PORTABLE CONTAINERS HAVING MULTIPLE VARIABLE COMPARTMENTS

Abstract

Portable carrying devices are provided with multiple variable compartments. Included are a shaped container having a bottom panel and side panels arranged according to a shaped container perimeter, along with a shaped insert having a perimeter wall that lies within the shaped container perimeter. The shaped insert has a plurality of movable dividers within the perimeter wall of the shaped insert, the shaped insert further including one or more living hinge portions. This shaped insert, including its perimeter wall, movable dividers and the living hinge portion, is of a unitary structure; and the shaped insert is within and removable from the shaped container.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present subject matter relates to portable container devices that are capable of transporting various items of differing sizes and types. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to portable containers having multiple compartmented volumes, which compartmented volumes and their respective shapes are variable depending on particular needs of the user.

Description of Related Art

Portable container devices are widely used to store and transport any variety of products. Such devices include portable containers, each of which may be sized and shaped to provide volume adequate to hold items generally corresponding to the volume of each container. When multiple items are desired to be transported at one time, it often is necessary to use differently sized individual portable containers depending on the items. For example, when the items are foods, particularly non-packaged foods, the size and shape of the food items and thus of the containers needed to contain the food items can vary from day to day depending on dietary needs and tastes of the user, requiring owning, cleaning and storing a variety of container sizes and shapes.

Some portable containers are of a type that have multiple compartments in the same portable container, which multiple compartments are intended to divide the total volume of the portable container into smaller volumes in order to accommodate differently sized items. Particularly concerning portable food transport container devices, the present disclosure has recognized these types of portable container devices do not exhibit flexibility in configuration, shape and/or volume to quickly accommodate food item sizes and shapes that vary depending on different intended uses of the portable container device.

SUMMARY

There are several aspects of the present subject matter which may be embodied separately or together in the devices and systems described and claimed below. These aspects may be employed alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects together is not intended to preclude the use of these aspects separately or the claiming of such aspects separately or in different combinations as set forth in the claims appended hereto.

In some embodiments, the portable devices of the present disclosure are shaped container components, each having a bottom panel and upstanding side panels, the upstanding side panels being arranged according to a shaped container perimeter that is desired for the particular portable device. Also included is a shaped insert component having an outside perimeter wall sized and shaped to lie closely within the shaped container perimeter, the shaped insert having a plurality of flexible and movable dividers within the outside perimeter wall of the shaped insert component, the shaped insert component further including one or more living hinge portions. Features of these shaped inserts include being of a unitary structure, for example being formed as a one piece unit, and being removable from the shaped container, for example being not attached to the shaped container.

The present disclosure includes the advantageous features of a portable device having a shaped container component with a bottom panel and upstanding side panels providing a shaped container inside perimeter that is desired for the particular portable device. Also included is a shaped insert component having an outside perimeter wall sized and shaped to fit closely within the shaped container perimeter, the shaped insert component having a plurality of flexible and movable dividers within its perimeter wall, the shaped insert component further including one or more living hinge portions, including a medial hinge portion between hinge panels and end living hinge portions by which the panels flexibly transition to the rest of the shaped insert component. These shaped insert components are of an integrally manufactured structure, for example being formed as a one piece unit, or being manufactured in accordance with a co-molding process joining different polymers. The integral shaped insert component is removable from the shaped container component and without any means of connection between the insert and the shaped container components.

In one aspect, a container device for storing and/or transporting items, especially a variety of food items of differing sizes, the variety of which changes between times of use is provided. The container device is intended to be portable and usually easily transportable to without significant strength being required. Container devices of this type have a shaped container component having an internal volume of a perimeter that is suitable for the particular portable device. Also included is a shaped insert component having an external perimeter wall sized and configured to be positioned for transport within the perimeter wall of the shaped container component, the shaped insert component having a plurality of flexible and movable dividers within the perimeter wall of the shaped insert, the shaped insert further including a medial living hinge for each divider joining adjacent flexible panels, with a living hinge on either end of the dividers movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. These shaped insert components are of a unity structure, for example being formed as a unit, either as one piece of polymer or of co-molded polymers formed into a unit that is intended to be used in tact, even if constructed from differing polymers such that, in use, no components of the shaped insert are removed from or added to the insert.

In another aspect, a container device for storing and/or transporting items, especially a variety of food items of differing sizes, the variety of which changes between times of use, is provided. The container device is intended to be portable and usually easily transportable to without significant strength being required. Container components of this type of device have an internal volume and shaped container perimeter that is required for the particular portable device. Also included is a shaped insert component having an exterior perimeter wall sized and configured to be positioned for transport within the shaped container component internal perimeter, the shaped insert component having a plurality of flexible and movable dividers within the perimeter wall of the shaped insert, the shaped insert further including a medial living hinge portion for each divider joining adjacent flexible panels, with a living hinge portion on either end of the dividers movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The dividers delineate a given volume therewithin when in an extended configuration. By operation of their flexibility and the living hinge portions, a collapsed configuration is easily achieved by operation of which that given volume is, in effect, made accessible for joining with other interior volume portions of the shaped insert.

In an additional aspect, a container device for storing and/or transporting items, especially a variety of food items of differing sizes, the variety of which changes between times of use, is provided. The container is intended to be portable and usually easily transportable without significant effort or risk. Container devices of this type have a shaped container component with an internal volume having a perimeter that is useful for the particular portable device. Also included is a shaped insert component having an external perimeter wall sized and configured to be positioned for transport within the shaped container perimeter, the shaped insert having a plurality of flexible and movable dividers within the perimeter wall of the shaped insert, the shaped insert further including a medial living hinge portion for each divider joining adjacent flexible panels, with a living hinge portion on either end of the dividers movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The dividers delineate a given volume therewithin, and cast a given footprint, when in an extended configuration. The bottom of the shaped container has one or more ridges that generally coincide with the given footprint of the dividers to provide a barrier to movement of material and/or items into or out of the given volume associated with that divider. By operation of their flexibility and the living hinge portions, a collapsed configuration is easily achieved by operation of which that given volume is, in effect, made accessible for joining with other interior portions of the shaped insert component.

In yet an added aspect, a container device for storing and/or transporting items, especially a variety of food items of differing sizes, the variety of which changes between times of use, is provided. The container device is of a type or style and size that is designed to be portable and usually easily transportable to without significant strength being required of the user. Container devices of this type have a tray component with a shaped perimeter that is desired for the particular portable device, the tray being gravity mountable within the shaped container component upon engagement with an obstruction that spaces the bottom of the tray component from the bottom of the shaped container component, thereby providing an open volume beneath the tray. Also included is a shaped insert component having a perimeter wall sized and configured to be positioned for transport within the shaped container perimeter, the shaped insert component having a plurality of movable dividers within the perimeter wall of the shaped insert, the shaped insert further including a medial living hinge portion for each divider joining adjacent flexible panels, with a living hinge portion on either end of the dividers movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The dividers delineate a given volume therewithin when in an extended configuration. By operation of their flexibility and the living hinges, a collapsed configuration is easily achieved by operation of which that given volume is, in effect, made accessible for joining with other interior portions of the shaped insert.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of an embodiment of a portable container device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded generally perspective view of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an underside generally perspective view of the lid portion of the portable container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the insert component as illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are generally perspective views illustrating different configurations or positions of dividers illustrated in the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a generally perspective view of another embodiment of a portable container device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded generally perspective view of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an underside generally perspective view of the lid portion of the portable container of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view through the insert component as illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and 12F are generally perspective views illustrating different configurations or positions of dividers illustrated in the FIG. 8 embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a generally perspective view of a further embodiment of a portable container device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an exploded generally perspective view of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is another side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is an underside generally perspective view of the lid portion of the portable container of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14;

FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are generally perspective views illustrating different configurations or positions of dividers illustrated in the FIG. 13 embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a generally perspective view of an additional embodiment of a portable container device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is an exploded generally perspective view of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is another side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is an underside generally perspective view of the lid portion of the portable container of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20;

FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D and 24E are generally perspective views illustrating different configurations or positions of dividers illustrated in the FIG. 19 embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a generally perspective view of an added embodiment of a portable container device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is an exploded generally perspective view of the embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is another side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the lid of the FIG. 25 embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a generally perspective view of the insert unit component illustrated in FIG. 26; and

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view through the insert unit component as illustrated in FIG. 26.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of certain features, which may be embodied in various forms and combinations. For example, some of the various components that are illustrated as being separate pieces external of other components are not to be limited as such, it being understood some, most or all of the separate pieces can be engineered to be included as a unit of components internal to the product, which unit has or units have multiple functional elements and still be in accordance with the present disclosure. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriate manner.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a portable container device disclosed herein, generally designated as 101. Device 101 as illustrated includes a shaped container component 102, a shaped insert component 103 and a lid component 104 that selectively opens and closes the shaped container 102, exposing both the shaped insert 103 and a tray 105 when the lid is removed from the shaped container, allowing removal and placement of the shaped insert and tray within the shaped container. Lid component 104 can contain, at its underside inside surface, one or more freezer packs 109 that are releasably secured to the lid 104 by any suitable approach, such as illustrated clip 110 and/or tight engagement between freezer pack holes 110a and lid pegs 110b. The freezer pack assists in avoiding having the contents of the container device be subjected to temperatures higher than best for the contents stored within the container device, especially the contents in the upper portions of the container device having one or more freezer packs inside the lid.

This shaped container component 102 illustrated embodiment further features a shelf or obstruction member 106 having the function of a stop whereby the tray 105 is prevented from resting on the bottom wall 107 of the shaped container component 102, providing for an open volume 108 suitable for storing particularly bulky items within the closed portable container device. Inasmuch as this volume is farthest removed from the freezer pack or packs (if provided), such items can be of the type that are not temperature-sensitive. Shelf, obstruction or stop can take the form of a wall portion of reduced perimeter size, or wall indent located substantially the full horizontal perimeter of the shaped container, as generally shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Alternatively, the shelf, obstruction or stop can be at a location along the sidewall of the shaped container but not be present along the full horizontal perimeter. In that case, the shelf, obstruction or stop will have an upper surface that has a height corresponding to the location along the sidewall that prevents downward movement of the tray 105 and/or shaped insert 103 below the desired horizontal perimeter footprint that allows the designed-for open volume 108 when the tray and/or shaped insert are positioned within the shaped container. For example, such a shelf or stop can be a pillar running between the bottom wall and the top of the horizontal perimeter desired location along a non-indented sidewall at this location. Further, one or more such pillars can be spaced apart along the horizontal perimeter desired location. Further, the shelf, obstruction or stop can take the form of a protrusion from the container inner sidewall that does not extend downwardly to any significant degree as a pillar but instead is spaced above the bottom wall of the container for from about 2 percent to about 90 percent of the typically non-indented sidewall length between the bottom wall and the desired horizontal perimeter height.

The tray component 105 illustrated in this embodiment has a floor or bottom panel 111 and upstanding side panels providing a tray perimeter wall 112. In this embodiment, the edge of the outside surface of the bottom panel engages the shelf, obstruction or stop consistent with disclosure herein. Further, in this embodiment, the shaped insert component 103 has a perimeter wall 113. The outside surface of the insert perimeter wall 113, in this illustrated approach, is of a perimeter size less than the inside perimeter size of the side panels 112 of the tray 105. When maximizing the volume for the insert is desired, the difference between this external insert perimeter size and this external tray perimeter size will be very small, just enough to provide horizontal spacing therebetween to allow for removal of the insert from the tray when desired for cleaning or the like. Typical such horizontal spacing is between about one and about ten millimeters—this is average spacing, it being appreciated that spacing between these two components will typically vary from side to side depending on the orientation of the portable container.

Shaped insert component 103 illustrated in FIG. 6 has its perimeter wall 113 that extends throughout the perimeter of the insert component, for example being uninterrupted throughout the perimeter of the shaped insert. Insert 113 has one or more flexible and movable dividers. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 has two dividers 114a and 114b. In this particular embodiment, each divider has two panels 115a and 115b for divider 114a and two panels 116a and 116b of divider 114b, the panels being positioned on either side of a living hinge portion 117 and a living hinge portion 118, respectively. Further in this embodiment, each divider 114a, 114b extends from the perimeter wall 113 by a pair of edge living hinge portions 119a, 119b and 121a, 121b, respectively. The dividers are movable and flexible. This flexibility is due to one or both of being made of a relatively flexible material such as silicone and/or the presence of living hinge portions of the insert component, irrespective of material out of which the dividers are constructed.

The shaped insert 103 is a unitary structure; for example, all of the dividers, panels and living hinges that are present are molded as one piece, or otherwise made to be of one-piece construction. It will be noted, with this arrangement, the shaped insert is removable as a single unit from the component within which it is designed to rest at times when the portable container device is fully assembled. The shaped insert component can be therefore removed as a whole unit for cleaning or other reasons desired by the user. There is no need to be concerned about misplacing or failure in construction of any components of the insert discussed herein and that provides multiple compartments varying in shape and volume, examples of which are discussed herein, without requiring any assembly, separate storage or disassembly.

Further, there is no need to attach the shaped insert component to the tray component or container component within which it rests. Because the shaped insert is a single unit, it stays in place during normal use, and its operation or functioning is not at all dependent on connection of any part of the shaped insert to any other surface or component of the portable container. This function is further facilitated by the robustness of the shaped insert component, including its continuous perimeter sidewall that helps hold the shaped insert in position without any type of attachment material or members.

Also, the shaped insert component is constructed of flexible and/or bendable material that facilitates its operation. Such materials, for example, include silicone, so-called thermoplastic rubber (“TPR”—natural or synthetic), block polymers and co-molded polymers. Examples of co-molded polymers include silicone molded to or over polyamide walls, polyamides including nylons, or other polymers that provide a compatible and less costly base for silicone or other materials.

Concerning operation of the shaped insert component 103 that is illustrated in this embodiment, reference is particularly made to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D. FIG. 7A depicts essentially the same configuration or positioning as in FIG. 6, wherein both of the dividers 114a, 114b are in an extended position or condition. In this particular embodiment, the extended positions provide four compartments of substantially equal volume. FIG. 7B illustrates the configuration option at which one of the dividers 114b remains in the extended position or condition, while the other divider 114a has been moved to its collapsed position or condition. This opens up an L-shaped volume that is approximately three times the volume of the remaining volume delineated by the divider 114b in the extended position or condition. This illustrates volume variation possible with the multiple compartment manipulation possible by the present disclosure. FIG. 7C illustrates essentially the same condition as FIG. 7B, except divider 114b is collapsed while divider 114a is extended. FIG. 7D shows both dividers 114a and 114b in their respective collapsed condition or position, opening up a maximum volume 123, which is approximately four times the volume delineated by either divider when in its extended configuration, position or condition.

FIG. 8 depicts another, or second, embodiment of a portable container device disclosed herein, generally designated as 131. Device 131 as illustrated includes a shaped container component 132, a shaped insert component 133 and a lid component 134 that selectively opens and closes the shaped container 132, exposing the shaped insert 133 when the lid is removed from the shaped container, allowing removal and placement of the shaped insert directly within the shaped container 132. Lid 134 can contain, at its underside inside surface, one or more freezer packs 139, six being illustrated, that typically are releasably secured to underside of the lid 134 by any suitable approach, such as illustrated clips 140 and/or abutment or abutments 135. The abutments can be provided in order to cooperate with other components such as the illustrated clips in order to releasasbly secure each freezer pack in place at a location where the cooling provided by same helps to maintain freshness for food items within the volume locations provided by positioning of the shaped insert 133 within the shaped container 132.

This shaped container 132 illustrated embodiment further features an optional ridge 136 (FIG. 9) of the bottom panel 137 of the shaped container 132. The ridge is in the shape of the divider of the shaped insert 133. For example, in FIG. 9, four flexible and movable dividers 144a, 144b, 144c and 144d are part of the shaped flexible insert 133, and four ridges 136 (two visible in FIG. 9) are included and positioned such that—when the insert is within the shaped container, each ridge is closely within the shape of the bottom edge portion of each divider. The outline shape of the ridge is slightly less than the outline shape of the bottom edge portion of the divider and provides an extra barrier for preventing movement of material or items across the bottom edge of the divider, whether into or out of the divider when in its expanded orientation or position. The ridge or ridges 136, when provided, can be of various types, including a raised bead, an indent within the surface of the bottom panel 137, or combinations of structures that reduce the chance of movement of material or items across the ridge. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the ridges have a rectangular, e.g. square, shape to generally correspond to the footprint of its corresponding divider and insert walls adjacent the divider, when in the extended configuration, as seen in several of the embodiments noted herein.

The shaped container 132 illustrated in this embodiment, in addition to the floor or bottom panel 137 has upstanding side panels 138 providing a tray perimeter wall. In this embodiment, the shaped insert 133 has a perimeter wall 143. The outside surface of the insert perimeter wall 143, in this illustrated approach, is of a perimeter size less than the inside perimeter size of the side panels 138 of the shaped container 132. When maximum volume determined by the insert and adjoining panels of the insert perimeter wall 143 is desired, the difference between this insert outside perimeter size and this shaped container inside perimeter size will be very small, just enough to provide horizontal spacing therebetween to allow for removal of the insert from the shaped container when desired for cleaning or the like. Typically, such horizontal spacing is between about one millimeter and about ten millimeters—this being an approximation of average spacing that might vary depending on the orientation of the portable container device when in use.

Shaped insert component 133 illustrated in FIG. 11 has its perimeter wall 143 extending throughout the perimeter, for example being uninterrupted throughout the perimeter of the shaped insert. The four dividers 144a, 144b, 144c and 144d in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 each has two panels 145a and 145b for divider 144a, two panels 146a and 146b of divider 144b, two panels 147a and 147b for divider 144c, and two panels 148a and 148b for divider 144d. The respective panels are each positioned on either side of an internal living hinge 149a, 149b, 149c, 149d, respectively. Further in this embodiment, each divider 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d projects from the perimeter wall 143 by a pair of edge living hinge portions 150 of the shaped insert component. Shaped insert 133 further has an internal open volume 151. When all of the dividers are in their respective extended orientations or positions as illustrated in FIG. 11, the internal open volume is delineated by a combination of divider panels 145a, 146a, 147a and 148a, together with portions of the interior of the perimeter wall 143 that lies between one of the living hinge portions of divider panel 145a and 147a and one of the living hinge portions of divider panel 146a and 148a.

The shaped insert component 133 of this and of other embodiments set out herein is a unitary structure; for example, all of the dividers, panels and living hinges that are present are molded as one piece, otherwise made to be of one-piece construction. It will be noted, with this arrangement, the shaped insert is removable as a single unit from the component within which it is designed to rest at times when the portable container is fully assembled. The shaped insert can be therefore removed as a whole unit for cleaning or other reasons desired by the user. There is no need to be concerned about misplacing or failure in construction of any components of the insert discussed herein and that provides multiple compartments varying in shape and volume, examples of which are discussed herein, without requiring any assembly, separate storage or disassembly.

Further, there is no need to attach the shaped insert component 133 of this or other embodiments set out herein to the shaped container within which it rests. Because the shaped insert is a single unit, it stays in place during normal use, and its operation or functioning is not at all dependent on connection of any part of the shaped insert to any other surface or component of the portable container. This single-component structure is further facilitated by the robustness with moderate flexibility of the shaped insert, including its continuous perimeter sidewall that helps hold the shaped insert in position, and this is accomplished without any type of attachment material or members.

Also, the shaped insert component 133 is constructed of flexible and/or bendable material that facilitates its operation. As noted in correction with the first embodiment, examples of these materials include silicone, synthetic TPR, natural TPR, block polymers and co-molded polymers. Examples of co-molded polymers suitable for construction of the shaped insert component include silicone molded to or over structural parts of nylon, polyamides, or other polymers that provide a compatible and less costly base for silicone or other materials.

Concerning operation of the shaped insert 133 that is illustrated in this embodiment, reference is particularly made to FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and 12F. Here, FIG. 12A depicts essentially the same configuration or positioning as in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, wherein all four of the dividers are in an extended position, configuration or condition. In this particular embodiment, the extended positions provide five volumes, four of which are of substantially equal volume, with the fifth volume being internal fixed open volume 151. The size of internal open volume 151 can vary as desired. In this second embodiment as illustrated in the drawings, the internal open volume 151 is larger in volume size than are the other four open volumes, but the volume also could be smaller or substantially equal to two of the four open volumes, or substantially equal to one of the smaller volumes.

FIG. 12B illustrates the configuration option at which one of the dividers 144c has been moved to its collapsed position or condition, while the other three dividers remain in their extended position or condition. This opens up an L-shaped volume 152 that adds one of the extended divider delineated volumes to interior open volume 151. FIG. 12C illustrates an extended rectangular volume 153 that is achieved by collapsing both of dividers 144b and 144c, while dividers 144a and 144d remain extended. FIG. 12D illustrates and extended L-shaped volume 154 where divider 144a remains extended, and the other three dividers are in their respective collapsed condition or position. FIG. 12E illustrates a maximum volume 155 that is achieved when all four of the dividers are collapsed. FIG. 12F illustrates a staggered open volume 156 that is achieved when diagonally positioned dividers are collapsed (144c and 144d) while the other two diagonally positioned dividers 144a and 144b are extended. These different configurations illustrate volume variation possible with the multiple compartment manipulation possible by the present disclosure.

Lid component 134 of the second embodiment has a structure that typically also is a suitable option for all of the embodiments of the disclosure. A channel 141 is shown in FIG. 10 running the periphery of the inside of the lid, the channel being positioned and configured to receive an upstanding skirt 142 of the shaped container. The shaped container and the main body of the lid are typically made of a generally rigid polymer, such a polypropylene and other polymers that are durable and resistant to cracking yet are readily receptive to decorative enhancement. In the particularly illustrated embodiment, the channel 141 is formed by space designed to be present between an outer perimeter face 157 of the relatively rigid lid main body and an outer perimeter lid seal 158 made of a material softer than that of the face 157, for example a TPR or thermoplastic polymer. When this approach is used, the outer perimeter face 157 and the outer perimeter seal 158 are co-molded together. The difference in hardness and/or flexibility between the outer perimeter face 157 and the seal 158 assists in close fitting between the channel 141 and the upstanding skirt 142 of the shaped container 132.

The embodiment of FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17 and FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C, the “third” embodiment, is a modification of the second embodiment. Portable container device 171 has a shaped container component 172, a shaped flexible and unitary insert component 173 and a lid component 174. This illustrates an arrangement with two adjacent flexible and movable dividers 175a, 175b along one side of the shaped insert component 173, and optional ridges 176 are illustrated in the bottom panel of the shaped container. Lid 174 is shown in FIG. 17 holding two freezer packs 177 by a suitable releasable securement arrangement such as those illustrated herein.

Concerning operation of the shaped insert 173 that is illustrated in this embodiment, reference is particularly made to FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C. FIG. 18A depicts essentially the same configuration or positioning as in FIG. 14, wherein both of the dividers 175a, 175b are in an extended position or condition. In this particular embodiment, the extended positions provide two compartments of substantially equal volume and a volume within which no dividers are present. FIG. 18B illustrates the configuration option at which one of the dividers 175a remains in the extended position or condition, while the other divider 175b has been moved to its collapsed position or condition. This opens up an L-shaped volume that includes the volume within which no dividers are present, whether extended or collapsed. FIG. 18C illustrates the condition at which both dividers 175a and 175b in their respective collapsed condition or position, opening up a maximum volume 159.

The embodiment of FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, FIG. 22, FIG. 23 and FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D and 24E, the “fourth” embodiment, is a modification of the first embodiment. Portable container device 181 has a shaped container component 182, a shaped flexible and unitary insert component 183, a lid component 184 and a tray component 185 resting on a shelf 186. A single freezer pack 187 is shown releasable secured to the underside of the lid 184. This fourth embodiment illustrates an arrangement with four adjacent flexible and movable dividers 188a, 188b, 188c and 188d, each having a medial living hinge 189a, 189b, 189c and 189d, such that their respective medial living hinges very closely spaced from each other to leave a narrow open channel therebetween to allow access to the dividers and particularly to the medial living hinges.

Concerning operation of the shaped insert 183 that is illustrated in this embodiment, reference is particularly made to FIGS. 248A, 248B, 24C, 24D and 24E. Of this grouping, FIG. 248A depicts essentially the same configuration or positioning as in FIG. 20, wherein all four of the dividers 188a, 188b, 188c and 188d are in an extended position or condition. In this particular embodiment, the extended positions provide four compartments of substantially equal volume which generally totals the volume of the shaped insert 183. FIG. 24B illustrates the configuration option at which one of the dividers 188d is collapsed while the other three remain in their respective extended positions or conditions. FIG. 24C shows two of the dividers, 188b and 188d, collapsed, forming a volume approximately twice that of the volume delineated by any of the dividers. FIG. 24D illustrates when three of the dividers are collapsed, and this opens up an L-shaped volume that includes the volume within which three dividers are collapsed. FIG. 24E illustrates the condition at which all dividers are in their respective collapsed conditions or positions, opening up a maximum volume 190.

The embodiment of FIG. 25, FIG. 26, FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG. 29, FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, the “fifth” embodiment, comprises a portable container device 191 having a shaped container component 192, a shaped flexible and unitary insert component 193 and a lid component 194. This illustrates an arrangement with two spaced, corner located flexible and movable dividers 195a, 195b within and an integrally manufactured along with the rest of the shaped insert 193. One of the volumes defined by one of the dividers and adjacent inside wall portions of the shaped insert is configured and sized to closely accommodate a storage container component 196 when that divider is in its extended condition or configuration. Variations in open volume sizing and shape are available generally in accordance with the principals and features descried in connection with other embodiments.

It will be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter, including those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. For these reasons, the scope hereof is not limited to the above description but is as set forth in the following claims, and it is understood that claims may be directed to the features hereof including as combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein.

Claims

1. A portable container device having multiple variable compartments, comprising: a. a shaped container component having a bottom panel and upstanding side panels, the upstanding side panels being arranged according to a shaped container perimeter;b. a shaped insert component having an insert perimeter wall sized and shaped to lie closely within the shaped container perimeter;c. the shaped insert component having a plurality of movable panels within the perimeter wall of the shaped insert, the shaped insert component further including at least one living hinge portion;d. the shaped insert component, including all of the insert perimeter wall, the movable panels and each living hinge portion, is of a unitary structure; ande. the shaped insert component is within and removable from the shaped container component.

2. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the shaped insert component is flexible and is molded as a unitary structure whether as one piece from one polymer or co-molded from multiple polymers.

3. The portable container device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the shaped insert component is unsecured to the shaped container component bottom panel or side panels.

4. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the movable panels comprise movable and flexible dividers sized and structured to vary between an extended position and a collapsed position, whereby the extended position results in delineation of a first compartment of a first size and shape, and whereby the collapsed position results in formation of a second compartment of a second size and shape, the first size and shape and the second size and shape being different from each other.

5. The portable container device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the shaped insert component comprises a number of compartments delineated by the flexible and movable dividers, and the number of compartments reduces when at least one of the flexible and movable dividers is in the collapsed condition.

6. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the shaped insert component is made of a flexible polymeric material.

7. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the unitary structure of the shaped insert component comprises a divider make of a plurality of the movable panels, a first of the living hinge portions and a second of the living hinge portions, each of the first and second living hinge portions being between the movable divider and the perimeter wall.

8. The portable container device in accordance with claim 7, wherein the unitary structure of the shaped insert component comprises a divider made of a plurality of panels at least one of the movable dividers and a third of the living hinge portions, the movable divider has a first section and a second section, the first divider section being between the first living hinge portion and the third living hinge portion, and the second divider section being between the second living hinge portion and the third living hinge portion.

9. The portable container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the living hinge portion is a portion of the shaped insert component and has a wall thickness less than a wall thickness of the shaped insert component adjacent to the living hinge portion.

10. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the shaped insert component is made of silicone, and wherein the shaped container component is made of a material less flexible than the material of the shaped insert component.

11. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the shaped container component has an open top with a recessed inside surface, and the portable container device further includes a lid that selectively opens or closes the open top, and the lid includes at least one refrigerator pack selectively securable to the recessed inside surface of the lid.

12. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1, further including a ridge within the bottom panel of the shaped container component, and the ridge aligns with a bottom edge of at least one of the movable panels and provides a barrier against movement of material across the bottom edge of the movable panels.

13. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the portable container device is a food storage and transport container, and the movable panels are sized and structured to vary between an extended position and a collapsed position, whereby the extended position results in delineation of a first compartment of a first size and shape, and whereby the collapsed position results in formation of a second compartment of a second size and shape, the first size and shape and the second size and shape being different from each other, and the first compartment accommodates a food item or container for a food item of a given size while the second compartment accommodates a food item or a container for a food item of a size greater than the given size.

14. The portable container device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the shaped container component includes a tray component, the tray component supports the shaped insert component, and the tray component is within a base component that accommodates in size and shape the tray component, the base component having an obstruction to prevent complete movement of the tray within the base component, a lid selectively opens and closes the base component, and the tray component is removable from the base component and the shaped insert component is removable from the tray component when unobstructed by the lid.

15. The portable container device in accordance with claim 14, wherein the base component has a bottom wall and a sidewall, the sidewall having the shelf that spaces the tray component from the bottom wall of the base component to delineate an open volume within the base component and below the tray component.

16. A portable container device having multiple variable compartments, comprising: a. a shaped container component having a bottom panel and upstanding side panels, the upstanding side panels being arranged according to a shaped container perimeter;b. a shaped insert component having an insert perimeter wall sized and shaped to lie closely within the shaped container perimeter;c. the shaped insert component having a plurality of movable and flexible dividers that extend from the perimeter wall of the shaped insert component, the shaped insert component further including a medial living hinge portion and two end living hinge portions at the respective locations where the dividers extend from the perimeter wall of the shaped insert component;d. the shaped insert component, including all of the insert perimeter wall, the movable and flexible dividers and each living hinge portion, is of a molded unitary structure;e. the movable and flexible dividers are sized and structured to vary between an extended position and a collapsed position, whereby the extended position results in delineation of a first compartment of a first size and shape, and whereby the collapsed position results in formation of a second compartment of a second size and shape, the first size and shape and the second size and shape being different from each other; andf. the shaped insert component is within and removable from the shaped container component and is unsecured to the shaped container component.

17. The portable container device in accordance with claim 16, wherein the shaped insert component comprises a number of compartments delineated by the flexible and movable dividers, and the number of compartments reduces when at least one of the flexible and movable dividers is in the collapsed condition.

18. The portable container device in accordance with claim 16, wherein the unitary structure of the shaped insert component comprises a divider make of a plurality of the movable panels, a first of the living hinge portions and a second of the living hinge portions, each of the first and second living hinge portions being between the movable divider and the perimeter wall; and wherein the unitary structure of the shaped insert component comprises a divider made of a plurality of panels at least one of the movable dividers and a third of the living hinge portions, the movable divider has a first section and a second section, the first divider section being between the first living hinge portion and the third living hinge portion, and the second divider section being between the second living hinge portion and the third living hinge portion.

19. A portable container device having multiple variable compartments, comprising: a. the portable container device is a food storage and transport container and has a lid;b. a shaped container component having a bottom panel and upstanding side panels, the upstanding side panels being arranged according to a shaped container perimeter;c. a shaped insert component having an insert perimeter wall sized and shaped to lie closely within the shaped container perimeter;d. the shaped insert component having a plurality of movable and flexible dividers that extend from the perimeter wall of the shaped insert component, the shaped insert component further including a medial living hinge portion and two end living hinge portions at the respective locations where the dividers extend from the perimeter wall of the shaped insert component;e. the shaped insert component, including all of the insert perimeter wall, the movable and flexible dividers and each living hinge portion, is of a molded unitary structure;f. the movable and flexible dividers are sized and structured to vary between an extended position and a collapsed position, whereby the extended position results in delineation of a first compartment of a first size and shape, and whereby the collapsed position results in formation of a second compartment of a second size and shape, the first size and shape and the second size and shape being different from each other;g. the shaped insert component is within and removable from the shaped container component and is unsecured to the shaped container component; andh. the first compartment accommodates a food item or container for a food item of a given size while the second compartment accommodates a food item or a container for a food item of a size greater than the given size.

20. The portable container device in accordance with claim 19, wherein the shaped container component includes a tray component, the tray component supports the shaped insert component, and the tray component is within a base component that accommodates in size and shape the tray component, the base component having an obstruction to prevent complete movement of the tray within the base component, the lid selectively opens and closes the base component, and the tray component is removable from the base component and the shaped insert component is removable from the tray component when unobstructed by the lid.