VACUUM INSULATED STORAGE CONTAINERS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates to vacuum insulated storage containers. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to a vacuum insulated storage container that includes a receptacle having one or more compartments and a corresponding one-piece lid that, when securably attached, reduces and/or minimizes heat transfer through the walls of the one or more compartments of the vacuum insulated storage container and/or heat transfer through the exterior walls of the receptacle to an environment outside of the vacuum insulated storage container.

BACKGROUND

Insulated food storage containers are frequently used to transport food items in a cold or hot state for school and work lunches, for parties or picnics, for home-bound persons, or other occasions. These insulated food storage containers typically have a cylindrical shape with a wide mouth opening to readily accept food items that might not fit so easily into a narrow mouth container. Moreover, these insulated food storage containers have a corresponding cylindrical lid for closing the food storage container by threading the lid into the insulated food storage container, where interior threads in the cylindrical lid selectively engage with exterior threads on the lip of the insulated food storage container. In some instances, these insulated food storage containers also include a stopper or intermediate cover that is threaded such that it screws into an opening portion of the insulated storage container.

These insulated food storage containers, unfortunately, suffer from a number of issues.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide new vacuum insulated storage containers.

SUMMARY

In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, vacuum insulated containers are provided.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an insulating food storage container is provided comprising: a receptacle having an inner wall and an outer wall and having an opening, wherein the inner wall is formed to have one or more compartments for storing food items and wherein the inner wall and the outer wall of the receptacle meet to form a lid engaging structure that engages with a cooperating engaging structure in a one-piece lid structure; the one-piece lid structure having an outer lid portion and an inner lid portion that is removably securable to the opening of the receptacle, wherein an insulation layer is formed between the outer lid portion and the inner lid portion, wherein the inner lid portion is affixed to the outer lid portion to create an inner channel, and wherein a sealing ring is positioned within the inner channel to create the cooperating engaging structure that engages with the lid engaging structure of the receptacle; and a plurality of latches, wherein each of the plurality of latches includes (i) an end region that is affixed to an exterior portion of the outer wall and (ii) an opposing end region that engages with a recessed portion of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid structure.

In some embodiments, the opening of the receptacle is a rectangular-shaped opening and the one-piece lid structure is a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the receptacle is a rectangular-shaped receptacle.

In some embodiments, the opening of the receptacle is an oval-shaped opening and the one-piece lid structure is an oval shape.

In some embodiments, the opening of the receptacle is a rounded rectangular opening and the one-piece lid structure is rounded rectangular shape.

In some embodiments, the receptacle is composed of stainless steel.

In some embodiments, the receptacle is composed of a co-polyester material.

In some embodiments, a vacuum is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall.

In some embodiments, an insulating material is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall. In some embodiments, the insulating material is an expanding polystyrene foam. In some embodiments, the insulating material is an ethylene vinyl acetate foam.

In some embodiments, the inner wall of the receptacle is formed to include a plurality of compartments for storing food items.

In some embodiments, the receptacle comprises a first stainless steel receptacle and a second stainless steel receptacle, wherein the second stainless steel receptacle is configured to be positioned within the first stainless steel receptacle and wherein the lid engaging structure is formed on the second stainless steel receptacle.

In some embodiments, the insulation layer is positioned within a recessed area of the inner lid portion.

In some embodiments, the insulation layer is formed to occupy the entirety of the recessed area of the inner lid portion.

In some embodiments, the inner lid portion has a smaller surface area than the outer lid portion.

In some embodiments, the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid structure are affixed together using a wire frame positioned along a peripheral portion of the inner lid portion.

In some embodiments, the plurality of latches includes four latches and wherein each of the four latches is affixed to the exterior portion of one outer wall of the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the cooperating engaging structure engaging with the lid engaging structure of the receptacle and the plurality of latches engaging with the recessed portion of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid structure cause the insulating food storage container to be closed.

In some embodiments, the opposing end region of each of the plurality of latches includes a roller that engages with the recessed portion of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid structure.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an insulating container is provided comprising: a receptacle that comprises an inner receptacle, an outer receptacle, and a first gasket configured to form a first seal between the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle, wherein one or more compartments are formed in the inner receptacle and wherein a first vacuum cavity is formed between an outer wall of the inner receptacle and an inner wall of the outer receptacle; a one-piece lid structure that comprises an inner lid portion, an outer lid portion, and a second gasket configured to form a second seal between the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion, wherein a second vacuum cavity is formed between an outer wall of the inner lid portion and an inner wall of the outer lid portion; a plurality of latches connected to an outer wall of the outer lid portion, wherein each of the plurality of latches is configured to connect the one-piece lid structure to the receptacle; and a cover that is formed to securably attach to the outer lid portion.

In some embodiments, the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle of the receptacle are composed of a co-polyester material.

In some embodiments, the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid are composed of a co-polyester material.

In some embodiments, the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle of the receptacle are composed of stainless steel.

In some embodiments, the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid are composed of stainless steel.

In some embodiments, an opening of the receptacle is a rectangular-shaped opening and the one-piece lid structure is a rectangular shape.

In some embodiments, an opening of the receptacle is an oval-shaped opening and the one-piece lid structure is an oval shape.

In some embodiments, an opening of the receptacle is a rounded rectangular-shaped opening and the one-piece lid structure is a rounded rectangular shape.

In some embodiments, the inner receptacle includes a lip portion that provides a surface for receiving the one-piece lid structure.

In some embodiments, the one-piece lid structure includes a third gasket that conforms with each of the one or more compartments, where the third gasket seals each of the one or more compartments when the one-piece lid structure is securably attached to the receptacle.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches is formed on a side of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid structure.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches includes a protrusion that, when a latch is in a closed position, protrudes beneath and contacts a lip portion of the inner receptacle of the receptacle. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches includes an upper latch portion positioned above the protrusion that is aligned with an exterior surface of the lip portion of the inner receptacle of the receptacle. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches includes a lower latch portion positioned below the protrusion that is aligned with an exterior surface of the outer receptacle of the receptacle.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches includes a protrusion that is connected using a pin to a latch post formed on an exterior surface of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid structure.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches and the latch post are composed of a co-polyester material and the pin is composed of a stainless steel material.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches is a lever that separates the one-piece lid structure from the receptacle when a latch is moved from a closed position to an open position.

In some embodiments, the cover includes an interior surface and an exterior surface, where the interior surface of the cover includes a plurality of clips for holding one or more utensils.

In some embodiments, the cover is composed of a transparent material such that the one or more utensils are visible to a user of the insulating food storage container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered in connection with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative example of a food storage container with the one-piece lid removed in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative example of the food storage container with the one-piece lid attached in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the food storage container with the one-piece lid removed and with the latches removed in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the food storage container in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the food storage container along line A-A of FIG. 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 shows a side plan view of the food storage container in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the food storage container along line B-B of FIG. 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative example of an oval-shaped food storage container with the one-piece lid attached in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative example of the oval-shaped food storage container with the one-piece lid removed in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 10 shows a separated view and a joined view of a vacuum insulated storage container that includes a receptacle having one or more compartments for storing items, a one-piece lid for placement on the receptacle, and a cover that includes one or more clips for holding utensils and that is configured to securably attach to the one-piece lid in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show side plan views of the vacuum insulated storage container of FIG. 10 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 13 shows a top plan view of the vacuum insulated storage container of FIG. 10 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 14 shows a bottom plan view of the vacuum insulated storage container of FIG. 10 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of the vacuum insulated storage container of FIG. 10 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 16 shows a detailed view of a latch that connects the one-piece lid to the receptacle of the vacuum insulated storage container of FIG. 10 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 17 shows a separated view and a joined view of a vacuum insulated storage container that includes a receptacle having one or more compartments for storing items, a one-piece lid for placement on the receptacle, and a cover that includes one or more clips for holding utensils and that is configured to securably attach to the one-piece lid in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, vacuum insulated storage containers are provided.

Generally speaking, a vacuum insulated storage container having a receptacle including one or more compartments and a corresponding one-piece lid that, when securably attached to the receptacle via one or more latches or any other suitable securing mechanism, can reduce and/or minimize heat transfer through the walls of the one or more compartments of the vacuum insulated storage container and can reduce and/or minimize heat transfer through the exterior walls of the receptacle to an environment outside of the vacuum insulated storage container.

In some embodiments, the vacuum insulated storage container can include a receptacle including one or more compartments for storing items. The receptacle can include an outer receptacle portion and an inner receptacle portion, where a gasket can be configured to form a seal between a bottom lip on the inner receptacle portion and a top lip on the outer receptacle portion and where a vacuum cavity can be formed between an outer wall of the inner receptacle portion and an inner wall of the outer receptacle portion. It should be noted that the inner receptacle portion and the outer receptacle portion of the receptacle can be formed from a co-polyester material, such as a Tritan co-polyester material. Tritan is a co-polyester material that is manufactured using three monomers, di-methylterephthalate (DMT), 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD), and has specific advantageous features such as being safe for storage and use, and which is also resistant to degradation by various chemicals, such as, for example, detergents and acidic drink chemicals. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the inner receptacle portion and the outer receptacle portion of the receptacle can be formed from stainless steel (e.g., an austenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel). It should also be noted that the gasket can be formed from a single material, or a combination of materials, including one or more silicone rubbers, neoprene rubbers, ethylene propylene (EPM) rubbers, or ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) rubbers, or nitrile rubbers, among many others.

In some embodiments, the vacuum insulated storage container can include a one-piece lid that includes multiple latches for removably attaching the one-piece lid to the receptacle. For example, the one-piece lid can include an inner lid portion and an outer lid portion, wherein a gasket can be configured to form a seal between a bottom lip on the outer lid portion and a top lip on the inner lid portion and where a vacuum cavity can be formed between an inner wall of the outer lid portion and an outer wall of the inner lid portion. It should be noted that the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid can be formed from a co-polyester material, such as a Tritan co-polyester material. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid can be formed from stainless steel (e.g., an austenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel). It should also be noted that the gasket can be formed from a single material, or a combination of materials, including one or more silicone rubbers, neoprene rubbers, ethylene propylene (EPM) rubbers, or ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) rubbers, or nitrile rubbers, among many others.

In embodiments in which the receptacle includes multiple compartments for storing items in the vacuum insulated storage container, the inner lid portion can include a gasket that complements the configuration of the multiple compartments in the receptacle. Such a gasket can be used to create an airtight seal of the items in each of the multiple compartments.

In some embodiments, the latches can be attached or otherwise formed on each side of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid. For example, a latch can be attached to the outer lid portion via a pin. In a closed position, the latch can include a protrusion that protrudes into and connects with the bottom lip of the inner receptacle portion. It should be noted that an upper latch portion formed above the protrusion can align with an outer surface of the lip of the inner receptacle portion and that a lower latch portion formed below the protrusion can align with an outer surface of the outer receptacle portion. In an open position, an upper portion of the latch can act as a lever for separating the one-piece lid from the receptacle of the vacuum insulated storage container.

In some embodiments, the top surface of the outer lid portion can include a lip that is configured to receive a cover. The cover can, for example, include a clip formed on a bottom surface of the cover that is configured to hold one or more utensils. It should be noted that the cover (e.g., an interior portion of the cover) can be configured to hold any suitable item based on the type of storage container.

As such, the one or more compartments of the vacuum insulated storage container can be used to storage any suitable item. For example, the vacuum insulated storage container can be used as a container that holds items that need to stay cool or hot. In a more particular example, the vacuum insulated storage container can be used as a container that holds food items that need to stay cold (e.g., ice cream). In another more particular example, the vacuum insulated storage container can be used as a shipping container that holds seafood items that need to stay cold during shipping. In yet another more particular example, the vacuum insulated storage container can be used as a restaurant container that holds produce or any ingredients that are temperature sensitive. Although the embodiments described herein generally refer to food items being storage in the one or more compartments of the vacuum insulated storage container, this is merely illustrative. The vacuum insulated storage container can be used for medicinal items (e.g., vials or other pharmaceutical packaging that holds a vaccine or any other suitable medication).

In accordance with some embodiments, a double-walled, food storage container having one or more compartments and a corresponding one-piece lid that, when securably attached, retains heat within the one or more compartments of the food storage container is also described herein. For example, the double-walled, food storage container having one or more compartments can have a rectangular shaped receptacle.

It should be noted, however, that, although the embodiments described herein generally show a rectangular-shaped, double-walled, food storage container having one or more compartments and a corresponding one-piece lid, this is merely illustrative and the receptacle of the food storage container can have any suitable shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the receptacle of the food storage container can be an oval-shaped receptacle having an oval opening. In another example, the receptacle of the food storage container can be a rounded rectangular-shaped receptacle having a rounded rectangular opening. In yet another example, the receptacle of the food storage container can be a cylindrical receptacle having a circular opening and a corresponding cylindrical one-piece lid that connects to the cylindrical receptacle by threads formed on an upper lip of the cylindrical receptacle.

It should also be noted that the food storage container can have varying materials and varying double-walled structures. For example, the rectangular-shaped, double-walled, food storage container can be composed of stainless steel in which a vacuum is formed between the double walled structure. In another example, the rectangular-shaped, double-walled, food storage container can be composed of a co-polyester material in which an insulation material (e.g., an expanded polystyrene foam, ethylene vinyl acetate foam, etc.) is formed between the double walled structure.

Turning to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative example of a food storage container 100 that includes a receptacle 110 and a one-piece lid 120, where the one-piece lid 120 has been removed from the receptacle 110.

As shown in FIG. 1, the food storage container 100 can be opened to reveal one or more compartments in which the one-piece lid 120 can be removed from the food storage container 100. For example, multiple latches can be disengaged from recessed portions on the outer lid of the one-piece lid 120 (such as recessed portions 210 shown in FIG. 2) and the one-piece lid 120 can be separated from the food storage container 100. This can, for example, allow the one-piece lid 120 to be washed separately from the receptacle 110. This can also, for example, allow the one-piece lid 120 to be removed from the food storage container 100 so as not to provide a counterweight to the receptacle 110 and its contents.

As shown in FIG. 2, the one-piece lid 120 can be attached to close the food storage container 100. For example, a lid engaging structure formed on the receptacle 110 (e.g., at the intersection of the inner wall and the outer wall of the receptacle 110) can be engaged with a cooperating engaging structure formed on the one-piece lid 120 and the multiple latches can be engaged with the recessed portions on the outer lid of the one-piece lid 120 (e.g., a roller of each latch engaging with a recessed portion 210 of the outer lid of the one-piece lid 120 shown in FIG. 2), thereby closing the food storage container 100. In a more particular example, the cooperating engaging structure on the one-piece lid 120 can include an inner channel that is formed between an outer lid portion and an inner lid portion and can include a sealing ring. This mechanism can, for example, improve heat retention (e.g., allow food items within the one or more compartments of the receptacle 110 to remain within a particular temperature range). In a more particular example, upon placing boiling water at about 100 degrees Celsius into the one or more compartments of the receptacle 110, the food storage container 100 can maintain the water temperature such that it does not decrease below 50 degrees Celsius after a time period of about 6 hours.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the food storage container 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 110 can include any suitable structures. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the receptacle 110 can include an inner container structure 310 and an outer container structure 312. In continuing this example, the inner container structure 310 is positioned within the outer container structure 312. In a more particular example, as also shown in FIG. 3, the inner container structure 310 (while generally cuboid in shape with a rectangular opening) can be tapered towards the base of the inner container structure 310 and can include an extended lip structure that, when positioned within the outer container structure 312, complements the shelf structure towards the top of the outer container structure 312. In some embodiments, the inner container structure 310 can be connected to the outer container structure 312 by welding or otherwise affixing the structures at the intersection of the extended lip structure of the inner container structure 310 and the shelf structure of the outer container structure 312.

Upon the inner container structure 310 extending into the interior of the outer container structure 312, an insulating space can be formed between an inner outer wall of the inner container structure 310 and an outer inner wall of the outer container structure 312. A more particular example is shown in the cross-sectional views of the food storage container shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, where FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the food storage container 100 along line A-A of FIG. 4 and wherein FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the food storage container 100 along line B-B of FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, an insulating space 510 can be formed between an outer wall of the inner container structure 310 and an inner wall of the outer container structure 312.

In some embodiments, a vacuum can be formed in the insulating space between the outer wall of the inner container structure 310 and the inner wall of the outer container structure 312. Alternatively, in some embodiments, an insulation material, such as expanded polystyrene foam, ethylene vinyl acetate foam, or any other suitable lightweight plastic materials that has heat insulating properties. In some embodiments, the volume of the insulating space between the outer wall of the inner container structure 310 and the inner wall of the outer container structure 312 can be defined by the formation of the inner container structure 310 and the outer container structure 312.

In some embodiments, the inner wall of the inner container structure 310 is formed to include one or more compartments. For example, food items can be stored in these compartments. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the inner container structure 310 and the outer container structure 312 can be formed to include one or more compartments.

It should also be noted that, although the embodiments described herein generally show a single compartment in the receptacle 110, this is merely illustrative. In some embodiments, the receptacle 110 can include any suitable number of compartments (e.g., two compartments, three compartments, four compartments, etc.). In some embodiments, the receptacle 110 can include multiple compartments in which some of the compartments have different dimensions—e.g., one compartment that occupies half of the volume of the receptacle 110 and two compartments that together occupy the remaining half of the volume of the receptacle 110.

In some embodiments, the inner container structure 310 can include a lid engaging structure that engages with a cooperating engaging structure formed on the one-piece lid 120. For example, in connection with also engaging the multiple latches affixed to the outer container structure 312 with recessed portions 210 of the outer lid of the one-piece lid 120 (as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6), the lid engaging structure of the inner container structure 310 can engage with the cooperating engaging structure formed on the one-piece lid 120 to seal the food storage container 100. That can, for example, prevent leaks of the food items contained in the one or more compartments in the receptacle 110.

It should be noted that the lid engaging structure can be formed at the intersection of the inner wall of the inner container structure 310 and the outer wall of the outer container structure 312. For example, although the embodiments described in FIG. 3 show that the lid engaging structure is formed on the inner container structure 310, this is merely illustrative. In some embodiments, the lid engaging structure can be formed on the outer container structure 320. In some embodiments, the lid engaging structure can be formed upon attaching the inner container structure 310 with the outer container structure 312.

It should also be noted that, although the receptacle 110, the inner container structure 310, and the outer container structure 312 can be composed of any suitable material, the receptacle 110, the first container structure 310, and the second container structure 312 can be preferably formed of stainless steel (e.g., an austenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel).

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the receptacle 110, the first container structure 310, and the outer container structure 312 can be composed of a co-polyester material. It should be noted that the co-polyester material can be Tritan by Eastman. Tritan is a clear co-polyester material that has specific advantageous features such as being safe for storage and use, and which is also resistant to degradation by various chemicals, such as, for example, detergents and acidic drink chemicals.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the one-piece lid 120 of the food storage container 100 is also shown in an exploded view.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the one-piece lid 120 can include an outer lid portion 320. The outer lid portion 320 can include a top surface and a bottom surface, where the top surface can include a recessed portion, such as the recessed portions 210 shown in FIG. 2. For example, the roller elements of each latch that is connected to the receptacle 110 can engage with the recessed portions 210 to close the food storage container 100. In a more particular example, the outer lid portion 320 can be a rectangular-based open cuboid in which the open face of the cuboid is facing downward. In continuing this example, in addition to the recessed portions on the top surface of the outer lid portion 320, the outer lid portion 320 can include a relatively flat surface with raised portions along the periphery of the outer lid portion 320, where the raised portions can form a recessed area on the bottom surface of the outer lid portion 320.

It should be noted that, although the outer lid portion 320 can be composed of any suitable materials, the outer lid portion 320 can preferably be formed of a plastic material, such as polypropylene.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the one-piece lid 120 can include an inner lid portion 322. It should be noted that the inner lid portion 322 can be a rectangular-based open cuboid. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the inner lid portion 322 can include a relatively flat bottom surface with raised portions along the periphery of the inner lid portion 322. In continuing this example, the raised portions along the periphery of the inner lid portion 322 can form a recessed area in the inner lid portion 322.

In some embodiments, the outer lid portion 320 and the inner lid portion 322 can have different dimensions such that the outer lid portion 320 is larger in each dimension than the lower lid portion 322. For example, the surface area of the inner lid portion 322 can be less than the surface area of the outer lid portion 320.

A more particular example is shown in the cross-sectional views of the food storage container shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, where FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the food storage container 100 along line A-A of FIG. 4 and wherein FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the food storage container 100 along line B-B of FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the outer lid portion 320 can be a rectangular-based open cuboid having particular dimensions in which the open face of the cuboid is facing downward and the inner lid portion 322 can also be a rectangular-based open cuboid having particular dimensions in which the open face of the cuboid is facing upward. As such, when the inner lid portion 322 is connected to the outer lid portion 320 to form the one-piece lid 120, an inner channel 500 (as shown in FIG. 5) can be created on the bottom surface of the outer lid portion 320.

It should be noted that, although the inner lid portion 322 can be composed of any suitable materials, the inner lid portion 322 can preferably be formed of a plastic material, such as polypropylene.

In some embodiments, the recessed area in the inner lid portion 322 can be filled with a heat insulating material. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, an insulation layer 326 can be positioned in the recessed area of inner lid portion 322. In a more particular example, the insulation layer 326 can preferably be composed of a plastic material, such as expanded polystyrene or any other suitable lightweight plastic material that has heat insulating properties. The use of expanded polystyrene or any other suitable heat insulating material in the recessed area of the inner lid portion can, for example, improve heat retention (e.g., allow food items within the one or more compartments of the receptacle 110 to remain within a particular temperature range). Alternatively, the recessed area in the inner lid portion 322 can be filled with air, a neutral gas, a partial vacuum, an insulating material, and/or any other suitable sub stance.

In some embodiments, the inner lid portion 322 can be bonded, welded, or otherwise connected to the outer lid portion 320 in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a wire frame 324 can be used to weld the inner lid portion 322 (in which the insulating layer has been positioned within the recessed area of inner lid portion 322) to the outer lid portion 320. In a more particular example, the wire frame 324 can be preferably composed of stainless steel (e.g., an austenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel) such that the stainless steel wire frame is welded to the polypropylene inner lid portion 322 and the polypropylene outer lid portion 320.

In some embodiments, a sealing ring or any other suitable gasket 328 can be placed within the inner channel that is formed when the inner lid portion 322 is affixed to the outer lid portion 320. For example, a sealing ring or other suitable gasket 328 can be placed within the inner channel shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. It should be noted that gasket 328 can be made of an elastically flexible material, such as silicone, that seals against the inner channel 500. For example, when the one-piece lid 120 is in a closed position, the gasket 328 within the one-piece lid 120 can engage with the lid engaging structure formed on the inner container structure 310 to seal the one-piece lid 120 and the one or more compartments within the receptacle 110 together, thereby preventing leakage of food or beverages from the receptacle 110, preventing air flow, and/or covering a ventilation path. This can, for example, improve heat retention (e.g., allow food items within the one or more compartments of the receptacle 110 to remain within a particular temperature range), while preventing leaks from the one or more compartments of the receptacle 110.

In some embodiments, the gasket 328 can be affixed to the inner channel that is formed when the inner lid portion 322 is affixed to the outer lid portion 320. Alternatively, the gasket 328 can be a silicone sealing ring that is removable from the inner channel. This can, for example, allow the silicone sealing ring to be washed separately from the receptacle 110 and the one-piece lid 120.

In some embodiments, multiple latches 340 and 350 can be provided to further seal the one-piece lid 120 and the one or more compartments within the receptacle 110 together. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, each latch can include a portion that is affixed to the receptacle 110 and an opposing portion that is configured to engage with the one-piece lid 120. In a more particular example, as also shown in FIG. 2, the opposing portion of the latch can be configured to engage with the recessed portion 210 of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid 120.

In some embodiments, a latch can include any suitable components. For example, each latch can include a panel that can securably attach the latch to the receptacle 110. In a more particular example, as shown in FIG. 3, each latch 340 and 350 can include a panel 342 and 352, respectively, that can be used to securably attach the corresponding latch to an exterior portion of the outer wall of the outer container structure 312. As also shown in FIG. 3, the exterior portion of the outer wall of the outer container structure 312 can include recessed portions to accommodate the panels 342 and 352. Note that each of the four walls of the rectangular-shaped open cuboid can include such a recessed portion.

In continuing this example, each latch can include a bracket that extends from the panel that securably attaches one end of the latch to the receptacle 110, where the opposing end of the latch can include a roller. The roller can, for example, cause the latch to engage with the recessed portion of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid 120. For example, when the one-piece lid 120 is in a closed position, the gasket 328 within the one-piece lid 120 can engage with the lid engaging structure formed on the inner container structure 310 and each of the latches (e.g., latches 340 and 350) can engage with the recessed portions of the one-piece lid 120 to seal the one-piece lid 120 and the one or more compartments within the receptacle 110 together, thereby preventing leakage of food or beverages from the receptacle 110, preventing air flow, and/or covering a ventilation path.

It should be noted that the latch, the panel for affixing the latch to the receptacle 110, and the bracket that extends from the panel can be preferably composed of stainless steel (e.g., an austenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel). It should also be noted that the roller can be preferably composed of silicone.

It should also be noted that, although the embodiments described herein generally show four latches that correspond to each side of the rectangular opening, this is merely illustrative. In some embodiments, two latches on opposing sides of the rectangular opening can be provided.

Alternatively to a roller configured at the opposing end of each latch, the food storage container 100 can have any suitable mechanism for attaching the one-piece lid 120 to the receptacle 110. For example, a latching system can be affixed to sides of the receptacle 110, where an opposing end of the latching system (that is, an end of a latch that is not affixed to the sides of the receptacle 110) can engage with the recessed portion of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid 120. In continuing this example, when the one-piece lid 120 is in a closed position, the gasket 328 within the one-piece lid 120 can engage with the lid engaging structure formed on the inner container structure 310 and each of the latches can engage with the recessed portions of the one-piece lid 120 to seal the one-piece lid 120 and the one or more compartments within the receptacle 110 together, thereby preventing leakage of food or beverages from the receptacle 110, preventing air flow, and/or covering a ventilation path. In another suitable example, a latching system can be affixed to portions of the one-piece lid 120, where an opposing end of the latching system (that is, an end of a latch that is not affixed to the portions of the one-piece lid 120) can engage with the recessed portions on the sides of the receptacle 110.

As mentioned above, although the embodiments described herein generally show a rectangular-shaped, double-walled, food storage container having one or more compartments and a corresponding one-piece lid, this is merely illustrative and the receptacle of the food storage container and the corresponding one-piece lid can have any suitable shape.

Turning to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 shows an illustrative example of a food storage container 100 that includes an oval-shaped receptacle 810 and a corresponding oval-shaped, one-piece lid 820, where the oval-shaped, one-piece lid 820 has been attached to the oval-shaped receptacle 810 using multiple latches 830.

As shown in FIG. 8, the one-piece lid 820 can be attached to close the food storage container 800. For example, a lid engaging structure formed on the receptacle 810 (e.g., at the intersection of the inner wall and the outer wall of the receptacle 810) can be engaged with a cooperating engaging structure formed on the one-piece lid 820 and the multiple latches can be engaged with the recessed portions on the outer lid of the one-piece lid 820 (e.g., a roller of each latch engaging with a recessed portion of the outer lid of the one-piece lid 820 shown in FIG. 8), thereby closing the food storage container 800. In a more particular example, the cooperating engaging structure on the one-piece lid 820 can include an inner channel that is formed between an outer lid portion and an inner lid portion and can include a sealing ring. This mechanism can, for example, improve heat retention (e.g., allow food items within the one or more compartments of the receptacle 810 to remain within a particular temperature range).

As shown in FIG. 9, the food storage container 800 can be opened to reveal one or more compartments in which the one-piece lid 820 can be removed from the food storage container 800. For example, multiple latches can be disengaged from recessed portions on the outer lid of the one-piece lid 820 and the one-piece lid 820 can be separated from the food storage container 800. This can, for example, allow the one-piece lid 820 to be washed separately from the receptacle 810. This can also, for example, allow the one-piece lid 820 to be removed from the food storage container 800 so as not to provide a counterweight to the receptacle 810 and its contents.

In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a vacuum insulated storage container can be provided.

Turning to FIG. 10, a vacuum insulated storage container 1000 can include a receptacle 1010, a corresponding one-piece lid 1020 that is configured to be securably attached to receptacle 1010, and/or a cover 1030 that is configured to be securably attached to one-piece lid 1020. Vacuum insulated storage container 1000 having a receptacle 1010 including one or more compartments 1012 and a corresponding one-piece lid 1020 that, when securably attached to receptacle 1010 via one or more latches 1024, can reduce and/or minimize heat transfer through the walls of the one or more compartments 1012 of the vacuum insulated storage container 1000 and can reduce and/or minimize heat transfer through the exterior walls of receptacle 1010 to an environment outside of vacuum insulated storage container 1000. Vacuum insulated storage container 1000 is shown in FIG. 10 as being closed in which cover 1030 is securably attached to one-piece lid 1020 and one-piece lid 1020 is securably attached to receptacle 1010. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, cover 1030 is not provided and vacuum insulated storage container 1000 can include receptacle 1010 and corresponding one-piece lid 1020.

In some embodiments, receptacle 1010 can include any suitable number of compartments 1012 (e.g., two compartments, three compartments, four compartments, etc.) of any suitable size. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, receptacle 1010 can include three components 1012—e.g., one larger compartment having dimensions A in length and B in width and two smaller compartments having dimensions C in length and D in width, where each compartment can have a depth of E. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, receptacle 1010 can include a single compartment. It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, receptacle 1010 can include compartments having the same dimensions—e.g., four compartments of the same length, width, and depth. In should further be noted that, although FIG. 10 shows each of the receptacle having the same depth, the compartments can have varying depths within the receptacle.

In some embodiments, receptacle 1010 can include a lip portion 1014 that provides a surface for receiving one-piece lid 1020. In some embodiments, one-piece lid 1020 can include a gasket 1022 that seals one-piece lid 1020 with lip portion 1014 of receptacle 1010. As also shown in FIG. 10, gasket 1022 can also complement the configuration of the multiple compartments 1012 in receptacle 1010. Accordingly, gasket 1022 can be used to create an airtight seal of the items placed in each of the multiple compartments 1012. For example, gasket 1022 can inhibit heat from an item placed in one of the compartments 1012 in receptacle 1010 from being transferred to another item placed in a different compartment 1012 of receptacle 1010. In another example, gasket 1022 can inhibit the item itself (e.g., a liquid) that was placed in one of the compartments 1012 in receptacle 1010 from mixing with another item placed in a different compartment 1012 of receptacle 1010.

In some embodiments, one-piece lid 1020 can include multiple latches 1024 for securably attaching one-piece lid 1020 to receptacle 1010. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a latch 1024 can be formed on each side of one-piece lid 1020, where latch 1024 can be connected to one-piece lid 1020 via a pin. In another example, as also shown in FIG. 10, latch 1024 can include multiple protrusions—e.g., one protrusion that, in a closed position, protrudes beneath and contacts lip portion 1014 and another protrusion that, when moving from a closed position to an open position, acts as a lever for separating one-piece lid 1020. FIGS. 11 and 12 show side views of vacuum insulated storage container 1000. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, latch 1024 can be positioned in a center position of each side of one-piece lid 1020. This is also shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, which show a top view of vacuum insulated storage container 1000 and a bottom view of vacuum insulated storage container 1000, respectively.

In some embodiments, referring back to FIG. 10, while one side of one-piece lid 1020 can include gasket 1022 and latches 1024 for securably attaching one-piece lid 1020 to receptacle 1010, an opposing side of one-piece lid 1020 can include a lip portion, stepped portion, or any other suitable portion for receiving cover 1030. As shown in FIG. 10, the inner surface of cover 1030 can include clips 1032 for holding utensils 1034. It should be noted, however, that the inner surface of cover 1030 can include any suitable clips for holding any suitable item corresponding to the type of item being stored in the compartments 1012 of vacuum insulated storage container 1000. For example, if compartments 1012 are intended to store medicinal items (e.g., vials or other pharmaceutical packaging that holds a vaccine or any other suitable medication), clips 1032 can be configured to hold items for administrating the medicinal items.

A more detailed illustration of vacuum insulated storage container 1000 is shown in FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 15, the receptacle of the vacuum insulated storage container can include an outer receptacle portion 1510 and an inner receptacle portion 1520. The outer surface of outer receptacle portion 1510 can form an exterior of vacuum insulated storage container. The inner surface of inner receptacle portion 1520 can be formed to include one or more compartments for holding items (e.g., food items, medicinal items, etc.).

It should be noted that outer receptacle portion 1510 and inner receptacle portion 1520 of the receptacle can be formed from a co-polyester material, such as a Tritan co-polyester material. Tritan is a co-polyester material that is manufactured using three monomers, di-methylterephthalate (DMT), 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD), and has specific advantageous features such as being safe for storage and use, and which is also resistant to degradation by various chemicals, such as, for example, detergents and acidic drink chemicals. Alternatively, in some embodiments, inner receptacle portion 1520 and outer receptacle portion 1510 of the receptacle can be formed from stainless steel (e.g., an austenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel).

In some embodiments, the receptacle can include a gasket 1530 that is positioned between a lower surface of lip portion 1525 and an upper edge surface of outer receptacle portion 1510 to form the receptacle. Upon forming the receptacle with outer receptacle portion 1510, inner receptacle portion 1520, and gasket 1530, a vacuum cavity can be formed between an outer wall of inner receptacle portion 1520 and an inner wall of outer receptacle portion 1510.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, an insulation material, such as expanded polystyrene foam, ethylene vinyl acetate foam, or any other suitable lightweight plastic materials that has heat insulating properties, can be formed within the cavity formed between an outer wall of inner receptacle portion 1520 and an inner wall of outer receptacle portion 1510. In some embodiments, the volume of the insulating space between an outer wall of inner receptacle portion 1520 and an inner wall of outer receptacle portion 1510 can be defined by the formation of the inner receptacle portion 1520 and the outer receptacle portion 1510.

It should be noted that gasket 1530 can be formed from a single material, or a combination of materials, including one or more silicone rubbers, neoprene rubbers, ethylene propylene (EPM) rubbers, or ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) rubbers, or nitrile rubbers, among many others.

In some embodiments, the one-piece lid that can be removably attached to the receptacle can include inner lid portion 1540 and outer lid portion 1550. The outer surface of inner lid portion 1540 can be configured to cover the compartments formed in inner receptacle portion 1520 of the receptacle. The outer surface of outer lid portion 1550 can include an edge structure 1552 for receiving cover 1590. As shown in FIG. 15, cover 1590 can be configured to hold one or more utensils. It should be noted that the cover (e.g., an interior portion of the cover) can be configured to hold any suitable item based on the type of storage container.

It should be noted that inner lid portion 1540 and outer lid portion 1550 of the one-piece lid can be formed from a co-polyester material, such as a Tritan co-polyester material. Alternatively, in some embodiments, inner lid portion 1540 and outer lid portion 1550 of the one-piece lid can be formed from stainless steel (e.g., an austenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel).

In some embodiments, the one-piece lid can include a gasket 1560 that is positioned between a lower edge surface of outer lid portion 1550 and a lip portion 1542 of inner lid portion 1540 to form the one-piece lid. Upon forming the one-piece lid with inner lid portion 1540, outer lid portion 1550, and gasket 1560, a vacuum cavity can be formed between an inner wall of outer lid portion 1550 and an outer wall of inner lid portion 1540.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, an insulation material, such as expanded polystyrene foam, ethylene vinyl acetate foam, or any other suitable lightweight plastic materials that has heat insulating properties, can be formed within the cavity formed between an inner wall of outer lid portion 1550 and an outer wall of inner lid portion 1540. In some embodiments, the volume of the insulating space between an inner wall of outer lid portion 1550 and an outer wall of inner lid portion 1540 can be defined by the formation of the inner lid portion 1540 and the outer lid portion 1550.

It should be noted that gasket 1570 can be formed from a single material, or a combination of materials, including one or more silicone rubbers, neoprene rubbers, ethylene propylene (EPM) rubbers, or ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) rubbers, or nitrile rubbers, among many others.

In some embodiments, inner lid portion 1540 can include a gasket 1570 that complements the configuration of the multiple compartments formed in inner receptacle portion 1520 of the receptacle. When one-piece lid is positioned over the receptacle, gasket 1570 can be used to create an airtight seal of the items in each of the multiple compartments. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, gasket 1570 can be configured to individually seal each compartment in the receptacle. In a more particular example, as shown in FIG. 15, gasket 1570 can form a border around each compartment in the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the one-piece lid can include latches 1580 to securably attach the one-piece lid to the receptacle. As shown, the outer surface of outer lid portion 1550 can include latch post 1582 for connecting a latch 1580 via pin 1584. As also shown in FIG. 15, latches 1580 can be attached or otherwise formed on each side of outer lid portion 1550 of the one-piece lid.

A more detailed view of an illustrative latch is shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the latch can be connected to the one-piece lid using a latch post 1610 that is formed on the outer surface of the one-piece lid.

In a closed latch position in which the latch connects the one-piece lid to the receptacle, the latch can include a protrusion 1620 that protrudes into and connects with the bottom lip 1630 of the inner receptacle portion of the receptacle. In some embodiments, in a closed latch position in which the latch connects the one-piece lid to the receptacle, the latch can be shaped to include an upper latch portion 1640 that aligns with an outer surface of bottom lip 1630 and a lower latch portion 1650 that aligns with an outer surface of outer receptacle portion 1660.

In moving the latch from the closed latch position to an open latch position, the latch can include a protrusion 1670 that acts as a lever for separating the one-piece lid from the receptacle of the vacuum insulated storage container.

It should be noted that the latch can be formed from a co-polyester material, such as a Tritan co-polyester material. It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, the pin can be composed of a stainless steel material.

It should also be noted that, although the embodiments described herein generally show four latches that correspond to each side of the one-piece lid, this is merely illustrative. In some embodiments, two latches on opposing sides of the one-piece lid can be provided.

FIG. 17 shows an illustrative example of a joined and separated vacuum insulated storage container that includes a receptacle having one or more compartments and having a vacuum cavity formed within the walls of the receptacle, a one-piece lid having multiple latches and having a vacuum cavity formed within the walls of the one-piece lid, and a cover having clips for holding utensils. As shown in FIG. 17, the cover can be made of a transparent material such that the utensils are visible to a user of vacuum insulated storage container 1000.

It should be, although FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 show cover 1590 that is configured to hold additional items, such as utensils, there is merely illustrative and cover 1590 may not be included in the vacuum insulated storage container.

Alternatively, in embodiments where the receptacle including outer receptacle portion 1510 and inner receptacle portion 1520 are cylindrical in shape and are formed from a co-polyester material, a corresponding one-piece lid that is also cylindrical in shape and that is also formed from a co-polyester material can be provided. In such embodiments, lip portion 1525 and/or an upper edge surface of outer receptacle portion 1510 can be formed to include one or more exterior threads for accepting a cylindrical one-piece lid that includes complimentary interior threads that selectively engage with the exterior threads on lip portion 1525 and/or the upper edge surface of outer receptacle portion 1510.

In continuing this example, in some embodiments, the vacuum insulated container can include an intermediate cover that is threaded such that it screws into an opening portion of the receptacle.

This vacuum insulated storage container having a receptacle including one or more compartments and a corresponding one-piece lid that, when securably attached to the receptacle via one or more latches, can reduce and/or minimize heat transfer through the walls of the one or more compartments of the vacuum insulated storage container and can reduce and/or minimize heat transfer through the exterior walls of the receptacle to an environment outside of the vacuum insulated storage container. For example, the vacuum insulated storage container can improve heat retention (e.g., to allow food items within the one or more compartments of the receptacle to remain within a particular temperature range). In a more particular example, upon placing boiling water at about 100 degrees Celsius into the one or more compartments of the receptacle, the vacuum insulated storage container can maintain the water temperature such that it does not decrease below 50 degrees Celsius after a time period of about 6 hours. In another more particular example, the vacuum insulated storage container can be used as a shipping container that holds seafood items that need to stay cold during shipping. In yet another more particular example, the vacuum insulated storage container can be used as a restaurant container that holds produce or any ingredients that are temperature sensitive. Although the embodiments described herein generally refer to food items being storage in the one or more compartments of the vacuum insulated storage container, this is merely illustrative. The vacuum insulated storage container can be used for medicinal items (e.g., vials or other pharmaceutical packaging that holds a vaccine or any other suitable medication).

Accordingly, vacuum insulated storage containers are provided.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in the foregoing illustrative embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined and rearranged in various ways.

VACUUM INSULATED STORAGE CONTAINERS

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)