GB2042159A

GB2042159A - A thermally insulated container

Info

Publication number: GB2042159A
Application number: GB8000285A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Scales K R
Current assignee: Scales K R
Priority date: 1979-01-12
Filing date: 1980-01-04
Publication date: 1980-09-17

Abstract

An insulated container comprises a first insulating element (12) which is sized and shaped to accommodate at least a portion of an article to be insulated, a second insulating element (14) which is adapted to be brought into mutually confronting relationship with said first insulating element so as to form a closed container and a web member (28) which is attached to the insulated elements so as to provide a hinge between them. The insulating elements are preferably made from an expanded plastics material, such as foamed polystyrene, and the web member is preferably non-stretchable and made from a thermoplastics sheet material, such as polyvinyl chloride. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Insulated container This invention reiates to insulated containers, especially portable food and drink containers.

The need and usefulness of insulated containers is well recognized and coolers or ice chests have become virtually standard equipment for campers and picnickers. A typical cooler comprises a rectilinear box constructed of an insulating material, such as styrofoam, and having an open top. A lid, usually made of the same insulating material, is provided for the open top of the box. Articles for storage in the cooler are placed in a cavity formed in the box, typically along with a supply of crushed ice.

The lid is then placed on the box so that the articles are completely surrounded by insulating material.

The lid is often freely detachable from the cooler, but also may be attached to the box by a hinge. Such coolers, due to their complex construction, are often heavy and subject to jamming or breaking of the hinge.

The present invention provides an insulated containerwhich comprises a first insulating element which is sized and shaped to accommodate at least a portion of an article to be insulated, a second insulating element which is adapted to be brought into mutually confrionting relationship with said first insulating element so as to form a closed container and a web or sling member which is attached to said first insulating element and tosaid second insulating element so as to provide a hinge between said elements.

The web or sling member is preferably substantially non-stretchable and the free ends of the web can be used as handles for carrying the container.

The web or sling member is preferably made from a plastics material, eg. polyvinyl chloride, and may be attached to the insulating elements by adhesive bonding or, for example, by velcro or a similar material. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the web or sling member may be heat-shrunk around the insulating elements. The handle or strap elements of the web or sling member may be reinforced, if desirable, by heat-crinkling. It may be formed so that two portions together form the handle or strap or else a single handle or strap may be formed by away portions from a tubular or otherwise shaped sleeve.

The insulating elements are preferably made from a foamed plastics or other thermally insulating material, polystyrene, which is commercially available as styrofoam, being especially preferred. The second insulating element may itself advantageous ly be sized and shaped to accommodate the article(s) to be insulated, although this is not essential.

Although the web or sling member acts to form a hinge between the two elements a further hinge may, in some cases, be provided. In addition, the insulating elements may be provided with means for locking them together so as to prevent accidental opening of the container during travel. However, in most cases, the weight of the filled container will be sufficient to cause the web or sling member to hold the insulating elements together. The insulating elements may advantageously be provided with a skin, eg an impermeable plastics skin, in a manner knownperse.

It will be appreciated that the relative simplicity of the container according to the present invention makes it feasible to fabricate it from various materials so that it is possible to make both expensive models designed for long term service and relatively cheap models designed, for example, for advertising and promotional purposes. In this respect, the sling or web member and/or the insulating elements may be provided with printed advertising, instructional or other matter.

The container may be used to insulate a variety of articles including, for example;food, drink, medicine, plasma and the like and the first insulating element will be shaped accordingly in order to accommodate the article (s) concerned. As mentioned above, the second insulating element may also be shaped so as to accommodate the article (s) and the container is accordingly preferably provided with one or more discrete compartments in which the article (s) are housed.

Various embodiments according to the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a pictorial view of a first embodiment of the insulated container according to the present invention.

Figure2 is a cross-sectional view of the insulated container of Figure 1 with the two insulating elements of the container shown in a closed position.

Figure 3 is a pictorial view of a second disclosed embodiment of the insulated container according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a third embodiment of insulated container according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the insulated container shown in Figure 4, with the insulating elements of the container shown in a closed position, and Figures 6to 11 illustrate otherforms of container in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and especially Figure 1 thereof, there is shown a generally rectilinear container 10 which includes a first insulating element 12 and a second insulating element 14. Both of the insulating elements 12,14 are made from a material having good heat insulating properties.

Such a material useful in the present invention is expanded polystyrene, which is also commonly known as styrofoam. Other suitable insulating materials are well known in the art.

Each of the insulating elements 12, 14 has a number of cavities 16, 18, 20, 22 provided therein, on the mutually confronting surfaces of the insulating elements when interconnected as explained below.

Cavities 16 and 22 are provided in the insulating element 12, and cavities 18 and 20 are provided in the insulating element 14. The cavities 16 - 22 may be formed in the insulating elements 12, 14 by any suitable technique, such as by moulding the insulat ing elements to the desired configuration or by removing a portion of the material from a solid block to thereby provide the desired caivites.

It is apparent that when the two insulating elements 12, 14 are in a closed mutually confronting relationship, as shown in Figure 2, the cavities 16 to 18 and 20 to 22 form two separate and distinct article accommodating regions 24, 26 within the insulating elements and that those regions are completely surrounded by the insulating material from which the insulating elements are made.

It will be noted that the region 24 is round in cross-section; whereas, the region 26 is rectangular in cross-section. It is intended that the region 24s is sized and shaped to accommodate a conventional beverage container, such as a metal soft drink can or the like, and that the region 26 is sized and shaped to accommodate a typical sandwich. It should be understood that while the regions 24,26 are shown as being round and rectangular in cross-section respectiveiy, other sized and shaped regions, as well as different numbers of regions, are also specifically contemplated. The article accommodating regions preferably are sized and shaped to closely conform to the shape of the article intended to be accommodated therein.In addition to food and drink, it is specifically contemplated that the article accommodating regions be sized and shaped to accommodate other articles, such as medicines; drugs; plasma; medical, surgical, and pathological items; environmental specimens and the like, which require maintenance of elevated or reduced temperature by insulation from the surrounding environment.

Attached to the exterior surface of the two insulating elements 12, 14 is a web or sheet 28 of a substantially non-stretchable material, such as a sheet of polyvinyl chloride; however, other substantially non-stretchable materials may also be used.

The sheet 28 is preferably attached to the elements 12, 14 by adhesive bonding. Suitable bonding agents for bonding polyvinyl chloride to styrofoam are well known in the art. The sheet 28 need not be bonded to the elements 12, 14 over the entire area of the sheet, but it is preferred that the sheet be bonded over 70 to 90% of its area.

The sheet 28 is attached to the insulating elements 12, 14 such that the interior surfaces 30,32 contact each other when in a closed position (Figure 2) and the insulating elements can pivot about their bottom ends 34 to an open position (Figure 1). The sheet 28 is briding the space between the insulating elements 12, 14 at their bottom ends 34 thereby functions as a flexible hinge at the point indicated atA, permitting the container 10 to be opened and closed repeatedly.

The sheet 28 is preferably comprised of a single sheet of material having free ends 36,38 which extend beyond the top ends 40 of the insulating elements 12, 14. flaps 42,44 are cut out of each free end 36,38 of the sheet 28; and the free ends of the sheets are rounded off to provide a more naturally contoured shape for grasping by the hand. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that when the container 10 is closed (Figure 2), the free ends 36,38 of the sheet 28 can contact each other and thereby form a handle or strap for conveniently carrying the container 10. It will also be appreciated that the flaps 42,44 which are provided with cooperating male and female snaps 46,48 can be overlapped and snapped together, thereby selectively locking the container 10 in a closed position.It is specifically contemplated that other suitable fasteners, such as Velcro strips or the like, can be used in place of the snaps 46,48.

The use of the insulated container 10 will now be considered. the container 10 will be assumed to be initially in the open configuration shown in Figure 1.

A conventional metal can containing a soft drink or other beverages, which has been previously-chilled, is placed in the cavity 16. A sandwich typically of rectilinear shape, is placed in the cavity 22. The two insulating elements 12,14 are then closed upon one another by pivotal movement about the point A, so as to assume the mutually confronting relationship shown in Figure 2. The flap 44 is folded over the flap 42 and the snaps 46,48 are secured to each other.

The insulated container 10 can then be conveniently carried about by grasping the handle formed by the free ends 36, 38 of the sheet 28. The closing effect of the handles 36 and 38 is increased as heavier contents are carried. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that since the soft drink and sandwich are completely surrounded by insulating material, the soft drink and sandwich will be insulated from heat loss or gain to or from the surroundings. The soft drink and sandwich, since they occupy in individual separate and distinct article accommodating regions are insulated from each other so that it would be possible to store both a hot item and a cold item in the same container.

When it is desired to remove an article from the container 10, the snaps 46, 48 are unfastened and the two insulating elements 12, 14 are separated from each other. The articles can then be easily removed from the insulating elements 12, 14.

Other configurations of the insulating elements, the substantially non-stretchable sheet and the article accommodating regions to suit different needs and uses are contemplated. Referring now to Figure 3, it will be seen that there is an alternate disclosed embodiment 50 of an insulated container according to the present invention. The container 50 includes a first insulating element 52 having two rectangular article accommodating regions 54, 56 provided therein. A substantially non-stretchable sheet 58 is attached to the first insulating element 52. Disposed on top of the first insulating element to provide a lid therefor are second and third insulating elements 60, 62. The sheet is also attached to the insulating elements 60, 62 to thereby provide two flexible hinges between the second the third insulating elements and the first insulating element 52 at the points indicated at B and C respectively. The free ends 64,66 of the sheet 58 which are provided with cutout flaps 68,78, extend beyond the upper ends 72 of the first and second insulating elements 60,62.

The insulating element 62 is configured to fit over and close the article accommodating region 54, while the insulating element 60 fits over and closes the region 56. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that when the surfaces 74,76 of the second and third insulating elements 60,62 are put in contact with each other by pivoting the second and third insulating elements about the hinge points B and C, the article accommodating regions 54, 56 are completely enclosed by the insulating material of which the first, second and third insulating elements 52,60,62 are made.

The insulated container 50 is used in a manner similartothe insulated container 10. Assuming the insulated container 50 to be initially in the open configuration shown in Figure 3, articles can be placed in the article accommodating regions 54, 56.

The second and third insulating elements 60, 62 are then each closed over the first insulating element 52 to assume a mutually confronting relationship by pivotal movement about the points at B. and C. The flap 70 is folded over the flap 68 and snapped shut.

The container can then be carried about by the handle formed by the free ends 64, 66 of the sheet 58. The articles can be removed from the insulated container 50 by unsnapping the flaps 68,70 and separating the second and third insulating elements 60, 62 from the first insulating element 52.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, it will be seen that there is yet another alternate disclosed embodiment 80 of an insulated container according to the present invention. The container 80 includes a first insulating element 82 provided with a plurality of cylindrical article accommodating regions 84 and two recilinear article accommodating regions 85 therein. Second and third insulating elements 86, 88 are disposed at the side of the first insulating element 82 to provide two lids or covers for the first insulating element. A substantially non-stretchable sheet 90 is attached to the exterior surfaces of the first, second and third insulating elements 82, 86,88.

The sheet 90 provides a flexible hinge between the first insulating element 82 and the third insulating element 88 at the point indicated at D, and between the second insulating element 86 and the third insulating element 88 at the point indicated at E. The free ends 92, 94 of the sheet, which have cutout flaps 96, 98 with snap fasteners provided therein, extend beyond the upper ends 100 of the first and second insulating elements 82, 86.

Another flap 102 with a snap fastener is provided between the first insulating element 82 and the third insulating element 88. Thus, it will be appreciated that the second and third insulating elements 86,88 can be independently closed over the first insulating element 80 and also independently locked in place.

The insulated container 80 is used in a similar fashion to the insulated containers 10,50. The insulated container 80 will be assumed to be initially open. A six-pack of soft drink cans is placed in the article accommodating regions 84 and several sandwiches and other food items are placed in the regions 85. The third insulating element 88 is closed over the first insulating element 82 to assume a mutually confronting relationship by pivotal movement about the point at D. The flap 102 is then folded over the first insulating element 82 and snapped in place. The second insulating element 86 is then closed over the first insulating element 82 to assume a mutually confronting relationship by pivotal movement about the point at E. The flap 98 is then folded over the flap 97 and snapped in place.The insulated container 80 can then be carried out by the handle formed by the free ends 92,94 of the sheet 90.

Articles can be removed from the insulated container 80 by unsnapping the flaps 96,98,102 and separating the second and third insulating elements 86,88 from the first insulating element 82. A convenient feature of the insulated container 80 is that the top portion of the container can be opened independently of the bottom portion by separating only the second insulating element 86 from the first insulating element 82.

In Figure 6 there is shown a portable container according to the present invention which is adpated to carry a single can of drink. The container comprises an inner casing, 111 formed two half shells 112 and 113 of expanded polystyrene and a sling member 114 made from high quality polyvinyl chloride. As can be seen the sling 114 is formed from a single sheet of material and is provided with integral handle portions 115 and 116. The inner surface of the polyvinyl chloride sheet is coated with velcro where indicated by the shaded areas so as to enhance its grip on the inner casing and also to assist in the formation of the handle. The shells 112 and 113 are suitably moulded to house the can.

Figure 7 shows a similar container adapted to carry two cans of drink.

In Figure 8 the container is made in a similar fashion but, in this case, the shells 112 and 113 are moulded to receive a single can of drink at 117 and package food at 118. This container would be ideally suited for use by children as a lunch pack.

In Figures 9 and 10 there are shown two portable containers in accordance with the present invention in which the sling 119 ismade from a sleeve of plastics material, the handle 120 being formed by cutting the sleeve at the appropriate regions. These containers are adapted to carry several small bottles of drink (Figure 9) or a single large bottle of drink (Figure 10).

In Figure 11 there is shown a somewhat different container for drinks in accordance with the present invention in which the shells enclose a bottle 121 which is ideally made from an expandable plastics material. As shown the bottle 121 is provided with a stopper 122 and a cap 123. The shells are preferably bonded together in this instance so that together with the bottle they form a thermally insulated beverage container which can be used in the same way as a vacuum flask. In this instance the sling 124 is preferably formed from a heat-shrinkable plastics material, such as polyvinyl chloride or a cross-linked polyolefin which is shrunk about the inner casing..

Such heat-shrinkable materials may be used in other containers where, for one reason or another, it is not necessary to separate the shells in order to obtain the contents from orto refill the container.

Claims

1. An insulated container which comprises a first insulating element which is sized and shaped to accommodate at least a portion of an article to be insulated, a second insulating element which is adapted to be brought into mutually confronting relationship with said first insulating element and a web member which is attached to said insulating elements so as to provide a hinge between them.

2. An insulated container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first insulating element is sized and shaped so as to provide discrete compartments for accommodating at least a portion of at least two articles.

3. An insulated container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second insulating member is also shaped and sized to accommodate at least a portion of one or more articles.

4. An insulated container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, which also comprises a third insulating element which is adapted to co-operate with first and/or second insulating elements to form a closed container.

5. An insulated container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insulating elements are made from an expanded plastics material.

6. An insulated container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the expanded plastics material is foamed polystyrene.

7. An insulated container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the web is substantially non-stretchable.

8. An insulated container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the web is made from thermoplastics sheet material.

9. An insulated container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the web is attached to the insulating elements by adhesive bonding.

10. An insulated container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the web is coated with velcro for attachment to the insulating elements.

11. An insulated container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a portion of the web is not attached to the insulating elements and provides means for carrying the container.

12. An insulated container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11,wherein locking means are provided to secure the insulating elements in the desired position.

13. An insulated container for articles such as food, drink, medicine plasma and the like, said container comprising; a first insulating portion sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of said articles within said first insulating portion; a second insulating portion; and a substantially non-stretchable web attached to said first insulating portion and to said second insulating portion thereby providing a hinge means for selectably orienting said first insulating portion and said second insulating portion in mutual confronting relationship whereby said articles are enclosed by said first insulating portion and said second insulating portion.

14. A two-piece container having a substantially non-stretchable web attached to an outer surface of each piece of said two-piece container to thereby form a hinge between said two pieces and a carrying handle for said container.

15. An insulated container as claimed in claim 1, substantially as described herein with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

16. An insulated container as claimed in claim 1, substantially as described herein with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures 6 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.