the upper end 120 of the exterior pliable material 150. The skirt ring 170 may be connected to the exterior material 150 in a variety of ways. The skirt ring 170 may be located at or near an upper edge of the exterior material 150 and for example may be connected in a variety of ways including but not limited to, stitched, fastener, snaps, zipper, glue, sewn, welded, hook and loop, or otherwise connected or adhered, or any combination thereof. Likewise, the base 160 may be connected by same or alternate manner to the lower end 121 of the exterior material 150 to the base. Other manners of connection may be used and likewise some connections may occur between the pliable material and the rigid inner liner 130. Together, the base, exterior material 150, and the skirt ring 170 form an external assembly 190.
The skirt ring 170 is hoop-like in shape with an open inner circular shape defined by wall 172. In some embodiments, the skirt ring 170 may be a molded part, such as for example, an injection or blow molded part. For example, the skirt ring 170 may be formed of polypropylene or polyethylene in some embodiments among other non-limiting examples. The skirt ring 170 may be positioned near an upper end 120 of the rigid inner liner 130. The circular shape of the skirt ring 170 allows for positioning of the rigid inner liner 130 downwardly through the skirt ring 170 and within the external assembly 190 so that the skirt ring 170 engages the underside of the collar 134, for example. While the skirt ring 170 is shown as a circular shaped structure in the instant embodiment, such shape should not be considered limiting. As will be shown further herein, other shapes may be utilized depending on the shape of the rigid liner.
The skirt ring 170 may comprise the wall 172 and a plurality of teeth 174 that extend inwardly from the wall 172, for example radially inwardly in some non-limiting embodiments. The teeth 174 may locate the skirt ring 170 relative to the rigid inner liner 130 to properly locate the skirt ring 170 and the entire external assembly 190. The teeth 174 may also inhibit rotation of the external assembly 190 relative to the rigid inner liner 130.
The skirt ring 170 moves upwardly within the collar 134 and is hidden from view within the collar 134. The skirt ring 170 may also comprise one or more ears 176 which extend upwardly from the skirt 150. The ears 176 allow for engagement of the skirt ring 170 with the rigid inner liner 130 for attachment of the components. The ears 176 have apertures 178 that align with apertures 135 of the rigid liner 130 and are engaged by the handle 140 or by fasteners that connect the body 110 and the handle 140. Thus, the handle 140 holds the skirt 150 up and within the collar 134, so that the external assembly 190 cannot sag and fall down relative to the rigid inner liner 130.
The external assembly 190 is capable of receiving the rigid inner liner 130. The rigid inner liner 130 may be bucket shaped having a bottom or base 131 and one or more upwardly extending walls 132. The rigid inner liner 130 may include various strengthening ribs 133 which extend vertically along the sidewall 132 of the inner container. In some embodiments, the ribs 133 may extend outwardly or inwardly. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the inwardly extending ribs 133 may form a discontinuous shelf internally which provides a seat for a basket 119. The rigid inner liner 130 may be a molded part for example and may be a single wall 172 or a double walled structure. Where the rigid inner liner 130 is double walled, an inner space between the walls 132 may be air filled, gas filled, or foam insulation filled or in other embodiments may be vacuum evacuated. In some embodiments, the rigid inner liner may be a blow molded, or injection molded, or may be a roto-molded part. The rigid inner liner 130 may be formed of polyethylene, polypropylene, or other materials. This list is not exhaustive as other materials may be utilized.
The base or bottom 131 of the rigid inner liner 130 may also include liner feet 138 which are molded integrally with the rigid inner liner 130. The rigid inner liner feet 138 may be surrounded by, or received by, the shoes 168 (
The upper end 120 of the rigid inner liner 130 sidewall 132 may comprise a collar 134 which is open along a bottom of the collar 134, wherein the collar 134 extends circumferentially around the sidewall 132. The space along the bottom of the collar 134 allows for insertion or receipt of the skirt ring 170. The skirt ring 170 and the collar 134 may comprise friction fit engagement or may include fasteners, such as snap fit locks, catches, latches, or other locking and/or locating features 113, so that the skirt ring 170 fits within and is retained within the collar 134. The collar 134 may also comprise apertures 135 which align with ear apertures 178 of the skirt ring 170. The ear apertures 178 being aligned with collar apertures 135 allows insertion of portions of a handle 140 through both the collar 134 and the skirt 150. In this way, the handle 140 also retains the skirt 150 within the collar 134 due to its extending through the apertures 135, 178 of both.
The lid 112 is shown exploded from the top of the inner container. The lid 112 may be formed of a rigid, or semi-rigid material. For example, the lid 112 may be formed of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) which may optionally include a polyurethane foam on an inner surface or an outer surface of the lid 112. For example, a polyurethane foam which may be seated on the open end of the rigid liner 130. In other embodiments, the lid 112 may be formed of a more rigid material with insulating properties or material to which an insulation may be added. The lid 112, in some embodiments, may be circular in shape and comprise an overhanging flange portion 115 so that the outer diameter of the lid 112 is approximately the same size as the rigid liner 130 plus the pliable material and so that a portion of the lid 112 fits downwardly within the rigid inner liner 130, in the form of a plug. The circular shape may vary however depending on the shape of the remainder of the rigid inner liner 130.
The lid 112 may comprise one or more locating features 113 on the overhanging flange portion 115 which provides the lid 112 proper clocking or orientation relative to the base of the insulated container 100. The locating features 113 of the lid overhanging flange 115 engage with corresponding features on the rigid inner liner 130. For example, the lid 112 may have one or more locating features 113, such as notches, which engage one or more male protrusions 137 along an upper edge the rigid liner 130. However the male and female parts may be reversed to properly locate the lid 112 relative to the base of the insulated container 100. The male and female parts are facing one another along an upper edge of the rigid liner 130 and a lower surface of the lid 112. This way the features can engage when aligned.
Additionally, the lid 112 comprises a lid lug 117 which may be engaged by the handle 140. The lid lug 117 is also oriented relative to a handle 140 when the lid 112 is properly aligned relative to the body 110 of the insulated container 100 by the locating features 113, 137. In some embodiments, the lid lug 117 may be engaged by the handle in one or more positions. For example, in some embodiments the handle 140 engages the lid 112 in two positions. In this way, the lid 112 may be locked or retained on the base of the insulated container 100 when the handle 140 is in a position to carry the insulated container 100. Further, the handle 140 may be rotated downward in one direction to also retain the lid 112 in position. When rotated in the opposite direction, the handle 140 may disengage the lid 112 so that the lid 112 may be removed.
Also exploded in the figure is the handle 140. The handle 140 may be of various shapes and is shown as a generally U-shaped structure with L-shaped ends 146. The L-shaped ends 146 may be located opposite one another for connection to the body 110 of the insulated container 100. The L-shaped ends 146 may comprise locking protrusions 147, 148 that engage the lid lugs 117. The protrusions 147, 148 also comprise portions which locate the handle 140 relative to the lid lugs 117 to provide some positive locking feedback.
The handle 140 may also have a pivot connector and/or fastener 149 that extends through the handle 140, the collar 134 and through the ear aperture of the skirt 150. The pivot connector 149 may be located at each L-shaped end 146 defining two opposite pivot locations for the handle 140. The pivot connectors 149 have a generally cylindrical shape that pass through the skirt 150 and/or the collar 134 so that the handle 140 may pivot. Additionally, the pivot connector 149 passes through the apertures 135, 178 to retain the skirt assembly 190 in position relative to the rigid inner liner 130. The pivot connector 149 may be a separate structure or may be integrally formed on the collar 134 or the handle 140. In the depicted embodiment, for example, a fastener 179 such as a snap rivet may extend through the handle 140 at ends and through the hollow cylindrical structure 149, and further extend through the apertures 178, 135. Thus in some embodiments, the pivot connector 149 and the fastener 179 may be distinct parts.
Each L-shaped end 146 of the handle 140 defines two locking legs. The locking legs function to retain the lid 112 on the base 160 of the insulated container 100 or function to release the lid 112 from the base 160 for access to the interior of the insulated container 100. The protrusions 147, 148 extend from an inner surface of the locking legs and in preselected positions of the handle 140 engage an upper surface or edge of the lid lugs 117. In the depicted embodiment, each leg of each L-shaped end 146 comprises the respective protrusions 147, 148.
The insulated container 100 may also have one or more accessories 180 that mount to the insulated container 100. One such accessory 180 is shown in the figure. In some embodiments, a fishing rod holder 182 may be connected to the insulated container 100 in order to hold a fishing rod. The insulated container 100 may include one or more accessory retainers 139. In the example shown, the collar 134 may comprise a female accessory 180 retaining structure which receives a male part on the accessory 180. In other embodiments, the male and female structures may be reversed. In still further embodiments, alternate types of fastening structures or methods may be used that allow for removal and interchangeability of different accessories 180 relative to the insulated container 100. Other accessories may be utilized such as a beverage holder, can or bottle for example, among others.
Referring now to
Also shown in
Still referring to
Referring now to
The basket 119 may be shaped to allow access to positions below the upper edge. In the depicted example, the basket 119 may be kidney shaped although other shapes may be utilized. The shape allows a user to move the basket 119 around within the rigid inner liner 130 along the upper edges of the ribs 133 and likewise the shape allows the user to access contents below the basket 119 by reaching through the space between the basket 119 and sidewall 132 of the rigid inner liner 130, or alternately rotating the basket 119 relative to the rigid inner liner 130.
The basket 119 provides elevated positioning of certain foods that perhaps a user may not want to mix with ice that melts over time. For example, a user may want to store a sandwich or other food item that they want to prevent from becoming soggy. The basket 119 provides an elevated location for storing of the food product.
Referring now to
The lid lug 117 may comprise a depression or recess 118 to receive a corresponding portion of the protuberances 147, 148. The depression or recess 118 and the handle 140 may provide a positive feedback for a user that the handle is engaging the lid lug 117 so that the lid cannot be removed.
Referring now to
The ribs 175 prevent rotation of the teeth 174 and therefore the skirt ring 170 relative to the rigid inner liner. Accordingly, the teeth 174 also aid in proper alignment of the skirt ring 170 relative to the collar 134. The ears 176 of the skirt 150 also aid in alignment relative to the collar 134 during installation. Both the teeth 174 and the ears 176 provide alignment and anti-clocking functions for the skirt 150 relative to the collar 134.
Referring now to
The body 210 of the insulated container 200 may have an exterior soft shell material 250. Likewise, the lid 212 may comprise an external soft shell material 251. In the depicted embodiment, the lid 212 may also comprise a rigid portion 215 and the body 210 may comprise a rigid portion or liner 230 which abut one another when the lid 212 is in the closed position. The soft shell material 250, 251 may be connected to the rigid structures 215, 230 in order to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, while the rigid structures 215, 230 provide improved strength and insulating function.
A bail handle 240 is shown pivotally connected to the body 210 and allows for carrying of the insulated container 200. The pivot function allows for movement of the handle 240 out of the way, so that the lid 212 may be pivoted open. The bail handle 240 may also be removed and/or replaced with a shoulder strap 340 (
The lid 212 is shown in a closed configuration, but may comprise an upper compartment 220 within the soft shell material 251 for storage of materials, for example of dry goods. The upper compartment 220 is located within the rigid structure 215 of the lid 212, and within the soft shell material 251. The upper compartment or storage area 220 may be opened by a closure 233, for example, and without limitation, a zipper assembly. Additionally, the lid 212 may be opened by pivoting the rigid structure 215 of the lid 212 relative to the rigid liner 230 of the body 210. This provides for access into the storage area 263 (
Further, one or more pockets 254 may also be disposed on the soft shell material 250 of the body 210 and may comprise closures 255, such as a zipper for example and without limitation, to open and close access to such and preclude access to the interior of the pocket 254 where goods may be stored. The pocket 254 interior may also stay dry since any wet or cold products may be retained within the interior storage area 263 of the rigid inner liner 230. The pocket may or may not be insulated.
Beneath the soft shell material 250 of the body 210 is the rigid inner liner 230. The inner liner 230 may be formed of a rigid material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or other insulating material, without limitation. The soft shell material 250 covers the rigid inner liner 230 to provide a more desirable exterior for the cooler 200.
As provided in the previous embodiments, the body 210 may comprise a collar 234 which defines a space 235 (
A handle 240 extends from the body 210 and is pivotally connected. The buckles 249 retain the skirt assembly 280 in position within the collar 234. The handle 240 and strap 340 (
Referring now to
At the upper end of the one or more walls 232 is the collar 234. The collar 234 has an outwardly extending portion 238 that defines an upper lip 238 of the body 210 which engages with the lid 212. The collar 234 also comprises a downward portion 239 from the outwardly extending portion 238 creating the space, generally between the downwardly extending portion and the one or more walls 232. The collar 234 is shown extending about the upper perimeter 238 of the body 210.
The body 210 also comprises pivot mounts along opposed sides. In some embodiments, the pivot mounts 279 (
Additionally, the lid 212 is shown with the soft shell material 251 (
With additional reference to
One of the rigid structures 215, 230 may also comprise a latch 219 to open and close the lid 212. The latch 219 may comprise a rigid structure, magnetic, hook and loop, button, or other such devices in order to retain the lid 212 in a closed configuration relative to the rigid inner liner 230. The other of the rigid structures 215, 230 may also comprise a catch for example, and without limitation, which is engaged by the latch 219 to retain the lid 212 in the closed position. The catch may comprise various structures depending on what defines the latch 219.
Referring now to
The soft shell material 250 may defined by a soft shell base 260 and one or more soft shell walls 262. The upper end of the one or more soft shell walls 262 may define an upper opening 264 which receives the rigid inner liner 230.
Above the body soft shell material 250 is a skirt ring 270. The skirt ring 270 and the body soft shell material 250 define a skirt assembly 280. The skirt ring 270 is a rigid structure (e.g. plastic, or metal), for example molded plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene, which may be blow molded or injection molded, and which matches the rigid portion of the shape of the collar 234. The skirt ring 270 comprises a wall 272 which generally is rectangular in shape, corresponding to the insulated container 200. Extending inwardly from the wall 272, the skirt ring 270 may comprise a plurality of teeth 274 which may locate the skirt ring 270 within the space 235 of the collar 234. Each pair of teeth 274 define an opening therebetween, and which receives a rib 275 (
The skirt ring 270 may further comprise ears 276 serving as retention structures wherein holes 273 are formed. The holes 273 cooperate with holes 277 in the collar 234 and the pins 252, in order to retain the skirt assembly 280 in position. More specifically, the pins 252 extend through the holes 277, 273 and retain the skirt assembly 280 in position on the liner 230.
Disposed above the skirt ring 270 is the rigid inner liner 230. The collar 234 comprises the space 235 wherein the skirt ring 270 may be inserted and retained. Also shown in this view at lateral ends of the collar 234 are holes 277, which align with holes 273 on the skirt ring retention structures 276. The holes 277 of the collar 234 receive portions of the pivot connection, for example each buckle 249.
Adjacent to the collar 234 are buckles 249 which define a pivot connection that may be connected to the handle 240 or to a shoulder strap 340 (
Above the rigid inner liner 230, is the rigid lid portion 215. The rigid lid portion 215 has a floor 213 and the one or more lid walls 217. As described before, the one or more walls 217 define a location where the lid soft shell material 251 may be used for additional storage and separate of the compartment within the rigid inner liner 230.
Also shown on each of the rigid lid 212 and liner 230, are the hinge portions 236, 237. The hinge portions 236, 237 cooperate to provide the pivoting motion between the rigid liner 230 and the rigid portion 215.
Above the buckles 249 are arms 244. The arms 244 may comprise notches or holes 243 wherein hooks 242 may be seated on an outwardly facing surface of the arms 244. The hooks 242 may be rotated upwardly from the position shown so that they may engage a fence or other structure to hang insulated container 200 therefrom. The hooks 242 are disposed on the exterior side 245 of the arms 244 but in the alternative may be placed between the arms 244 and a handlebar 248. The handlebar 248 extends between the upper ends of the arms 244. The lower end of the arms 244 are provided with male buckle portions 246 that engage the female buckle portions 249, which are pivotally connected to the collar 234.
Referring now to
The strap 340 may also comprises a shoulder pad 348 made of plastic, rubber, fabric material, or other material(s) or combinations. The shoulder strap 340 may also comprise a hook 342 that is fastened to the shoulder pad 348. Specifically, the hook 342 may be positioned on the shoulder pad 348, for example in a pocket 343 of the shoulder pad 348. The hook 342 also allows the shoulder strap 340 embodiment to hook to a fence or other structure. When not in use, the hook 342 may be positioned in the pocket 343.
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.
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. This terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of two or more items, such as A, B, or C, means any individual one of A, B or C as well as any combination thereof.
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.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63584607 | Sep 2023 | US |
